Internet Marketing - Viva La Video!

I search the web on a pretty regular basis looking for examples of "best practices" websites as a source for new ideas and added knowledgebase. In doing so, I've noticed the daily increase in the use of streaming video and video content that's being published on company websites.

As the boundaries between the information-based Internet and consumer and entertainment products continues to narrow and merge, webmasters' use of streaming video as a marketing tool grows exponentially. And it's not just the large or well-financed websites anymore, but an increasing number of small business websites are also turning to video. Even this blog has become an example.

Video is being used in a variety of ways, but its importance to Internet marketing is that it gives you, the marketer, an opportunity to present your businesses, products and services to potential clients in a new and different way. Rather than relying on text-based descriptions and explanations, streaming video allows you to actually demonstrate how your products work and the solutions they provide. In addition, video offers the opportunity for you to "personalize" your marketing message, giving your visitors a perception of having a personal contact with you and your business. The viral nature of video is also of great advantage in promoting your message across your marketplace.

If you're considering using video as a part of your marketing efforts, but are hesitant or don't quite feel comfortable with the technology, there are plenty of free sources for tutorials including the one here (although it's kind of technical) at PCTechGuide.com.

Streaming video technology is no longer the stuff of dreams, but a powerful tool in the hands of marketers that will only improve and come to more and better use in the future.