⚡ Get All Content for 20% Off ⚡

5 Low-Cost Ways to Get Started With Video Marketing For the entrepreneurs with a big vision and a small budget.

By Aaron Agius

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Hero Images | Getty Images

In case you weren't aware, video marketing is a pretty big deal right now. 92 percent of smartphone users actively share videos with their friends, while over 60 percent of marketers and small-business owners said they'd be investing more money into video marketing in 2017.

Video content works especially well on product pages, since you can convey the attributes of the product in a way that immediately resonates. Unsurprisingly, four times as many consumers would rather watch a video about a product than read sales copy explaining it.

People are bombarded with information all day, every day. So, in order to cut through the noise and get your voice heard, video content is your most powerful asset. Video provides a sensory-rich experience for viewers and engages emotions in a way that simply isn't possible with textual content.

While video is the best type of content available, it's also the most expensive. If you're on a shoestring budget but still want to leverage the immense power of video, here are five low-cost tips to get you started.

Related: 10 Laws of Social Media Marketing

1. Screencast presentations

If you're just getting started with video marketing, producing screencast videos of slideshow presentations is an effective-yet-inexpensive option.

I recommend purchasing the standard version of ScreenFlow. For $99, you can use a wide range of functions, but there are free screencasting applications available too. I would also suggest using a good podcasting microphone, which can be purchased for less than $100.

Once you've written the script for your video and have created the visuals using PowerPoint, simply open your presentation, turn on ScreenFlow and narrate as if you were giving the presentation to a live audience.

ScreenFlow has an abundance of editing features and you can export your video directly to YouTube.

If you don't want to spend money on a high-quality camera, or if you're just camera shy, definitely give screencasting a try.

2. Video testimonials

Video testimonials are popular among ecommerce store owners because they convey social proof and trust more effectively than text reviews. A couple of video testimonials from real clients on your product page can definitely help to improve conversions.

Fortunately, customers are very forgiving about the video quality when it comes to testimonials. In fact, an exceptionally well-produced video testimonial can appear less trustworthy, since it's probably well-rehearsed and shot with multiple takes.

Consider emailing your previous customers and offering them discount codes in return for video testimonials of your product. People love discounts, and you'll benefit greatly from the social proof.

It's a win-win scenario.

Related: 4 Ways to Market Your Business for Free

3. DIY animation

A quality, animated, explainer video from a leading agency will set you back thousands of dollars. While you're likely to get excellent results for this kind of investment, it's not within everyone's price range.

As an alternative option, consider using DIY animation tools. Most of them are inexpensive or free and you can still create engaging videos (albeit not of the same quality as those that are professionally designed).

I recommend starting with Animaker, which features a simple drag-and-drop interface. Check out the free tutorial here.

4. Freelancers

Employing an in-house team of video marketing experts is not feasible for every company. Fortunately, with sites such as Fiverr and Upwork, you can tap into the international labor market and find skilled freelancers to help you with every facet of your video marketing strategy.

For example, audio mixing is one of the most critical parts of producing a high-quality video. Most people can't articulate why they think an audio track sounds professional, but they intuitively know when it doesn't.

A freelance audio engineer will remove any unpleasant clicks and pops from your audio tracks, as well as mix the narration and background music to blend perfectly.

You can also hire freelancers to narrate complete green-screen videos for you -- just give them the script and any other specific directions you have.

Related: Use These 5 Steps to Create a Marketing Plan

5. Use live video

Amazingly, Facebook users spend three times more time watching live videos than standard videos.

Facebook Live is free to use and audiences aren't going to expect flawless video quality on a livestream. This is an excellent way to create a more intimate connection with your audience without investing in expensive recording equipment and editing software.

Can you think of any other tips for producing excellent video content inexpensively? Please let me know in the comments below.

Aaron Agius

Search, Content and Social Marketer

Aaron Agius is an experienced search, content and social marketer. He has worked with IBM, Ford, LG, Unilever and many more of the world's largest and most recognized brands, to grow their revenue. See more from Agius at Louder Online.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Remote Side Hustle a 43-Year-Old Musician Works on for 1 Hour a Day Earns Nearly $3,000 a Month: 'All From the Comfort of Home'

Sam Ziegler wanted to supplement his income as a professional drummer — then his tech skills and desire to help people came together.

Business News

Costco CFO Reveals Uncertain Fate of $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

CFO Richard Galanti reveals that the price will stay the same — but only "for a while."

Business News

The Most Unexpectedly Popular Side Hustle of the Decade Has Low Startup Costs and High Markups

A new report shows that vending machines are a popular investment — and the industry is set to grow up to $3 billion by 2031.

Marketing

Ever Wonder Why Certain Websites Rank Higher Than Yours? This SEO Expert Reveals The Secret to Dominating Search Results

It's often the smart use of SEO, now supercharged with AI, particularly in keyword optimization.

Business News

AI Is Impacting Jobs. Here Are the Gigs Affected the Most, According to an Analysis of 5 Million Upwork Postings

The researcher said in the report that freelance jobs were analyzed first because that market will likely see AI's immediate impact.

Leadership

Former Interrogator Shares 5 Behaviors Liars Exhibit and How to Handle Them

Five deceptive behaviors to look for and how to respond to those behaviors when you encounter them.