I don’t care how “pretty” or “aesthetic” your photos and videos are. If they are not generating leads, conversations, or sales, it’s nothing but easy coffee shop background noise, it will blend in like the rest of them. 

As a photographer and videographer, I see words in body language and movement. Our job is to extract your message in the most simple format, and then translate it into a universal language we all understand no matter what language we speak. 

Why is video + photos more powerful and more understood then typed or spoken words?

55% of our communication is body language

38% is through tone of voice

7% is what we actually say

This is why videos are quickly gaining speed as an advertising tool! I can make a bet that if you have ever posted a video on your social media and you checked the analytics, chances are, it performed the best and got the most engagement or views. 

Gone are the days of having to hire a big expensive production team. You can literally record and edit a pretty amazing video right from your iPhone! Here are three steps to get you started… 

1. Start with a system/funnel

   Before you post/publish, be sure you have a landing space for people to go to get more info, purchase, or request an appointment. Think about your call to action and what you want your customer/client to do. Have your link ready to post in the caption, comments, or embedded in the “button” if you’re paying for advertising. Make it easy for people. Don’t make them “ask you” for the link. Just give it freely. Once you know where to go or what you want them to do, decide on what type of content would be the best. 

2. Video or Photo? Want to know my honest truth? VIDEO 

   Video is the best tool. If you’re going live or pre-recording, nothing beats hearing your voice and seeing your expressions and body language. Photos, in our humble opinion, are throwaway or stationary content (website/products/services/profile photo). When it comes to getting your client to do something, video is the way to go. 

3. Push your content

   The biggest mistake I see business owners make is living in a fantasy. They think that by simply posting the content + COA (call to action) that it will = action. When you post, it’s like throwing birdseed out of a window. Some of the birds will find it, but most will not. When you create a structure through advertising it’s like posting up a bird feeder and filling it up. The birds will begin flocking to it because it has structure and consistency. When you pay for advertising, you tell your advertiser where to build your bird feeders. 

“I don’t have money.” 

If you don’t have money to advertise your business, you have time. 

Trade or Barter

Start working up a word of mouth referral by offering some of your products or services for free/at cost. Create affiliates to help you get testimonials and content from them. In trade, you could have them make a video trying your product, give a testimonial, and/or get a service, etc. 

Giveaways

If you’re looking to build an email list or an audience, try doing a giveaway of your products or services and have them tag 5 friends to enter + share your video. Have them fill out their name and email in a CRM format to enter. 

Bottom Line 

You have to give in order to get. If it’s not money, it will be your time. And pretty soon you will find that your time > then money, because money you can more of, time is the only currency you get no more or less of. It’s precious and extremely valuable, so don’t undervalue it! 

If you are ready to jump into spending some money vs time and looking to get started with advertising on social media, join us at The Nest Wednesday, August 26, 2020 for our Advertising 101 Workshop where I break down Facebook + IG ad creation and attract your dream customer/client!

Post written and contributed by Nest Member:
Mary Breuer, Owner
Mary Breuer Photos