Benefits of Video Marketing – And When to Use
a VR Video Experience?

We hear it all the time. Video marketing is the way to go to help your business grow. Video is sticky and keeps visitors on your website, helps lower your bounce rate and increases your SEO. So, the question is: how do we get and use video in our marketing programs? 

One way to afford to create videos for your marketing is to find as many uses for them as possible. You can create a video for your website and then make some minor modifications to it so it can also be used in your trade show exhibit or include a link in your email marketing campaigns. 

I interviewed Cathan Murray from our Skyline 360 Group to better understand how and when to use video, When to use Virtual Reality (VR), and key tips on hiring a video professional. 

Why Use Video in the First Place?  

Video is a relatively inexpensive way to show something that may be impossible to demonstrate using a static image or even in person. It can enable you to illustrate complex ideas without a big investment. It is also easy to edit, repurpose and share in a variety of ways. 

What is the Best Length for a Video? 

It really depends, there are situations for everything. Yet some good rules of thumb are: 

• Shorter is better. Two minutes max for a website video. 
• A looping video that you will be showing at a trade show can be up to 9 minutes but only in the right situation usually we recommend around two. 

• Promotional video length depends on the topic. 
• It takes about 3 seconds to capture someone’s attention in a focused piece so getting to the point is important. 
• For a Virtual Reality (VR) video you can create an experience in about 3-4 minutes. 

Different Applications of video marketing – What are the differences?  

Using videos on social media can be tricky, as you must catch people’s attention almost immediately before the viewer scrolls to something else. Videos should be short, or better yet use a GIF that links to a video on your website or blog.  Also, depending on the platform, subtitles or a no-sound option can be helpful as many watch without volume. 

At a trade show, it is harder to do a video with a voice-over due to the noise level. You can email a link to the video with a voice-over before the show and then use a shorter version with motion graphic text at the show. It can be an effective way to reinforce the message. Then you can even have a longer version with sound that integrates more detail and lives on your website. 

What Are Some Good Examples for When to Use VR?  

VR is great when you are trying to put someone in a unique setting that is not easily re-creatable on the trade show floor. A good example is if you want someone to explore an environment or large machinery you can create a VR video experience that they can explore in the show. 

What Are the Advantages of VR Video Experience?

You can create a unique experience for your clients and show your company as cutting edge. It can virtually transport your visitor to a location that helps you communicate your brand message or event theme. It can also be an attractive experience that gets more people to come to your booth at trade shows.

What are some Effective Tips to Start Using Video Marketing?  

One of the best places to use your videos is on your website. Make sure you place them in a predominant location, so they are easy to find and keep people on your website. 

If you are going to place your videos on your website, make sure that you hire a professional to shoot your video and, even more importantly, to edit your video. According to Cathan Murray from our Skyline 360 creative group, “A good editor can overcome badly shot video, if necessary.” 

Make the video concise and to the point. Focus on the highlights and leave out the details. The viewer can always reach out to you with specific questions. 

If you are planning to hire a professional, it is helpful to review YouTube and Vimeo examples so you can reference them and share them with potential vendors to help them understand what style you want. If you can send them this information before you even meet it can help them prepare for your meeting. 

What Skills Should I Look for in a Videographer?  

• Standard shooting experience 
• Ability to pilot drones 
• 360 degree shooting experience 
• Ownership of key equipment for the style you want 

• Software: Adobe, Final Cut Pro 
• Camera stabilizers 
• Drones (see what your drone video footage can look like: click here) 
• Industry standard software 

What are some Ideas for Using Video in Promotions?  

• Create a microsite or web landing page for your email links with select videos about your products or service. You can also use this for Pay per click promotions. 
• Embed specific graphics in your exhibit that can be used with AR to trigger videos using iPads. 
• Use a Google cardboard player to create content and send to high end clients. 
• Send a video postcard via standard mail or FedEx as invitations to a key event. 

How Should You Decide Whether to Use Videos?  

On your website: you can use video to show your employee’s and brands’ personality, highlight a client testimonial to increase credibility, or show a setting or a product at work. Yet, be careful of long videos as some people will not have the time or interest to watch them. Key information should be communicated outside the video as well. 

On Social Media: you can use prerecorded or live video to communicate more complex messages and to gain attention for longer periods of time. Live video can be especially helpful to create a sense of urgency when broadcasting a limited-time event or introducing a new product or service. These videos will also be available on social after the live event and add interest to your social pages. 

At a Trade Show: Video is a great way to attract and occupy visitors while staffers are busy, it can also be a great way to showcase products or services you can’t display at the show. Video should not be relied on to be the only way engage clients and find out what they need. It is primarily an attention grabber or can be used to communicate specific messaging once staffers have identified a need. 

How have you used videos for promotions, trade shows, or other marketing initiatives? Let us know in the comments section below!