Video content has been credited as having become the #1 catalyst for the online discovery of new products, services, and brands, as well as becoming a preferred resource for all sorts of do-it-yourselfers. And it’s really no surprise that video has proven so effective. A study of American consumers revealed that viewers retain up to 95% of a message when that message is delivered by video.
Last year it was reported that more than 500 hours of content was being uploaded to YouTube every minute. That’s nearly three weeks worth of video every 60 seconds—and we’re only talking about one platform! Consider how high that number would jump if we bring it current for 2020; and factor in the amount of content being uploaded across social media platforms, gaming, and streaming services, as well as proprietary content being hosted on websites. That’s a lot of video.
Let’s have a show of hands…
Regardless of the platform used, how many of you have watched one or more videos today? Five or more? Ten or more? Put your hands down…This is a video, and I can’t see you. But here are some numbers to help explain just how important video has become to businesses and organizations like yours. Consider this:
- 84% of marketers credit video for increased traffic to their website.
- 80% report an improved dwell time on their websites from video viewing.
- 81% say that video has helped to generate new leads, and…
- 41% claim that support calls have decreased as a direct result of informational video content.
By including video content on your website, you make your site more accessible to a wider audience. You make the information contained on your site more easily digestible by those who might otherwise be “turned off” by a giant wall of text. It becomes more likely that you’ll attract new traffic and retain your audience––all of which makes you a more valuable resource in the eyes of Google. Factor in the increased visibility your content gains through social sharing, and it’s no surprise that video now plays such a prominent role.
At the beginning of 2020, it was estimated that 9 out of 10 businesses considered video production to be a crucial component of their digital marketing strategy. In fact, 75% of businesses claim to be creating more video content in 2020 than they were this time last year.
Still, dragging your feet when it comes to creating video content? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Maybe you think it’s too expensive. Maybe you believe it’ll be too time-consuming. Or perhaps you simply don’t know where to start. Well… That’s why we’re here.
Not only is video content more impactful than ever, it’s become easier than ever for almost anyone to become a content creator. Want to make a video? All you really need is your phone.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an iPhone or Android user, most of you have the means of shooting in 4K right there in the palm of your hand. It doesn’t get more convenient than that. Plus, most every smartphone comes with basic editing tools and the means of adding new editing capabilities simply by visiting the app store.
And sure… You can always upgrade your cameras, audio recording, studio space, lighting, and editing tools should you choose to do so. The important takeaway is that video production doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or intimidating.
Your content can be informational, or it can be entertaining. Hell, if you’re doing it right, it can be both. It can be whatever you want it to be—and as this series continues, we are going to explore how you can produce and optimize your video to deliver the best possible results.