What good are creative and informational videos if there are no people to see them? What will make viewers interested in following a business that has nothing of value to share? As a video company, we quickly realized the need for good use of social media. We can create videos that share a business team’s passion and communicate information creatively. However, it wouldn’t make sense for these videos to reside hidden away on their website. The team will need a strong social platform presence.
Most of us are online one way or another. There is a good chance you are reading this because of social media. However, there is a difference between the occasional and random posts we make for personal accounts and the way businesses should be present. Not only that, but learning how to tag, link, hashtag, and share in effective ways can eat up precious time when you could be doing your actual job. I think that is why so many businesses agree to the idea that videos and a presence on social platforms are good, but don’t see a lot of results themselves. Many businesses simply make a page on Facebook and call it good if they post occasionally.
Social media and video are like two knives. They can make strong points by themselves and are used for a multitude of communication. Put them together and they empower and balance each other. They are a natural fit and enable the user to work longer and safer. Video is engaging content, but needs a platform in order to be shared. Social Media platforms need engaging content to fulfill their purpose. One can think of video as content- a brain. It might be smart, but the brain is stuck where it is unless it is attached to a body and shared. Social Media is a body- it can go places, but has no thought of it’s own. It needs a brain to give it content and lead somewhere.
Tips for Enhancing your Video’s Impact
If you plan to communicate using video, keep these tips in mind.
- Know your story.
What is your goal? What are you passionate about? Have a plan to communicate your mission in a way that is relatable and interesting to your viewers.
- Quality matters.
With technology constantly getting better at cheaper prices, there isn’t much excuse for inaudible sound and grainy video. Be mindful of camera focus and movement as well as poor lighting if you film yourself.
- Be Concise.
Don’t waste your viewers’ time. You have something that catches their interest? Great! Don’t sit so long that they get bored. In most cases, your video isn’t a dissertation. It’s the highlight reel!
Tips for Utilizing Social Media
You’re ready to share your content and grow followers…Now what?
- Pick your Platform.
Find out what platforms are best for you. Facebook and YouTube are popular for video content. There are others capable of video and links as well such as Instagram, Twitter, Vine, and Snapchat.
- Market the Analysis.
Keep track of what posts perform well. Analytics can show you details about your viewers so that you can improve your posts to have better content for your target audience.
- Know or Grow.
Taking the time to learn what works and how to promote yourself is great for some. Others may want to pay someone else who knows the science of social media to keep up their presence.
By learning more about both video and social media, you’ll be strengthening the power of your communication. If you are passionate about what you do, let it show! Try making a few adjustments to your approach. You may find the interaction with your clients more enjoyable and rewarding than you first thought!