Now I admit it, I am a child of the 80s – I love it when I get to play an 80s song in my classes (and I know most participants love it too). There are so many classic tunes but one of the iconic songs from this era is “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles.
It was the first song aired on MTV in 1981. Trevor Horn from The Buggles said “It came from this idea that technology was on the verge of changing everything. Video recorders had just come along, which changed people’s lives. We’d seem people starting to make videos as well, and we were excited by that. It felt like radio was the past and video was the future. There was a shift coming.”
As they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Video recorders have long gone but video remains one of the most powerful mediums available to market you, your gym and your facilities.
So what are some of the ways you can use videos to market you and your fitness brand?
- Get yourself out there – do regular videos of you talking about what you do best.
- Instead of just writing a blog, do a video blog – this really brings your message to life.
- Video your classes to show people exactly what is involved.
- “WODs” or workout of the days – not just for Crossfit boxes.
- Videos of your trainers and staff – again it makes your business more personal.
- Member stories – get your testimonials online – get people talking about why they joined up, what they love about your business and what they have achieved.
Start your own YouTube channel and put all your videos on it. Get videos on your Web site, Facebook, in your newsletters, LinkedIn groups, wherever your customers or potential leads may be watching. Make it part of your social media plan.
How about using video when you run any online ads (especially on Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels). This will make your ads more dynamic, interesting and increase the chance of someone engaging with you. Videos, like television, have the visual appeal and ability to tell stories and plant images in people’s minds. Unlike TV advertising though, you don’t need a huge budget and you have the added advantage of having more control as to who sees you ads.
Now some tips for making great videos:
- Look at using a professional – you can do some videos yourself but make sure they don’t look like a cheap home video production as this reflects poorly on your business. Spend a bit of money to get it done properly – it will be worth the money spent in the end.
- Get your message across clearly at the beginning of the video, so people don’t scroll past your video or stop it before you get to the details.
- Make it short, sweet and to the point – apply the KISS principal – “Keep It Simple Sweetie.”
- Where you can, include an eye-catching, high quality thumbnail that draws people in before your video plays (preferably a picture of a person, usually female, to gain more traction).
- When appropriate finish with a strong call to action – invite people to visit your Facebook Page, check out your website, sign up for a free trial or view additional videos.
Humans are naturally visual creatures so video is the perfect fit in promoting your fitness business. Added to this, it is a powerful medium to showcase you and your passion for health and fitness, differentiate you from your competitors and for people to get to know you better and gain a better understanding of how you can help them reach their fitness goals.
If you manage a fitness business and need help with your social media, I have a great deal for you. For only $199 I will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your current social media and how it can be improved to build awareness, increase sales and generate leads. In addition, I will provide you with a 12 month Facebook social media content schedule to gain more views, likes and shares to your business. Contact me at michelle@legrandmarketing.com.au or call me on 0419 428 604 for more details.