When it comes to recording content on or for social media, there are so many updates and options it can be difficult to decide which way to go. That’s why we asked 9 entrepreneurs from Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) the following question:

“How are you using video in your brand marketing now and why is it effective?”

Video Marketing Strategies

Here’s what YEC community members had to say:

1. Look Into Facebook Live

“We’re now using Facebook Live to run virtual seminars. It’s effective, as you have a built-in audience/referral systems through your existing Facebook fans. Plus, earlier adopters get priority exposure. Our weekly show consistently generates over 10,000 viewers now. Imagine that with a real (or even virtual) seminar! It’s powerful.” ~ Nicolas Gremion, Free-eBooks.net

2. Build Trust Online 

“I work in the SEO space, which is often associated with the wild, wild west. Indeed there are some unscrupulous black hat SEOs, but I’m not one of them, and I’ve found that video helps me communicate my experience and expertise better than anything. People are more likely to trust someone they can see and hear; video provides both as well as an inexpensive platform to sell.” ~ Kristopher Jones, LSEO.com

3. Go High End 

“At RTC, we just filmed a high-end short documentary around a theme in our business. We are premiering it in front of 200 CEOs at a conference and will then be touring it to film festivals. Investing in high-end video like this creates tremendous conversation and energy around the business while challenging us to synthesize what we do in new and exciting ways.” ~ Corey Blake, Round Table Companies

4. Add Video Testimonials 

“Ever read a testimonial on a website and wonder if the person actually said that? The most powerful video we have ever published has been a video testimonial from one of our customers. Seeing is believing, and having a testimonial on camera makes it that much more credible and personal. Our video was planned, filmed and edited by a professional firm. It was worth every penny.” ~ Andrew Hoeft, Pinpoint Software, Inc.

5. Make Authentic Connections

“Let’s face it. There’s a ton of content out there, and depending on your market, it can be incredibly challenging to reach your ideal client. Video enables you to cut through the noise, build rapport and speak to your ideal prospect (as though you’re speaking directly to them). We’ve used video in many different settings — all with the mindset to establish trust and provide value first.” ~ Zachary Burkes, Predictable Profits

6. Showcase Your Personalities

“We use video to showcase our personalities. We create strategies that communicate a brand’s story across all mediums. And as we get to know the company, we encourage them to get to know us. People like to work with people who they trust and like. That said, we use video as the first, informal introduction for some and a reminder to others as to why they added us to their team.” ~ Megan Smith, Brownstone PR

7. Tackle FAQs

“We are busy creating frequently asked question videos for our clients and our own business. These are short Q&A-style videos where we can help clients answer common questions. It saves us time long term, ranks us higher in search, and keeps people on the website longer.” ~ Peter Boyd, PaperStreet Web Design

8. Create Digital Workshops

“I recently launched a series of digital video workshops that business owners can stream from home. This has given my clients the flexibility of learning on their own time and for a fraction of the price. The videos aren’t tailored for each person, but they give our clients a peek into what it’s like working with us.” ~ Leila Lewis, Be Inspired PR

9. Publish Quick Daily Videos

“Video marketing is amazing. While everyone else is focusing on boring text and images, I’ve created a daily video that goes out to my mailing list subscribers. In each of these 3-to-5-minute videos, I provide calls-to-action and working examples, while gaining trust from my audience. This simply isn’t something you can do with basic text and article content.” ~ Zac Johnson, Blogger

Article Written by The Young Entrepreneur Council of Small Business Trends