We know that video is important in today’s “instant gratification”, online society. We keep talking about it but what makes it so special? Simply looking at online video statistics proves just how important video really is. It’s what Internet users want and it’s also what they share the most. It comes down to this: you can’t do without online video, and this list tells you exactly why.



The List

1. People like video
   After Google, YouTube is the second largest search engine and 78% of people spend at least once a week on the site. While not everyone likes to read, everyone is watching video and everyone likes video.
2. Your competition is doing it
   A large amount of senior marketing executives are already using video in marketing programs, 81% to be exact. Whatever business you’re in, you’re bound to start making use of video at some point, so instead of being forced into it, why not start early? Early being now.
3. Video is searchable
   People search the web to find what they’re looking for and video comes up on top in search results. In 2012 video results have appeared in almost 70% of the top 100 search listings on Google. At the same time it does wonders for you SEO. This fact alone should be enough to convince anyone that video is an essential part of any marketing strategy.
4. It gets shared – a lot
   People share videos through social media, and we all know how much time is spent on social media. In only one day, more than 500 years’ worth of video is watched on and through Facebook.
5. It’s easy to stand out
   Video allows you to be creative and original – even if you don’t have a massive budget. It allows you to show customers exactly what you’re about while being interesting at the same time. In videos, supplementary information can be added seeing as there are two streams of information – audio and visual. While visuals are showing one thing, the narrator can add extra points to complement the images.
6. It’s entertaining
   People will much rather watch a video than read an essay. It’s fast, entertaining and inspires action and emotion. Because of its entertainment value, viewers spend more time listening to you. They don’t just “skim read” as they would an article – they actually pay attention and take in everything you’re offering.
7. Comments and interaction
   People comment on videos more easily than they do on articles. Comments help you to be more targeted and interact with that target audience.
8. It’s believable
   Video based customer testimonials have more credibility than testimonials that you’ve written and posted on your website. It is proof of what the customer said. Customer testimonials confirm what you are saying about yourself, so make sure that they are honest and believable.
9. Easy to understand
   The benefits of your product can be clearly shown. Video makes it easy to convey information in a clear and comprehensive manner. It’s easier to explain complex ideas and can be much more suited to the information than if it is being read. You can actually show people what you’re about instead of just telling them.
10. Video is cost-effective
    Over time, your video, if evergreen, will continue to be watched. Video’s lifecycle is longer than a blog post. People expect fresh content constantly when it comes to the written word. With video, you don’t have to post every day, but when you do post, make sure to make it worth the viewer’s while.
11. Training
    In many cases it is more beneficial to have a training video instead of one person training a group of people. You can make use of different angles, close ups, slow motion and repeat actions. If trainees don’t understand they can rewind and double check, whereas they might be reluctant to ask questions in a classroom situation. Training videos are very cost effective as they can be reused, time and time again.
12. It saves time
    Many companies receive visitors to their factories or establishments and someone needs to give them a guided tour. With video this can be done much more effectively, while saving you time. These videos can show more than you can on a single tour as you can include shots from other locations – even international locations if you wish. Videos can also be translated into different languages, catering to the needs of your whole client base. Through video you can take the viewer where he can’t otherwise go.
13. “Buying now” is easy
    If a video is properly set up, there will be a call-to-action near it, or in it for that matter. Viewers should be no more than a click away from taking the next step in acquiring your product or service. Video also allows you to put direct links in them so viewers can click on the actual video and “see more” of what you have to offer.
14. Mobile
    Online video accounts for 50% of all mobile traffic. When was the last time you watched a video on your phone? Not that long ago I would imagine. Just look around you – there’s always someone watching a video on their phone, no matter where they are. It is simply not practical to read long text on a mobile phone; video on the other hand is easy and entertaining.
15. Go viral
    As mentioned before, people share videos. If you make something worth sharing you can simply sit back and watch the traffic come in. Videos are easily shared and if it’s something amazing you’ll quickly reach many potential customers.
16. It’s versatile
    Video can be posted online but can also be used in presentations, sent to individual clients and so forth. Using video does not only mean posting it on YouTube and waiting for people to share it.
17. It’s fast and effective
    People don’t have time – or they simply don’t want to – read long articles. Video is a fast and effective way to grab and hold attention.
18. Video makes it personal
    Video shows people who you are; it gives your company a personality and makes potential customers feel at ease.
    
    
    Are you using video marketing as part of your strategy?
    Have any more tips and pointers? Share them with me here or connect on Twitter @SoundIdea
    
    
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    &
    Check out our guest post on jeffbullas.com – Beginners Guide on How to Video Blog on a Budget
    
    
    

Sound Idea Digital is a full service Video Production Company that specialise in health & safety videos, training videos, marketing videos, corporate videos, web videos, animation and motion graphics. We also produce industrial, mining, induction, and company launch videos. | www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za | info@soundidea.co.za