Truth is there is much more to creating a viral video than just shooting a few images or mashing together a few snippets of songs and cartoons. Viral videos can be powerhouse marketing tools. Before you even begin the process of making a video, here are some vital things to consider.

Who is the Target of This Video?

The short answer to this question is, of course, the internet viewer. But, like most targeted marketing campaigns, painted with such broad strokes can lead to potential problems. For example, if your product is specifically geared towards the working mother, wouldn’t you want to cater, somewhat towards their interests? And that brings me to my next point.

What are the Goals of the Viral Video?

Take a few moments to think about why you are making it. Is it to generate new leads? Convince current customers to try a new and innovative product line? Or perhaps the aim of this particular viral video is to simply gain exposure for a new product. Whatever your reason is, it is important, since you will be creating a viral video to meet those goals.

How Are You Measuring Success?

In a way, viral videos can behave like people. They may start out by providing you with 10,000 views the first week, and then through no fault of your own drop down to six views in the third week. Then, as if by some magic, surge up to 200,000 views after a month of being online. So the question to ask yourself is whether or not the viral video is meant to help you out with short term things – such as an upcoming sale, or something more long term? By knowing how you are to measure the success of the viral video, you can decide how much time and effort to truly put into it.

These are just a few simple things to keep in mind before you start creating a viral video. Doing so will help you create the most effective video to meet your needs.

If you truly want to harness the potential of your viral video, you need to do everything you can to maximize the views. Here are some often overlooked, but very effective techniques.

Technique # 1: Use a Title with a Hook

How many times have you been glancing through the internet, or even on a website like Google Video, and something in a title makes you say “Huh?” or “What did that say?” Using something truly catchy is a great first step to getting someone’s attention focused on your viral video. Think of it as the internet’s version of the newspaper boy crying out sensational headlines. Most people view it out of sheer curiosity. Once you’ve gotten the viral video well established, you can switch the title to something a little less sensationalized if you wish.

Technique # 2: Even a Thumbnail Is Worth A Thousand Words

Humans by their very nature are visual creatures. When our eyes see something out of the ordinary, even if it is small, we immediately focus our attention on it. It’s part of our instinctive nature. Knowing this little bit of information can be a great tool when it comes to maximizing the views of your viral video. Take the time to choose a thumbnail image that is arresting, interesting, and perhaps a tiny bit strange. Choose the image of a pink elephant racing across the beach instead of the image of an old man sitting on the park bench.

Technique # 3: A Good Conversation is Always Hard to Ignore

Sometimes you run across a viral video that doesn’t seem all that impressive. You wonder how in the world it became so popular. Then, you scroll down and view the comments section. It’s on fire with conversations, debates, catcalls and praises. How did this simple viral video get this much attention? Chances are not every comment you’re seeing has come from an outside viewer. One of the most effective techniques to get someone to talk about something is to start the conversation yourself.

The goal of your viral video is to be seen. Therefore, it is imperative that your video dance in front of the eyes of as many viewers that it can. Most would believe that simply posting a great viral video is enough to reach the next marketing plateau. However, just posting something to the World Wide Web doesn’t necessarily mean that it will become an overnight sensation. Sometimes you need to help it reach the masses.

Make Use of Blogs

Take a look around the web for bloggers with similar interests or ideas. It couldn’t hurt to ask them to run your embedded videos, and perhaps even blog about it. If the video is to their liking, convincing a few bloggers might be the best way to send your viral video on its way.

Social Media Networks are perfect for Sharing

Nearly everyone who uses the internet for business or pleasure has some sort of presence on the social media scene. Why not use this vast resource to your advantage when it comes to promoting your viral video? Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn provide easy to use ways to share videos with friends and contacts. Just post your best viral video on multiple sites, and encourage your networking contacts to share.

Email Lists Are Still an Effective Option

One of the oldest, and perhaps most useful targeted marketing tool from the Internet age is that of the email list-service. This, along with RSS feeds are perhaps one of the easiest ways to distribute your viral video to those who are already interested in your product and service, and will most likely be willing to pass it along. Never forget to make use of that core, returning clients to help you find new ones.

Making the most of your viral video is a lot like any marketing or advertising tool. Very few of them can be successful without a little push. The options described above are just three of the many ways that you can get the ball rolling.

Viral videos are perhaps one of the most popular marketing tools today. These catchy, infective, and often outrageous little videos are a great way to expand your business exposure. Unfortunately, it’s not all about splicing some footage together, or digitally enhancing some video from the depths of your marketing supply closet. Rather, viral videos work best if you follow a few simple tips and tricks.

Tip #1: Keep it Short

One of the nice things about viral videos is that effective ones are often short- no more than 30 seconds. This gives them faster loading times, and makes it easier to share them across multiple social media platforms. If you have a longer message, consider splitting it into a multi-part viral campaign. This not only makes use of people’s natural curiosity, but it will also make each episode a little easier on the computer bandwidth.

Tip# 2: Don’t Make an Ad into a Viral Video

Unless your marketing department has come up with something simply extraordinary, you should shy away from using a classic add for viral video material. Viral videos are shared organically because they are so engaging that people want to pass them along. There are very few advertisements that are successful as viral videos. Instead, focus on a way to surprise, entertain, or just confound the viewer- then you can direct them to a website of your choosing.

Tip # 3: Keep the Video Simple

When it comes to viral videos, the whole idea is exposure. Remixes or mash-ups are great tools for getting your viral video seen by millions. Therefore, your video composition needs to be simple, and easy to remix. Those who want to share your viral video within a mash up of their favorite things will have an easier time.
These are just three of the tips that you can use to help make your viral video the marketing and exposure tool that you need. Remember, viral videos may be the newest craze in marketing, but it still takes an intelligent player to win the game.

If you are visiting for the first time welcome. On this site you will learn some great tips on marketing your videos, as well as tips on video types and video SEO tips. If you are a regular, I thank you for coming back to read this post. As you know this site has been implemented to share ways to help you market yourself, your brand, your product or service via video. Today’s tips are ones you may have read before, either here or elsewhere but need to be shared again. Remember that practice makes perfect and many times, folks need to see or read something more than once in order for it to stick.

So on with the video tips. The use of video has grown dramatically in the past 3 years and it seems that everyone out there is using video in some shape or form as part of their marketing plan. If you are one of those individuals that is now implementing the use of videos to share your message; take into consideration the following tips.

1. Keep it Simple – I’m sure you’ve seen the many videos available that are used as tutorials or simply sharing a message. Some are great and some are rather long, and quite honestly – not so great. You of course want to fit under the ‘great’ category so please take this tip to heart. Don’t try to share something you are not familiar with on video. Don’t try to use large words to explain something. Remember to keep it simple and to the point and your video will be viewed and enjoyed.

2. Keep it Short and Sweet – This tip goes hand in hand with the tips above. Besides keeping it simple, it’s also important not to have a video that will drag on and on and on. Practice timing yourself and keep your videos short. If you have a lot of information to share consider breaking the information into parts. Titling your videos part 1 or making them part of a series will entice the viewer to view more, with less chance of them clicking stop and moving on.

3. Use Youtube – It’s wonderful to have your own private videos but don’t neglect or steer away from Youtube. Youtube is a great way to increase your views as well as a wonderful way to reduce your bandwidth usage. Remember folks may not find your site right away but they may stumble upon your videos on Youtube that will lead them to your website.

4. Have fun – Can’t tell you the amount of videos I have come across where the person looks like they are in pain or scared straight! Instead loosen up, and have fun; smile more and perhaps add some comedy or levity to your video. Everyone loves to laugh and watch folks that look like they are having fun. No one wants to watch someone that is merely lecturing them. Be creative and enjoy yourself.

5. Know your market or audience – This tip is very important. Do you know if your audience enjoys viewing videos? Do they enjoy receiving information via video? Before you exhaust yourself trying to develop a killer video, be sure your audience wants it. Ask them and give them what they want.

Of course these are just a few tips that will make your videos successful online. However, implementing one or all will ensure your videos will be watched and in turn will increase your presence.

It is important to add videos as part of your online marketing but how do you keep your viewers watching? I’ve shared many tips on making you videos the best they can be, but for some reason the simplest tips are forgotten

In this post I will review the tips that will keep your viewers watching your videos.  Keep these tips in mind and your views will increase and your video marketing will be successful.

Tip #1 – Have a clear message – some videos you will come across are fun to watch but have no clear message.  If your videos are mere entertainment, that may be fine for you. However if you are trying to send a message or perhaps market your products or services, be sure to have a clear message. Your message must be clear from the beginning to the end of the video. Nothing is more confusing that a video that jumps from idea to idea with no clear message, don’t make this mistake.

Tip #2 – Short and sweet – you’ve seen them and have probably made a few yourself.  The videos that seem to never end; a sure way to lose viewers. Remember to keep your audience engaged to keep your videos less than 3 minutes in length. Sure you may find some that have videos that are longer but more often than not, your viewers will not sit, patiently and watch a video longer than 3 minutes.

Tip #3 – Quality – a sure way to have your viewers leave immediately is if your video is of poor quality. It does not have to be professional but the sound must be clear, and the music in the background not too loud or distracting. Try to avoid background noise that is not intended to be on the video, such as buzzing sounds which will surely turn your viewers searching elsewhere. Be sure to watch your surroundings as well. Nothing is more annoying than outdoor noises interfering with your message or a messy room that will detract from you or your message.

Tip #4 – Be passionate – How often will you watch a video where the person shows little to no emotion. Sure, nerves may be the problem, but it’s important to convey your message with passion. Passion does not mean speaking louder or jumping up and down. The viewer will quickly notice if your message is sincere and the passion in your voice, and presence will be evident.

Tip #5 – Be unique – No one will stay and watch your video if they have seen the same message before. There are many videos available and of course they will all tend to blend but you must find a way to make yours unique. It may be your background, your message, your product or service. The point is to keep your viewers watching and coming back for more. Don’t try to be someone or something you are not, because of course, that will be completely evident and something you will be unable to continue doing. Be you, have fun and that will shine through.