A picture may be worth 1000 words, but a video is even more powerful, especially when it comes to social media. Here are some stats gathered by WordStream, online advertising software and solutions provider, about the popularity and influence of video for marketing:
- One-third of online activity is spent watching the video
- YouTube has over a billion users, almost one-third of total internet users
- More than 500 million hours of videos are watched on YouTube every day
These stats indicate just how much video can increase engagement with target audiences. The use of video enhances your credibility because you can talk directly to your audiences as you showcase your expertise and explain the goal of the various services you provide. Most clients will find it easier to watch you perform a skin treatment or massage versus reading about it.
The use of videos also can help your spa or massage practice come up in search engines to attract potential new clients. For example, you could create a video with tips on at-home skin care or how to stretch to avoid injuries while exercising.
Here are a few video trends from Animoto, the maker of plug-and-play video creation tools for this year, to keep in mind as you plan a video marketing strategy for your spa or massage practice.
Social media levels the playing field
Worried that your spa or massage practice can’t get the same attention as the big brand players. Well, don’t. The social video gives small businesses a major opportunity to level the playing field regarding their marketing. Any company’s video can live right alongside larger companies' videos in the news feeds or intermix with them as users tap through Instagram stories.
Authenticity matters
More brands are embracing authenticity over the polished look of large-scale productions. Content, some of which is produced on mobile phones, is starting to feel more every-day and less produced. This is the type of content you readily can create on your own.
One video does not fit all needs
Consumers are going to different social platforms for different reasons, and the behavior is different on each. You’ll need a different video for the range of social media platforms you support as well as your website.
Tell a story
Whatever video message you are conveying and the platform you target, remember to tell a story. Editing is the most crucial step of the process. Think about telling a story as you edit your video – avoid lecturing or a talking head. Also, try to keep videos around two minutes for longer and not less than 30 seconds for shorter pieces. (Some tutorials may take as much as 5 minutes).
So when it comes to the direction of your marketing, the word is “action.” Use engaging videos to tell your story.