How To Create A Promo Video For Your Online Course

The campaign for marketing that is best for your course will be heavily defined by the topic of the course and the target market you're targeting, but no matter who you're trying to enrol in your course, there's one marketing fact that could boost your campaign that is video marketing. It's one of the most effective methods to connect and interact with online users.

If you're new to video, the idea may seem out of reach--but don't worry! If you have the right tools and an ounce of guidance it is possible to create videos that precisely reflect your plan and grab the attention of your intended viewers. Let's examine the essence of video marketing and how it has become an effective instrument.

  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 super simple and extremely successful. A promotional video is a video specifically made for the purpose of advertising a particular event, product such as an offer or event or, as in your instance the case of an online course. The majority of promo videos are shorter (ours average about 15 seconds) and focus on only one primary goal on registering new students, for example.

To be honest the concept of video marketing is not new. The use of video has been around for years. What makes today's market different isn't necessarily new technology for video, but it's the social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat--these are all social media platforms that offer a (relatively) innovative method for users to exchange ideas and remain connected. As all of these social sites are available via apps for mobile devices and tablets, they are able to access them and from any location. This means that your program has the possibility to achieve continuous connectivity with members of your target students.

  What has changed with social media? the video marketing landscape?

In addition to revolutionizing how people interact with one another Social media has also changed the ways you communicate with members of the target audience of your class. Contrary to radio and television the social media channel is never completely off. Additionally, the number of people that video marketing through social media has the capacity to get to is immense. Consider this:

• According to Statista According to Statista percent of the people in the United States has a social network profile.
• In December the year 2015 has seen 59 billion people are on Facebook. Of the 1.59 billion people, 1.4 billion are actively using the platform on their mobile devices.
• Instagram has 400 million active users at the time of writing in September 2015.
• Though they are smaller than Facebook as well as Instagram, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest along with Snapchat each boast over 100 million active users.

  Does the value video marketing can bring worth the energy it takes to create it?

The short answer to this question is yes. For the long answer Let's look first at why your course's target audience might respond well to your marketing videos:

• With well-made videos they can build a connection that is emotional with your course's target viewers. Videos may bring out the brand attributes that really resonate with the target market, as well as those who see your videos may feel like they are familiar with your brand more than if they were to read the same information presented in written form. This is crucial in the case of a course that is an extension of the business you run.
• Video is easier for people to read than text. Through providing visuals for people to focus on, video marketing is able to communicate your message in an easily accessible way, combining audio and sight, making the message more memorable.
• Using video marketing can actually boost the likelihood of customers to purchase the product that is being promoted, meaning people are more likely to enroll in your online course.

While engagement with target audience members is certainly the goal of all videos, it's important to look at the technical aspect of marketing via video to determine ways to create this engagement. After all, you can't establish a connection with people if they don't see your video content. These are some methods that video marketing can bring even more value to your marketing campaign for your courses to get your message to a greater number of people:

• People are prone to sharing content that resonate with them via social media. video is an easy means for them to spread your message. If you are able to make video content for marketing that provides value for your audience and they'll be eager to share the videos to their families, friends as well as professional networks. In addition, they will be more likely to sign up for the online courses you offer.
• Because video marketing doesn't require expensive equipment or extensive editing It can also be used as a real-time marketing tool (it's much faster to make videos than some blog content!). Believe it or not, you can create a marketing video that you can post in a matter of minutes (not hours) which means that you can continually make video marketing content that is relevant, interesting and fascinating. The result is content that people will take to social media and share.

  Can video marketing keep your course relevant?

Apart from the advantages of using video marketing that we've already discussed, there's one quite essential reason for why incorporating videos to your school's promotion strategy is a good idea: relevance.

With the advancement of technology over the years, businesses must keep pace in order to stay current in the eyes of the people they want to reach. Video marketing is only the next phase in a series of advancements in technology and tactics for marketing. Actually, Cisco predicts that video traffic will make up 69% of the total web traffic for consumers by the year 2017, and Nielsen estimates that 64% of marketing professionals anticipate video to become the mainstay of marketing strategies.

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

  STEP ONE: PLAN  

It is essential to establish an idea of what you want to accomplish before investing the time to create the video.

• Choose the objective of your video. What action do you want viewers to do after watching your video? Make a note of it! Be sure to clear your mind before going any more
• What content do you need to include in your video? Include specific photos or video clips you want to include.
• What text do you want to add? Include specific promotional offers events, details about the event, coupon codes, or calls to action.

  STEP TWO: PRODUCE  

It's where the majority of people end up stuck because of the lack of technical skills. However, you do not really require technical skills any more! We make all of our promo videos on our phones.

• Decide where to make your video. Use one of our favorite apps and you'll have an amazing video in just five minutes or less. The top five iPhone video apps are Quik, Legend, Stop Motion, Flipagram, Ripl and Boomerang. There are some paid for, and others are free. Most even have templates which means you do not have to "design" anything. If you're not a tech expert, try Flipagram at first, as it's basic slideshow.
• Upload your photos as well as text into your application that you prefer. Only use your own images or those that you have permission to utilize. Don't steal images off of Google!
• Want music? Certain apps come with built-in music beds which can help make your video sound amazing. But just remember that most of the songs you have in your iTunes library are protected by copyright. That means you can face sanctions if you include them in your videos without a permit to use the clip. (i.e. it is possible to be sued (i.e. your music could be blocked, or your post may be banned from social media - gaaaahhh!) My top place to purchase sounds or music is the Audio Jungle.
• Once you're finished when you're done, save the footage to your camera roll, or upload it to directly through the application.

Remember that if you are planning to share your video on Instagram you must make sure that it is between three and sixty seconds in length. Remember though that attention spans are short... therefore, ensure that your video is shorter.

Also, if you want your video to look good on all platforms, stick with a square crop. That way, no one is required to flip their phone to see it.

Here's an example of a promo video for my course that I shared on Instagram (about 15 seconds in length):

  STEP 3 3. PROMOTE  

• Post your video on your social media platforms by adding a brief text message and the link. Inform your followers what to do. (i.e. reinforce your video's call-to-action)
• Upload the video to your YouTube channel. You can embed it in a blog post, guest posting in other blog sites, and so on.
• Use the video in your email marketing.

  Are you ready to create a promo video for your online course?  

Promo videos have been proven to be a successful method to increase the number of students enrolled in courses. When using the apps listed above, they really will be easier than you thought. Try it out and watch your engagement in social media skyrocket!

If you have any questions regarding creating a promotional video for your online course, send them to the section of comments below. It is also possible to download my Video Planning Worksheet to aid you in planning 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. For tips on how to make professional videos for your business without spending a fortune, check out her online course Easy Video Marketing for Small Businesses.