The Complete Guide To Corporate Video Strategy

According to HubSpot, 54% of consumers want to see more video content from a brand or business they support. In today’s fast-paced digital era, corporate videos have become a powerful tool for companies to engage with their target audience, showcase their brand personality, and drive business growth. As more and more people consume video content online, businesses need to adapt and incorporate video strategies into their marketing mix to stay ahead of the competition. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to corporate video strategies, helping businesses make the most of this highly effective medium.

A report from HubSpot reveals that 72% of customers would instead learn about a product or service through video. The power of video content lies in its ability to captivate audiences, convey complex information succinctly, and create an emotional connection with viewers. As a result, the demand for video content has surged in recent years, with various platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn becoming popular channels for businesses to reach their audience. Cisco predicts that by 2022, video will account for 82% of all internet traffic.

Understanding the nuances of corporate video strategies and implementing them effectively can significantly impact a company’s growth and success. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to create compelling videos, from planning and production to distribution and analysis. By following these best practices, you will be well on your way to crafting a corporate video strategy that elevates your brand and drives results.

Understanding Corporate Video Strategies

A corporate video is a visual communication tool companies use to convey their brand message, promote products or services, train employees, or inform stakeholders. These videos can be shared through various channels such as websites, social media platforms, and email marketing campaigns catering to internal and external audiences.

Types of corporate videos

1. Promotional videos: Designed to showcase a company’s products or services, promotional videos aim to generate interest and boost sales. These videos can include product demonstrations, explainer animations, or customer success stories.
2. Training videos: Utilized to educate employees about company policies, procedures, or new software, training videos facilitate learning and help maintain consistency across the organization.
3. Internal communication videos: As an effective method for communicating with employees, these videos can include company updates, executive messages, or employee recognition.
4. Testimonial videos: Featuring satisfied customers or partners, testimonial videos help build trust and credibility, highlighting the value and benefits of a company’s offerings.
5. Event coverage videos: Documenting company events such as conferences, product launches, or trade shows, event coverage videos can be shared with those unable to attend or used for promotional purposes.

Goals of corporate video strategies

1. Brand awareness: Videos can help increase brand visibility and recognition, making a company’s products or services more memorable and appealing to its target audience. According to Wistia, people spend 2.6 times more time on pages with video content than those without.
2. Engagement: Engaging and informative videos can boost employee morale and foster a sense of belonging within the organization.
3. Customer trust and loyalty: By showcasing a company’s values, expertise, and success stories, videos can help build trust and loyalty among customers.
4. Sales and lead generation: Strategic video content can drive traffic, generate leads, and ultimately increase sales, contributing to a company’s bottom line. A study by Optinmonster found that video marketers get 66% more qualified leads per year. In addition, Google states that 50% of internet users look for videos about a product or service before visiting a store or making a purchase decision.

Now that you have a basic understanding of corporate video strategies and their goals, the next step is to plan, produce, and promote high-quality videos that resonate with your target audience. The following sections will delve deeper into crafting a successful corporate video strategy.

Planning a Corporate Video Strategy

Identifying the target audience

Before creating any corporate video content, it’s crucial to determine your target audience. Understanding your audience’s preferences, needs, and pain points will help you create videos that resonate with them and provide value. Consider creating audience personas that outline demographics, interests, and challenges to help guide your video strategy.

Establishing clear objectives

Having well-defined objectives for your corporate video strategy will help you measure success and make data-driven decisions. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Examples of goals include increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or boosting employee engagement.

Creating a content plan

1. Video topics and formats: Based on your target audience and objectives, brainstorm topics that will provide value and engage viewers. Choose the appropriate format for each case, such as an explainer video, live-action footage, or animation.
2. Frequency and duration of videos: Determine your videos’ ideal frequency and length to maintain audience engagement without overwhelming them. Analyze your competitors’ strategies and audience preferences to make informed decisions.

Budgeting and resource allocation

Establishing a budget for your corporate video strategy is essential for managing resources effectively. Consider the costs associated with pre-production, production, and post-production, as well as marketing and promotion. Allocate resources based on your priorities and objectives, and don’t be afraid to start small and scale up as needed.

Producing High-Quality Corporate Videos

Pre-production

1. Scriptwriting: Develop a clear and concise script that conveys your message effectively. Use brand storytelling techniques to keep viewers engaged and emotionally invested.
2. Storyboarding: Create a visual representation of your script, outlining each shot and sequence. This will help streamline the production process and ensure a cohesive final product.
3. Scouting locations and talent: Choose appropriate sites and skills for your video, considering factors such as lighting, sound, and aesthetics. Ensure that on-camera talent is comfortable and well-versed in their role.

Production

1. Filming techniques: Use professional equipment and filming techniques to capture high-quality footage. Consider camera angles, framing, and movement to create a visually appealing video.
2. Lighting and sound: Ensure proper lighting and sound to create a polished and professional final product. Invest in quality microphones and lighting equipment, and consider hiring a sound engineer if necessary.
3. Directing and coaching on-camera talent: Provide guidance and support to on-camera talent, helping them deliver their lines naturally and confidently.

Post-production

1. Video editing: Edit your footage to create a cohesive narrative, removing unnecessary or repetitive content. Use transitions, text overlays, and graphics to enhance your video’s visual appeal.
2. Sound design and music: Incorporate music and sound effects to create an engaging audio experience. Ensure that music and good levels are balanced and complement the visuals.
3. Graphics and animations: Use pictures and animations to emphasize key points, illustrate concepts, or add visual interest.
4. Quality assurance and review: Conduct a thorough review of your video, checking for any technical issues, inconsistencies, or inaccuracies. Gather feedback from team members and make any necessary revisions.

Stay tuned for the following sections, where we will explore the distribution, promotion, and measurement of your corporate videos to ensure maximum success.

Distribution and Promotion of Corporate Videos

Video hosting platforms

1. YouTube: As the world’s largest video-sharing platform, YouTube offers excellent reach and discoverability for corporate videos. Optimize your videos with titles, descriptions, and tags to enhance searchability.
2. Vimeo: Vimeo is known for its high-quality content and professional community. It offers advanced customization and privacy features, making it a popular choice for hosting corporate videos.
3. Wistia: Designed specifically for businesses, Wistia provides advanced analytics and marketing tools to help you track and optimize your video performance.

Promoting videos on social media

Social Media Today reports that video generates 1200% more social media shares than text and image content combined.

1. Facebook: Share your corporate videos on Facebook to reach a broad audience. Utilize Facebook’s targeting tools to ensure your videos get the right people.
2. Instagram: Leverage Instagram’s visual platform by sharing short, engaging clips from your corporate videos. Use Instagram Stories and IGTV for longer-form content.
3. LinkedIn: Share your corporate videos on LinkedIn to connect with professionals and industry peers. Optimize your videos for LinkedIn’s professional audience by focusing on informative and thought-provoking content.
4. Twitter: Utilize Twitter to share short, attention-grabbing clips from your corporate videos. Use relevant hashtags and engage with your audience through comments and retweets.

Integrating videos into email marketing campaigns

Embedding videos in your email campaigns can increase click-through rates and drive traffic to your website. Use attention-grabbing thumbnails and compelling subject lines to encourage recipients to watch your videos.

Using videos in presentations and webinars

Incorporate your corporate videos into presentations, webinars, and virtual events to provide value and engage your audience. For example, videos can help illustrate complex concepts, share customer success stories, or showcase your company’s achievements.

Measuring Corporate Video Success

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

1. Views: Track the number of times your video has been viewed to gauge its reach and visibility.
2. Engagement metrics: Analyze engagement metrics such as likes, shares, and comments to understand how your audience interacts with your content.
3. Conversion rates: Measure how many viewers take a desired action after watching your video, such as signing up for a newsletter or purchasing.
4. Return on investment (ROI): Calculate the ROI of your corporate video strategy by comparing the cost of producing and promoting your videos to the revenue generated from them.

Use the data collected from your KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of your corporate video strategy. Identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement to optimize your process moving forward.

Based on your analysis, make data-driven adjustments to your video strategy. This may include refining your target audience, modifying your video formats, or allocating more resources to promotion.

Tips for Success in Corporate Video Strategies

Authenticity and storytelling

Embrace Authenticity and storytelling in your corporate videos to establish an emotional connection with your audience. Share real stories and experiences from your company, customers, or employees to make your content more relatable and engaging.

Consistency and branding

Ensure your corporate videos maintain a consistent look and feel, reflecting your brand identity and values. Use your brand’s color palette, typography, and tone of voice to create a cohesive video experience that reinforces your brand image.

Collaboration and teamwork

Involve different departments and team members in the video creation to generate diverse ideas and perspectives. Encourage collaboration between writers, designers, and videographers to produce innovative and engaging content.

Continuous learning and improvement

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in video production, marketing, and distribution. Learn from industry experts, attend workshops, or enroll in online courses to continuously improve your corporate video strategies.

Experimentation and adaptation

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different video formats, topics, and distribution channels. Test new ideas, analyze their performance, and adapt your strategy based on the results. This iterative approach will help you discover what works best for your audience and objectives.

Leveraging user-generated content

Encourage your audience to create and share videos about your brand or products. User-generated content can provide social proof, increase engagement, and expand your reach.

Tracking and optimizing video performance

Regularly review and analyze your corporate videos’ performance to identify improvement areas. Then, optimize your video content, distribution channels, and promotion strategies based on data-driven insights to maximize the impact of your corporate video strategy.

By following these tips and best practices, you can further enhance the effectiveness of your corporate video strategies, creating engaging and impactful content that drives business growth and success.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Corporate Video Strategies

While implementing a corporate video strategy can yield significant benefits, being aware of potential challenges and obstacles is essential. Here, we discuss some common challenges and offer solutions to help you overcome them:

Challenge 1: Limited budget and resources

Solution: Start small and scale up as needed. Focus on producing high-quality content, even if it means creating fewer videos initially. Utilize cost-effective tools and resources like royalty-free music, stock footage, or freelance talent to help manage costs.

Challenge 2: Difficulty measuring video performance

Solution: Define clear KPIs and objectives for your corporate video strategy. Utilize video analytics tools and platforms to track and measure video performance. Regularly review and analyze data to make informed decisions and optimize your system.

Challenge 3: Maintaining audience engagement

Solution: Keep your content fresh and relevant by updating your video library regularly. Experiment with different video formats, topics, and distribution channels to engage your audience. Encourage interaction and feedback from viewers to understand their preferences and needs better.

Challenge 4: Balancing quality and quantity

Solution: Prioritize quality over quantity. While producing a consistent stream of content is essential, sacrificing quality for an amount can negatively impact your brand image and audience engagement. Focus on creating high-quality videos that provide value and resonate with your target audience.

Challenge 5: Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices

Solution: Dedicate time and resources to continuous learning and improvement. Follow industry publications, attend conferences, or participate in online forums to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in video production and marketing.

By being proactive and addressing these common challenges, you can ensure the success and longevity of your corporate video strategy. Then, implement the above solutions to create engaging and impactful corporate videos that drive business growth and achieve your objectives.

Building a Corporate Video Strategy Team

Creating a successful corporate video strategy requires a dedicated team with diverse skills and expertise. Here are some key roles to consider when building your corporate video strategy team:

Video Strategist

A video strategist is responsible for developing and overseeing your corporate video strategy. They work closely with various departments to align video objectives with broader business goals, ensuring your video content supports your company’s mission and vision.

Scriptwriter

Skilled scriptwriter crafts compelling scripts for your corporate videos, ensuring your message is clear, concise, and engaging. They work closely with the video strategist to ensure the content aligns with your objectives and target audience.

Videographer/Producer

A videographer/producer is responsible for capturing high-quality footage for your corporate videos. They have expertise in camera operation, lighting, and sound, ensuring your videos look professional.

Video Editor

A video editor takes raw footage and shapes it into a cohesive narrative, incorporating transitions, text overlays, and graphics to enhance the visual appeal of your videos. They work closely with the videographer/producer and scriptwriter to ensure the final product aligns with your strategy and objectives.

Graphic Designer/Animator

A graphic designer/animator creates visual elements, such as logos, icons, and animations, to supplement your video content. They work closely with the video editor to ensure that graphics and animations are seamlessly integrated into your videos.

Social Media Manager

A social media manager promotes and distributes your corporate videos across various platforms. They engage with your audience, analyze performance data, and optimize your social media strategy to maximize the reach and impact of your videos.

Video Analyst

A video analyst tracks and measures the performance of your corporate videos, providing insights and recommendations to optimize your strategy. They analyze data from various sources, such as video hosting platforms and social media, to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.

By assembling a team with diverse skills and expertise, you can create a powerful corporate video strategy that delivers engaging and impactful content to your target audience. Collaborate and communicate effectively to ensure your team is aligned and working towards a shared vision of success.

Future Trends in Corporate Video Strategies

As technology and audience preferences evolve, staying informed about emerging trends in corporate video strategies is crucial. Here are some trends to watch for in the coming years:

Live streaming and virtual events

As remote work and virtual events become increasingly prevalent, companies leverage live streaming to connect with their audiences in real-time. Live streaming offers a unique opportunity to engage with viewers, answer questions, and share information in an interactive and dynamic format.

Immersive technologies

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are opening up new possibilities for corporate video strategies. Companies can use these technologies to create immersive experiences that showcase products, services, or workplace environments, providing deeper engagement and interactivity.

Personalization and customization

Data analysis and artificial intelligence advancements are enabling companies to deliver more personalized and targeted video content. By leveraging user data, companies can create customized video experiences tailored to individual preferences, interests, and needs.

Short-form and ephemeral content

The popularity of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Stories highlights the growing demand for short-form and short-video content. Companies can leverage these platforms to share bite-sized, engaging content that captures viewers’ attention and drives engagement.

Integration of artificial intelligence (AI)

AI technologies like machine learning and natural language processing are increasingly integrated into corporate video strategies. These tools can help automate video production processes, analyze viewer data, and optimize content recommendations.

By staying informed about these emerging trends, you can adapt and evolve your corporate video strategy to maintain a competitive edge and meet the ever-changing needs of your audience. Embrace new technologies and platforms to create innovative, engaging video content that drives business growth and success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a well-planned and executed corporate video strategy can significantly impact your company’s growth and success. By understanding the different types of corporate videos, setting clear objectives, producing high-quality content, and promoting your videos effectively, you can elevate your brand and achieve your business goals. Then, use this guide’s insights and best practices to create compelling corporate videos that resonate with your audience and drive results.