How To Create A Promo Video For Your Online Course

The strategy that will work the best for your program will largely be dependent on the subject of your course as well as your intended audience nevertheless, no matter who is trying to enrol in your course, there's one marketing truth that can boost your campaign: video marketing is one of the best ways to reach and engage with online users.

If you are new to video, this might seem out of reach--but don't worry! With the right tools and some direction, you can create videos that are accurate to your plan and grab the attention of your intended audience. First, though, let's explore what exactly video marketing is and why it's become such an effective tool.

  What is the purpose of video marketing?

Videos are used for video marketing. They can be utilized to promote your business. That's it! It's incredibly easy and efficient. It's extremely simple and highly effective. Promo video is a type of video that has been created for marketing a specific event, product such as an offer or event, or in your case online courses. The majority of promo videos are brief (ours average about 15 seconds) and have only one primary goal on registering new students, for example.

To be honest it's not a new concept to use video in marketing. Video has been used by people for years. The thing that makes the current landscape of marketing different isn't necessarily new video technology, it's social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat--these are the social media platforms which offer a (relatively) new method for users to exchange ideas and stay connected. Since all these social media sites are accessible in apps that can be downloaded on mobile devices and tablets, they have access to them at any time and from any location. That means your courses have the ability to achieve continuous connectivity with members of your target group.

  What has changed with social media? the world of marketing via video?

As well as revolutionizing the ways people communicate with each other, social media has changed how you interact with the members of your course's target audience. In contrast to radio or television it is not inactive. Furthermore, the amount of potential customers that video marketing through social media has the capacity to get to is immense. Think about it:

• Based on Statista, 78% of the population of the United States has a social network profile.
• In December the year 2015 has seen more than 59 billion users are active on Facebook. Of those 1.59 billion, 1.4 billion are actively using the platform on their mobile phones.
• Instagram had 400 million Instagram users at the time of writing in September 2015.
• While smaller than Facebook as well as Instagram, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat all boast over 100 million people.

  Are the benefits that video marketing offers more than the time and effort to make it?

The quick answer to this question is a resounding yes. To get the full answer Let's look first at why your course's target audience may be well-received by your marketing videos:

• When you make videos with high-quality content they can create an emotional connection with your course's target viewers. Videos are a great way to highlight brand attributes that really resonate with your audience as well as those who see your videos may feel like they have a better understanding of your brand than they would if they go through the same content in written format. This is crucial in the case of a course that extends the business you run.
• Videos are easier to read than text. By providing a visual for people to focus on, video marketing will convey your message in an easily comprehendible manner that combines the sound and visual elements, which makes it memorable.
• Using video marketing can actually increase the propensity of target viewers to purchase what is being promoted, meaning people are more likely to enrol for your online course.

Although engagement with your target people is the ultimate goal of video marketing It is important to look at the more technical side of video marketing in order to figure out how you can achieve this participation. In the end, it's impossible to establish a connection with people who don't view your video content. Here are some of the ways that video marketing could add an additional value to your course's promotional campaign through putting your material to a greater quantity of individuals:

• People enjoy sharing posts that resonate with them through social media. video content is a simple means for them to spread your message. If you are able to produce video marketing content that is beneficial for your audience They will be enticed to share your videos to their families, friends as well as professional networks. In addition, they will be more likely to join your online course.
• Because video marketing doesn't 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 more efficient to produce videos than certain blog content!). Believe it or not, you can make a promotional video to post it on the internet in a matter of minutes (not hours), and this allows you to produce video content for marketing that is relevant, interesting and memorable. The result is content that viewers will be happy to take to social media and share.

  Can video marketing keep your course relevant?

Aside from all of the advantages of using video marketing that we've already talked about, there's a fundamental reason why adding video marketing to your course's promotional strategy is a great idea: relevance.

Since technology has evolved over the years, businesses must keep pace to remain current in the eyes of their target audience members. Video marketing is the latest stage in the long line of advancements in technology as well as marketing strategies. Actually, Cisco predicts that video content will comprise 69% of all web traffic for consumers by the year 2017, and Nielsen estimates that 64% of marketing experts expect video to be an integral part of their marketing strategies.

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

  STEP 1: PLAN  

It's essential to create an idea of what you want to accomplish before investing any time producing your video.

• Determine the purpose for your film. What action do you want viewers to do following watching the video? Make a note of it! Be sure to clear your mind before going more
• What kind of content will you require for your video? List specific images or video videos you'd like to incorporate.
• What kind of text do you wish to add? Provide specific promotion, event details, coupon codes, or call-to-action.

  STEP 2: PRODUCE  

This is where most people end up stuck because of lack of tech skills. But you don't really need tech skills anymore! We make all of our promo videos on our smartphones.

• Select the best place to make the video. Use one of our favorite apps and you'll have a stunning video in 5 minutes flat. The top five iPhone video applications include Quik, Legend, Stop Motion, Flipagram, Ripl and Boomerang. Certain are free, while others are completely free. Most even have templates so you don't have to "design" everything. If you are tech-challenged Try Flipagram first since it's a easy slideshow.
• Upload your photos and text in your app that you prefer. Make sure to use only your own pictures or images that you own the rights to use. Do not steal images from Google!
• Want music? Certain apps come with built-in music beds that make your video sound amazing. But just remember that most of the songs in your iTunes library come with copyrights. You could be subject to fines if you embed these songs for your videos, without having a license to use the clip. (i.e. you could get sued and your sound could be censored, and your music may be banned from social media sites - gaaaahhh!) My preferred place to buy sounds or music is the Audio Jungle.
• Once you're finished, save the video to your camera roll or share directly from the application.

Be aware that if you intend to upload your video to Instagram you must make sure that it is between 3 to 60 seconds. Remember though that attention spans are limited... therefore, ensure that your video is shorter.

Also, if you want your videos to look great on all platforms, stick to a square-cut crop. That way, no one needs to switch their phones to watch it.

Here's a sample of a video for promoting a course which I posted on Instagram (about 15 seconds in length):

  STEP 3: PROMOTE  

• Share your video on your social media platforms along with a few lines of text as well as a link. Explain to your viewers what they should do. (i.e. reinforce your video's call-to-action)
• Upload the video to your YouTube channel and embed it in blog articles, guest post on other blogs, and so on.
• Use the video in your email marketing.

  Do you have the skills to create promotional videos to promote your online course?  

Promo videos have been proven to be a successful way to boost enrollment in courses. When using the apps that are listed above, they are easier than you think. Try it out and watch your social media engagement skyrocket!

If you have any concerns regarding creating a promotional video for your online course, you can leave them in the comments section below. Download my Video Planning Worksheet to assist you in planning and creating your next video!

Julie Ball is the Founder of Grow Web Marketing, a marketing agency that helps female entrepreneurs grow their business along with their branding and their brand. For tips on how to make video content of high-quality for your business, without having to spend a fortune, check out her course Easy Video Marketing for Small Businesses.