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.

Blogging was the biggest thing. Now Video blogging and video hosting is. There are many tips and secrets to be aware of when entering this new world of lean-in marketing. No more leaning back and clicking play – the video is now branded, interactive, and so very customizable. Video blogging can be exactly what you need it to be.

A few facts:

• All the barriers that used to restrict video blogging have been removed. Now we can do what we want to do with vlogs and so on.

• Jerky videos and poor quality compression have been corrected.

• Camera equipment is affordable and cutting edge.

• Video hosting sites are also affordable for a large amount of space – it used to be very expensive!

• Software costs used to be high – no more.

• Traffic to your sites and ads are boosted enormously by vlogging

• You can be the first in your niche to blog about your product/service

• The Apple Video iPod has pushed this technology to the edge – videos are demanded.

As you can see there are many reasons to use video in blogs and on your sites. The technology is there and is affordable. This is one way you can really reach your audience. You really do not want to take any risks by passing up this opportunity. Video and interactive video is the modern day interaction you need to be on board with and you won’t be sorry you did.

Share your ideas, your personality, your interests, your concerns, with the whole world. Everyone is out there to listen – why not be involved – why not take part? This is your opportunity to step out in a very affordable and effective way. You don’t have to do the hard work – the video hosting sites have done it for you. Video hosting has made the process so much easier than you could even imagine, all you have to do is sign up.

Remember video blogging is for today and the future. Veeple is a wonderful video hosting site. There are free video hosting sites out there and paid video hosting sites. Create a video blog and vlog away. You will be vlogging in no time.

We all know that the use of videos is not new, especially when promoting a product.  However, did you know that by including a video to your site your amount of sales can actually increase?  Although many will not necessarily watch the video, simply having the option to view a video is a plus.

Including a video on your site of a product you are selling or promoting will give the consumer two viewpoints:

1.  The trust factor is increased – the client or customer will trust you the company or business owner more if you are willing to place a video on your site.  It also shows that you believe in what you are selling and are willing to promote it on your site with the use of videos.

2.  You care -  investing in the time to include a video as well as explanations, examples, testimonies, etc of a product you are selling or promoting will tell the consumer that you care about your site, and your product.  You will be viewed as more reliable and your sales will increase.

When implementing the use of a video on your site, you may want to consider the following:

1.  Add a link for the view to click on to view the video

2.  Embed the actual video to your product page

Embedding your video to the product page will actually generate a higher view rate. Although both options are great, when given the option of clicking on a link or viewing right away the later is more effective.  Also take into consideration the display format of your video; the most common spot is above the page fold.

Another point to keep in mind is a very important one.  We all know that including videos will increase your view rate but just as creating good content, it is wise to create quality videos as well.  No one wants to view a poor quality video, which can actually be detrimental to your site and product.  Remember quality is best in all mediums.