Getting Started with Videocasting

There are many ways to reach your customers and those avenues are evolving constantly. One of the newest, but most effective, is the use of online video (“videocasting”). It requires very little financial investment and just a little know-how to get started. Before you know it, you will be able to offer short video clips on your website and via YouTube to reach new customers and offer a service to your existing clients.

There are many applications any type of business can use video for. Retail business can record a walk-through of their store including special features, customer service and sales. “Main Street” businesses can record basic maintenance techniques, like changing furnace filters, as a courtesy to their customers and a way to build interest and loyalty among prospects.

Service businesses can offer video to build rapport and loyalty as well. By videotaping an introduction, you introduce your self and team online to potential clients and tell them directly what you do and how they can benefit. Short training videos on various topics help create trust in you. Because they already “know” you, they are more likely to contact you for additional services because they have seen the content you have to offer.

One of the great things about videocasting is it isn’t expensive. Good video cameras, even those with high definition recording, can be found for $150 or less. It may be that your personal digital camera has adequate recording capabilities as well. Invest in an inexpensive tripod and use this when recording yourself talking at a desk. If you are recording a training video showing a process, an extra pair of hands managing the camera is preferred. Keep your clips short-3 minutes or less.

When possible, use natural lighting, but if it isn’t available, just make sure the lighting is decent. Make sure you are recording in a quiet area, but also be aware that many videocasters who have thousands of loyal viewers have built followings while breaking all recording standards. They walk and talk, they film in unconventional places or the quality is great. However, they always have something unique to say.

Don’t worry about purchasing expensive video editing software. More than likely your video camera came with it or there are inexpensive and “freeware” programs available online. All of these will allow you to load your video to your YouTube account, which you should have set up in advance. There are additional benefits to YouTube like the social networking features which allows you to interact and network with viewers. Be sure when you set up your account, you have a link to your company website in your profile!

When your video is uploaded to YouTube, make it public so people can find it easily. YouTube offers the “share” feature and you can retrieve either the URL link or the code to add the video to your website. Videocasting is an inexpensive but very worthwhile marketing tool that can help you stand out from your competitors!