If you’re one of the 40 million people who enjoyed watching the “Wedding Entrance Dance” on YouTube, you are familiar with the concept of viral videos. In less than six weeks, Jill and Kevin’s wedding entrance had been viewed over 25 million times. No doubt, viral videos can attract a lot of attention and drive traffic to your Website.
However, viral videos are like winning the lottery: most of us won’t hit the jackpot. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider online videos, even if they don’t go viral, as there are several key benefits.
Your online videos may not have your customers dancing down the aisles, but they will deliver the following three rewards:
· Another medium for your message – Marketers understand that different mediums are vital in relaying different types of information. You may already be using several channels to deliver information online such as Web pages, blog posts, and Twitter tweets. Online videos provide yet another medium for delivering your information. If you are not using online videos as part of your marketing strategy, you could overlook an entire segment of potential clients.
· Brand building – While websites and brochures allow customers to read about you, online videos bring your company to life and allow customers to know you better. Viewers can see and hear the people who make up your company, even if that company consists of just you. Videos build your brand, establish your company culture, and convey that personal touch to differentiate yourself from competitors.
· Improved search visibility – Online videos can be an additional layer of your search engine optimization strategy by providing organic links on search engine results pages under video headings, thus driving additional traffic to your Website.
Producing online videos isn’t as difficult as you may think. They should be rather short, informational pieces. While production values are important, you do not need to spend months planning, shooting, and editing.
Produce several short videos and enjoy the ongoing benefits. Once posted on your site, they will continue drawing traffic. And, like a lottery, the more tickets you have, the greater your chances of hitting the jackpot.
As you consider marketing with online videos, realize that there is a slim chance they’ll go viral. Instead of hoping to go viral (or not using online videos at all), keep your eye on the real prizes: improved communication, the chance to continue building your brand, and improved search visibility.
Please feel free to share your successes or frustrations with online video by leaving a comment below!
Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, owner of Accurate Business Services is a Virtual Assistant (VA). ABS provides ‘as needed’ marketing and social media support, training and consulting to busy entrepreneurs. Clontz is a writer, author, VA Coach, and speaker on business topics including business ethics. For her FREE 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or herFREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, visit: http://www.accbizsvcs.com. Find out more at www.VAbizcoach.com or her book website http://www.entrepreneurialfreedom.com
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This is going to be a great NAWBO St. Louis meeting – and you get a FREE book with your registration – hope to see you there! 
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Jeannine,
I think you are really on to something. Thanks for this information.
You’re welcome, Marleen – It’s a lot of fun, too. I have several videos I need to post on my sites, but I’ve been so busy helping others, that I’ve not had the time to edit and post…not a bad thing at all.
Hope to see you on video someday soon!
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by JeannineClontz: New blog post: Top 3 Benefits of Online Video http://www.accbizsvcs.com/blog/top-3-benefits-of-online-video.html...