Low-Cost Ideas for Using Video in Your Content Marketing

Video is an essential tool to have in your content marketing toolbox. Just look at these statistics:

• Including a video on a landing page can increase conversion by 80%.
• Video in an email can increase click-through rate by 200 to 300%.
• YouTube’s mobile video consumption increases 100% every year.

One thing is clear: if you’re not currently using video as part of your marketing strategy, it’s time to start.

What should my videos be about?

There are many ways you can use video for content marketing, and you’re really only limited by your imagination. If your budget is low, here are some inexpensive ideas to start implementing video into your existing marketing strategies:

Explainer video

Create a video about what you do or how your product works. This is especially beneficial if your product isn’t self-explanatory, or if it’s one that people are unfamiliar with.

How-to tip: There are many companies that specialize in creating explainer videos, and you can get one starting at around $250.

Show off your clients

You can also take videos of your clients using your product or talking about how much they love your products or services. These take the concept of client testimonials to the next level.

How-to tip: Start by asking the clients you know are raving fans to talk about you on camera. Likely they’ll be more than happy to help.

Product highlights

Similar to the explainer video, this one may involve you showing off your product and talking about the benefits of using it, or showing it in use.

How-to tip: Consider the frequently asked questions your customers ask about your product, and make sure to answer them in your video.

RELATED: Everything You Need To Know About Video Marketing for Your Small Business

Vlog 

A vlog—or video blog—is similar to a blog post, but rather than writing the informative content, you speak or demonstrate that knowledge. This is a great way to vary what you publish on your blog and give people a break from always reading your content.

How-to tip: Just like you would with a written blog post, include SEO and keywords with your videos.

What do I do with my video once I create it?

Once you put all your effort into creating your first video, spread it far and wide so as many people as possible benefit from it.

YouTube 

It’s a no-brainer to upload your video to YouTube, since every day, people watch hundreds of millions of hours of video there. It’s got a built-in audience that can help people find you who wouldn’t otherwise know about your brand.

How-to tip: If you’ve got a Google or Gmail account, it’s easy to set up a YouTube account. Uploading a video is simple, too. Just remember to fill out the title and description with those keywords to help people find your video.

Your website

Get more leverage from your video by posting it on your website or blog. You might have a page dedicated to client testimonials, so house all of those videos there. Post your product highlight videos on your FAQ or product information page. And, of course, the vlogs go on your blog.

How-to tip: It may be easier to first upload the video to YouTube and then embed it on a page on your website rather than upload the video directly to your site.

Your social media 

More people will view and share your video if you post it to all of your social media platforms, and do so repeatedly. Write an introduction to the video so people know what it’s about and to pique their interest in watching it.

How-to tip: Keep in mind that not everyone is going to see your video the first time you post it. Schedule several shares of it at different hours and on different days to maximize viewing.

Videos can only enhance what you’re already doing in content marketing. You don’t need fancy equipment or a videographer to benefit from this amazing visual marketing tool.

Be sure to also read Video Blogging Is an Easy Yet Effective Addition to Any Content Marketing Strategy