Video, strategy and content, oh my!
Posted 2 January 2012 by Kristina Shands
I’ve read several articles predicting social media trends for 2012 and they all pretty much say the same thing:
Fresh content is a must.
Video rules.
Strategy wins.
I have to say that I am super excited about these predictions. We all know that we should be putting out high quality content regularly, not just for SEO purposes, but because it is what separates clients-focused business with those who only care about selling their crap. The more quality we can give our followers, the more they will know, like and trust us.
Did you know that YouTube receives 3 billion video views per day and that 800 million unique users visit the site each month? No doubt video is the new frontier for marketing, and for good reason. It is the fastest way to connect with someone and the fastest way to produce content. Think about it. It could take you 15-30 minutes to write a blog post, but only about 5-10 minutes to create a short video that conveys the same message. If you want to set yourself apart from the competition, add video to your blog, website, social networking sites and ezine. And don’t whine about how you don’t want to put on clothes or fix your hair. You can produce nice videos by using Camtasia or ScreenFlow to record a presentation with a voiceover. It’s painless and fun. Just trust me on this one.
With so much emphasis on social media these days, more businesses are relying on these sites to find clients and increase revenue. But many of them have no plan. They just spend a ton of time online- without a strategy or even a goal. Please stop this. Friends don’t let friends use social media without a strategy. With so many options, you have to determine which sites will benefit your business the most and then figure out how to build relationships, listen to the marketplace, connect with prospects and close the deal. This is part science, part art. If you are frustrated with your social media efforts, then it is probably because you’re taking the wrong approach. Take the time to create a solid strategy that intertwines with your offline marketing and I promise you will see amazing results.
Here is a great article about predictions for 2012 from Social Media Examiner. What would you add?
Thanks Kristina. I’m copying the link to this post, putting it in my task follow-up, and geting video out there. I bought a new camera before Christmas and have no excuse. Thanks for this great info … and encouragement – all focused on thosse I serve!
Kristina I completely agree on the importance of having a strategy and yes, video and content are king(s)!
As always, Kristina, your practical advice about social media is right on the nose. I’m looking forward to checking out the article and then will plan my strategy!
I love this post, Kristina. I especially love the line, “Friends don’t let friends use social media without a strategy.” That couldn’t be more true (and funny, yet serious at the same time). I’m planning to use video this year, but I must admit, that you are probably talking to me when you called out the folks who whine about doing their hair. Camtasia here I come!;-)
You’re so lovely, Tiffany, and you have such amazing information to share. I can’t wait to see your videos.
All true! Vids DO rule and so does new content. Thanks for the on-track tips.
Video does rule and is a good way to builod the know , like and trust factor.
Videos are going to be a huge strategy for many entrepreneurs this year … especially all those who avoided it last year (me)! And I agree – marketing your business online and using social media / social networking with no solid plan is place and strategy to follow can result in your simply spinning your wheels with no real results. That’s why with every website we design and create, I spend quite a bit of time on the strategy behind the site and what it needs to DO for our clients.
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative