We watch them at work, at home and when we're standing in line at the grocery store. Online videos efficiently provide entertainment and information, and our love for them continues to grow. According to a May 2013 Cisco study, video will account for over two-thirds of all consumer internet traffic by 2017.
Although we often associate online video marketing with large companies and big budgets, small businesses should consider adding video to their strategy, according to British marketer Chris Trimble. In a column in the U.K.'s Guardian newspaper, Trimble, director of content at Axonn Media, argues that small businesses offer simple and engaging content that is easy for consumers to digest.
To marketers who think that they can't afford a video strategy, Trimble had this to say:
"Production costs have fallen significantly in recent years and you no longer need to be a technical whiz to work out how to use it. Apps such as Twitter's Vine, with its six-second maximum clip length, have dramatically increased the opportunity for businesses on a limited budget to get stuck in."
Trimble advised small businesses interested in video marketing to keep the following in mind:
- Audience – If your targeted audience is unlikely to watch web video, you may want to re-evaluate your strategy.
- Mobile capability – Don't forget that a large share of videos are being watched on smartphones and tablets.
- Social media – For your video to be successful, viewers need to be able to share it easily. Be sure to promote your content across multiple channels.
With video online marketing solutions, small businesses can reach their audience across multiple devices. To get ahead of the curve, consider working with Key Media Solutions.