Thursday, June 27, 2013

Video Marketing: 6 Simple Secrets That Boost Sales But Cost Nothing

Video marketing's your gateway
To a bigger payday,
Just use these free tips
If your sales start to dip
And your prospects will love your display.


Video marketing is the latest gateway for your small business to boost sales, expand your brand, level the playing field with larger competitors ... and more!

But unfortunately, most small businesses trip, stumble or fall flat on their faces at the gate  ... and wonder why.

Whether your next video is Hollywood fancy or shot with a flip-phone make sure to include the following essentials. The more you include the better chance of success you'll have. Imagine each tip like a bullet in the chamber of your six-shooter.

Here's 6 Simple Video Marketing Secrets That Boost Sales but Cost Nothing:

Bullet #1.
Grab Your Viewer by Giving Them Compelling Reasons Why They Should Watch Your Video


This is what you're competing against. Your prospect is super-busy, they have hundreds of things on their mind, there's dozens of videos they could watch similar to yours.
That's why you need to make sure you're starting with compelling (enough) reasons why they should watch to the end. If not, you've lost before you start.

Yet, I see far too many marketing videos that start and stumble by bragging about their company, product or how long they've been in business.
Remember all your prospect wants to know before they decide to watch your video is ... "What's In It For Me!"

If you can't think of at least 3 or more compelling, unique reasons a prospect should watch your video - you're not ready to make one. That means either find compelling reasons that grab your prospects by the throat ... or find another product.

Bullet #2.
Insert Helpful Information In Your Marketing Video


Nothing is more annoying for today's "over-marketed-to consumer" than another marketing video that does nothing but try to hard sell them. So, make sure to serve them by including free information that helps your prospect solve a problem.

You want them to think ... "if your free information is this helpful - the information, product or service you're charging for must be awesome!"

You don't want your viewer to leave your video thinking it was a total waste of their time. This will have less of a chance of happening if you sprinkle helpful information in the video - along with your marketing message.
They should leave knowing at least one thing they didn't know before about solving their problem.

Bullet #3.
Keep The Overall Energy Upbeat


Nothing sabotages a marketing video more than a low energy vibe. This includes the person, voice, words, even the background music.

The number one video marketing "no-no" is ... Don't be boring! Because you can't get your prospect to take action if your video is putting them to sleep.

Your video must drip feeling, emotion and enthusiasm to get the results you want ... more sales, sign-ups or action.

Bullet #4.
Don't Be Too Predictable


Find little ways to sprinkle little surprises in your marketing video. Because as soon as your prospect starts thinking they can predict everything you'll do or say next - you've lost them.

So, avoid being or seeming routine. Often just a few pleasant surprises could do the trick. This helps to build anticipation - which fuels interest and excitement.

They'll stick around to see what could come next. But don't overdo it. Otherwise, your marketing message could get lost.

Bullet #5.
Include Small Cliffhangers In Your Video


The most widely watched T.V programs include them, the best selling novels use them and the best marketing videos have them. I'll tell you about them in a second, but first...!

I've just given you an example of a cliffhanger. My definition of a cliffhanger here is an unfinished or incomplete story, event, idea or thought - that leaves an element of suspense.

A cliffhanger is a tool used to keep your audience engaged. A good cliffhanger helps keep you riveted. Why? Because you want to stick around or comeback because you want to see how it ends. Right?
The mind hates an incomplete or unresolved situation, that's what makes a cliffhanger so powerful.

Another example of a cliffhanger is what I call "the up and coming event technique." For example, let your viewer know you have some juicy information to tell them later on in the video (toward the middle or end). Just make sure you deliver or you'll risk killing your credibility.

When you get better at creating cliffhangers (and you will with a little practice) you'll start including "multiple cliff hangers" in your video. It's one of the most powerful tools you can use to keep your viewer emotionally engaged.

Bullet #6.
Include A Tasty Call-to-Action. What Do You Want Them To Do Next?


It's surprising, even shocking at the number of marketing videos I see with no call to action. And if I do see one, it's weak, confusing, shallow or overbearing. You see, a good call to action is like a fine wine, not too weak but not too overbearing. It strikes a nice balance.

So, after a prospect watches your video (hopefully to the end) what do you want them to do next? Call you? Email you? Go to your store? Click a button? And why should they? Why now instead of later?

If you have little children you know the word “why” is one of their favorite words. The same goes for your prospect.

You have to answer their silent "why questions" or you're leaving them hanging ... and they'll leave you ... empty handed!

Most marketing videos fail at answering those vital questions for the viewer. Result?  No click, no sign-up and no customer. So, remember to always serve your prospect with a strong call to action or you're doing yourself and them a disservice.

By including these simple no-cost tips to your video marketing strategy you'll find your prospects responding more favorably to your efforts.
Remember the more you include them and ... the more consistently you use them - the better your results. Here's a toast to your success!









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