NOTE: See the video version of this blog post here.
“Oh great, I need to learn another new term,” you ask? “What the heck is the ‘Vlog-iverse’?” “What the heck is ‘vlogging’?” “Why can’t you just leave me alone and let me stumble through the internet universe on my own?”
Sorry Bunky, but yes, it is time to learn something new about how you get found on the internet today and the video universe, or “Vlog-iverse,” (we totally just made that up) is where it’s at right now. This includes video blogging, or “vlogging.”
“Whyyyyyy,” you ask, in that whiney voice you usually save only for your partner? Because YouTube has very quietly become the second largest search engine in the universe, that’s why. And – YouTube is owned by Google, so anything you place there has an effect on the search engine monster we all love to hate, as well. “That’s not reason enough,” you say?
Here are just a few of the numbers you need to know, directly from YouTube…
- More than 800 million unique visits per month
- More than 4 billion videos are watched each day
- YouTube monetizes more than 3 billion views per week, worldwide
- Mobile device traffic tripled in 2011
- More than 100 million viewers take social action on YouTube videos every week
What does all of this mean for you? Why should you begin vlogging, instead of simply blogging? Video stand out as unique and creative. Video creates a deeper, more intimate connection between you and your visitor. Video is compelling, causing the viewer to take action. Whatever you wish your visitor to do; opt-in to your mailing list; buy a product; sign up for a service, you are much more likely to impel them to do so with video.
Where must you place your video, besides YouTube? Everywhere you can, of course! Place your videos on your landing pages, your Home Page, your blog, and all over your website. Your goal is to have them seen, by the search engines and your visitors! Once you do this, your traffic can’t help but grow.
Stay tuned for more on vlogging and your introduction to the Vlog-iverse, as we bring you more reasons and ways to put yourself out there ever more effectively.
HI Laurie,
I enjoy doing videos now I have got over seeing myself there (& it’s much better now that I am connecting to the person I am talking to rather than my self-consciousness) but as with all things, consistency is the key! Do you have any suggestions for how to build consistency in your frequency & message into your V-logging programme?
Here’s to V-logging!
Thanks for your comment and question Alison. I think the trick with video is the same with anything else – you just have to get out there and do it. If you can, I suggest filming 3-4 at a time (just make sure to change shirts in between so it doesn’t LOOK like you did it all on the same day! lol). If editing takes you a long time, or you don’t enjoy it I suggest outsourcing that to your favorite virtual assistant team (ahem). Just sayin’. 😉
Another idea is to come up with a schedule or plan. For instance – blog, blog, video, blog, blog, video, etc. (my 5-year old would tell you: “That’s an A, A, B pattern!”).
Laurie,
I love your stats on this. I think it is true. People read the comments on YouTube, for example, and often forward the video to friends to comment, too. It also gives speakers and presenters the opportunity to post your vlog during their own presentation – or – it becomes an inspirational message to send a friend.
Loved your post.
Dianne
Thank you for comment Dianne!