56 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
56 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Why do local businesses need online videos?

by 512 Designs
46 replies
Ok. My wife has a video business and her customers are mainly consumers. She does weddings and events.

I want to add video to my services and my clients are small business owners. But I'm trying to wrap my head around why videos would be a good thing for these owners. I know there have been some threads where warriors take photos of the inside of restaurants, add some music and throw it up on YouTube. But what good is that? Even if its ranked on page 1 of Google, will a video like that actually produce results?

The videos I'm interested in creating are ones that highlight a business with interviews or testimonials. I'd also like to create an easy to understand package deal. But besides the video what else would it contain and why?

I'd like to go into a business and say something like.....

"We'll create a 3 minute video and rank it on page 1 of Google for the best keywords. We'll also...yadda yadda yadda". And give a set price.

Or "We can create a video or video series for you and you can use it to......."

I guess my problem is trying to explain the benefits of video for a small business owner if I'm not sure of them myself. Especially if its something a business owner is not even asking for to begin with.

I hope that made sense.

Mike
#businesses #local #online #videos
  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    Mike,

    Check data from Youtube: YouTube. If this doesn't convince them, I don't know what will.
    Signature
    People make good money selling to the rich. But the rich got rich selling to the masses.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5883103].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    One word,

    Branding
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5883314].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author racso316
    Besides the fact that you can use the video online and dominate pages and spots in Google, you can use it for testimonials, for your website, etc.

    You can use it as a DVD to educate your clients, or for your clients to educate theirs. It's all about Positioning.

    You can use your video and send it to your prospects along your direct mail campaing as a shock and awe package to further educate them. Your clients could film an educational video with you and send it to their clients.

    -7 mistake people make when hiring an internet marketing consultant
    -5 questions you should ask a carpet cleaner before hiring one
    -4 misconceptions etc etc etc

    I like how this guy used his video to close a deal he lost years ago. He estimated the job at $1,700 and got turned down because the prospect was price shopping. He showed the video and positioned himself and diffirentiated himself and got the job years later at $3,300. Educating and positioning himself above the competition.

    http://www.veoh.com/watch/v3897534Qr8ngCgd

    It's all about positioning, and the video helps with that.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5883390].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dropbear
    50% more likely to show up in a google search with a video.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5883757].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author razza
    Because spreading out your media across all channels works wonders
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5883760].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author vndnbrgj
    Just don't worry about it... If you have someone interested in a video, pm me and I will handle them for you...
    Signature
    Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone
    - Neale Donald Wilson -
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5883772].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thechoice1
    A Youtube video for my client on the 1st page a Google just means one spot NOT taken by the competition. Imagine a places listing, website listing, Youtube listing, an article listing, social media listing, hey how about a Metacafe listing too, for your client on the first page? Not many spaces left for the competition.
    Signature

    You NEED a PLAN
    Until your money train comes in you may want to try to fix your car yourself to save $$. Auto repair videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/fixingcarsandstuff

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5885128].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author kamlesh23
      Originally Posted by thechoice1 View Post

      A Youtube video for my client on the 1st page a Google just means one spot NOT taken by the competition. Imagine a places listing, website listing, Youtube listing, an article listing, social media listing, hey how about a Metacafe listing too, for your client on the first page? Not many spaces left for the competition.
      I agree but its not easy to get all the listing for one keyword i.e. you might get website or youtube video listed in top 10 but googe places, articles and smo listing are hard to achieve .
      Signature

      Get social media traffic to your site now

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5885265].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Usmile
    Hi Mike,

    I found here a blog that talks about video marketing Tips and Tricks on YouTube Videos | The BuyRealViews Youtube Blog

    I hope it helps
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5885240].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Carlsbadd
    I have customers that pay me monthly to keep their video on page one of google for local search terms. It has a lot to do with Branding a product and a little to do with the customers ego. A well produced video on someone's website also keeps visitors on the site longer. I also offer youtube channel management services ...
    People are drawn to video and it stands out and can rank above the places.

    Google search "towing baltimore" to see what I mean... There is a goldmine in video services is you use it correctly
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5887805].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
      Love your category selection on that video. = ) sneaky sneaky!

      Originally Posted by Carlsbadd View Post

      I have customers that pay me monthly to keep their video on page one of google for local search terms. It has a lot to do with Branding a product and a little to do with the customers ego. A well produced video on someone's website also keeps visitors on the site longer. I also offer youtube channel management services ...
      People are drawn to video and it stands out and can rank above the places.

      Google search "towing baltimore" to see what I mean... There is a goldmine in video services is you use it correctly
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5888426].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rushindo
      Originally Posted by Carlsbadd View Post

      I have customers that pay me monthly to keep their video on page one of google for local search terms. It has a lot to do with Branding a product and a little to do with the customers ego. A well produced video on someone's website also keeps visitors on the site longer. I also offer youtube channel management services ...
      People are drawn to video and it stands out and can rank above the places.

      Google search "towing baltimore" to see what I mean... There is a goldmine in video services is you use it correctly
      I googled "towing baltimore" and the first site that came up has fake video testimonials from Fiverr. I hate these fake testimonials. It is getting harder and harder to trust anything you see online now days.

      Rant over.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5895658].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Carlsbadd
        Originally Posted by rushindo View Post

        I googled "towing baltimore" and the first site that came up has fake video testimonials from Fiverr. I hate these fake testimonials. It is getting harder and harder to trust anything you see online now days.

        Rant over.



        That video and website is not mine, I just put it there as a example. I do know who owns and runs it but that's not relevant, It's just a example of how a well placed video brings in leads. The towing company that is paying monthly for the leads only cares about the phone ringing.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5899981].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
        Originally Posted by rushindo View Post

        I googled "towing baltimore" and the first site that came up has fake video testimonials from Fiverr. I hate these fake testimonials. It is getting harder and harder to trust anything you see online now days.

        Rant over.
        You mean how like they have been doing it on TV for all these years
        Signature
        Promise Big.
        Deliver Bigger.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5901550].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author offline master
      Originally Posted by Carlsbadd View Post

      I have customers that pay me monthly to keep their video on page one of google for local search terms. It has a lot to do with Branding a product and a little to do with the customers ego. A well produced video on someone's website also keeps visitors on the site longer. I also offer youtube channel management services ...
      People are drawn to video and it stands out and can rank above the places.

      Google search "towing baltimore" to see what I mean... There is a goldmine in video services is you use it correctly
      How did he rank so high??? I only see 4 backlinks... I mean the description is pretty well optimized, but there are certain things he did not do, so I am wondering what gave him such a big push to the top? I must be missing something, because I have videos that are having trouble to even get to page 1, yet they are pretty well optimized from what I have learned... Can you point out what makes is video rank so well?

      Thanks!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6121561].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author 9999
        youtube channel management services ...
        I like the way that sounds!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6121990].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author shockwave
        Originally Posted by offline master View Post

        How did he rank so high??? I only see 4 backlinks... I mean the description is pretty well optimized, but there are certain things he did not do, so I am wondering what gave him such a big push to the top? I must be missing something, because I have videos that are having trouble to even get to page 1, yet they are pretty well optimized from what I have learned... Can you point out what makes is video rank so well?

        Thanks!
        You mean the nearly 60 backlinks from video syndication, bookmarks, and blog comments? Lest we forget, it's not quantity, it's quality, and there are at least 2 PR2, and 1 PR3 backlink in there.

        ....and there you have it.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6271329].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 512 Designs
    Thanks for all the ideas guys.

    I've done two videos for a local music school but we just put it up on youtube and linked it to their site. They don't have much money to pay for monthly SEO, but maybe I can do it for them for free just for my own sake and use it as a case study.

    Love the towing video idea. Did this client ask you to do this or is it something you sold as a cold call?

    Mike
    Signature
    Let Me Show You How You Can Turn Your
    Existing PLR CONTENT Into CASH MONEY
    In Dozens Of Different Ways!
    CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5888554].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author affspy
    Videos rank fast and better than websites with a little work especially in Local searches.
    People click more than images and videos if they are in 1st page and more standing.
    Try to make some good Title and rank like 1-3 keywords.
    At the end of the day, Biz owners want traffic that converts.
    Signature
    AzonRev Theme - Create a Converting Amazon Review Affiliate site in Minutes
    The Ultimate Guide to Facebook Ads With Amazon Affiliate Program
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5889804].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    The thing with doing videos is to create a channel for the client.

    Secondly when you add the video make sure you do all the onpage SEO things like great descriptions, key phrases and include a link in the top of the fold to their website.

    The beauty of a youtube channel is that it can also be accessed on a mobile and with over hundreds of millions views on mobiles it is a new media for your business.

    Quentin
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5894263].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Concentrating on your solution again instead of the prospect's problem, I see...

    The prospect does not care about SEO, giant postcards, youtube videos, SMS, mobile sites, reputation management...

    When is this going to sink in?

    As soon as you open your mouth and say, "I make videos," you become a commodity. "Oh, I can get my cousin to make us some videos for free." And it doesn't matter to these dingbats whether they actually DO ever make any videos or not. You haven't uncovered any real need.

    Find people who need a steady stream of qualified inbound leads.

    Don't discuss your solution until after you know they need it, believe it will work, can pay for it, and can work with you personality-wise.
    Signature
    >> How To Grow Your Online Business [FREE Training Video, No Opt-In, from 10+ Year Vet]

    >> For Agency Founders: The Fast Shortcut To Selling SEO, Leadgen, Webdesign & Other Services
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5894288].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author 512 Designs
      Originally Posted by kaniganj View Post

      Concentrating on your solution again instead of the prospect's problem, I see...

      The prospect does not care about SEO, giant postcards, youtube videos, SMS, mobile sites, reputation management...

      When is this going to sink in?

      As soon as you open your mouth and say, "I make videos," you become a commodity. "Oh, I can get my cousin to make us some videos for free." And it doesn't matter to these dingbats whether they actually DO ever make any videos or not. You haven't uncovered any real need.

      Find people who need a steady stream of qualified inbound leads.

      Don't discuss your solution until after you know they need it, believe it will work, can pay for it, and can work with you personality-wise.
      Thanks and that's a good point. The reason for my post is to help me understand how "videos" could be a part of the overall solution.

      Mike
      Signature
      Let Me Show You How You Can Turn Your
      Existing PLR CONTENT Into CASH MONEY
      In Dozens Of Different Ways!
      CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5894340].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
      Originally Posted by kaniganj View Post

      Concentrating on your solution again instead of the prospect's problem, I see...

      The prospect does not care about SEO, giant postcards, youtube videos, SMS, mobile sites, reputation management...

      When is this going to sink in?

      As soon as you open your mouth and say, "I make videos," you become a commodity. "Oh, I can get my cousin to make us some videos for free." And it doesn't matter to these dingbats whether they actually DO ever make any videos or not. You haven't uncovered any real need.

      Find people who need a steady stream of qualified inbound leads.

      Don't discuss your solution until after you know they need it, believe it will work, can pay for it, and can work with you personality-wise.
      Exactly!
      Signature
      Your Video Magazine for Local News and Entertainment
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6271046].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author atrbiz
    Hey Mike,

    Online videos can only help a business with branding,credibility,etc. it builds extra exposure which will lead to new business.

    I've done a few videos for some of my local business clients.

    Here is a video for a dental practice I did:
    It's ranked on page 1 of Google and it gets traffic.

    I'm still doing a lot of testing myself and you can definitely do so much with video like other Warriors have said.

    Best of luck,
    Ahmad
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5894386].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Leron Ford
    Here's a benefit of making videos that I haven't seen mentioned (or possibly overlooked) - social proof. It's one thing to say you're the best, but if other people are saying it, it sounds more believable.

    That's my 2 cents.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5894511].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author 512 Designs
      Ok. I'm getting it now and I'm seeing the light.

      I created this video for one of my local clients about 2 months ago. We didn't really have a specific marketing strategy for it (we created it just to put on their website so visitors could see it).


      I added some new tags and a new description for it on Youtube and changed the category so we'll see if I can get it ranked high on Google. They're not paying me for monthly SEO work. I just built the site, did some on-page SEO and did a couple of videos for them.

      They've been losing students because of the economy and don't have much money to spend on marketing. Why is it that marketing dollars are always the first to get cut when a company is losing business?

      Anyway, maybe now I can go back and convince them that they need to put some money towards SEO to get more students. The site is already ranked on page 3 with just the on-page SEO work.

      Mike
      Signature
      Let Me Show You How You Can Turn Your
      Existing PLR CONTENT Into CASH MONEY
      In Dozens Of Different Ways!
      CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5895087].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author rushindo
        Originally Posted by 512 Designs View Post

        Ok. I'm getting it now and I'm seeing the light.

        I created this video for one of my local clients about 2 months ago. We didn't really have a specific marketing strategy for it (we created it just to put on their website so visitors could see it).

        Music Lessons - Voice Lessons - Visual Art Lessons - In Tune With The Arts - Pittsburgh, PA - YouTube

        I added some new tags and a new description for it on Youtube and changed the category so we'll see if I can get it ranked high on Google. They're not paying me for monthly SEO work. I just built the site, did some on-page SEO and did a couple of videos for them.

        They've been losing students because of the economy and don't have much money to spend on marketing. Why is it that marketing dollars are always the first to get cut when a company is losing business?

        Anyway, maybe now I can go back and convince them that they need to put some money towards SEO to get more students. The site is already ranked on page 3 with just the on-page SEO work.

        Mike
        Mike, the video you made looks really good. Great job.

        Brandon
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5899012].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Malikl
        Hi I loved the Video. I would like to make videos like the one you have made for the Music Client. I am not technical a few quick tips would be appreciated. I like the tabs that cover the image to show the name of the CEO. Thanks in advance. I have just put this site up recently and am still working on it. Any feed back would be highly appreciated.

        www.socialmeidahippo.com
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6269806].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author codenaam
    Another thing worth mentioning: a lot of companies have a problem getting people trained, especially in technical jobs. We are also making instructional videos or training videos so they can actually save a lot of time in the future and have people watch training videos instead of losing a lot of time training them personally... Normally these videos are also a higher ticket... Those aren't necessarily for YouTube or for their website of course, however, this is a new way of getting the awareness up with the business owner.
    Signature

    Selling on Amazon https://fba.cafe/ and how to find wholesale distributors for your Amazon FBA business https://fba.cafe/how-to-find-wholesa...-fba-business/

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5894728].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    Looks like its ranking #1 in Videos already on Google. I searched some of the new tags.

    I suggest creating a new youtube channel with corresponding gmail account for the main KW phrase. Pittsburgh Voice Lessons then reload the video there as well.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5895458].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author 512 Designs
      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      Looks like its ranking #1 in Videos already on Google. I searched some of the new tags.

      I suggest creating a new youtube channel with corresponding gmail account for the main KW phrase. Pittsburgh Voice Lessons then reload the video there as well.
      Hi Russ,

      I just checked and that video is now ranked on page 3 for "voice lessons pittsburgh". That's a good sign, huh?

      I agree with you that they need a good youtube channel. I'll bring that up to them.....but like I said previously....they're cash poor now and don't have much money (if any) to spend on marketing. I may have to use them as a pet project to work on my video ranking skills.

      Mike
      Signature
      Let Me Show You How You Can Turn Your
      Existing PLR CONTENT Into CASH MONEY
      In Dozens Of Different Ways!
      CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5901559].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Luke Bishop
        Actions speak louder than words man...

        rank their video, maintain it... go into a business with your ipad, tell them you help local business rank their youtube videos to page 1 of google.

        Hand them the ipad and get them to type in their keyword... watch their eyes light up.

        tell them the video will get more leads and brand their business against competitors.

        Luke
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5903576].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Luke Bishop
    Mike the voice lesson video is pretty good.

    keep going!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5900594].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author 512 Designs
      Originally Posted by Luke Bishop View Post

      Mike the voice lesson video is pretty good.

      keep going!
      Originally Posted by rushindo View Post

      Mike, the video you made looks really good. Great job.

      Brandon
      Thanks Brandon and Luke. I appreciate the compliments.

      These are the types of videos I like making. I actually shot the entire thing in HD with a Canon DSLR. We have full sized HD cameras (like you see the TV people use) but the DSLR is easier to use and the wide angle lens let's me get into tight spaces.



      I just need to be able to convince business owners that online videos are a good way of bringing them customers.


      Mike
      Signature
      Let Me Show You How You Can Turn Your
      Existing PLR CONTENT Into CASH MONEY
      In Dozens Of Different Ways!
      CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5901537].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KateStevensB
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5905974].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author thedealmaker
      Video's are mostly important for branding.

      A business can use them to be where their market is looking for them right when they are looking for them..(Online)

      It also helps with letting people find their businesses on a smartphone device.

      I've seen some businesses who didn't have a mobile version of their site online and it was really hard to read their info, but because they had a video customers jumped straight to that instead of trying to view the teeny tiny writing on their phones.

      I usually tell my clients that it's part of a strategy to be relevant.

      With video being a very popular way for potential customers to learn more about your business, then it makes good business sense to have them.

      People learn in different ways.

      Some like learning more with video than say audio.

      Some like learning more by reading as opposed to looking at video. So you have something for them.

      And so on and so forth.

      A good read on being relevant with what you're offering and having what your market is looking for when it comes to your offering is Z.M.O.T

      It's a free ebook from mother Google.

      It stresses how you need to be able to be found in the many places where your customer is most likely to go looking for your type of service right before they are ready to buy. Your business needs to found there using whatever tools make it easy for them to learn about you.

      I refer to it often
      Signature

      **Learn how to profit from mobile marketing and web 3.0 marketing in under 2 hours
      Click Here Now http://sixfiguresuccesssecrets.com/h...under-2-hours/

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5906080].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MaxReferrals
    Right, you need to better explain the benefits. Local business owners
    typically care about the following:

    1. Getting more customers and sales

    2. Working less, so they can have the freedom they want (which is why most are in business for themselves).

    Show them how video marketing can accomplish this, and you'll be in a better position to communicate this.

    Good luck!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5906114].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author 9999
    512 Designs - I am sending you a pm....

    I also operate a videography company. Aside from weddings, we have been mainly doing video testimonials, short promo videos and a few other small projects such as new employee training videos.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5947605].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jerry Williamson
    Aside from the obvious answer which is Video BRANDS.....

    I have a client that we shoot 3-4 videos per month for his blog. The YouTube videos drive traffic back to his blog. All good and well.

    But, here's what I really liked hearing: client says to me this week "Heck, that just took me 3 minutes to make a video and you do the rest of the work. If I had of written that information in a blog I would have spent an hour of my Sunday afternoon pounding that out."

    Cha Ching.....made my day hearing that.

    Jerry
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5952812].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rollmodl
    Originally Posted by 512 Designs View Post

    I'd like to go into a business and say something like.....

    "We'll create a 3 minute video and rank it on page 1 of Google for the best keywords. We'll also...yadda yadda yadda". And give a set price.

    I guess my problem is trying to explain the benefits of video for a small business owner if I'm not sure of them myself. Especially if its something a business owner is not even asking for to begin with.

    I hope that made sense.

    Mike
    I would leave out "ranking it on page 1 of Google" because it's something that you cannot guarantee. Manage expectations and dont oversell.

    Don't solely concentrate on search engines, utilize social media which can be more powerful with a well produced video. The bottom right sidebar is an example how we use videos to promote local businesses.

    Business Directory

    Although online video is the most effective form of advertising, local businesses do not have a local platform to utilize this type of marketing thus relying on YouTube which is less than ideal. These generic platforms are not geographically targeted or niche specific, thus resulting in minimal traffic for local businesses. Remember, YouTube is a good platform to host but it's not the first place a customer will search for services. Partner with local blogs, directories, etc. to publish you video content.
    Signature
    Your Video Magazine for Local News and Entertainment
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6270991].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author julesw
    A virtual You on video is like being open 24 hrs a day
    Signature
    WIN my Lanparte Smartphone or GoPro Gimbal! Get Ready Get Steady! Watch my Video Here:
    VideoHero.com/win
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6484249].message }}

Trending Topics