How To Create A Promo Video For Your Online Course

The marketing campaign that works best for your course is largely determined by the course's topic and the target market you're targeting, but no matter who you're seeking to get into your class, there's a marketing truth that can boost the effectiveness of your marketing campaign that is video marketing. It's one of the best methods to connect and interact with online users.

If you are new to video, the idea may seem out of reach--but do not fret! If you have the right tools and an ounce of guidance, you can create videos that accurately represent your plan and grab the attention of your intended viewers. Let's take a look at what exactly video marketing is and how it has become an effective tool.

  What is the purpose of video marketing?

Video marketing is using videos to promote your business. That's it! It's incredibly easy and efficient. A Promo video is a type of video that has been made for the purpose of marketing a specific event, product, offer or, as in your instance the case of an online course. Promo videos are usually shorter (ours average about 15 seconds) and are designed with only one primary goal in attracting fresh students, as an example.

To be honest the concept of video marketing is not new. People have been using video for a long time. What makes today's market different isn't necessarily new video technologies, it's just social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat--these are the social media platforms which give an (relatively) modern method for users to exchange thoughts and keep in touch. As all of these social sites are available via apps for smartphones and tablets, people are able to access them and from any location. This means that your course has the potential to achieve continuous connectivity with your targeted group.

  How has social media changed the video marketing landscape?

As well as revolutionizing the ways people interact with one another and with each other, social media has altered the way that you can communicate with members of the audience you're trying to reach. Unlike television or radio, social media is never completely off. Furthermore, the amount of people that video marketing through social media has the potential to be able to reach is astounding. Think about it:

• As per Statista, 78 percent of the people in America has a profile on social networks. United States has a social network profile.
• In December 2015, more than 59 billion users are active on Facebook. Of the 1.59 billion users, 1.4 billion are actively using the platform on their mobile phones.
• Instagram has 400 million active users as of September, 2015.
• Although smaller in comparison to Facebook as well as Instagram, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat each boast more than 100 million users.

  Are the benefits that video marketing can bring is worth the effort it takes to produce it?

The short answer is a resounding yes. To get the full answer, let's first look at how your audience could be a good fit for the video marketing strategies you employ:

• With well-made videos it is possible to create an emotional connection to your class's intended audience members. Videos may bring out the features of the brand that are in tune with your audience those who view the videos might feel that they know your brand better than if they were to go through the same content in written format. This is especially important if your course is an extension of the business you run.
• Videos are easier to read than text. By providing a visual for people to focus at, video advertising is able to convey your message in a simple comprehendible manner that combines audio and sight, making it more memorable.
• Utilizing video marketing could boost the likelihood of viewers to purchase what you are promoting, which means that they are more likely to enroll in your online training.

While engagement with target people is the end goal for video marketing It is essential to examine the technical aspects of video marketing to see the best way to achieve engagement. It's true that you won't establish a connection with people when they aren't seeing the content you've created. Below are a few ways video marketing can add an additional value to your course's promotional campaign by getting your content to a greater quantity of individuals:

• People love sharing things that resonate with them on social media, and video content is a simple means for them to spread your message. If you are able to create video marketing content which is valuable to your target audience members, they will be excited to share your content with their family, friends, and professional networks--and they are more likely to sign up for your online course.
• Since video marketing does not require the purchase of expensive equipment, or a lengthy editing process and editing, it is able to be utilized as a real-time marketing tool (it's much faster to make videos than some blog articles!). You may be surprised to learn that it's possible to create a promotional video to post it on the internet within minutes (not hours) This allows you to make video marketing content which is interesting, relevant and memorable. The result is content that viewers will be happy to share.

  Can video marketing keep your course relevant?

Apart from the benefits of video marketing we've discussed, there's one quite essential reason for why incorporating videos to your school's marketing strategy is an excellent concept: relevance.

With the advancement of technology throughout the years, companies are required to stay on top of the latest developments in order to stay at the forefront of their target audience members. Video marketing is just the latest stage in the long line of technology advancements as well as marketing strategies. Actually, Cisco predicts that video traffic will make up 69% of all consumer internet traffic by 2017, and Nielsen believes that 64% of marketers experts expect video to be a fundamental aspect of marketing strategies.

  Here are the steps I take in putting together promotional videos:  

  Step One: PLAN  

It's important to have an idea of what you want to accomplish before investing an hour or more making your film.

• Decide the goal of your video. What actions do you wish your audience to take following watching the video? Make a note of it! Get clear before you go more
• What content do you need for your video? Include specific photos or video videos you'd like to incorporate.
• What text do you want to write? Include specific promotional offers events, details about the event, coupon codes, or call-to-action.

  STEP 2: PRODUCE  

The majority of people are stuck due to insufficient tech knowledge. But you don't really need technical skills any more! We make all of our videos for promotion on our phones.

• Choose where you will put together the video. Choose one of our preferred applications and you'll be able to create amazing video in five minutes. Our top iPhone video apps are Quik, Legend, Stop Motion, Flipagram, Ripl and Boomerang. There are some paid for, and others are free. Some even provide templates meaning you don't need to "design" everything. If you're not a tech expert you should try Flipagram at first, as it's basic slideshow.
• Add your pictures as well as text into your application of choice. Only use your own images or those that you have the rights to utilize. Don't steal images off of Google!
• Want music? Some apps have built-in music beds which can help make your video sound amazing. However, keep in mind that the majority of the songs you have in your iTunes library come with copyrights. That means you can face penalties if you use the songs in your video with no license to use the clip. (i.e. you could get sued (i.e. your music could be blocked, or your post might be blocked from social media - gaaaahhh!) My favorite place to purchase sounds or music is Audio Jungle.
• When you're done you can save the video on your camera roll or send it out directly from the app.

Keep in mind that, if you plan to post your video to Instagram, it must be between 3 to 60 seconds. Be aware that attention spans are limited... so ensure that your video is shorter.

Additionally, if you'd like your video to appear professional on every platform, make sure you go with a square crop. This way, nobody is required to flip their phone to view the video.

Here's a sample of a promo video for my course which I posted on Instagram (about fifteen seconds in length):

  STEP 3 3. PROMOTE  

• Post your video on your social media platforms with some basic text and a link. Explain to your viewers what they should do. (i.e. reinforce your video's call-to-action)
• Add the video to your YouTube channel and include it on blog articles, guest posts for other websites, or in guest posts.
• Make use of the video when you are email marketing.

  Do you have the skills to create a promo video to advertise your course online?  

Promo videos are a proven method to increase the number of students enrolled in courses. Utilizing the applications that are listed above, they can be done much quicker than you imagine. So give it a go and watch your engagement in social media skyrocket!

If you have any concerns about creating a promo video to promote your online course you can leave them in the comments section below. It is also possible to download my Video Planner Worksheet that will help you plan and create your future video!

Julie Ball is the Founder of Grow Web Marketing, a marketing agency that helps women entrepreneurs expand their businesses as well as their image and brand themselves. To learn how to create professional videos to promote your company without spending the most, take a look at her online course Easy Video Marketing for Small Businesses.