What Can a Viral Video Do for Your Business?
Some web videos become instant classics. Other web videos become viral successes in just hours. So, what are the advantages of creating a viral video for your business?
First, creating a viral video for your business can establish brand recognition and multiply your website's traffic. But most importantly, creating a viral video increases your customer base.
So, we've established that investing in and creating a viral video for your business is an important, even necessary step in today's age of social marketing.
But how do you make it go viral?
By definition viral marketing is "spread by word of mouth, with minimal intervention in order to create buzz and interest" (Wikipedia).
Think of the last email message you forwarded, what was it about? An amusing prank a small child pulled? A TV clip that pulled at your emotions? Or maybe something that simply entertained you?
Whatever it was, you deemed it worthy of not only your time but your contacts as well. So you shared it with them.
Likewise, your viewers must deem your web video worth sharing or your video won't have a chance to become a viral success. No matter what you're advertising in your viral video, you must offer your viewers something in return for their time. Perhaps a money saving tip, a laugh or even a feel-good moment.
Viral Videos are the wave of the advertising future. You can miss out on another potential target audience by not going viral.
First, creating a viral video for your business can establish brand recognition and multiply your website's traffic. But most importantly, creating a viral video increases your customer base.
So, we've established that investing in and creating a viral video for your business is an important, even necessary step in today's age of social marketing.
But how do you make it go viral?
By definition viral marketing is "spread by word of mouth, with minimal intervention in order to create buzz and interest" (Wikipedia).
Think of the last email message you forwarded, what was it about? An amusing prank a small child pulled? A TV clip that pulled at your emotions? Or maybe something that simply entertained you?
Whatever it was, you deemed it worthy of not only your time but your contacts as well. So you shared it with them.
Likewise, your viewers must deem your web video worth sharing or your video won't have a chance to become a viral success. No matter what you're advertising in your viral video, you must offer your viewers something in return for their time. Perhaps a money saving tip, a laugh or even a feel-good moment.
Viral Videos are the wave of the advertising future. You can miss out on another potential target audience by not going viral.
Resources
Viral Videos on a Budget
How to Create a Viral Video for $500 (or less)
It use to be that only the big boys in advertising could afford fancy promotions, but thanks to the availability of new technology and an increasing amount of free tutorials, any small business owner can create a viral video.But before you begin shooting your video, there are a few things you'll want to purchase.
Camcorder. While it can be tempting to buy a camera with video capabilities, don't do that. Cameras with video usually don't have as high quality as a simple video camcorder. This is not the purchase to skimp on.
If you're stuck for suggestions on what to buy, I'd suggest trying a video recorder from the Flip family. Available in a variety of colors with various specs, the Flip Video camera is simple to use. Turn the camera on, press the record button and you're ready to go. Investment price: $80-250.
Tripod. If you choose to use a small handheld video camera, it might be wise to invest in a tripod. Handheld video cameras are great, but if you want a steady, clear picture then you need to invest in a tripod. Investment price: $15-30.
Video Editing Software. Finally, you'll want to invest in good video editing software. Corel DVD MovieFactory 6.0
is excellent, easy to use software that I've invested in and can say, it's well worth the money. But there are many video editing software packages out there offering free fifteen or thirty day trials. I'd recommend trying several software packages until you find the one that fits your everyday needs. Investment price: $20-80.Remember that in order to create a viral video successfully, you need not only the right tools but the right content.
Beyond YouTube
Promoting Your Viral Video
Don't get caught in the trap of thinking your viral videos can only be uploaded to YouTube. There are many other ways to promote your business through your viral video!The first site worth mentioning is Revver. Revver shares their advertising revenue with you, the video creator. You can select to have ads played after or before your video begins, earning you even more.
Does your company have a Facebook or MySpace page? Post your video there as well. Get the word out. If your company isn't signed up for either site, then it's time to get to work, promoting your site even more.
Post it to your Facebook profile. If you're an entrepreneur, consider posting your viral video to your Facebook wall, where your friends and associates will see it upon visiting your profile.
Don't forget to Digg and Mixx! Use content sharing sites such as Digg and Mixx to grab the attention of more potential customers. Include a brief description of your video to gain more viewers.
Finally, remember to post to business' homepage or company blog. Whether you're sharing money saving tips or encouraging people to recycle, share it with your website visitors.
But wait! If you're like most people, you don't have time submit your video to multiple websites, so use a free service like TubeMogul and submit your viral video to multiple sites at once!
by DebraW
DebraW
Hello world. This is my bio. I can edit it later!
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