Tuesday, December 29, 2009

You're on Camera! Marketing with Video

What’s one of the best things you can do for your website? Humanize it! Websites aren’t about technology, though many web developers would have you believe just that. Websites are about people and communicating with one another, whether for fun in a social networking session of common interests or in business. Products don’t buy and sell themselves, people do!

So humanize your site! One of the best ways is a simple greeting to say “Hi, I’m Drew, here’s what we do….” (Try not to rhyme with your name, however.)

Visitors to your site will stay longer if their attention is focused. Focus it with a video of yourself or another important spokesperson for your company on your home page. Video adds a human element. Video lets people see who they are dealing with. Video adds dimension and trust. This is especially important for smaller businesses with a lot to offer but without the built-in clout and credibility of, say, GE. People expect folks at GE to know what they’re doing. Smaller businesses need to develop credibility. An online video can be important for other reasons, as well. If you are an on-camera talent, it’s only natural people will want to know what you look like. When photos aren’t enough, use video to capture their attention, get to know your company vis-a-vie yourself, and develop or enhance trust in you/your organization.

And that’s really what it’s all about. Do I trust this company? This website? To do what it says it will do? Or do I trust this person?

We’ve all got something to market. Sometimes, it’s ourselves!

For an example of what I’m talking about, just click here.

Dennis Dean is a Communications Consultant and Managing Partner for Dean Group Media

He may be reached at dennis@deangroup.com