For small business owners, allocating advertising dollars can be one of the most challenging tasks. With limited cash flow, traditional advertising mediums can be a huge stretch, often forcing business owners to choose just one outlet.

Video marketing is a welcome alternative to high-cost mediums like print and television and often require less initiative than social media marketing.

One of the major advantages of video marketing is a heightened level of personal connection with potential clientele. It promotes interaction which allows users to get to know you and your team better.

In addition to the client interaction benefit, video also prompts higher search engine results, receiving on average three times the clicks as text-based results.

Effective video messages no longer require an inflated production team. Online tools and software packages provide simple and cost-effective means to video production.

Remember the basic rules:

• Short and sweet. Enough said.
  
  
• Utilise both video and stills to create variety.
  
  
• Include a personalised message delivered by an actual team member, ideally you!
  
  
• Funny is always welcome, but keep it PG and do not lean on humour as a crutch.
  
  
• Do not forget the basics - how do they find you?
  
  
• Post the video any and every where you can. Seriously, anywhere.

Video marketing for the small business engages customers, boosts online traffic, creates brand awareness and establishes a presence.

What about the content of the video, you ask? Use the video to tell your story. Include unique elements and background that will draw in a wider customer base.

Demonstrate your product or service in as many ways as possible. This is your product's 'fifteen minutes of fame', use it wisely.

More than one product in your repertoire? Create individual videos for each arm of the business, lumping things in together will appear cluttered and messy.

Focus on quality, not quantity.

Consider the different platforms for distribution and choose wisely. Yes, we mentioned posting the video everywhere, but what we meant is everywhere that is relevant to your business. YouTube is not the only one out there - do your research!