Video is a VERY powerful way to personalize and humanize your brand. (Check out video courses here).

While you might not have the budget to create a personal video for EVERY customer, you can use video to enhance your brand, increase engagement and drive customers further along the buying cycle.

You can use your smartphone to create simple video, hire someone to edit it a bit, or do it yourself using Adobe Premier  or right from your mobile phone use an app like Magisto. I also use Rev.com for captions.

Why do you think Instagram is moving to longer form video?

The post Hilton Hotel Uses Personalized Video To Greet Guests Before They Arrive appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Regardless of your occupation, understanding why the use of video is becoming a powerful communication tool is crucial. While entertainment videos are still leading the ranks when it comes to the type of video being watched, instructional and informational videos are not far behind.

I’ve asked Matt Pierce, customer support manager at TechSmith Corp, to share his insights with us.

In fact, according to TechSmith’s Video Viewer Study, 78 percent of those surveyed in the United States said they watch informational videos and 77 percent watch instructional videos. These stats are close to entertainment videos (where 81 percent of respondents in the U.S. indicated they are watching). This further proves video is becoming more accepted as a means to inform.

With easy access to video creation tools, you don’t need to be a professional videographer to make an impactful video. Learning some best practices for video creation is the first step in harnessing that power for your communication initiatives.

Getting started: Preparation is key

• Learn about your audience and design your video with them in mind, taking into account their needs, concerns and questions.
• Write a script or at minimum, a solid outline before recording. This will ensure the language is concise and clear.
• Create a storyboard and plan exactly what you will record to ensure your framework makes sense, and you’re meeting your objectives.
• Get feedback from multiple people, and the more critical, the better. Even tear it apart yourself to refine and ultimately, deliver the best product.

Once you have a plan in place, recording the actual video is your next step. There are several pieces of advice you should have in mind when shooting that will optimize the quality of the video and the message you are trying to convey.

Shooting the video: The essentials for making it powerful

• To avoid clutter and distractions, conceal wires and lapel mics under clothes or tape in a hidden spot.
• Use lights to remove shadows and help with the quality of video.
• Record ample amount of b-roll (supplemental, alternative footage) to help with transitions between cuts.
• Keep clips short. A lot of time spent on the same clip can be dull, so mix it up!
• Use on-screen text sparingly. Watching, listening and reading at the same time is tough.
• Add captions for SEO and accessibility.

Next, you will need to edit your video – this is where simple and easy-to-use tools come into play, such as TechSmith’s Camtasia. Video editing tools can take you to new lengths: adding in sound effects, transitions, screen grabs and removing anything you don’t want heard will perfect your video.

Editing best practices: Finalize your masterpiece

• Keep it simple and focused. Doing too much will complicate the creation process and distract from getting your video finished.
• As you make cuts, consider transitions. They can help viewers get from one clip to the next. Use transitions sparingly though, and remember to use wacky transitions with purpose, not because they’re cool.
• Check your audio levels through both speakers and earphones and adjust accordingly.
• If you decide to use music, ensure it is appropriate for the tone of your video. Make sure your music isn’t overly loud as to where it would be hard to understand what is being said.
• At the end of the video, include a specific call to action. Ask yourself, what do you want your viewers to do at the end of the video?

As informational and instructional videos continue to be a way of learning for most, the investment in a tool to help educate is something to consider. You will not only catch and keep the attention of your viewers, but save time and resources.

The post Video Humanizes Your Brand: 3 Tips To Use It For Your Business. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

New Business Has Slowed? Here’s Why

The key to business growth is acquiring new customers, so if you’ve noticed that things have slowed down, it’s time to take notice. While slow business growth can happen for reasons like an economic downturn, there are often business missteps that are to blame. In this article, sales guru Adrian Miller is sharing five reasons why you might not be seeing the new business you’d like. Figure out which are applicable to your situation, then use her advice to fix it.

Click to read 5 Reasons Why You Might Not Be Winning New Business

Connecting with Customers via Facebook Live

Video marketing is a hot trend right now, but do you know what is even hotter? Live video. The thought of appearing live and unscripted on camera in front of your customers might sound daunting. However, when you understand the benefits of live video (and the fact that your fears are largely exaggerated!), you’ll be ready to take the first step into this promising area of marketing. In this Smart Hustle interview, social media expert Kim Garst shares the benefits of Facebook Live and five tips that will calm your fears and get you prepared for your first live video.

Click to read 5 Tips for Using Facebook Live to Get Closer to Your Customers

Enhance Your IT Security Today

A sobering statistic for you: in a recent survey of 500 IT professionals, 30 percent said they believe there is nothing they can do to protect the security of their company. If you’ve ever felt the same way, it’s time to eradicate that self-defeating thought and take charge because you definitely CAN improve IT security at your business! In this article, cloud service LogMeIn is sharing four simple things you can do to greatly enhance the security of your company.

Click to read How to Improve IT Security in Four Simple Steps

So what is troubling you these days? Winning new business and sales? Forming better relationships with your customers? The security of your business data? These articles are sure to help, and for more tips and advice, catch new content over at SmartHustle.com.

The post Smart Hustle Recap: Winning New Business, Facebook Live & IT Security appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Businesses large and small love free marketing, where customers are willing and eager to sing your praises based on the positive experiences they’ve had with your company. But besides just providing great products and services, how do you drum up word-of-mouth marketing? This article explores five actionable things you can do to get more people talking about your business.

Click to read 5 Ways to Get People to Talk about Your Business

Instagram for Business

As a newer social media platform, Instagram still has many business owners scratching their heads. How exactly do you use a platform that focuses on pictures and hashtags to grow customers and awareness? The launch of “Instagram Stories” is actually opening up new marketing potential for small businesses, provided you know how to use it. This article explains what Instagram Stories is and how you can leverage it for your biz.

Click to read How to Market Your Business with Instagram Stories

Small Business Video Marketing Ideas

If you follow marketing tips, advice and news, then chances are that you run into the subject of video marketing all the time. Unfortunately, many small businesses aren’t sure where to get started. We’ve covered basic tips in other articles, but this one gives you specific videos you could create to promote your business, including new product teasers, customer feedback, and more. It is sure to give you some great ideas to help create your first marketing video.

Click to read 6 Engaging Video Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

Bonus Article: Must-Have Financial Roles

As promised, we also wanted to share an informative article for business owners who feel like they already have control over their marketing – and who couldn’t use a finance lesson now and again? This article, written by finance expert Jonathan Ankney, covers the three financial roles that you must have for your small business – and what happens if one of these crucial roles is missing.

Click to read 3 Financial Roles Every Business Needs to Maximize Success

Smart Hustle readers asked for more marketing articles, and we have been happy to deliver pieces on word-of-mouth marketing, Instagram, videos and more. What other topics would you like to see us cover on Smart Hustle? See what’s available on SmartHustle.com then share your opinion over at the Smart Hustle Community.

The post Smart Hustle Recap: Marketing via Word-Of-Mouth, Instagram Stories, and Videos appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Using Google Analytics to Track Social Campaigns

Even though there are several social media management tools, the richness of Google Analytics reports make it ideal for tracking your social campaigns. Did you know that you can use Google Analytics to track network referrals, conversions, landing pages, and social plugins? This article tells you how to get started with Google Analytics, set up goals, and five top Google Analytics reports to look at to understand how your social media campaigns are going.

Click to read How to Track Social Media Analytics with Google Analytics

Recovering from a Sales Slump

Unfortunately, everyone will experience a sales slump at some point in his or her career. Biz expert Adrian Miller says the first important thing is to understand why the slump happened so you can address the cause! However, if you find yourself in a slump, there are plenty of things you can do to recover. Adrian reviews four of the best things you can do to get the sales ball rolling again.

Click to read How to Revamp Your Business in a “Sales Slump”

Small Biz Owner: Don’t Focus on Going Viral

The gold standard in content marketing is a phenomenon known as “going viral” – when your content (whether it is a blog post, video, social media message, or something else) gets the attention of mass audiences who flood to your site and “discover” your company, making you an overnight sensation. While going viral is definitely a good thing, there are many reasons why small business owners should not focus on going viral. This article explores the reasons and what small business owners should do instead to make sure their content is a hit among the target market.

Click to read Content Marketing 2016: Why Small Businesses Shouldn’t Focus on Going Viral

Smart Hustle Magazine is committed to helping small business owners through all the twists and turns of running a business – the high points (like going viral), the low points (like experiencing a sales slump), and all of the experimentation that goes on in between (including tracking campaign analytics on platforms like Google Analytics). For more advice – no matter what stage of the game you’re at – check out SmartHustle.com or join the discussion in the Smart Hustle Community.

The post Smart Hustle Recap: Google Analytics How-To, Recovering from a Sales Slump, and More! appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Do You Need a College Degree to Start a Business?

Instead of going to college, Charles Bonfiglio went to work for a franchised automotive company right after high school. He worked his way up to becoming the top performer, then became a franchisee himself. After decades of experience in the franchise, he left to start his own company in 2007. So can experience alone set you out on the path to success or do you need a college degree? Join the discussion by checking out this article.

Click to read Do Entrepreneurs Need a College Degree? An Interview with Entrepreneur and Franchisee Charles Bonfiglio

How to Grow Through Clever Use of Content

Is content a tool for every business, or does it only work in certain industries and areas? In this interview with Julie Tupler of Diastasis Rechab, she argues that everyone, regardless of industry, can use content to grow. Julie is a nurse who focuses on one specific ailment – diastasis recti. Using a combination of books, DVDs, guides and more, she has created a booming business in this specific niche. The article explores how you too can use content to grow, even if you don’t consider yourself a writer or a videographer.

Click to read Boosting Your Biz through Content: An Interview with Julie Tupler of Diastasis Rehab

Your PR Cheat Sheet

Every business owner wants media coverage, but getting the attention of PR is another thing entirely. If you’ve ever tried to navigate the scary world of PR, this article for you. This cheat sheet covers all the basics of how to get your business in the spotlight, including developing a story, finding media contacts, writing a pitch and following up.

Click to read The Power of PR: Your Cheat Sheet to Getting Media Coverage

So what do you think? Do you need to go to college to start and run a successful business? Is content a good strategy, no matter what industry you’re in? Could adopting the right approach help you get the media coverage you’re looking for? Come contemplate these issues with us by reading the fore-mentioned SmartHustle.com articles – and if you have a comment to share, join the discussion in the Smart Hustle Community.

The post Smart Hustle Recap: Do You Need a College Degree? Plus Content and PR Tips appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

You know that live video is exploding – from teens doing silly videos to local consultants sharing their expertise. Dear business owner, live video is what’s hot and will be “the thing” for years to come. Get used to it and learn to do live video right.

1. Hold your camera the right way – vertical in most cases
2. Be cognizant of those around you – don’t capture innocent people in your live shot
3. Have good audio – don’t do a live shot with lots of noise (if you can help it)
4. Be prepared, Daymond John does a weekly Facebook Live chat and is well prepared for what he’ll share
5. Have fun and learn.

The WSJ”s Jaonna Stern writes, “Rule No. 1 of live streaming: Have a purpose. Show us a concert, a breathtaking view, a ride on your electric scooter, your new Wi-Fi connected juicer—it’s all about sharing something cool or unique. I maintained 50 live viewers on a horse and buggy ride through Central Park. But making kale salad? My viewership fell to low single digits.”

You can read more about Facebook’s Live video updates here.

The post Live Video. It’s Not A Fad. It’s A Serious Business Tool. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

A few weeks ago, my wife held her first Periscope live stream chat. On Thursday, I held my first Facebook Live chat after Social Media Tulsa. Of course zillions of people have been doing live streams on social media way before me and my wife did our first journey into live stream. Let’s also not forget about Google Hangouts  and webinars – these are live streams – but never before has “social” and “live” connected us like Periscope and Facebook have.

The NY Times writes that although Facebook live stream is annoying for some – it’s sure growing.

Why is live streaming so hot? Well we humans, like “live” – this is why reality TV is so much more attractive than traditional TV.

Live iptv streaming gives you that “in the moment” – right now – feeling. Why do you think people stand in line for hours to buy the latest Apple gadget or Nike shoe?

For sure, small business owners must think like PUBLISHERS and NOT SALESMEN.

Best iptv live stream is a big part of the equation of building a TRIBE. Once you build a tribe, filled with fans and followers who know, like and trust you, you can take them anywhere.

The key to a successful live stream – is to do it consistently and regularly. I’ll be doing a regular live stream on Smart Hustle’s Facebook page. Stay tuned.

• Live stream gives you a deeper connection to your audience
• Live stream makes your “brand” move human.
• Live stream helps you quickly and efficiently engage your audience (customers, prospects, etc)
• Live streams can be archived and turned into other content
• Live stream forces you to not be perfect

So, when are you going to do your first live stream?

The post 5 Reasons Every Business Owner Should Live Stream. Educate, Don’t Sell. appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

But editing is where things get tough.

You can edit video with various mobile editing tools or purchase a computer based video editing tool like Adobe Premier and Final Cut. Your computer comes built in with Windows Video Editor and Mac’s come with iMovie.

I recently saw a new tool, actually a platform, Advids.co and it looks pretty good.

What I like is that there’s a curated list of video editors you can pick from.

While I love UpWork,  Fivver and other platforms for freelance professionals – it’s great to use a platform dedicated to one task. For writers, Writer Acces is like that as well.

How does it work?

1. Create a budget for your video project
2. Build a creative brief to outline your target audience and objectives
3. You’ll get a video producer to help bring your “video team” together
4. Pay
5. Track the progress
6. and your video is done.

One of my favorite video producers is Jimmy Newson and you might have a look (or remote) person to work with. If not, you now have another solution to consider – Advids.co

The post Review: Video Editing Is Tough – Advids.co Makes It Easier appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.

Video is an essential engagement tool for the social world we live in. Video brings you closer to your audience, helps explain topics better and so much more. There are three ways to shoot great video – with your phone, with a professional camera or with a pro-sumer camera. Of course ensure your audio and lighting are good and that what you’re saying or video taping is relevant to your anticipated audience.

Once you’ve recorded video, the next step and what’s most challenging for people is editing it. To edit video, you can use an app on your phone, use

To edit video, you can use an app on your phone, use Apple iMovie, Microsoft Movie Maker, Adobe Premier or one of a number of other video editing tools.

Magisto is an app that I used a few months ago, which works on your smart phone. They’ve recently launched Magisto for business.

The secret sauce of Magisto is that once you upload your video (or videos), select your music and select the TYPE of video you want to be created.Magisto’s artificial intelligence automatically creates a master piece – edited video – for you.

Magisto’s artificial intelligence automatically creates a master piece – edited video – for you.

Sure, you can edit your own video or hire someone to do it for you – but if neither of these are options – give Magisto a try and you might be pleasantly surprised.

The post Magisto for Business: Easy Way To Create Good Videos With Minimal Effort appeared first on SmallBizTechnology.