The Next Step in Online Video (article)

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The Next Step in Online Video

- by Jim Edwards

© Jim Edwards – All Rights reserved
http://www.thenetreporter.com
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Way back in the online "Dark Ages" of 2004, I made a prediction that full motion video would make huge inroads online within the next 12-18 months. I was right.

But I don’t think anyone thought online video would become this pervasive, especially not for the average Internet user.

Three things happened at roughly the same time to create the "perfect storm" of online video: widespread high-speed access; improved video compression; smoking hot computers at bargain-basement prices.

Fast forward to today and every business, regardless of size, needs to seize the online video phenomenon and put it to work quickly and correctly.

Now in some niche markets, video rates "no big deal." Using video on your website simply represents your ticket into the stadium to compete with everyone else in the market.

But, in so many niches, video can still set you apart and lead to a massive increase in sales you otherwise might never see.

The following examples should help you visualize how you could start using online video to increase your business’ bottom line.

If you operate a food-related site, my advice is to start offering cooking videos on a regular basis. Not only will this help you sell more products, but it will help you build up a loyal list of followers who eagerly anticipate the next video.

Show people how to make a certain dish and then sell them a "kit" with all or most of the ingredients included.

Or, if you sell utensils or kitchen gadgets, make videos showing how to use the items you sell. Demonstrate techniques that will save them time and improve results (something they want) but to get those results they must buy the tool they just saw demonstrated.  I know from experience this technique works wonders!

If you sell complicated machinery, demonstrate the product completely using online video to help make the sale.

Case in point, I know someone who recently bought a $1,500 shrink-wrapping machine solely based off a 9 minute, 32 second video on the manufacturer’s website. They demonstrated setting up the machine, adjusting all settings, installing the shrink-wrap material, and using it to wrap DVD cases.

In fact, the online video proved so useful that my friend didn’t even need to look at the instruction manual when the machine arrived. He simply did what he saw on the video and was set up and running in less than 20 minutes.

If you own a service business like a quick print shop, you can use video to show people the equipment you operate, introduce the actual staff who will help them, and explain the various services you can offer. Do this and it will amaze you how many people will feel like they already know you and your staff when they walk in the door.

If you own a retail establishment like a furniture store, give people a video tour of the facility and let them know the type of selection you carry, any specialty merchandise you offer, as well as an incentive (a coupon or "tell them we sent you" type message) to come in to your physical location.

The "next step" in online video for most businesses simply comes down to making the leap from knowing about video to actually using it on your website!

The tools, software, and techniques for putting video on your site have never been easier, more convenient or cheaper.

Anyone with a video camera, an average computer, some editing software, a hosting account, and a little imagination can do it!

–
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the
co-creator of an amazing course that will teach you step-by-
step and click-by-click how to get your own money-making
videos posted online…

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