I know you're already thinking of all the reasons you can't do video...
I'm not comfortable on camera.
I don't have a professional camera.
I don't know how to do it properly.
People don't want to see my face.
I'm terrible at public speaking.
The list goes on.
Trust me, I get it. I've been there! It was only a few short years ago that I posted my first video to Facebook...
I was nervous as hell. I think I recorded about 100 versions of this video before I finally published it, and it was purely because I ran out of time and just posted what I had!
But, the reason why I did it was because I desperately needed to engage with my audience. Our organization was struggling and I needed to get our members involved. And wouldn't you know, it worked. My first video got a ton of reach! So, I tried again. This time, instead of my regular bi-weekly written newsletter, I recorded a video instead. Holy cow! The response I got was shocking. It's like our members were just dying for this type of content. So many people reached out to me and said they loved the videos! They didn't like reading newsletters, but watching a video was super easy.
I had found the holy grail of content, and it was video.
So before I dive into the 3 reasons you should be using video, let me address some of those concerns I mentioned earlier...
I'm not comfortable on camera. - I totally understand! I was there not that long ago. But, you know the only thing that made me more comfortable on camera? Being on camera.
I don't have a professional camera. - You don't need one! All you need is a smartphone or a computer with a camera on it. You do not need professional quality videos on social media.
I don't know how to do it properly. - That's what I'm here for! There are some super simple tactics for creating and posting videos. I promise you, it's not as complicated as you're making it out to be.
People don't want to see my face. - Yes, they do! First of all, you're beautiful and amazing. Second of all, social media audiences are craving more video content! Keep reading for the 3 reasons why.
I'm terrible at public speaking. - That's okay! Practice makes perfect. Did I mention there were about 100 versions of that first video I posted? Also.. it wasn't that great. But, I kept practicing. I kept hitting record over, and over, and over again and I became better and better at delivering the message. Here's a pro tip: write a little script for yourself, or an outline so you can stay on track and say everything you want to.
Now that we've got that out of the way...
Here are 3 reasons you should start using video on your socials today.
1. Higher engagement
Studies have continued to show that videos will get a higher engagement rate than other types of content. The fact is, videos on Instagram get 49% more engagement than photos. On Facebook, 62% of users say they are more interested in a product or service after seeing a video about it.
People are also twice as likely to share video content compared to other types of content.
I mean, if that doesn't convince you, I don't know what will, to be honest!
Engagement is the gold standard on social media. The whole point of posting is so your audience Likes, Comments, and Shares it. So why not put out the content that will get you those results?
2. A stronger connection with your audience
There's a reason why video works - because it's what the people want! When asked how they'd like to learn about a product or service, 69% of consumers said they prefer to watch a video.
It's also no secret that people crave human interaction, and one of the closest ways to achieve that online, is to show your face to your consumers. The cornerstone of any marketing strategy is to get your audience to know, like, and trust you. When people trust you, they are more likely to buy from you. So building a connection with your audience is crucial in accomplishing that.
So why not give the people what they want!
3. Platforms are starting to favour video.
Following the trend of giving people what they want, social media platforms have heard their users loud and clear and have come out to say that they are putting a higher emphasis on videos. That means they'll push out video content organically more than other types of content. Instagram recently came out saying that they will be putting a larger focus on video. And everyone lost their minds. While they recognize their users prefer video content, they won't be getting rid of photos on the platform. There has been no indication, comments, or testing that say they will be changing the way we use Instagram. It simply means we'll be seeing more videos and Instagram will be adding more features to things like Stories and Reels (which we've already started to see).
So, follow the trend. If the platform itself has come out to say video is what users want, you should probably take their word for it. They're kind of the experts...
I know creating video content for your brand isn't easy at first, but I promise you, it does get easier! Plus, if it gets you the results you need, is it not worth the time investment?
All that being said, you don't need to do this alone! You can book a free 30 minute consultation with me and I can help you overcome some of your fears and challenges, and put you on the right track to achieving video success!