Creating an effective video marketing campaign is what top video production companies in Los Angeles know how to do. Video marketing is a a must and statistics prove it: 5 billion videos are watched every day on YouTube. Social videos create 1200% more shares than text and images and video landing page increase conversion by 80% and more users recall a video they’ve watched online in the past month.

There are a whole bunch of other numbers and statistics that back up the effectiveness of videos too: videos increase web traffic, it has the highest ROI generating more qualified leads per year and videos increases brand awareness.

If video isn’t front and center in your marketing, read our post, Why Video Marketing Should Lead Your Content Strategy.

The return on investments in video have been proven. But how do you make an effective video?

Here are five research-proven tips to make your video marketing efforts pay off.

1. Focus on the story, not sales

The best video content tells stories that connect with the viewer. The better you tell stories about yourself, the more likely your viewers are going to understand what your company is offering and what it can do for them. I’m focusing here on videos that promote brand awareness and can be shareable. The exception to this is a Direct Response TV-styled video – which has a direct sales pitch and asks the viewer to take an action at the end, such as visiting a website or calling an 800 number. They’re often made for TV or paid online advertising. DRTV styled spots certainly have their place in the world and we’ve made a number of them like this video we did for SnackPals, a snack dispenser for kids.

Aside from Direct Response TV-styled videos, your website and social media videos should focus on adding value to your audience. Leverage the power of storytelling to ignite emotions and connect with the viewer. An example would be presenting how a real-life customer used your product or service to solve a pressing problem.

Related article: why your company needs a video series.

2. Make the first 10 seconds count

A good portion of your audience will click away from the video within the first 10 seconds, unless you make it crystal clear right from the start what they’ll get out of watching your video as video production companies in Los Angeles know and plan for.

You can grab their attention right away by asking an enticing question, state a bold or unexpected fact, use the words, “what if” or “imagine” or introduce a problem and promise the solution.

Related article: video marketing for social media.

3. Include closed captions

Most videos on social media sites, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are watched without sound. Closed captions, or subtitles aren’t just for the hearing impaired. A lot of people with normal hearing often watch videos with captions on.

Use large on-screen text that’s easy to read so no matter if the sound is on or not, your message is very clear. 

You want the viewer to get and connect with your message and you want to make that process as easy as possible. Adding captions expands your audience and it’s easy to implement.

4. Optimize your video for search

If you’re putting your video on youtube in addition to your company website, which is highly recommended as Youtube is the second largest search engine after Google, here are some things you should do to maximize the Search Engine Optimization, SEO of the video:

• Choose a descriptive relevant title that incorporates the keyword you want to target (but don’t keyword stuff)
• Write a thorough and complete video description that is keyword rich (again, don’t keyword stuff)
• Add links in the video description
• Add relevant tags
• And add closed captions as they help with SEO.

5. Create a Call-To-Action (CTA)

When creating videos, be sure to include a Call-to-Action (CTA) in your content. If a viewer has watched the entire video, chances are they are genuinely interested. This is your chance to guide them to the desired action you want them to take. It doesn’t have to be a sale and usually is not. You might want them to like your page, comment on the video, subscribe to the channel or an email list, start a free trial, or consume content on a different part of your website. 

Final Thoughts

Top video production companies in Los Angeles know that the goal with video marketing should always be to inform the viewer and connect with them.  If you accomplish this, they most likely will take the next step and will follow the call-to-action in your video. 

And don’t forget the power of behind the scenes content. Read our post on why you need behind the scenes video production.

Lastly, make sure to shamelessly post and share your content on all your social media platforms!

For more, read our blog on Video Marketing Trends

Videos are a must for ecommerce. Read how to increase sales with ecommerce product videos.

About Gate5, a Los Angeles video production company

Gate5 is a full service video production company in Los Angeles producing engaging and results driven video content for big and small businesses and advertising agencies.

We conceptualize, write scripts, secure locations and permits, cast actors, direct, film and edit viral videos, branded films, product and promotional videos, web and TV commercials, episodic content and live video streaming production.

Click here for our video samples.

Contact us to see how we can help you with video or photography.

Check out our fashion photography or beauty photography.