Think video is reserved for big corporations and even bigger budgets? Think again. Here are 8 small business video marketing myths.
8 Small Business Video Marketing Myths
1. It’s too expensive.
One of the most common small business video marketing myths we hear about video is that it’s an expensive form of marketing. But it’s only expensive if you’re not getting a return on investment.
And as long as you’re using your video properly, video marketing has some of the best ROI available in the marketing world.
Here’s why: Video marketing gets you in front of more people.
Think about it. If you go out to a networking event, you might get in front of 20 people. If you’re a regular in the networking world, then 10-15 of those people you likely know already.
If you have an email list or social following, then a fraction of your audience sees your content, and they typically only see it that one time. Additionally, this content won’t show up in Google searches when potential customers search for your services.
When you create a marketing video, however, you can maximize the use of that video to be seen on every platform. Plus it lives online forever, constantly getting more views over time.
With one video, you can reach people on your email list (by sending it out in an email), all social media accounts, YouTube, your website, your email signature, your blog and more. It will even show up in Google searches because Google prioritizes video.
Even if you “only” get 200 views from a video, compare that to how many networking events you’d have to attend to get in front of 200 people. Plus, you’re more likely to attract new eyes with video.
Still don’t believe us? According to an annual video marketing survey by Wyzowl, 87% of video marketers report that video gives them a positive ROI – and 51% of marketing professionals worldwide say video has the best ROI.
2. It’s too time-consuming.
Video does require some time and effort on your end. Video is more effective, for example, when your messaging and branding are on point. So you might need to jot down some ideas, and hone in on the purpose of your video. What marketing goal are you trying to meet with this video?
That being said, it’s not any more time-consuming than other forms of marketing as long as you work with the right production team. Sure, if you’re creating video yourself, it’s going to be time-consuming because you’re not trained in the field. But that’s why we’re here for you.
At SchlickArt, we do everything we can to make sure creating video is as easy and stress-free as possible. Our streamlined process walks you through every step of content creation. We provide prompts, script templates, wardrobe guides, on-set production assistance, digital delivery and more.
At the end of the day, we’re small business executives just like you. We understand that your time is precious – and time is money. That’s why we do everything we can to take the time-consuming work off your plate and onto ours.
3. Video is for big corporations.
It’s easy to think that video is too big for small businesses because, for many of us, we remember a time before video marketing. Back then, video was for businesses who could afford commercials, actors and sets. It was a corporate man’s game.
Over time, however, video has become much more accessible, especially if you use a video production team that caters to small businesses.
SchlickArt is designed to work with and support small businesses. We’re here to help you figure out the best ways to use video for you. Today, that often means finding simple yet powerful uses of video, including: websites, social media, email lists, blogs, email signatures and more. We can even help you turn video into audio for a podcast.
There is no ceiling for small business marketing anymore.
4. My industry doesn’t use video.
Every business has FAQs. Every business has announcements. Every business has a website.
So every business can use video.
You don’t need to be in a highly visual industry, such as real estate or beauty services, to see an impact with video marketing. If your business runs on customers, then you can benefit from video marketing.
5. Video isn’t versatile enough.
If you don’t think your industry or business has a use for video, it’s probably because you haven’t seen examples of the seemingly endless uses of video that are available to you.
Many of our clients, for example, create one video and then turn it into many separate pieces of content. With one video, you can:
- Extract the audio to create a podcast episode
- Create a transcript to post as a blog
- Pull short clips for social media posts
- Post the full-length video on your website
- Send out a link in an email newsletter
- Add it to your email signature
- Include it in a presentation or sales pitch
- Use it in an online course or membership
- Send it in a direct message
- Play it in your office or waiting room
- And more!
6. I’m not good enough to be on camera.
This is one of the most pervasive small business video marketing myths we hear. Most small business owners think they’re not good enough to be on camera. You might think you need an actor, on-camera experience or some kind of training in order to be “good enough” for video.
But none of that is true. First of all, your audience wants to see you. They want to know who they’re buying from, and who they’re trusting.
They also care way more about learning from your expertise than they do about what you look like or sound like. In fact, you are the only one who cares about that.
Here’s the bottom line: If you have knowledge to share, there are people who want to watch you talk about it. Anything else is just your fear and insecurity talking.
7. If it doesn’t go viral, there’s no point.
It’s easy to think that video isn’t worth doing unless you go viral. After all, business owners and entrepreneurs are typically over-achieving perfectionists, right? We want to go for the moon!
However, progress is much more important than perfection. Why? Because progress means more clients. Even if you “only” get 150 views on your first video, you’re closer to building an audience of thousands than you were before you posted any videos at all, right?
Plus – you just marketed to 150 people! That means you’re way closer to a new client than you were when you weren’t creating video at all.
Our point is: You don’t need to go viral in order to reach your goals – and you don’t need to go viral in order to achieve your marketing goals.
Besides, what you’re really looking for is a proper measurement of success. So create one that means something to you. How many leads do you need in order for your video to create enough revenue to justify the price? How many leads do you need in order to call this video a success? Maybe you’re not even aiming for leads. Maybe all your video needs to do is create some awareness. It’s up to you to decide – not the internet.
8. Video is short-lived.
Many people make the mistake of creating a video, posting it on social media, and then forgetting about it forever. But you just paid for a video, and if you don’t see the proper ROI, then you wasted your investment.
Effective video marketing isn’t just about creating good video – it’s also about using it properly.
If you don’t want your video to have a short lifespan, then create a marketing plan to use it in multiple ways over time. For example, you could create video clips to use in a social media campaign. You could embed your video on your website, or you could create an email campaign that sends out your videos every time you get a new email subscriber.
The point is: Wherever you post it, video continues to live online, and whenever someone comes across it, it continues to market on your behalf. You could be sleeping or working or twiddling your thumbs, and in the meantime, someone is watching your video and getting ready to purchase.
Did you find these small business video marketing myths helpful? Check out these SchlickArt Video Blogs.
About Our Quality Video Marketing in Santa Clarita
With years of professional experience, Brian not only has an eye for crisp visuals and engaging shots — but also an ear for powerful storytelling. In his vision, marketing video should communicate the why behind your business and present it to the world in the most compelling visual format possible. With a camera in his hand, Brian can turn a vision into reality and business-as-usual marketing videos into an opportunity to connect.
About Our Santa Clarita Business Videos
SchlickArt Business Video Sessions are story-driven films about your business, non-profit, product or service. Our goal is to discover your ‘why’ — the true reason you do what you do. Our specialty is telling stories, and we believe communicating your story is the best way to build your brand. We can’t wait for you to see how the world notices when you take the time to tell your authentic story.
About SchlickArt Photography and Video
SchlickArt, a boutique photo and video studio in Santa Clarita, started in March 2012 with the simple idea that empowerment creates a kind of beauty and authenticity that shines through every camera lens. Built on a philosophy — rather than a product, service or person — SchlickArt has rapidly evolved, meeting professional portraiture, business photo and business video needs as diverse as the community we capture. It’s the desire to take care of you, the client, that drives us at SchlickArt.