The Future Is Now, and It’s Video
If the booming popularity of TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram Reels wasn’t proof enough, let us state for the record that the future of internet marketing is video. Artful images and captivating copy alone will not capture your audience’s attention. To ensure your content is seen, share it using video.
As of 2023, 100 million internet users watched videos online daily. That’s a lot of eyeballs. The reason for this trend is simple: video is the most engaging media format and the easiest to consume. Think about how hard it is to concentrate on anything else when the TV is on. Our brains are wired to hone in on the seductive combination of movement and sound that video provides. We’re also far more likely to remember messages communicated through active visual storytelling.
Lights, Camera… Action
Haystack’s video team, Fearless Company, has been tracking the rise of this communication medium for nearly two decades. Here in 2024, we can confidently say the time is now; embrace video marketing or be left behind. This adage is true for social media and beyond. As a rule, successful websites feature videos on their home, testimonials, sales, and every other significant page. Our team regularly creates company profiles, explainer videos, and reels for culture and recruitment.
We’re also seeing a rise in thought leadership videos posed as fireside chats. This approach is ideal for communicating with investors who want to hear from company leadership. It’s also a strategy that benefits individual board members by building trust with constituents, which defends against activist investing. Videos are versatile; once produced, companies can publish them to their site and later release them over social media as a content campaign.
Rules for Video (‘Cause Video Rules!)
Video isn’t one in a media lineup; it’s the culmination of all other options. Collaborating with other mediums, it can include photos, graphics, copy, music, and more. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it may sound, and we’ve got some hot tips to help get the cameras rolling:
Be nimble. Nimbleness is our company credo for good reason. Content production is about consistency and flexibility, and success requires agility to pounce on new ideas and publish them quickly. Keep it simple and focus on the messaging with a small crew and minimal tech.
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. The internet values authenticity over production quality. This means you’re better off starting today than waiting for the perfect setup. When featuring talking heads, don’t script or over-polish. Bullet points and assertive direction will get the job done because successful communication is conversational and real.
Add extras. Video can include other forms of creative media, so take advantage. Get your point across with on-screen text and motion graphics in place of, or in addition to, live-action video. Mixing visual interest increases engagement and retains viewers’ attention.
We understand that creating videos is outside many people’s comfort zone. If you’re looking for more support, Haystack offers a couple of services that may be of particular interest.
CrewCast: Tiny Footprint, Big Results
CrewCast is our custom webcasting solution, built to cover everything from single-speaker presentations to multi-camera panel discussions. Our best-of-breed technology allows you to digitally stream video content anywhere, at any time.
This setup features nimble production with a small crew and minimal equipment for maximum impact. It’s a cost-effective option that offers real-time shooting and editing for audiences of any size.
Remote Capture: Impact From Anywhere
Short-term video needs? Remote Capture takes nimbleness to the next level by using smartphone technology to record your video message in up to 4K resolution.
Whether in the office or at home, we’ll walk you through a simple setup. Then, with the help of our easy-to-use app, we can manage the shoot virtually, freeing you up to focus on the content. Our editors receive your full-resolution footage within minutes, and we’re off to the races. We can even invite others to observe the virtual shoot or join the conversation. If speed-to-market is your concern, remote capture is your answer.
But That’s Not All…
Executive coaching can be combined with either of the above solutions to improve the quality of presentations while maintaining authentic appeal. Haystack’s coaches are public speaking experts who can train your leadership team to communicate clearly and effectively.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to upgrade your marketing communications with video, and we’re here to help. As a creative agency, our mission is to help you share your message and reach your target audience with maximum impact. So, reach out and say [email protected].