How Long Should My Video Be On My Website?

stopwatch

Length of Video

Did you know that 50% more people will complete a 1 minute video than a 2 minute video? That’s significant considering most businesses want to post longer videos. We tend to recommend that if you want to post a video, that it be under 1 minute…and if you have more to say, let’s find a way to break it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This allows the viewer to continue to click through the important portions of your videos (education) while also identifying what is important to potential customers…or what is not said efficiently somewhere else on the website.

So, I Shouldn’t Post A Long Video?

Not necessarily. It really depends on the type of video.

  1. Commercials. Many companies need to education potential customers about what they do or the benefits of the product. This can usually be done within 30 seconds.
  2. How To. Some companies need to educate current customers about how to use a product, such as how to assemble it or how to use it safely. In these cases, the length of the video is less important; however, it is important that the video get to the point quickly or the viewer will think the video will be a waste of their time.
  3. Testimonials. Testimonial videos can be up to 2 minutes. People like to watch other people give testimonials before they buy to help them determine if they are making a good choice. By providing sufficient time for multiple testimonials, the potential customer can watch as many or as few testimonials as needed to help them make a decision.

We hope this helps you make an educated decision on how long your video should be. Whether we produce it for you or someone else, make sure the length of the video is correct for it’s use. Contact us if you have any questions.

 

Video Testimonials – Do You Know the Secret? Video Improves Website Presence

While word of mouth is an excellent way to build your business, did you know that capturing a testimonial on video of your clients so that potential clients who research your company is highly effective? Ponder this: a client is searching via Google for your services. They want to know some more information about what your company offers. They don’t necessarily want to hire you, but they find you because you have a video on your website. Your website has the keywords required to capture Google’s attention and your video convinces them to buy.

Your video is only 2 minutes and it is filled with your clients bragging about how they have benefited from your product or service. They learn about how you took the time to learn what they needed and provided exactly the right service and as expected.

This type of video is known as the testimonial video and it accomplishes two things: (1) bonus points for the video (Google owns YouTube, therefore the algorithm pays special attention to your site with the embedded video); and (2) it shows the potential customer/client that you know what you are doing. It illustrates, from a satisfied customer, how you do business and that they are so satisfied they feel comfortable explaining to the world how you’ve helped them. Powerful! Here’s an example:

The best way to approach a client about doing a testimonial video is by letting them know that you are shooting a video for your website. Many people would love to brag about someone they know can and will do the job. Select those clients that have referred you business from others as the priority individuals. Also, consider the mix of messages that they each can provide. For example, if one can provide insight into two facets of your business and another client can offer two different facets, that might just be the right mix.

As always, you can use us to help you create the plan, organize the shoot day, and complete the project on time. Let us know how we can help!

When Is It Time To Add Video to Your Marketing Plan?

image of video camera with words

Websites used to be just a way for people to find you. And it still is. But it has become even more than that. For example, when done correctly, your website should be interactive, solution driven, and easy to navigate. The website world is changing quickly. Websites used to be pretty static, unchanging, and a place for people to get basic contact information. Not anymore!

Today, people are researching companies, people, and groups via Google, Bing, or other search resources. It’s time to manage your online identity. One way to manage your identity is provide good information about what you do and how you do it. This can be accomplished through video. But, when is it time to add video? Here are some perfect times to add video to your repertoire:

When You Are Rebuilding or Re-Launching Your Website

Video is a critical part of new websites. If you make the video the showpiece of your site, you’ll find people spend more time on your site, improving your stats and, possibly, your SEO metrics. In less than 2 minutes, you can describe what you do, how you do it, and why a potential customer should contact you.

New Product or Service Offering

If you’re providing a new product or service, this is usually a good time to add video to your site. A video will allow you to describe the new product or service quickly and even provide a demonstration. Highly powerful. Always effective. Additionally, if you have a product that must be assembled and are having some difficulty getting your customers to assemble the product correctly, a video might be just the solution.

Re-Branding

If you’re in a position of re-branding your business, think about how you might add video to your site to describe why the re-branding has happened, what is the benefit of the new brand, or, if applicable, why the re-brand won’t affect your current level of service. Just make sure the video launch coincides with the entire branding strategy so that you can lengthen the shelf-life of the video.

An Event

If you have a tradeshow, a fundraising event, or you’re unveiling a new product, people love a video presentation. A video always does better than a PowerPoint presentation or speech. No matter the size of your business, a video supporting an event is highly productive.

The best way to stand out and apart from your competition is a video. When you invest in a high-quality video, your business stands out. Let us know if we can help!

Predictions About Video in 2014

crystal ball for fortune telling

We at Plum Productions may not have a crystal ball, but we can see the trends that are both affecting our business and driving our business. Here are a couple of trends that we think you’d like to know about in 2014.

  1. Mobile. Video on mobile devices has grown extremely fast in the last couple of years, but we think it will grow exponentially in 2014. We believe the larger number of smart phones in the marketplace and the addition of a much faster 4G infrastructure has increased the ability for video to be an option. Cisco predicts that mobile video will increase 25-fold between 2011 and 2016, making video the largest consumer of data traffic.
  2. Short Videos. Although we’re not a proponent of short videos, the trend is on the rise. We believe this to be a great tool to tease a product or service, but not as a promotional piece by itself.
  3. Elections. We believe nothing tells a story better than a video. During the 2014 midterm elections for the U.S. Senate, House, and the state and local government roles, we believe we’ll see video endorsements from groups and families promoting one candidate or another. While not different from other years, this year we believe there will be more of them. Layer on the comment system built into YouTube and we should see a full fledged political war online.
  4. Testimonials. We see testimonial videos as continuing to rise and continuing to be successful for business. Nothing tells a story better about how good a business is than hearing directly from their customer. The trend is to shift from paid actors/actresses to customer testimonials.

We think 2014 should be a great year for video. Whether it’s corporate video, web video, or both, we can help you make the right choices about what do and how to do it correctly. Give us a call to help!

Is Video Good For Business?

How Video Helps

Studies have shown that consumers will search Google, Bing, or another search engine for information about your business before buying. Some businesses use this to their advantage while some do not. The goal is to have great quality content posted on a consistent basis along with engaging information. That’s where video comes in.

Video In Action

Here’s a great example of how an organization needed video to show the benefits of their services. Roominate showed how girls and boys not only learn differently but can add a significant value to the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.  They highlight the skills women bring to the table that might not otherwise be noticed or acknowledged. Additionally, they show how their products engage young girls in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Organizations that want to express a challenge in the marketplace and how their product or service can solve that problem should use video to express all the benefits in one place.    As a client told us the other day, if a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth millions. We couldn’t agree more! A video fully expresses the most critical components in a concise method. Without video, an organization like Roominate might not get their point across about how important it is for girls to experience science, technology, engineering, and math. Their video is able to express all the important components of sharing key buying decisions for those who visit their website. This is why we say that a website without video is like reading a newspaper. One can get the information they need, but it’s a lot more fun learning via a video.

Creating a web video is simple. Contact us for information about scripts, web video components, and video campaigns that can help you drive your placement in SEO.

New Ideas for Generating Revenue with Video

At Plum Productions, we always pride ourselves on being able to show our clients how videos can help them gain visibility and enhance their marketing strategy.  However, once in a while, one of our clients will surprise us with a new concept.  Recently, a particularly inventive entreprenuer had an idea to help generate revenue, but he needed our help. This man’s business is a consulting firm, and he his clientele is spread across the country. He “meets” with them over the phone, but wanted to also offer an added service.  That’s where Plum Productions came in. We’re shooting ten minute educational and motivational videos that he distributes to his clients every week.  So, while he still gives them personalized weekly consultations, they’re also getting the added value of the educational videos and corresponding exercises.   It’s as if he’s spending more time with every client every week, but without actually having to work longer hours. We love this idea!  How can you use video to give your existing clients added value without stretching your own schedule?  Food for thought. The Plum Productions Team  

Welcome to Our New Website!

You may have noticed our website has undergone a big makeover!  Our new new site does more than just show you samples of our work:  we want you to be inspired and excited to add video to your marketing plan. Let us point out a few new site features that are specifically designed for you:

First, visit our Solutions page, specially designed to help you identify the type of project that will meet your needs, and shows your examples to get your creative juices flowing.

Next, click on “Why Video” under the Solutions tab.  Learn how video can help potential customers find you, and help you convert them into clients.

Last, but not least, keep checking back to this Blog for more creative ideas, updated information and recent Plum Projects. Do you like the new site?  We’d love to hear from you.

Cheers,
The Plum Productions Team