Author: Jenna Fausey, Media Specialist, January 25, 2012

Not only can YouTube be an outlet for showcasing popular music videos and sub-par comedy clips, but if used correctly it can become a powerful marketing tool for senior care and living organizations.  In fact, according to comScore’s rankings, YouTube is the number two search engine on the World Wide Web and tops all social media activities.  Did you know that video watching is the number one activity dominating social media?   Organizations are using video sharing sites like YouTube to search for content and share content that is very easy to take in.  Whether a CEO is making a personal announcement, a nurse is sharing care giving tips, or a sales rep is sharing information about your service, online video supports social media by creating a visual and audio connection to make a meaningful impact.

Here are four important tips to keep in mind:

First: Play to viewers’ emotions

Because Internet users aren’t a very captive audience, you need to get their attention within the first few seconds.  Videos involve your visitors emotionally, so you want your video content to capitalize on the emotional challenges your potential customers are experiencing.  For example visit http://www.saginawassistedliving.org/

Second: Promote like with like

Prospective customers aren’t going to be randomly searching YouTube for relevant healthcare related videos (most of the time!).  So direct them to your videos using your current social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) or through print ads by providing a link.

Third: Keep the message positive

If you keep your videos’ content uplifting, you’re likely to receive positive comments and feedback in return.  You should also be checking your comments regularly (probably daily) so that if a negative comment does pop up, you can address the comment and rectify the situation.  For example, see the warm inviting video welcome at http://www.hswo.org/.

Fourth: Freshen up the content

Social Media is all about relevant and captivating content.  Not keeping up-to-date with your YouTube channel (or Facebook, or Twitter) is just about as bad as not having one at all.  Regularly create new, high-quality videos and you’re sure to maintain a much more generous following.  Take a look at this for example:  http://www.bucknervillas.org/

Videos can be embedded into blogs and on websites, shared on Facebook and tweeted to followers.  In fact, research indicates that placing videos on your website can increase your SEO by more than 50%.

What success have you experience with YouTube videos?

At CISCO & CO, we frequently hear clients share they can’t afford to produce videos.  The good news is, you have options that will fit your budget.  Contact Jenna Fausey at CISCO & CO today and ask about our new “Capture” video option.

If you’d like to use this article in your own newsletter or on your web site, you are welcome to reprint it in its entirety with an active link to our web site and the following info:

“By Jenna Fausey, Media Specialist for CISCO & CO. For effective marketing, sales and customer strategies that connect you with your customers visit www.ciscoco.com.”