Many marketers have found out just how popular video is today.

Did you know that over half the Google searches were to find videos on various different subjects?

Business video marketing has become mainstream and soon it will be a requirement.

There are so many different forms of successful video marketing being used:

• YouTube Video Marketing and Internet video marketing via other video sites
• Training videos
• Using videos on your squeeze page
• Using videos on your sales page
• Relationship building videos
• And a whole lot more

The important thing to know is that your conversion rates frequently are 2-4 times better and sometime will goes up 7 to 10 times higher by marketing with video rather than just using text and graphics.

One of the key issues that seem to stop people from using video is the question of what they need to put on the video.

They think it has to be an elaborate production like a feature film.

That’s just not true and most of the online video marketing is done with cheap video cameras or no video cameras at all, just free or low cost screen capture software; there are also services that provide excellent video for very reasonable prices.

Let’s look at the 7 steps you need to do in order to create your own Internet Marketing videos.

How to Make a Video

There are really only 7 important steps to making an video in marketing campaigns.

For the purposes of this discussion, we’re going to assume that the video for marketing purposes will be for an opt-in or squeeze page; that is, a page where you want the use to provide you with their e-mail address (and maybe other contact information) usually in return for something of value.

Step 1: What is the Purpose of the Video?

The first thing to understand is what the true purpose of the online marketing video is.

Is it to get people to sign up to your newsletter or training course?

Is it to convince people to buy your product?

Is it to teach them how to do something?

Whatever it is, you need to understand that core purpose.

Step 2: What Information Will Convey That Purpose?

Next, you need to understand what content to put on your Internet marketing video.

What information did you need to get across to your visitors that will help get them to achieve what you want to achieve?

Since your video should usually be short, about 2 to 3 minutes in length, keep your content direct to the point.

Step 3: Write a Script

Now that you know the purpose and what general content you’ll put in the video you need to write your script.

This helps you organize your thoughts and will make the video more professional because you’ll have something to practice so you don’t stumble and stammer during the video.

For this 2-3 minute video you need to write about 3-400 words.

At first, don’t worry about the length and just write down everything, you can then go back and edit it down.

Read aloud the script a number of times until you know it well; this is like an actor rehearsing lines. Edit the script further as necessary.

Step 4: Do Some Trial Runs

Now you are ready for a trial run of the video.

Start “filming”, either to a video camera or do your screen capture, and follow the script.

At this point, you may realize that you need some script changes; this may be because of things you forgot, awkward parts, the length is too long or too short, etc.

Make the script changes now and practice the script a few times with the changes in.

Keep doing it until you are comfortable with what you have.

Step 5: Create the Video

After you have worked out all the kinks in the video and are happy with the content, the running time and your ability to create it, then it is time to do the “final take”.

Just do the video as you have been, making sure your telephone is turned off, your door is closed, and you’ll have no other distractions.

Roll ‘em!

Step 6: Edit the Video

After you have your final take now it is time to do any editing; there is plenty of good free software out there to help you: CamStudio, Windows Movie Maker, Audacity, etc.

This is the time to:

• Edit out any blips
• Put in some background music
• Blur out any passwords or other information you don’t want seen
• Add some title pages at beginning and/or end
• Do some branding
• And more

Remember you want to draw people into leaving their contact information on your squeeze page so make sure the final cut will do that.

Step 7: Export the Video for Viewing

After everything is done it is time to turn the video into something that is easily viewed on the Internet.

Most commonly this is a Flash .swf file and virtually all video software can turn your video into a Flash .swf file.

Using Your Video

Now you have your video created you need to add it to you squeeze page.

If you don’t know how to do that then just send the output from your video software (it should have created some files in a folder) to the person who will do that for you.

Of course, since this is part of your squeeze page, you need to be sure to have your opt-in box on there where people can leave their contact information for you.

If you’re going to have some sales copy on the page as well, I prefer this but some people just use a video, keep it short and on topic.

One of the most important things on a squeeze page should be your “call to action.

This tells your web visitor exactly what they should do.

Be direct, even if it seems obvious to you.

For example, if you want them to enter their e-mail address and click a subscribe button then say “Enter your e-mail address in the box on the right and then click the Subscribe button”

You really can never be too explicit.

Conclusion

We looked at the 7 steps to quickly and easily getting a video completed, they were:

1. Understand what the purpose of the video is
2. Decide what information will convey that purpose
3. Write the a script
4. Do some trial runs
5. Create the video
6. Edit the video
7. Export the video for viewing

We also looked at what to do with the video to complete your squeeze page.

All in all, it may seem like a lot but after you’ve done a few they should only take an hour or two and that will be time well spent if you get 2-4 time more conversions.

So, go ahead, improve your conversion rate today by using video!

Note: if you don’t want to do it yourself or don’t have the time here is a resource that will create TV-quality videos for you at an unbelievably low price, check it out now!

How do you use video?

Why don’t you use video if you don’t?

Leave me a comment and let me know.

Talk soon,

David

The Shameless (Ethical) Marketer

http://www.Twitter.com/DavidHusnian

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How to Make Videos and Increase Conversion Rates is a post from: Street Guide to Video Marketing