We now know what drives video watching. Simple—a video the prospect wants, positioned where the prospect will see it. As much as it takes to make a great video, where and how you use it is just as important. To truly have an impact, you need to pair the right video with the right placement to reach your target audience most effectively.
This post is the third in our series "How to Integrate Video into Your Marketing Strategy." In this blog, we will examine two important areas: leveraging high-impact video formats that generate substantial engagement and strategically deploying those videos across primary marketing channels to extend their reach.
By the time you finish reading this article, you'll have concrete takeaways to improve your video strategy and begin getting your content to actually do something for you.
Start with High-Impact Video Types
Not all videos are created equal. Some formats drive better engagement and stronger results than others. When creating videos, start with these highly effective types that quickly build trust and communicate value.
Customer Testimonials
Why They Work
Customer testimonials are powerful because they speak directly to the needs and concerns of prospects. They work for two key reasons:
- Prospects like to hear from people just like them. Seeing others who faced similar challenges and succeeded with your solution provides validation and a sense of relatability.
- Testimonials create trust. When the customer tells the story in their own words, it sounds sincere and unbiased. Prospects are more likely to trust the customer's experience than a vendor's message.
How to Do It Right
The secret to a great customer testimonial is ensuring that it's not about your product or service, but rather the customer's story. Focus on these points to create a compelling testimonial video:
- Start with the customer’s problem. Highlight the challenges they faced and the pain points they were trying to resolve. This instantly resonates with prospects who are experiencing similar struggles.
- Show their transformation. Frame your product or service as the tool that helped them succeed, but keep the emphasis on the customer’s achievement.
- Stay authentic. Use real customer quotes and maintain a casual, natural tone. Avoid overproducing the video or scripting responses, as this can detract from its credibility.
Product Explainers
Why They Work
Product explainer videos simplify complex concepts, making it easy for your audience to understand how your offering can solve their problems. They help prospects clearly see the value of your solution, especially if they’re struggling with a challenge that seems overwhelming.
Beyond generating clarity, product explainer videos are highly engaging. They’re concise and visually rich, which makes them perfect for holding a busy audience’s attention.
How to Do It Right
A compelling explainer video begins by meeting your prospect where they are. Here’s how to create one that works:
- Focus on the problem first. Identify what specific issue your audience is facing that they can’t seem to solve. By showing empathy and understanding their situation, you create an emotional connection.
- Then introduce your solution. Explain how your product or service solves the problem in a simple, direct way. Use visual aids such as animation, live demonstrations, or clear graphics to effectively illustrate your point.
- Keep it concise. Aim for 1–2 minutes, ensuring you convey your message without losing the audience’s attention.
Thought Leadership Videos
Why They Work
Thought leadership videos position your brand or your leadership team as experts, offering insights that help viewers make more informed decisions. When done well, they can boost your credibility and foster trust with your audience.
How to Do It Right
To create an impactful thought leadership video:
- Address timely topics or trends in your industry that your audience cares about.
- Share actionable advice they can implement immediately.
- Maintain a professional yet approachable tone to balance authority with relatability.
Integrate Video Across Key Channels
Once you have your high-impact videos, strategically placing them is the next step. By embedding your content in the right channels, you’ll ensure it reaches your audience where they’re most likely to engage.
Email Campaigns
Why This Channel Matters
Emails with videos boast a 300% higher click-through rate than text-only emails. Whether you’re welcoming a new lead or addressing buyers further along the funnel, video can provide that extra push to drive action.
Best Practices for Email Video Integration
- Embed explainer videos in onboarding campaigns to educate prospects or new customers.
- Use personalized videos for segmented audiences to make the content feel tailored to their needs.
- Add a compelling thumbnail or GIF for the video to increase click-through rates.
Landing Pages
Why Videos Boost Conversions
A video on your landing page can increase conversions by up to 80%. Its ability to captivate attention while explaining your offer makes it a valuable tool for guiding visitors to take action.
Best Practices for Landing Page Videos
- Use customer testimonial videos above the fold to immediately build trust.
- Keep the video short (under 2 minutes) and include a clear call to action at the end.
- Pair the video with concise, action-oriented copy to reinforce your message.
Social Media Platforms
Why Videos Dominate Social Media
Video content generates 1,200% more shares than text and photo posts combined. Whether you’re targeting B2B or B2C audiences, social media is an essential channel for video marketing.
Best Practices for Social Media Videos
- Optimize format for each platform. Use square or vertical videos for Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, while LinkedIn and YouTube might benefit from horizontal formats.
- Create teaser videos to spark interest and drive traffic to your main content or site.
- Use thought leadership videos on LinkedIn to engage B2B audiences and position your brand as a reliable source of expertise.
Actionable Tips for Success
Balancing Quality and Reach
- Invest in high-quality production for key videos, such as testimonials and explainers. First impressions matter, and polished videos reflect the professionalism of your brand.
- Maintain a consistent schedule for video distribution to keep your audience engaged across platforms.
Measure and Optimize
- Track key metrics —such as views, engagement rates, and watch duration —for each video.
- Use insights to refine future content. For instance, if testimonial videos are outperforming explainers on one channel, double down on customer stories there.
Looking Ahead
With your high-impact videos ready and positioned across the critical channels, you've laid the groundwork for significant influence.