There have been plenty of “necessary” tools that have made their way into the process of marketing over the last few years and have coincided with the continual evolution of how people communicate online. A few of the necessary tools of yesteryear that have become essential to your online presence are your website and social media efforts. Having a clean and functional website has been a no-brainer for a long time while social media is no longer the new kid on the block.
Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves that social media doesn’t just include Facebook and Twitter. Merriam-Webster defines it as such: forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (as videos). It’s the last point of emphasis in that definition that I want to expound upon, VIDEO.
Video is now in the necessary category when it comes to communicating with customers, employees, donors and just about anyone you’re looking to connect on a deeper level. It activates emotion and helps promote action. The days of pondering video are long gone, it’s no longer optional. Feeding the consumer’s desire for visual stimulation is at the forefront.
Storytelling is a great way to connect the viewer to human emotion while spotlighting your brand in the process. At Spiracle Media, we know that storytelling is our bread and butter. Every member of our current staff has spent at least a decade writing, shooting, editing and telling stories. There is certainly still a need for long form pieces, but you can also tell a great story in a minute to a minute and a half. After all, attention spans are at an all-time low.
Just as critical as telling a great story is having goals going into the process. Make sure to identify the right message and map out how you plan to use the finished product. By establishing goals, you can maximize the use and shareability of what you produce. Think shelf life and the maximization of your investment.
There are plenty of options to consider when it comes to the goal and type of video. Video can be used to reach an internal or external audience. We have all seen testimonials that connect a viewer with a particular brand or experience. The storytelling piece that encourages donations or an event recap that helps to line up sponsors for next year.
Testimonial
Storytelling
Event
Two words of advice, start simple. Simple is usually the best method of attack. Let the story stand by itself. At the end of the day, video has a place and use for every business and brand. It’s hands down the best way to emotionally connect to an audience.
I’m sure that most marketers are consistently posing the question: what are we missing? I know that we are. It might just be the video.
