The How To’s of Video Advertising

Videos are one of the most influential ways you can advertise your business. Just a couple of years ago, online video advertising was considered a singular marketing tactic. Now, it’s transformed into a multifaceted, conversational, measurable, and approachable way to sell your products or services. More importantly, it’s popular and it works. According to a report from HubSpot Research, more than 50% of consumers want to see videos from brands instead of other forms of advertising. In terms of success, videos on landing pages are capable of increasing conversion rates by over 80% too! In 2018, 93% of businesses on Facebooks reported getting a new customer on social media thanks to video. There are a few different types of marketing videos you can create as well.

Types of Marketing Videos

• Demo videos
• Brand videos
• Event videos
• Expert interviews
• Educational/How To's
• Explainers
• Animated
• Case Study/Customer Testimonials
• Live videos
• 360-degree/virtual reality
• Augmented reality
• Personalized messages

With all of that in mind, you’re probably wondering how to create the perfect video for your advertising efforts. We at Helix House have you covered.

1. Plan your Video

Before you set up, record, or edit anything, start with a conversation about the purpose of your video and who it is for it. Figure out all of the following:

Your Target Audience?

Who will be interested in your product/service? This may be a segment of your company's typical buyer demographic.

What's the Goal?

Every video should have a goal. It can be to sell more of a specific product/service, to raise brand awareness, launch a new product, or announce something new and exciting.

Where's the Video Going to Live?

Your video can live on so many platforms. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, on billboards, television, and so much more. You should begin with one target location that best matches your goal and your target audience. Need help choosing a platform? We have a blog that breaks down all of the popular platforms and their demographics.

When's it Due?

Making a video takes time. You have to plan it, script it, shoot it, and edit it. It can take weeks or months of work, depending on the scope. Figure out a realistic timeframe for all of that and set a due date that won’t have you rushing to complete your project.

What's the Budget?

Videos can be expensive. Set a budget to make sure you stay in line with props, actors, lighting, location, editing, and more.

What are the Creative Requirements?

If you need an animator, a designer, an editor, or a professional videographer, you’ll need to figure all of that out now. See how it fits in your budget and rework your plan to make sure everyone involved is happy.

Writing the Script

Short and sweet with a good hook. That’s the key to video scripts. Keep a script timer handy to check your script length as you write and edit. For example, a 350-word script equates to a video that is nearly 2 minutes long.

A Strong Hook

The beginning of your video is critical. A good hook is the difference between a “skip this ad” and a viewer staying with you until the end. Good hooks include:

• Questions
• Pain points
• Solutions to large problems
• Hard data
• Appealing to emotions
• Personal stories

Bad hooks include:

• Clickbait
• Jumping right into the sale

Highlight What Makes Your Brand Great

Why should viewers be interested in your brand? Why are you different from everyone else out there in your industry? Share your achievements. Share your community service. Showcase your track record for success. You can even include customer testimonials and positive feedback. The more you highlight the benefits of your company, the more effective your video ad will be.

Tell Viewers Why

You have a solution that the viewers need. Present that solution almost immediately. Tell them how you’re solving their problems and how exactly it will positively impact their lives.

Use a Call to Action

The goal of every advertisement is to encourage people to take some sort of action. Add a CTA (call to action) that does just that at the end of your video. For example, to show viewers how they can visit your website for more info, sign up for a discount, or purchase your products and services.If you want customized videos for your business, Helix House can create and manage video shoots for your advertising and organic social needs. Reach out today!