Video Marketing Boulders as Explained by the Boss

It’s a fact: the Internet smiles upon video. Heck, the whole world welcomes it with a warm hug and chocolate milk. Most of the popular things we see in the Internet are videos. Those that have gone viral have made such an impact in the online world that they’ll be hailed as pioneers if not the greatest videos of all Interweb time. Video sensations like The Annoying Orange, Ask a Ninja and Will it Blend have inspired people to take up their camcorders and record any random thing that happens to catch the attention of the online crowd.

Online video’s rise to popularity signalled the birth of video marketing as a viable option for Internet marketers to promote and sell their products and services. Whether it’s a startup business that’s looking to earn big greens online or well-established corporate tycoons who want to ensure their supremacy over the Interwebs, the buzz that videos create for the online entrepreneur is an effective way to leave a mark and make a sale.

Like any other buzz-making, trail-blazing, electrifying Internet marketing asset, however, video marketing is not without obstacles. These boulders can very well make or break a video marketing campaign from the get-go. Here are some of the biggest boulders you might encounter:

• No idea what to shoot – Not having any idea what to shoot is a common problem in video marketing – it’s similar to a writer’s block where you can’t really think of anything to write. I’m not new to not having new ideas, but that doesn’t mean you should let it go and wait for something to pop up. Watch some videos for yourself or if you see something that works but isn’t entirely new, then shoot. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make things work. Just add a different twist and you’re safe.

• Not knowing what the audience wants – If there’s anything that dictates how viral a video is, it would be your beloved audience. So goes the problem, how do you know what they want? You need to ask yourself these questions to determine what makes virality: Is it a matter of randomly posting videos and finding out what gets the most views or buzz? Is it something you should directly ask your audience in forums or different social networks? Is it something that requires both?
• High cost of shooting equipment – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you’ll need nothing more than your regular camcorder and free editing software like Audacity, Handbrake and Movie Masher. You’ll be surprised at how much buzz you’ll get despite your small investments. Top of the line gear is a wonderful thing to have, but great concepts are what really matter in video marketing.

• No platform to market with – Should I put my video on YouTube or should I host it in my Amazon S3 account? When looking for a platform to market your videos with, you need to consider these factors:

1.     Your audience – You need to know where your folks hang out cuz. It’s best to bring the good stuff to them rather than make them come to where the good stuff is. It sends the impression that you care. From here, it’s safe to say that YouTube is a good bet for engaging your prospects.

2.     Your business plan – Would you want your videos to run free? Or would you rather have them run after an exchange of email addresses? Check which platform works best for the things you have on your drawing board and everything will be fine. Make sure that it also fits your budget.

The bottom line is that you can smash these boulders given the right mindset and tools. You just have to know where to look wink, wink.

Until then,

Andy “the Video Boss” Jenkins

PS

Check out the Video Boss – Now Even Bossier  cuzins!