Supercharge Your Strategy: 5 Reasons to Invest Big in Video for 2024

Erin Hayes September 19, 2023 Content Marketing, video marketing budget, marketing strategy Leave a Comment

Why should you invest more in video in 2024? Well, the answer is simple - video isn't just the future of content marketing...it's the Present of content marketing. Attention spans are shorter than ever and video has become the most effective way to capture and hold your audience's attention.

Here are 5 clear reasons why your business should invest more in video content creation in 2024.

1. Video has taken over the internet.

People spend hours daily watching videos on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram for entertainment, education, or inspiration. If your business is not leveraging the power of video, you're missing out on a massive opportunity to connect with potential customers.

2. Video has the ability to show, not tell.

While text and images can be informative, they often fail to convey the true value and experience of a product or service. Videos, on the other hand, allow businesses to demonstrate their offerings in a way that is engaging and immersive. By giving your audience a virtual test drive of what you're offering, you can build trust and credibility, ultimately driving more conversions and sales.

3. Videos create a personal connection with your audience.

Unlike traditional sales pitches, which can come across as pushy or impersonal, videos allow you to showcase the human side of your brand. Whether it's through storytelling or showcasing the faces behind your business, videos can help you establish a genuine connection with your viewers, leading to increased brand loyalty and customer engagement.

4. Shareability!

Social media platforms thrive on video content, and users love to share videos that resonate with them. By creating compelling and shareable videos, you can exponentially increase your brand's reach and visibility. A well-crafted video has the potential to go viral, attracting attention from a vast audience and boosting brand awareness.

5. Finally, video is continuously evolving, paving the way for new and exciting possibilities.

With the emergence of virtual and augmented reality, videos are becoming even more immersive and interactive. Imagine transporting your audience into your product or service, allowing them to experience it firsthand. By investing in video now, you are positioning your business at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring that you stay ahead of the competition.

In short, investing more in video content in 2024 is a no-brainer. Video provides an engaging and immersive experience for your audience, allows you to demonstrate your offerings effectively, creates a personal connection, and has the potential to reach a broader audience through social media. With video being the future of content marketing, it's time to start filming and take your business to new heights.

We're a group of collaborative creatives who specialize in the art of cinematic storytelling. We have the expertise to guide you through every step of crafting a remarkable video marketing strategy, starting from the initial idea generation to the final delivery. We are now accepting bookings for 2024 and would be thrilled to collaborate with you on your next project! Get in touch!

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7 Little Changes That'll Make a Big Difference To Your Video Marketing Strategy

Erin Hayes September 12, 2023 Video Marketing, Strategy, Content Marketing Leave a Comment

It's Q4, and you know what that means. It's time to start planning your strategy for 2024.

Wild, right? We like to plan at least a quarter ahead, but there's no reason to avoid experimenting with fresh ideas now while you ramp up to smash it in 2024.

Let's talk about a few little but impactful changes you can make to your video marketing strategy now and a few little but impactful changes you can build up to for 2024 that will make a significant difference in the success of your video marketing efforts.

First, let's tackle accessibility. These first two changes are straightforward and only impact the Delivery Stage of your videos. Your in-house production team or video production partner can make these alterations without drastically impacting your delivery schedule.

1. Make sure your videos are mobile-friendly:

With the majority of videos being viewed on mobile devices, it's important to make sure your videos are optimized for mobile viewing. This means ensuring that your videos are formatted in a way that is easily readable on smaller screens and loads quickly on mobile networks. Consider using a responsive design that adjusts the video size and layout based on the viewer's device. By taking the time to optimize your videos for mobile, you can provide a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience for your audience.

2. Include subtitles or closed captions:

By making your content more inclusive, you can engage with a broader audience. Subtitles or closed captions provide a text version of the audio content in your videos, allowing viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, are in a loud setting, or a setting isn't conducive to noise (library, quiet car, surreptitiously watching videos while their kids watch cartoons) to follow along. Not only does this make your videos pantopic, but it also improves engagement and retention because viewers can easily understand your message.

These next four tips should be considered at the beginning of your next campaign, so it may be best to start planning to include these for your 2024 efforts.

3. Create an engaging thumbnail:

We all know that first impressions matter, and in video marketing, thumbnails are the first glimpse viewers get of your video. So, creating an engaging thumbnail that captures attention and accurately represents the content within is essential. A visually appealing and relevant thumbnail can entice viewers to click and watch your video. Consider using bold and vibrant visuals, compelling text, and images that accurately represent the subject matter of your video. Creating a visually appealing thumbnail increases the chances of attracting viewers and generating more views for your video.

4. Use storytelling to create an emotional connection:

People are more likely to engage with a video if it tells a story they can relate to and creates an emotional connection. Storytelling allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level and evoke emotions that resonate with them. Consider incorporating personal anecdotes, real-life examples, or testimonials into your videos to make them more relatable and memorable. By weaving narratives into your videos, you can create a lasting impact on your viewers and increase their engagement and willingness to share your content. By the way, storytelling is our passion so should you need help in this department. Give us a call!

5. Use videos to educate and inform:

People are looking for information, so make sure that your videos are informative and educational, as well as entertaining. Provide valuable insights, tips, or tutorials that address your audience's pain points or answer their questions. By positioning yourself as a knowledgeable authority in your industry, you can build trust with your viewers and establish yourself as a go-to resource. Remember to present the information in a clear and concise manner, using visuals and graphics to enhance understanding and engagement.

6. Use calls-to-action:

Encourage your viewers to take action by including calls-to-action at the end of your videos. A call-to-action is a prompt that tells your audience what you want them to do next, whether it's subscribing to your channel, visiting your website, or making a purchase. By clearly stating the desired action and providing a compelling reason to take it, you can increase the chances of viewers following through. Make sure to place the call-to-action at a strategic point in your video and make it easy for viewers to take the desired action, such as including clickable links or buttons.

The timing to test out this last tip is somewhat flexible (we think). If you have an email campaign scheduled that could use some punching up, see if your team thinks adding a recent video could help.

7. Use video in email marketing campaigns:

Adding video to your email campaigns can increase click-through rates, open rates, and conversions. Including a video thumbnail or a GIF that links to your video in your email can capture the attention of your subscribers and entice them to click and watch. Videos have a way of conveying information quickly and engaging viewers, making them an effective tool for grabbing attention in a crowded email inbox. Consider using videos to showcase new products or services, provide behind-the-scenes glimpses, or share customer success stories. Experiment with different types of videos and track the performance to optimize your email marketing strategy.

By implementing these small yet effective changes to your video marketing strategy, you can elevate the impact of your videos and achieve better results. So, what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with these changes now and watch your video marketing efforts soar to new heights!

Want to pick our brains some more? Contact us; we'd love to work with you.

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What is User Generated Content (UGC) & How Can Businesses Get Involved

Erin Hayes September 05, 2023 Strategy, Video, Content Marketing Leave a Comment

User-generated content (UGC), also known as the stuff regular people create, is like a breath of fresh air in the marketing world. It's not your typical content that comes straight from the company, but rather the real deal from consumers themselves. We're talking product reviews, social media posts, video testimonials, blog articles, and even podcasts. UGC gives consumers a chance to speak up, share their experiences, and make their voices heard.

In this digital age, people rely heavily on the opinions and experiences of others before making a purchase. That's where UGC comes in. It's a platform for consumers to express their thoughts, whether they're praising a brand or calling them out. And because it comes straight from the people who have actually used the product or interacted with the brand, it's seen as more genuine and trustworthy.

Product reviews are a prime example of UGC. They're the go-to resource for potential customers who want unbiased opinions and insights before opening their wallets. You can find these reviews on all sorts of websites, social media platforms, and even dedicated review sites. It's like a treasure trove of information for anyone looking to make an informed decision.

But wait, there's more! Social media platforms have become a playground for UGC. Consumers can share their experiences, thoughts, and even get creative with posts, photos, videos, and memes. Brands can encourage users to use specific hashtags or tags to track and engage with this content, making it a real community affair.

And let's not forget about video testimonials. These bad boys add a personal touch to a brand's marketing efforts. Imagine real people, just like you and me, talking about their positive experiences with a product or service. These videos can be shared on the brand's website, social media channels, or even used in advertising campaigns. It's like getting a virtual high-five from someone who really knows what they're talking about.

Blog articles and podcasts have also become platforms for consumers to share their experiences and opinions. Bloggers and podcasters can dive deep into reviews, tutorials, or discussions about a specific product or brand. It's like having a conversation with a friend who knows all the ins and outs of what you're interested in.

So, you see, user-generated content is a big deal. It gives consumers a voice, allows them to share their experiences, and helps others make informed decisions. Brands that embrace and promote UGC build trust, engage with their audience, and ultimately drive sales. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

Cool, you say. So how do we get involved?

1. Create a Hashtag: Encourage users to share their experiences with your brand by creating a unique hashtag that they can use when posting on social media. This not only helps to organize and track user-generated content but also creates a sense of community among your customers. When users see others using the hashtag, they feel connected to a larger group of people who share similar experiences and interests. It also makes it easier for your brand to discover and engage with UGC, as all the content associated with the hashtag is in one place. Additionally, you can consider offering incentives or rewards for using the hashtag, such as featuring the best posts on your website or giving away exclusive discounts or merchandise to those who participate.

2. Run Contests: Run contests that encourage users to create content related to your brand. This can be anything from writing a review to creating a short video. Contests are a fun and interactive way to engage with your audience and encourage them to become brand advocates. You can ask users to share their favorite product usage tips, create a funny meme related to your brand, or even showcase their artistic skills by designing a logo or artwork. By offering exciting prizes or exclusive experiences as rewards, you can motivate users to participate and generate high-quality UGC. Make sure to promote the contest through various channels, such as social media, email newsletters, and your website, to maximize participation and reach.

3. Feature UGC on Your Website: Display user-generated content on your website, such as product reviews or testimonials. This can help to build trust and credibility with potential customers. When visitors see positive reviews and testimonials from real people, they are more likely to perceive your brand as trustworthy and reliable. Consider creating a dedicated section on your website to showcase UGC, where visitors can easily browse through authentic experiences and opinions. You can also use UGC to enhance your product pages, by including customer photos or videos demonstrating the use and benefits of your products. This not only adds a personal touch but also provides social proof, which can influence purchasing decisions.

4. Respond to UGC: When users create content about your brand, make sure to respond to their posts and show your appreciation for their support. This can encourage other users to create content as well. Engaging with UGC demonstrates that you value your customers and their opinions. Take the time to like, comment, or share UGC that aligns with your brand values and resonates with your audience. By acknowledging and responding to UGC, you foster a sense of community and encourage others to share their experiences. This can also lead to valuable conversations and feedback, providing insights into what your customers love about your brand and areas for improvement.

5. Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers and encourage them to create content related to your brand. This can help to expand your reach and tap into new audiences. Influencers have established credibility and a loyal following, making their endorsement of your brand highly influential. Collaborating with influencers allows you to leverage their creativity and influence to create authentic and engaging UGC. Whether it's through sponsored posts, product reviews, or takeover campaigns, influencers can help amplify your brand message and generate buzz around your products or services. When working with influencers, make sure to choose those whose values align with your brand and whose audience aligns with your target market. This ensures that the UGC generated by influencers resonates with your intended audience and drives meaningful engagement.

Make you have permission from these content creators to reuse their content. If they've posted on Social Media and allow reposting (or stitching) then you'll be able to download their video and reuse it. We've run many successful campaigns for our clients by taking the best of their UGC and creating compilations or reaction videos for them.

If you're interested in maximizing your UGC, get in touch! We'd love to collaborate.

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Looking for some creative video production inspiration to improve your video marketing strategy?

You've come to the right place!

With January firmly under our belt, let's discuss the Top 5 Video Trends for 2023.

1. Pre-recorded Live streaming: The last three years have seen an explosion in Live Streaming content. The COVID-19 Pandemic created a need to communicate safely with customers, prospects, and leads, and live-streaming content was a highly effective solution for that need. In 2023, significant budget cuts and staffing shortages have created new challenges to communicating business messages. Again, companies are turning to Live Streaming as a solution to this challenge. We've seen a significant uptick in inquiries about partnering with a creative video production team to produce a high-quality pre-produced live stream video to engage with their audiences. Live streaming video lets businesses connect with their audience in real time and create a sense of urgency. And the value doesn't end with the conclusion of the event. Companies can repurpose the assets made for the live stream video in their other marketing communication efforts. Think web, email marketing, social media, fundraising, knowledge base, etc.

2. Short-for Video is an exciting way to connect and engage with customers and leads. The success of TikTok and YouTube Shorts mean that businesses can reach their target audience where they are, when they’re most receptive to their message. And businesses can take advantage of these platform’s built-in analytics and advertising capabilities. TikTok and YouTube have a massive user base. YouTube has over 2 billion active users while TikTok’s user-base is 800 million. Both platforms offer creative flexibility within their platform. Tiktok offers businesses the ability to get creative and innovative with their marketing campaigns. The platform supports a wide range of content formats, from lip-sync videos to dance challenges and more, allowing businesses to showcase their brand in a fun and engaging way. YouTube’s ability to add text, music, and other creative elements, allows businesses to easily create custom and engaging content that resonates with their target audience. And YouTube Shorts is a trending content type. The company reports that more and more of its users are coming to its platform to consume this powerful short-form content.

3. User-Generated Content (UGC) is the more authentic version of Influencer Marketing. Businesses are seeing this and are encouraging and repurposing more user-generated videos to create more relatable content. We’re seeing requests to consult on ideas that will engage their audience in an on-brand way. These include examples from contest pieces and challenges to customer testimonials and product reviews. UGC helps businesses tap into the power of word-of-mouth marketing and leverage the expertise, experiences, and perspectives of their customers.

4. Vertical Video: With the rise of mobile device usage, videos filmed in a vertical aspect ratio are becoming more common and are better suited for mobile viewing. Most people hold their phones vertically, meaning a vertical video will take up the full screen, providing a better viewing experience. Horizontal videos often have black bars on the top and bottom, reducing the amount of screen real estate used, which can detract from the viewing experience. Additionally, vertical video is more suitable for platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which are designed for vertically-oriented content. On these platforms, vertical videos tend to receive more engagement and have higher completion rates compared to horizontal videos. However, it's worth noting that the suitability of a particular video format will also depend on the type of content being shared and the target audience. For example, horizontal video may be better suited for certain types of content, such as films or sporting events, where a wider aspect ratio is desired. Ultimately, businesses should consider the goals and objectives of their video content and choose the format that best serves those needs. Hiring a professional production company can provide a way to get the best of both worlds. A good production company will have cameras that can film one video that will work in both a vertical and a horizontal format.

5. Interactive video: Videos that allow audiences to interact with the content, such as choosing their own paths or making decisions, are becoming more popular. Interactive video can be used for various purposes, including marketing and advertising, training and education, entertainment, and more. By allowing viewers to interact with the video, businesses, and content creators can gain valuable insights into their audience and gather data on how they engage with their content. Examples of interactive videos include choose-your-own-adventure style videos, product demos with interactive features, and videos with embedded quizzes or surveys. Interactive video can be created using various tools and platforms, including video production software, HTML5, and specialized interactive video platforms. It's an increasingly popular format for online video content, as it offers a way for businesses and content creators to stand out in a crowded online environment and deliver a more engaging and memorable experience for their audience.

There you have it! Overall, the trend in video marketing in 2023 is to create more engaging, personalized, and interactive content that can be shared easily across multiple platforms. Do you have an idea you’d like to discuss with a team of passionate video producers? We’d love to collaborate with you. We'd love to start a conversation.

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How to Launch a Video Campaign and Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck

Erin Hayes April 11, 2017 Video Marketing, Content Marketing, video budget, Video production Leave a Comment

Great! You’ve committed to producing video. But now that you’ve got the production piece squared away, what should you do?

Many of our clients know they need video and have a strong idea of what kind of video they need. Significant time and budget goes into the ideation, shooting and post production of these videos.

But often not as much thought gets put into what happens after the screening of the finished piece. Most clients will have a single purpose in mind, like a landing page or a resource page, but many haven’t thought about the video in campaign terms.

We want to make sure your video delivers real business results. Here are some helpful things to consider before launching your video campaign.

1) Where else can I use this video?

Brainstorm alternative places to use the video. If your primary use for the video is a landing page, think about adding it to vendor listing pages as well. Could the video help answer questions on your product page? Upload your video to your social channels, like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Now, think outside the Internet-Box. Could the video play at your booth at the upcoming trade show? Remember that speaking engagement you committed to a while back? Well, this video could be perfect to warm up the audience before you start your presentation.

2) How often can I share this video?

A significant amount of your marketing budget went into production this video. Do you think it deserves as much play as the blog your CEO wrote a while back? Yes, it does.

Sit down and write at least ten different ways to frame your video. This is the fun part! Now write a different tag line for each. One, two short sentences, max. Mix sharing your video in with the cadence of other campaigns/content.

The benefit of this exercise is two fold. First, you are getting more use out of your shiny new video. Second, you’ll be able to test subtle differences in your messaging. This will allow you to see which one best resonates with your target audience.

3) How can I make sure more people see my video?

Piggybacking off the previous point, let’s talk hashtags for your social promotion. Take some time and research popular hashtags used in your industry and by your target audience. Is there a strong enough theme in your messaging to warrant finding a hashtag you can brand with this campaign?

If you’re not sure where to start in this research, check out RiteTag. They offer some free options for hashtag research.

Next, take a look at the title of your video. Make sure it’s SEO optimized. Now look at the SEO for the video’s landing page.

Finally, don’t be shy! If you want something, you have to ask for it. Ask for shares and mentions in your social promotions.

4) How can I create momentum for the launch of a new video?

There are many ways to drum up momentum for the launch of a new video.

Write a press release announcing your new video. Tie in your messaging and make sure to embed the video in your press release. Take a look at how to pitch relevant industry magazines (there are resources everywhere for this) and send your release with your note.

If you have the budget, you could produce a behind the scenes video to go with its release. That’s what New England Baptist Hospital did for their recent commercial campaign featuring Avery Bradley. [The commercial filmed at our client, NE Studios, studio.]

Release the BTS video either shortly before or shortly after the primary video’s launch. Make sure to create a link within each video to direct viewers to the other. Most video hosting platforms allow you to do this.

Communicate your launch goals and logistics with your partners and employees. Ask them to take part in sharing the video to their networks.

If you have the budget, ask your production company to include a :15 or :30 version of the video for a teaser campaign leading up to the video’s release. Share the teaser across your social platforms and your website. You could even include a countdown clock for the primary video’s launch.

If you don’t have the budget for a shorter version of your video, take hi res screen grabs from your video’s most compelling frames and share those instead.

Do you have a go-to strategy for launching a video? Did we miss something you feel is important? Leave us a comment!

And if you’re looking for more inspiration, download our 7 Dos and Don’ts of Video Marketing!

Ready to start planning your next production? Check out our current Social Video promotion here.

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Video: Why You Need It and How to Get Started

Erin Hayes March 28, 2017 Video Marketing, Video, Content Marketing, video marketing budget, video budget Leave a Comment

You’ve heard it before: You need video to market your business. But the prospect of producing a video can seem like an overwhelming task. Especially if you’ve never gone through the process before.

Moreover, will video really have a positive impact on your business?

In short, yes. Yes, video will have a positive impact on your business. And in the next few paragraphs we’ll tell you how.

(or you could watch our short Facebook Live video we produced to go with this blog:)

First, look where the money is for proof. Every social media platform out there has invested in video features. This would not be the case if videos were a passing fad. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat all have their own video features and favor video in their algorithms. Video on social media generates 1200% more shares than text and images combined.

What’s more, YouTube sees 5 billion views daily and Snapchat and Facebook each see more than 8 billion views per day.

In the most recent earnings call, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg described video as a “megatrend on the same order as mobile.”

In fact, according to the KPCB Partners report, 74% of all Internet traffic will be video this year. And Cisco projects that global internet traffic from videos will make up 80% of all Internet traffic in 2019, just a year a half from now.

These statistics point to two crucial take-aways:

1) Your potential customers are watching more video than ever before. Millennials are not the only group devouring video (though it’s crucial not to ignore this audience because by 2020 they will make up 50% of the U.S. workforce). Video resonates across all age groups. Facebook is the most popular social network across generations and YouTube is a close second. Did you know that Baby Boomers actually consume more content than Gen X or Millenials? More than 25% of Baby Boomers consume 20 or more hours of content a week.

What's more is Livestream’s 2016 survey found that 80% of their respondents would rather watch a live video from a brand than read their blog. According to Forbes, 59% of executives would rather watch a video than read text. And 75% of executives watch work-related videos on business websites at least once a week.

And then there’s this: A 2016 survey by the Web Marketing Video Council found that 61% of business are using video as a marketing tool.

But here’s the real kicker:

In the previous year, 66% of those businesses were not using video at all.

That leads us to the second crucial take-away:

2) Your competitors are already using video to reach your potential customers. Now is the moment you need to decide if you will jump on board or get left behind.

Here are some quick stats that show the benefits of using video:

Companies using video enjoy 41% more web traffic from search then non-users.
Retail sites with video increase conversion by 30%.
Including a video on your homepage can increase conversion rates by 20 percent or more, according to Unbound.
Businesses using video grow company revenue 49 percent faster year-over-year than organizations without video.
72% of businesses who use video believe it has improved that conversion rate of their website. ‘
An introductory email that includes a video improves an increased click-through rate by 96%.
Email open rates with video in the subject line have a 19% higher open rate and click through rate of 65%.
According to Forrester Research, One minute of video is equal to 1.8 million words
92 percent of mobile video consumers share videos with others, according to Invodo

OK, so how do you get started?

First, decide on the goal for you video. Is the goal to drive awareness? Drive leads? Reduce consumer confusion or reduce support queries?

Second, decide on a look and feel. e.i. interview driven; b-roll driven with a voice over; a mix of both; etc.

Third, decide on a video production partner to produce your video for you.

"Well, wait a second," you say. “I could easily get Jennifer from marketing to film a video using her iPhone / prosumer camera and it wouldn’t cost us anything.”

Before you go down that route, let us tell you why you should hire a professional to produce your video.

First, these statistics:

23% of people who have been presented with a poor quality video experience would hesitate to buy from that brand.

62% of consumers are more likely to have a negative perception of a brand that publishes poor-quality video.

And then there’s this: Filming a video may seem easy (it isn't, btw). But editing a video is decidedly not an easy task. The time it takes to edit a video versus filming a video is 5-to-1, and that’s if you are a pro. While you may feel that you’ve saved money by having an internal employee produce your video, in reality, you have not.

You’ve taken them away from their regular tasks - the tasks you hired them to complete for you. And you’ve put them on a project that could take months to finish. In the end, you may not be satisfied with the video and need to re-film it anyway.

Trust us. We’ve received calls with this exact scenario.

We strongly suggest hiring a production partner. If budget is a major concern, consider starting small.

Consider having the business owner or someone from the C-Level suite speak to camera rather than hiring an actor or actress. Or decide on a b-roll package of your product with a voice over. Talk to your potential production partners about what it may cost to have single camera coverage rather than multi-camera coverage. And make sure you and your team are prepared for the production day to avoid extra charges, like additional filming days / editing days.

Good luck! And if you're currently shopping for a video partner, check out our Spring Offer below. We call it the Content Marketing Tool Kit. It includes a video and limited photography.

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4 Smart Tactics to Get the Most out of Your Live Video

Erin Hayes September 27, 2016 Content Marketing, facebook live, live video production, live streaming, live event video Leave a Comment

All of your pre-production paid off; you’ve just aired a live event video and it went off without a hitch! Congrats!

Now that the high-fives have subsided and your Live viewers have signed off, what should you do with this perfect piece of content? It’d be a shame to just close the door on it, wouldn’t it? Yes, it would.

Producing a professional live video, whether through Facebook Live or a different platform, is no small investment. It’s time consuming and costly. Don’t make it a one-off. Take these 4 tactics and make it an asset that continues to work with you long after it’s Live Air date.

1) Craft a Blog Series

Transcribe your live video and and write a series of blogs around the event. Was it a product launch? Then we’re sure you touched on a series of benefits your customers and prospects could look forward to. Create a Why series and embed the video in to each blog post. If you don’t have video editing skills, then use your hosting platform’s tools to make the video start at the relevant point in the video.

2) Upload to YouTube

Upload your Live Event to YouTube and start a discussion around the topic with your subscribers in the comments. Ask for feedback and link back to relevant pages on your website.

3) Create a Landing Page

We’re sure a few people weren’t able to tune into your live event. And we’re sure there are some prospects that may not have heard about the event. Build a landing page with your video and create some premium content around its subject. Maybe an eBook that provides a deeper look into the video’s announcement, or a white paper further solidifying your company as a thought leader.

4) Produce a Teaser

If you have the budget or the means, edit a :30 teaser video for the longer event video (that you’ve uploaded to one of your channels or hosted on your website) and share that teaser across your social channels to promote views of the longer piece.

Use one of these approaches, or go for all four, and you’ll see the return on investment of your live video skyrocket. Have other ideas or suggestions? We’d love to hear them! Leave us a comment below!

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The Four Biggest Video Marketing Trends

Erin Hayes August 04, 2015 Marketing, Video Marketing, Video, Content Marketing Leave a Comment

2015 has a been a great year for video.

Everywhere we turn, the internet gives us another study reporting the adoption and effectiveness of video.

Hardly anyone questions the strength of video marketing. But what type of video should you use and how should you use it?

We have about a million great ideas to help answer that. So, to help inspire you, we'll start with sharing the four of the biggest video marketing trends we've seen this year.

Mobile Video

The number 1 spot on the Biggest Video Marketing Trends list has to go to mobile video.

Have you checked your analytics lately? How many views are you getting from mobile? I’d bet if you did a comparison from last year, you'd see an increase.

Well guess what? The mobile trend has hit video too.

Google’s algorithm change this spring gave mobile-friendly websites a leg up in mobile search. And according to a recent report by eMarketer, Mobile video viewing jumped 10% this year (this is while laptop and desktop viewing stalls for the first time).

56% of viewers watch video on their smartphones, compared to 46% last year.

If that jump isn't enough to convince you your customers are embracing mobile viewing, check out this stat:

69% of smartphone users say videos are a perfect solution for smartphone viewing because it gives them a quick way to understand a product overview.

It’s more important than ever to make sure your videos are mobile-ready. If you self-host, check in with your webmaster to see if they’ve optimized for mobile. If you need help, I’d recommend trying any of the following hosting services:

Video in Marketing Automation

Marketing Automation is another big video marketing trend.

Marketing Automation on it's own is just plain smart.

58% of top-perfoming companies (defined as those where marketing contributes more than half of the sales pipeline), have adopted marketing automation. (Forrester Research).

And...

B2C marketers who take advantage of automation have seen conversion rates as high as 50%! (eMarketer)

This year, we’ve seen a marked increase in the use of video with marketing automation. And the increase has been for good reason.

[tweet_dis]Just using the word ‘video’ in an email subject line increases open rates by 19%![/tweet_dis] It also increases click through rates by 65% and reduces unsubscribes by 26%. (Syndacast)

And while we're on the subject, did you know that 45% of the companies that use marketing automation, regularly repurpose content?

We particularly love this statistic. We are big proponents of repurposing content.

If you’d like a video, but want to get more than a single use out of it, contact us. We can help!

Less Gimmick, More Story

Remember the Old Spice Guy? How about A Dollar Shave Club? Both were great video campaigns that seem out of place in 2015, right?

We’ve noticed that, this year, video has come back to storytelling. And we’re relieved. Not that we didn't like the gimmicky video. We did. We just didn’t love it. We love storytelling.

The rise of content marketing adoption has helped bring marketers back to the Engage, Educate and Entertain model. Consumers want quality content that helps inform their decision making process. Of course entertainment is still a priority, but the priority is back where it belongs: In third place.

Overall, the popular videos we’ve seen take off have stayed away from the gimmick and stayed true to the story.

Take Puppyhood by Purina Puppy Chow for example. It engages people by telling a familiar story in an entertaining way.

We’re not saying that gimmicks are no longer a part of video marketing. They are. But this year more often the story is there first.

Personally, we’re relieved.

Here are two more commercials we really thought hit the mark:

#RealStrength: Dove, Men+Care

#DodgeWisdom - Official 2015 Dodge Super Bowl Commercial

Live Streaming

Thanks to Meerkat and Periscope, everyone can live stream! Social video has been on the rise for the better part of this decade, but platforms like these make it accessible to anyone.

Of course, that doesn’t mean every one is doing it well (how many fridge tours can one person take??). But there are plenty of brands out there that are killing it in this medium.

For example, do you follow "Central Intelligence" star Kevin Hart? Well you should. That man is smart. And his interactivity with his fans is inspired.

How about Netlfix? This Spring, Netflix used Periscope to stream a guinea pig wandering between zones on a floor. One was marked, “Study” and the other “Netflix”. They put this out around college finals season.

And General Electric used Periscope to live stream a behind-the-scenes interview with astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson and scientist Bill Nye.

We expect to see more brands adopt Periscope and Meerkat into their marketing strategy in 2016. The use cases are close to endless.

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We'd love to talk about you about how to integrate any of these trends into your video marketing strategy. Remember, 2016 is just around the corner.

Download our 7 Must Have Videos and get planning!

Marketing Video Marketing Video Content Marketing

5 Things You Need to Know About Live Stream Production

Paul Bouley July 07, 2015 Video Marketing, Creativity, Social Television Blog, Tips & Tricks, Content Marketing, live stream Leave a Comment

Live stream production is a powerful tool to get your message to the world. And it's something we love to do at MediaBoss.

Whether it's a presentation for your national offices or a product demo across the world, a well produced live stream can be an excellent communication tool.

That's why today, I'm going to share 5 things you need to know about Live Stream Production.

[Check out the video above or jump down to read the transcription]

1. Connection is Everything.

Beautifully shot, HD video means nothing if you don't have the bandwidth to properly send it out or keep a consistent stream. The last thing you want is for your feed to drop in the middle of your broadcast. Make sure you have a good connection to keep your stream up and uninterrupted!

Beautifully shot, HD video means nothing w/o proper bandwidth or a consistent stream.

2. Preparation is Key.

Yes, we can integrate your old commercial. Sure, we can manipulate your slide deck. Of course we can create and run custom graphics. But everything takes time and last minute changes can compromise a broadcast.

3. Remember, this is Live TV.

Think about your live webcast like the news. There is a show clock. Things need to happen at a certain time. If your production team doesn't have all the information something is bound to go wrong. Share the details with your production team and your broadcast will go off without a hitch.

4. Your event is more than just the Live Stream.

Think about your live stream as a series of stand alone segments. Everything we do is recorded to High Res files on solid state drives that can be edited down to individual videos however you'd like. Content creation is the name of the game and a live stream has legs well beyond the live event.

5. Why Have 1, When You Can Have 5?

Filming a single camera stream can be efficient, but it is likely to bore your viewers. Think about how many cameras a typical news program has. Now think about an NFL game. You want a one shot? Done. Back to a wide? Sure thing. Product close up? We've got that.

The additional costs for extra cameras won't break the bank. But a poor broadcast may cost you even more.

Those are the top 5 tips. If you have any questions about live streaming an event, we'd love to talk to you. Feel free to email me anytime: paul@mediabosstv.com

Video Marketing Creativity Social Television Blog Tips & Tricks Content Marketing live stream

MediaBoss Selected Winner in the 36th Telly Awards for Ready, Set, Snow!

Erin Hayes June 25, 2015 Marketing, Creativity, Press, Video, Content Marketing Leave a Comment

This winter we sat down with people behind Framingham's Public Works. They wondered if we could produce a video that showcased their snow clean up and removal operations. Of course!

Although the Public Works story may seem mundane, we were up for the challenge to prove otherwise. A strong DPW is the key to any successful community. And the key to great video is great storytelling. Great storytelling is what MediaBoss does best.

We were honored to tell their story as their dedicated team worked around the clock to keep Framingham's roads safe and clear in the midst of the worst recorded winter in the history of Massachusetts.

And the best part is, we kept our word and we did produce an award-winning video.

Ready, Set, Snow! won a Telly Award for online informational video.

Check out the video below. The full press release follows.

[az_lightbox_video_sh image_url="http://mediabosstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Daniel-S-Nau.png" thumb_width="" link_url="https://vimeo.com/124556314" title="" gallery_name="" class=""]

Framingham, MA June 24, 2015 - The Telly Awards has named MediaBoss Television as a Bronze winner in the 36th Annual Telly Awards for their piece titled Ready, Set, Snow!. With nearly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this is truly an honor.

Ready, Set, Snow! follows the intrepid team at the Framingham Public Works through the snow clean up and management during the worst winter in Massachusetts’ history, the winter of 2015.

"When we sat down with Framingham Public Works we said we were going to produce an award-winning video that showcased their hard work and dedication,” Ian Barrett, MediaBoss Creative Director said. “We’re so excited that this story of an epic winter was captured and shared and that people have responded so positively to it."

“We’re proud to have partnered with MediaBoss Television to produce this award-winning video for Framingham’s Public Works. Their gifted and talented approach to informing the residents on our technology, equipment, and personnel, and the combined services that they provide to the Community, has achieved a high standard of excellence that is apparent in the quality of this video production, ” said Peter Sellers, Executive Director of Framingham Public Works.

[tweet_box]We’re proud to have partnered with @MediaBossTV to produce this award-winning video for @DPWFramingham[/tweet_box]

The Telly Awards was founded in 1979 and is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online commercials, video and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.

“The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video,” said Linda Day, Executive Director of the Telly Awards. “MediaBoss Television’s accomplishment illustrates their creativity, skill, and dedication to their craft and serves as a testament to great film and video production.”

About MediaBoss Television

MediaBoss Television is a full-service television and web video production company that produces compelling video content for broadcast, corporations and start-ups alike. MediaBoss Television is based out of an 8,000 square foot converted industrial studio in Framingham, MA.

-END-

Marketing Creativity Press Video Content Marketing

Content Marketing

Looking for some creative video production inspiration to improve your video marketing strategy?

Looking for some creative video production inspiration to improve your video marketing strategy?

1) Where else can I use this video?

2) How often can I share this video?

3) How can I make sure more people see my video?

4) How can I create momentum for the launch of a new video?

1) Craft a Blog Series

2) Upload to YouTube

3) Create a Landing Page

4) Produce a Teaser

Mobile Video

Video in Marketing Automation

Less Gimmick, More Story

Live Streaming

1. Connection is Everything.

2. Preparation is Key.

3. Remember, this is Live TV.

4. Your event is more than just the Live Stream.

5. Why Have 1, When You Can Have 5?

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