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Why include subtitles & captions in video

08/19/202209/21/2021 by scmarketing

You may be forgiven for thinking that with video content if you record someone speaking to the camera then the jobs done. Let’s face it, as a digital marketing agency, we constantly go on about the benefits of imagery especially video as part of your marketing strategy and how it helps improve engagement on your website and reach on social media. In fact, 87% of marketers say that video has increased website traffic.

So, surely recording yourself talking to the camera or interviewing someone is enough as we can all listen to what’s being said? Well…sort of.

This is where you have to think of your target audience.

For starters how do they like to receive their information. Will people be viewing videos on their mobile? In which case, they are likely to be out and about and therefore the sound may be off as they commute to work or sit in a coffee shop. And, you should cater for everyone so those that are hard of hearing can also enjoy the content you are producing.

Boost your rankings in search

We recently wrote a blog about whether video can help with SEO – and this is another key reason that you should be considering subtitles and captions.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is about helping to improve your website ranking in search engine results pages. We recommend writing scripts before you record so that you can incorporate your keywords which are important for SEO. Even the name of the video file is useful for SEO so think about this when you upload to the video channels as it should contain keywords.

We also recommend having accounts on channels such as Vidyard, Vimeo and YouTube. This all helps with your rankings in search.

On YouTube you can add an SRT file to enable you to add subtitles and closed captions rather than burn them onto the video file.

Digital marketing agency

We are a Croydon based digital marketing agency offering SEO services including video creation, blog content writing, keyword research, local SEO, Google Ad campaigns to help improve your online presence and visibility online as your SEO experts.

Can video help with SEO?

08/19/202207/21/2021 by scmarketing

By now we’re sure that you’ve encountered video content and whether you’ve embraced it fully for your business or not, now is the time to really think about using it as part of your content marketing to help optimise your website further.

We’d recommend having accounts on channels such as Vidyard, Vimeo and YouTube. This all helps with your rankings in search.

Think about the name of your video file and its title when you upload to the video channels as it should contain keywords.

On YouTube you can add an SRT file to enable you to add subtitles and closed captions rather than burn them onto the video file. This can help with long term Search Engine Optimisation or SEO within the YouTube channel.

Creating video content

Create relevant content for your brand.

Whilst you can create corporate videos working with companies that can create scripts, take footage and edit interviews, you can also make videos efficiently, simply and at no extra cost all on your mobile phone. You can take great product shots and footage at events to showcase your business.

If you are shooting the video yourself it is useful to write a script so that you incorporate your keywords which are important for SEO. Memorise it as best you can and then speak naturally to the camera offering your clients and prospects tips and advice.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel either. Repurpose content from your blogs and make short and snappy videos to bring your blog web page and social media posts to life.

Our blog on using video for business has top tips on setting up videos and what to consider along with some useful dos and don’ts.

You don’t need to have a video of yourself but for small businesses adding a face to your brand is a great way for making marketing more personal and letting customers know that there’s a person dealing with orders and enquiries.

SEO company Croydon

As a digital marketing agency in Croydon, we’re well placed to offer local businesses digital marketing services and online marketing advice on relevant Local SEO Services and content marketing to help increase presence in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Get in touch to chat about your business goals and how a tailored SEO campaign can help your marketing strategy.

We can walk through ideas for video and the potential of using it for your business.

Mobile taking picture of food for instagram

Improve social media presence

08/19/202205/20/2021 by scmarketing

When it comes to social media marketing it may feel like you’ve already heard all the top tips you need to hear; be consistent, target specific audiences, use hashtags, stick to relevant platforms. While these are all important factors to consider, and we have plenty of digital marketing resources to help (see below), it is equally important to make your social media marketing strategies original.

Here are some smart quick tips to take on board for your social channels:

1. Engage

Using social media for your business is not as simple as shouting out what your business has to offer. Make sure you post and engage with others on the platforms whether it is other businesses or clients.

2. Get link building

We would recommend creating a content marketing plan with key dates plotted out such as national days of interest related to your businesses products or services. This provides a hook and a way to create timely news for blog posts based on this plan. This ensures regular content on your website which saves you time thinking about what to write.

When you share content in a social post add a link back to your website.

Let’s not forget that using social for your business also helps with search engine optimisation (SEO) as it provides a quality link back to your website.

3. Groups

Join community groups, industry specific groups and relevant associations to meet like-minded people. This allows you to network with other businesses or to target a specific audience.

4. What is trending?

Keep up to date with current affairs relevant to your sector and audience. Creating social posts around what is trending in the news or the platform you are using makes your content relatable to the viewer. It helps to position you as a thought leader in your field.

5. Incorporate videos

Videos are booming right now. On Facebook, video content has jumped to 258% since 2016, and Tweets with a video attracting 10 x more engagement than those without.

Videos can be created simply on smartphones, however here’s our tips for being on camera if you are creating videos yourself and more about using video for business.

Social media agency Croydon

If you need support with setting up your social media platforms, understanding your target audience or conducting paid for campaigns such as Facebook ads, get in touch with Smart Cow. As a social media marketing company, we work with small businesses in Croydon and across London on digital marketing campaigns that can help drive traffic to their website.

Social media marketing resources

What we can learn from TikTok’s Top 100 videos

03/25/2021 by scmarketing

TikTok is on track to hit 1 billion users in 2021, meaning the app has huge potential to grow your business and reach more clients. The question is… how do you stand out on such a large platform?

TikTok has now released an entertaining video called Year on TikTok: Top 100, where they run through the viral videos of 2020. You can also have a look back over the highlights of your personal TikTok year too!

The video contained 100 TikTok videos split into 10 categories:

Vibe Check – ‘cultural moments’
It’s the Meme for Me – the top trends, hashtags, and challenges
Rising Stars – Top Creators
Voices of Change – Most impactful creators
The A-List: Top Celebs
The Playlist: Top Songs
Such a Snack: Top food recipes, trends, and hacks
Glow Up: Top style and beauty trends
Biggest Little Communities: Top niche communities
Extremely TikTok: Top product elements

Now, apart from being great content to watch and enjoy as a social media agency we are always looking at what we can learn from these platforms, here are our takeaways:

The importance of hashtags and trends

10 of the TikToks were chosen based on what the top trends and hashtags were from 2020. It just goes to show how important it is to include relevant hashtags on all your posts. Make sure to do this on all social media platforms!

Explore what type of videos are trending. Look at how are they edited and what features are they using. Are you able to incorporate these trends into your content?

Choosing the right music

Music is key on TikTok. Keep up to date with what songs and backing tracks are popular and see if they could be used in your content. You can also search by song.

Tutorials and how to videos

Categories such as food recipes and beauty tutorials were very popular over 2020. Are there short tutorials or ‘How To’ topics you can film to help promote your business and what you do? For example, perhaps you are a florist and can share some flower arrangement advice.

Use the creative tools

TikTok showcased the most popular content editing tools used by creators. From green screens and voiceovers to collaboration features and colour enhancers, incorporating these features will add some texture to your TikTok.

If you need more advice we have previously explored the best ways to grow your business via this app as well tips on using other social media platforms.

When using any social media channel to grow your business you need a strategic marketing plan to build brand visibility through engaging content to help you generate leads.

At Smart Cow Marketing, we’re experts in creating successful social media marketing campaigns. Why not get in touch for a FREE consultation? We will review your current challenges and future goals, and discuss what marketing options could work for you.

Digital Marketing Croydon Resources