The internet is a vast landscape. It may be a virtual one, but as we all know, it hosts a variety of different websites that offer a variety of different content. Just like how there are social networking websites that allow users to make posts that consist only of writing, there are dozens upon dozens of websites where users can upload videos. What these videos consist of vary from user to user, and even then, the user might post a diverse range of material; from entertaining opinion pieces to promotional videos. You might feel as though you are spoilt for choice with the large number of video hosting sites to choose from, but the one considered to be the most professional is, without a doubt, Vimeo.
Launched in November of 2004, Vimeo has 175 million active members from more than 150 countries. It even predates YouTube, which was founded in February of 2005. To help you get started, here are four ways to help promote your business using Vimeo.
Your Portfolio
As with any other website that allows you to create an account for it, Vimeo provides you with the option of creating a portfolio for yourself. This is an ideal way to help promote and advertise your business, as you can customise the portfolio to your liking. More specifically, you can do things such as change the theme and colour scheme so that it matches the one from your business’ branding if need be.
You can also choose which videos will be first seen by visitors and users when they decide to have a closer look at what you have to offer. To go a step further, if you know how to use CSS, you’ll be more than happy to find Vimeo allows you to customise that as well!
Additionally, you can also add a domain name. This can be one you already have or you could create a new one altogether; this is yet another feature Vimeo has to offer.
Have a Q&A
Customers, especially potential ones, will always have something to ask about a business. They want to know more about what it is you do with your brand and how things work.
You can use this to your advantage when using Vimeo to promote your business, or any video hosting site, for that matter. Why not create a Q&A video? It will provide answers that your customers will be looking for and will encourage them to use your products or services. To do this:
- Find the questions – You’ll find that some questions get asked a lot, so gather as many as you can. These queries can be sourced from feedback surveys or have just been ones you’ve heard being raised frequently.
- Provide answers – This may be obvious, but some questions might be easier to answer than others. Draft the answer before you decide you’re happy with it.
- Script it – Once you know what you’re going to say, write it down. Don’t wing it.
- Rehearse – To make sure you know exactly what, let alone how you’re going to speak, keep rehearsing it again and again.
- Find and secure a place to film – Don’t try to find somewhere too snazzy, but make sure there aren’t things in the background that could distract the viewer. If you work in an office, film there.
- Film – Be sure that your delivery is professional and concise.
- Edit what you shot – How long are all the things you shot when put together? Are they too long? Is it too short? Are some of the things you said unnecessary? If something feels out of place, get rid of it and, if need be, replace it with something else.
- Upload it to Vimeo.
Go Behind the Scenes
Just like how we all tend to ask questions, we also like to know how things work. Many films and TV programmes have documentaries that go behind the scenes on their productions, allowing viewers a chance to see how things are made. You’ll find that this is no different with businesses regardless of what they specialise in.
Try making a video that has an in-depth look at your place of work. Interview colleagues to show what they do and how they enjoy going about their work. Show off how things are done, but don’t worry – if you don’t want to give away too many tricks of the trade (especially if certain things are a company secret), then don’t show too much. In fact, not only will you not be able to speak to everyone if your organisation is large, but some people might not want to be filmed to begin with.
Have Testimonials
The internet is a good place to share information with one another, but written word is not always reliable. Oral communication, conversely, is the best means to communicating effectively, especially when informing others of reviews for a product or service.
If a customer has been extremely pleased with the product or service you provided, have them provide a testimonial on camera for you to upload to Vimeo. Whether you are the one recording them or they record it themselves, you can then edit together several testimonials to enhance how well-received your business is to motivate others to seek out your business for help. Want an even greater testimonial? If you’ve had a customer for many years – perhaps since the early days of your business – ask them to acknowledge how your business has grown and gotten better with age.
This was just a small handful of ways you can use Vimeo to help promote your business. To find out more, or perhaps you want knowledge on another topic, contact us at Floodmaker today.