In 2019, video content made up 80% of web traffic across the globe. Forbes found that 90% of customers claim video content helps them make buying decisions, and 64% of customers say that seeing a video makes them more likely to buy a product. Additionally, on social media, videos receive 1200% more shares than text and images combined. We are visual creatures and visual consumers.
Videos get results, and there has never been a better time for your brand to generate engaging video content.
Here are 12 ways you can start generating massive views with your video marketing platform.
- Use SEO
Did you know that YouTube is the second biggest online search engine? SEO doesn’t just apply to your website or blog anymore.
It isn’t unusual for today’s connected consumer to use YouTube like Google to research topics. When YouTube is utilized as a search engine, visuals are a funnel to customer clicks.
But first, you need to establish your relevancy to the search. To optimize your video’s search ranking, make your titles clear, short, and instructive. Just like you would with a blog post, use relevant keywords in both the title and video description. Be sure to include video tags and high-quality thumbnails.
Many users will be watching your video on a phone, so you must optimize your video for mobile viewing.
- Use clear and enticing titles
Your video’s title plays a huge role in how many views it will receive.
Think about how you scan a video’s title before clicking on it. Your consumers do this too.
Be clear without being generic. Why is your video worth watching? How will it benefit viewers?
Use keywords in your title and description to improve your ranking for those terms. Ultimately, this will lead to more views.
- Don’t forget the description
Your video description should also include keywords and concisely state why your video is worth watching.
This is the place to conquer quick engagement. You need to make every word work in order to draw in your customers.
- Consider using a transcript
We also recommend providing viewers a written transcription of your video. Transcripts will help boost your video’s SEO.
Many viewers also like to read text while listening to it, so transcripts can help improve your viewer’s experience, too.
Transcripts subtly convey your marketing strategy in a double dose, reinforcing your message as it is both read and viewed by your customer base.
- Show customer testimonials
Perhaps you’ve heard of the term social proof—the idea that people are likely to follow and imitate the actions of others.
The concept is highly apparent in consumer behavior. 91% of consumers between the ages of 18 and 34 trust online reviews as much as they would a recommendation from a friend. Additionally, 93% of consumers claim that online reviews directly impact their purchasing decisions.
Video testimonials are incredibly authentic: a real customer is speaking about their experience directly to you.
Think of ways you can leverage customer testimonials and social proof in your videos. By making your testimonials a visual, your clients get a chance to identify and connect in a way that a written recommendation can’t achieve.
- Include a CTA
One of the most effective ways to guarantee future video views is to include a call to action at the end of your video.
Do you want your viewers to check out a specific product? Are you promoting a free trial for a subscription-based service? Whatever your end goal is, you can add clickable links to the video screen, embed sharing buttons, and more.
In addition to increasing views, a CTA will also help your conversion rates. For instance, at the end of your video, you can ask users to subscribe to your blog or sign up for your company’s newsletter.
Make sure your CTA is clear, and don’t be afraid to have fun with it. CTAs add another level of engagement and let your customers feel part of the process and help create an ongoing relationship from the very beginning.
- Schedule publishing time the right way
When is the best time to publish your video? Levels of engagement vary from platform to platform, so be sure to do your research.
Analyze your customer and prospect data to determine when people are most likely to watch. You want to set yourself up for success by receiving a large number of views within the first 48 hours of publication. There is a short window of time to maintain the freshness that today’s viewers expect.
- Include incentives
Incentives can further motivate viewers.
Have your speaker hint at an exclusive offer. When used appropriately, incentives can add that extra dash of value to keep your viewers interested and engaged. Incentives are another simple way to make your customer base feel both valued and celebrated.
- Create playlists on YouTube
Auto-play is a powerful feature. Its potency is straightforward: it’s easy to continue watching videos as they automatically start playing.
Playlists also help you curate your content, making it easier for viewers to find what they are looking for.
In terms of SEO, playlists can help improve your ranking. Again, go back to the keywords and topics your ideal viewers are drawn to.
- Distribute your videos widely and appropriately
What are the right distribution channels for your brand? How will you reach your audience at the best time and through the best medium?
You want to distribute widely yet, just as importantly, strategically. In addition to YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, you can post the video on your company’s website. Another possibility is to send an email to your customers and prospects with your new video embedded.
- Engage with viewers
Have a plan in place to respond to feedback from your video. Reply to comments, press like on those reshares and retweets, and keep the engagement going. Viewers are likely to keep watching your content when they know their opinion is valued and heard.
Today’s audience expects ongoing engagement from their comments and feedback. Plus, it helps to hear what consumers have to say about your video. You can learn from those reliable and relevant commenters.
- Analyze
Use YouTube Analytics and Google Analytics to measure your video’s performance. Delve into the data to find out where your views are coming from, your video’s total watch time, and more. What are your most popular videos, and why? Are people sharing your videos? How can you expand your audience? Thorough and consistent measurement are key. Use these analytics for future video projects, to understand where you can improve in your video marketing plan, and where to expand in the areas that are currently hitting their mark.
According to the Content Marketing Institute, marketers believe videos are the third-best marketing tools following ebooks and white papers. Videos can take any brand’s marketing to the next level and help you connect with your consumers in ways you never thought possible.
Make video marketing an effective part of your sales approach and keep all eyes on you!
