Wednesday 18 April 2012

Online Marketing Videos - Why Invest In Them

Online marketing videos have become an important piece to a business' website. Gone are the days when people thought that using videos to promote a product or service online was just a luxury. To give you an idea on the important role that online videos have on your business, here are some of the benefits that make them worth investing in.

Helps You Connect With Your Customers

Businesses always want to establish a connection with their clients and there's no better way to do that than through an online video. What sets this apart from other mediums is that video lets you connect with your customers on a more intimate level. See, with videos, your customers get to see a person talking. Even though there's no actual conversation occurring between the person in the video and the customer, the fact that your clients see a person gives them some sort of reassurance that your company and business is real. With the influx of websites trying to con people into buying fraudulent items, having a video on your site gives them peace-of-mind knowing that you're a professional and you won't try to pull a fast one on them.

Makes Your Website Look More Professional

Even though your website is loaded with information, images, and a good design, having a video embedded in it gives it a more professional appeal. Remember, not all websites have videos talking about their company or their products. All they rely on is the text they've placed describing what they're all about. By having a video telling your customers who you are and what you can do, you increase the professional appeal of your website because it leaves the impression that you have the budget and the know-how to have one made.

Provides A Cost-Effective Way To Advertise

Advertisements are costly - that's a fact. It's one of the many reasons why not a lot of companies have an ad on TV, radio, or print. However, with the popularity of websites such as YouTube or Vimeo, companies now have a medium where they can post videos about their products without paying a premium. Plus, because the videos will be made available online, it can be accessed by a huge number of viewers not just in a certain area but globally as well. It definitely has a farther reach compared to the standard print, TV, and radio ads.

Optimizes Your Website Making It Rank Higher In Search Engines

Search engines such as Google, Yahoo, MSN, and even AOL prioritize websites that have videos embedded in them. This makes the use of videos an integral piece to a company's SEO campaign since it offers another way for a business to help boost their website's rankings online. By combining the use of video with your other internet marketing strategies, you'll get to drive in more traffic, which in turn, will lead to more revenue for your business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6985328

Monday 16 April 2012

A Guide to LinkedIn Profile Optimization

LinkedIn is a professional network with over 150 million members and it is still growing and opportunities within this professional social network are limitless. That is why members take time to put up a good-looking profile, business man or job hunters alike. An optimized or a well put together profile attracts visitors. It lets them know of your past and present successes, it reflects your credibility and authority. Think about a well-groomed person, doesn't he leave a good impression on others? Think of your profile as your 'professional online self.' An optimized LinkedIn profile maximizes your visibility within this professional network. Here are some tips to get you started on LinkedIn profile optimization.

1.) Complete your LinkedIn Profile - If you search for other tips for LinkedIn profile optimization, this always appear on the list. Aim 100% completeness for your profile (or less if by choice). Do not forget to fill in your professional headline, which is the description you find next to your name. It will describe your specialty and what you do and will be attached to you wherever you go. It will show up in comments, e-mails, and many more.

2.) Change your LinkedIn profile URL into your own name - LinkedIn allows you to edit your profile URL, or some may call the 'vanity URL.' Changing your profile URL to your name will help you get found easier and rank better in search engines. It is unavoidable that some of us may have similar names with others so my suggestion is you add an initial, company, state, abbreviation, etc but still don't forget to use your full name.

4.) Add Recommendations to your LinkedIn profile - The power of recommendations on LinkedIn has already been tested and proven by many. Recommendations are one of the keys to make a LinkedIn profile stand out among others. It maximizes the visibility of your LinkedIn profile in searches. Do not forget and always remember to only ask for recommendation from someone you know, especially someone you have worked with or done business with. Asking for recommendations from a stranger is not a good move. You might leave a bad impression on the other members of the professional network. Remember that these recommendations will enhance your 'trustworthiness' and 'credibility' not only online but offline as well.

5.) Join LinkedIn groups, interact and make connections - Do you have a mailing list of friends, colleagues, business partners? Then add them or invite them to use LinkedIn and add you in their network. LinkedIn makes it possible to add people you know and have worked with in the past or present. Join relevant groups and do not forget to interact, engage in conversations with members. Doing this, you will be able to increase the visibility and reach of not only your profile, but your business or company if you have one, among the other LinkedIn members. It can also give more exposure to your LinkedIn profile in the community.

5.) Create an Interesting Profile Summary- Profile summary is located just above 'experience' in a profile. This summary can be taken from your 'about page' taken from your company website, if you have any, or from somewhere else. Make sure that your profile summary is compelling and easy to read, enhances your trust and credibility. A good profile summary can lead to new business opportunities, profitable partnerships, new jobs, and so much more!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6966496