Small Business, Big voice

One of the best things about being a small business is that you have the ability to test new ideas. So much of starting a smaller business is about trial and error. Finding out what works for you, and what draws in the customer you are looking for. One such area is with online video. Video has the ability to help you connect and engage your customers, in a way that text-based websites just cannot do.

As with most small businesses cost can be an issue. Most companies do not have the budgets that the big guys do. But you know what? Adding video to your company is a very cost effective way to grow your business, in fact you really can’t afford NOT to add video! Here are a few ways that video can help you get heard in the industry:

1. CONNECT WITH YOUR CUSTOMER

The great thing about being a small business is the ability to have a personal connection with your consumer. Video enables you to engage your customers on a personal level. For example say you own auto body shop. With video you could have a live record video chat between the mechanics, and the customers. The mechanic could go through the areas that needed attention, and show you the process, through a range of tutorials. Another effective way that the auto body shop could add value to their services is by offering helpful tips on their website, on vehicle maintenance, between visits.

2. VISIBILITY

Video increases your visibility on-line. Universal searches within Google, have proven that 1 in every 4 of the top searches are video. This statistic shows that if someone does a search, all content by video will come up first giving it maximum visibility. Those videos are more likely to get clicked on, than any text based information n the same subject. Linking onto a website with video, will increase the traffic to the site, and also create “sticky” websites. (Video based websites hold people’s attention longer, and keeps them from clicking to another site, causing them to get “stuck” on them)

3. PRODUCTIVITY

Live video conferencing, and collaborating with remote employees or customers can be invaluable. Having a small business sometimes inhibits you from travelling to and from your suppliers, and or colleagues freely. Video allows you to readily converse with your team effectively. This is a great tool, if you want to have a conference call, and need to trouble shoot an issue. Often emails and text can be ineffective in translating the key messages.

4. ACCESSIBILITY

On of the greatest things about video, and how it can be a benefit to small businesses is its availability. Internet video can be viewed anywhere, and everywhere. On your iPhone, blackberry, iPad, laptop. Anywhere that has a network connection.

5. EMPLOYEE FOCUS

What better way to show your team, than have a short video bio created for each member! This personal touch can really set you apart from your competition. People want to trust in their businesses. Having your employee’s showcased on your website, shows them a) That the company values its team, and believes in them, and b) It shows the customer who they will be working with, and helps them feel connected, right away. This makes for a lasting and loyal relationship!

Video is 53x more likely to appear in the 1st page of search engine results, than text related pages with the same topics. On-line video lives forever, it is an effective, affordable way to get your business noticed!

Elle Boutilier