Video marketing is one of the most engaging forms of marketing, with an ROI surpassing many other forms easily. We previously discussed some video marketing statistics with you, so here, we shall jump right onto some innovative video marketing campaign ideas for your next big campaign.
Studies have shown that while most people don’t like being subjected to ads, when done right and in an innovative manner, people may actually enjoy ads. And what better way to market yourself than through an innovative video production campaign, right?
Unfortunately, coming up with innovative video content isn’t always easy, and may not be what someone excels at. Someone maybe exceptional at conducting business, but creating content that pleases the crowds may not be their forte.
For that, here are some creative ideas to help you get inspiration from and start getting new customers rolling through your digital front door. So, let’s start mixing things up, shall we?
Innovative Video Marketing Campaign Ideas
1. Announcing Something Big – Unveiling Video
This might not seem innovative enough, since most businesses do it these days; however, what you’ll be doing here would be slightly different than what others do. You won’t just hold a mic and start telling people about the next console you’re about to launch or a new product, you’ll be letting people experience it first-hand.
Tell your customer base via an email marketing campaign or just a social media post beforehand that you’ll be spilling some beans soon and that those who want to be the first to try it out live should get in touch with you.
Make sure you only let people experience the ‘demo’ version, though. Do not, under any circumstances, show too much and ruin your product.
Those who get in touch, try to invite them to your studio or place of business, let them try a sample product and tell them that an audience will be looking at them use it.
Here, you are basically using video marketing to build hype using someone that viewers can relate to. Plus, you also get to benefit from ‘word of mouth’ marketing, so that’s a big plus.
2. Parodies Are Great Remedies
Having trouble keeping people hooked to your videos? Engagement not high enough? A simple parody can get the ball rolling for the traffic that is looking for something out of the box.
The thing about parodies is that you don’t need to take permission for the parody if you’re keeping it ‘fair’. Here, fair means that you need to make sure you are representing the movie, show, book or anything else fairly; not based on conjecture or personal opinion.
Popular opinion, on the other hand, can be used as much as you want.
And if you create a parody based on a popular opinion – something that everyone is thinking but no one is saying out loud – can be one of the more lucrative video ideas you can adopt. If it is funny or catchy enough, people won’t just watch and evacuate, but share with their friends and family too, driving more traffic towards your website or page.
Just twist something that people love seeing and you’re golden! Although, make sure you maintain good video quality.
One Song Studios can help you make the perfect parodies while remaining in your budget, if you wish to take this road.
3. Testimonials With a Twist
Every business out there has had the idea of posting a testimonial video on their website or even their social media page. This is because of how effective they are at converting prospects. Most testimonial videos are short and have a customer sitting on a chair, explaining how good their experience was with the company, and to be honest; it looks nothing short of fake.
This is the only place where high video quality throughout the video makes it worse for you, unless you’re filming their first experience with the product as explained in idea number 1. Instead, we recommend that you ask customers to make a video from their home, keeping it as down to earth as possible. Incorporating cellphone videos within the testimonial video is what shall make you stand out.
As for the twist, simply follow the testimonials with your own thoughts on that customer as well. Remember not to be judgmental. Nobody likes to be judged on video; especially if they’re conducting business with you.
Plus, letting your customers know that their video will be hosted on your website or your YouTube video channel is also a great way of strengthening brand loyalty. This is a very 2000-ish thing that boomers and millennials took on; the excitement of seeing themselves hosted on TV or a video platform. Use that to your advantage.
4. Q&A Session With a Reward in the End
People are bound to have questions about your product or service; especially if it’s a new line. You can answer people’s questions and target potential customers as well by showing how helpful you are with a Q&A session.
The only difference, however, should be that you are offering some incentive to viewers or participants. A coupon (30-50% off) for the one with the best question, perhaps, and another (10% off) for everyone who watches the video completely? Or hide an Easter egg in the video and ask people to find it. Those who find it can enter what it is and get a discount?
The possibilities are endless!
5. To Do or Not to Do?
A how-to video is a very efficient way of making sure you not only give value to your customers, but also poise yourself as the subject matter expert; but YouTube DIY videos are dime a dozen, meaning that you won’t stand out if you post a how-to video and call it a day.
So, instead of telling people what to do, you tell people what NOT to do. Keep it short, but remember, the list of things you can tell people not to do are endless.
We do not recommend doing this, but for example, if you’re making a video about how to care for a goat, including something like “do not lie to people” might seem a bit odd, but if you think about it, it isn’t misplaced. It does come into the scope of how “not to care for a goat,” right?
6. Meet the Team – But With a Silver Lining
Most businesses when making meet the team videos just seat employees in front of a camera and give them a script to read out as ‘naturally’ as possible. Again, this looks very fake, even if the employees do a very good job delivering the lines. Everyone knows what goes on behind a corporate video, right?
What you can do to make things interesting is make an impromptu video, tell viewers that the interviews were impromptu and that this is the team as it is normally. Ask them questions in front of the camera and have them answer naturally.
In the end, tell them who does what and where you’ll get to interact with them, if at all.
You can also bring in a renowned industry expert and have them ask some questions that they think the audiences are interested in asking. This part can be scripted, of course.
7. Tutorials & Walk-throughs As Done in Real-Life
This is applicable for the service industry much more than for those selling products. Most businesses include a long dossier including information on how clients can get access to every nook and cranny of the software they’re purchasing, or sell ‘support’.
We’re not saying that you shouldn’t do this, just that you should make a walkthrough or tutorial explaining every bit in as much detail as possible, and then sharing it as a ‘support’ video. Share your own screen, make dummy orders and go the whole mile.
8. A Day in Your Shoes
The grass is always greener on the other side; and with ‘a day in my shoes’ video, you can show just how green your grass is. Plus, if someone is thinking of doing business with you, knowing how you operate would give them deep insight into what they can expect from you.
Try to go over how much effort you and your team put in (while keeping yourself or the video’s subject as the center of attention). You can either make short clips throughout the day or simply have a crew follow you around and film the whole day. You can then go ahead and edit bits that you want to show and bits you don’t. Of course, no one wants to see what happens behind you on the floor when you take a restroom break.
The “twist”, if you will, could be that you can show a client how you’re working on their project. Make a targeted video and share it with them to show your dedication. This is how you get customers to return.
9. Time-Lapse Videos
Much similar to what the last point asks you to do; but different at the same time. A time-lapse video doesn’t focus on one individual, but the business as a whole. The whole day can be summarized in just under three to four minutes.
Furthermore, there is no risk of any sensitive details getting out as with a normal video, since everything is happening so fast in the video, no one will get to know your deep dark business secrets.
You can make a time-lapse of you and your team working on a project and compile weeks-worth of footage into a video that is only a few minutes long!
10. Saying Thank You
Since the Information age began in the late 20th century, the world has gone and gotten itself in a hurry. Nobody really takes the time to stop and take in the moment. Manners are all but gone. Since nobody really takes the time to genuinely thank the other person anymore, if you do so, you are definitely going to stand out.
Keep in mind, though, that we don’t mean showing a huge “thank you” pop up right after someone makes a purchase, but a dedicated video telling people how much their support means to you. This can be in the from of a generic company video focused on customers; telling them how working with them was a blast.
Just make sure you keep in mind any privacy issues. If someone doesn’t want to be associated with you, or you deal in products or services that rely on a confidential relationship, this video might not be a great idea.
On the plus side, it also gives you a leg up on your competitors. Who doesn’t like being appreciated, right?
11. Publicity Stunts – No Marketing Is Bad Marketing
Okay, we don’t condone doing something rash just for the sake of marketing, and the above statement is just to grab your attention. Think of it as a small publicity stunt.
Normally, a publicity stunt is any ‘stunt’ pulled off that would associate you with it. The phrase has gotten a bad reputation over the years, but that doesn’t mean there are no good publicity stunts. Charities, making viral-worthy and interesting videos and other means are a great way to utilize your video content and spread the word about your brand.
Here, you let your imagination go wild. From having a company mascot do something ‘wild’ and recording it, all the way to simply having the mascot stand outside and take pictures with people. Or you don’t have to use a mascot at all! The possibilities are, again, endless. Just make sure you have a good video production team on standby.
Conclusion
These were 10+1 ways you can twist existing ideas into new ones that make up for a great, innovating video marketing campaign idea. Remember, you don’t have to come up with something entirely new; just take a run-of-the-mill idea and introduce a little flair to it.
One Song Studios can be the perfect video production partner for you when it comes to formulating a video marketing campaign strategy. If you need help starting out or simply want to enhance your existing video marketing campaigns, we’re but a call away!
FAQ
Video is no longer a piece of an overall marketing strategy. It is now the central concentration of online marketing efforts. Especially online social strategies. Four of the top six channels consumers utilize for video are social channels. Among a host of other benefits video increases traffic, increases understanding of products and services, increases sales and reduces support calls. If you aren’t using video effectively, you are falling behind.
In a word, “Yes!” The stats around video marketing have been increasing every year and they just keep getting better and better. Check out the most recent stats here, and you will see why.
As with so many questions like this the answer is, “It depends.” There are many many variables to consider. I am working on an article to help you navigate the process of pricing your video marketing efforts, but in the meantime feel free to contact us and we will help you through the process. Whether you are a potential client of ours or not, I am happy to provide this service to anybody willing to reach out to us.
