Watch the video below or read the full transcript below.
Today starts the second week of self-isolation from the virus.
Over the last week, I’ve seen a lot of conversations online with SMEs, about why it’s crucial for businesses to be staying visible through this pandemic.
And it got me thinking about this from a video perspective. So in this video I wanted to give SMEs my suggestions for staying visible online using video.
Because I think now more than ever, video is playing a really important part in helping people to stay connected with their families.
Friends. Colleagues. Customers and followers.
I’ve seen people use video who I personally know and a year ago they pretty much said that video was not for them.
Over the weekend I’ve seen a few musicians who like the rest of the world are isolated and sharing their music with their fans. Live, using video.
Schools are starting to deliver lessons online, and there’s loads more examples of people and businesses using video when previously they wouldn’t have given it a second thought.
This just tells me that there is a place for video for every business. And everyone.
So if you’re a SME and feeling isolated. Maybe you’re not sure what to do next for your business. Or your business has been affected, then my advice to you is to start using video today to stay visible online.
Video is the ultimate visual medium. People love video and the engagement you’ll get from your videos will absolutely help to make you feel better. And more importantly it means you’re doing something proactively for your business.
So here are a few ideas to help you use video in your business during this uncertain time.
1. Make Vlogs
First, start making video blogs. Now one of the main reasons people don’t make video blogs is that they don’t like the way they look or sound in video. Networking and client meetings will happening differently now. Many of these are taking place with some kind of video conferencing tool. So use those video meetings to get used to seeing and hearing yourself in a video environment. Then get the confidence to go and make some videos. I’ve got lots of other videos on my website to help you get started with vlogging so do check them out.
When you do start making videos, tell customers how you’ve been affected with the pandemic.
How will you be changing your business during this period?
How will you or can you continue to support them?
Will you be working less or more hours? I’m sure they’d love to hear from you and see how the business and you are doing.
2. Create a video brochure
Another idea is to create a video brochure of your products and services. You can do this using video software like Powtoon or Animoto and using your existing photos or graphics which form part of your brochure. Most video software has a free 30 day trial. Use that free trial to learn the software and make a brochure. Share it in all the usual ways to remind people of what you do and what your products and services are. Do this regularly to keep reminding people you’re still open for business.
3. Make live social videos
Next, make some live social videos which are just about your journey during this pandemic. Where are you working from? How are you finding it? What are you missing most about the world? This can be a great way of just getting some general discussion and support about what’s happening. And that in itself can help to build some interesting relationships.
So I hope that’s given you some ideas on how to stay visible online with video. Remember, these ideas will work now AND when all this is over. So you’re really just starting your journey towards making more videos for the future whilst you have the time.
If you have any questions or comments, then please get in touch in all the usual ways. I’d really love to help answer any questions and get you started using video.