It’s every company’s dream to create content that goes viral. However, with more than 300 hours’ worth of video being uploaded to YouTube every single minute and over 5 billion videos watched on the platform daily, it can be difficult to get the attention you desire.
You don’t have to have been doing video marketing for a long time to realize that achieving viral status is not easy to achieve. This is especially true if you don’t have a limitless budget like some larger corporations.
If getting to number one is your goal, you should apply the following video marketing tips:
- Quality isn’t everything
It’s easy to get trapped by the belief that quality is everything. However, a look at many of the videos that go viral will reveal that the videos aren’t high-quality productions. In fact, many of them are bloopers and poor recordings.
When it comes to YouTube and other social platforms, quality takes a backseat to the actual content being offered. Thus, compelling content that makes viewers cry, laugh or both is more likely to go viral compared to that which has great graphics.
- Understand your audience
If you want your video production to go viral, you can’t plan for your video without considering your target audience. Understanding what your target audience likes will allow you to frame your video properly. You will be able to provide a production that is engaging to the viewer.
- Don’t overdo it
It’s easy to get carried away with the idea of making a viral video. However, if you get caught up in trying to create the next hit video, you’ll be getting ahead of yourself.
Viral content is the result of creative video production. It is however, not the reason for the existence of the content. While you may want to get your message out to a wider audience and create even greater brand awareness, your focus shouldn’t be on creating viral content. Stay focused on creating engaging content for your target audience. Keep it simple.
- Avoid being brand heavy
It’s true that video marketing is about increasing brand awareness. However, using your video as a direct sales pitch won’t get you the type of impact that you’re hoping for. If anything, you will most likely drive the audience away.
You should instead use the video to showcase the impact of your products or services. Tell a story that is engaging. Customers are more likely to share this type of content within their networks.
- Include a clear call to action
Using the video to tell a story doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t let the audience know what you expect them to do after watching the video. Not including a call to action is like a cliff-hanger ending in a movie. However, while such an ending works well for movies, it only serves to confuse viewers when it comes to video marketing.
Encourage your viewers to take specific steps after watching. They are otherwise very likely to forget the clip immediately they are done and start watching another one. Your call to action should be clear.
- Share and promote the video
Sharing your content on YouTube may seem like the obvious thing when it’s ready for the world to see it. However, it isn’t enough to just share it and leave it there hoping that you’ll get many views. You’ll need to promote it.
There are many ways to go about promoting your production. These include through other social media platforms as well as email marketing. Embed videos in your newsletters and ensure that your videos are visible on different channels including your company’s blog, website and social media profiles to get more views.
- Consistently provide content that educates and delights viewers
Don’t gauge your success by whether your video goes ‘viral’. Humor and emotion are both very powerful tools. However, they can also be very unpredictable. This is especially true if you’re measuring your success based on the number of views and shares the video receives.
Companies would do better to aim to consistently provide content that delights and educates their audience. This is especially important since people scroll through their feeds at incredible speeds. You will want to ensure that you make the most of the time that the viewer spends on your video rather than trying to get them evoke tears or laughter.
- Take advantage of current issues
What is currently happening in the world around you? You can capitalize on current events and adapt them in your strategy. This can help to boost visibility, SEO and engagement.
If you want to make a viral video, don’t aim to go viral. This isn’t a marketing strategy. It is, in fact, the result of an effective marketing strategy. Simply aim to provide your audience with high-quality content and watch your content work.