What to do to have an Effective Heartfelt Video Ad

The industry of digital marketing in Philippines has been an effective tool of advertising a business’ or person’s brand, products and services. Be it social media marketing or the other technical matters like SEO and PPC; we know that digital marketing is something or rather “the thing.” 

If you’d notice, both in digital and traditional marketing, video ads today have a different trip – that is to make the human out of you. Companies or groups usually release these type of video advertisements concerning a particular event like Mother’s day, Father’s day, Valentine’s, Christmas, just to name some of which. 

An example of that is Jollibee’s Valentine special series (Vow, Crush, Date). If you didn’t shed any tear, you know that it silently pained you somewhere inside. Some of the stories just hit you right in your heart, but even if it doesn’t relate to you in any way, there is just something that made you feel and think that that is heartfelt.

So what does it take for an ad to be genuine and compelling?

Have a theme that is relevant 

You should have a theme that is relevant, and it’s not just about the upcoming holidays. It could be something about the reality of life the minority sectors face, or we need to endure. How about having a theme that is pertaining to escaping the harsh realities life is throwing at us? Almost all theme are doable, you just also need to have the other points as well like the next one:

The storyline should be easy to understand (but with a twist!)

Given that your competitors or other groups will also release a video ad probably revolving around the same theme as yours, your storyline is what will make it unique. As much as possible, it should be easy to grasp without comprising its quality. It’s better if you were able to make your audience think beyond what you’ve shown them. 

Aside from giving them the feels and triggering their thoughts, make a good plot twist. However, plot twists are quite overrated already so the one you are thinking of should be unique and unforeseen.

Connect with your target audience

In every publicity materials we release, we should be able to identify which group or sector of the society we are trying to reach out to. Pointing this out will help you narrow down your ideas and plans. The video ad may not be directly about them, but it is something that speaks to them. 

Obviously, great graphics and sounds – photography, cinematography, and music

The technical aspects of video ads are as important as your storyline. We know how short the attention span of people is and not all will spare some of their time in a video ad especially if it is not aesthetically appealing. Your musical scoring should also be great. Remember that what we hear is one of the major factors of what we feel. Try to watch a horror movie and mute the volume then play a different song that is not fit to the genre. You won’t feel scared or shocked with the scenes that will make you jump if it’s not on mute.

Don’t forget that at the end of the day, you aim to market your brand

You just don’t want to make people feel every all feels you want them to feel. Use this marketing strategy in a good way people will remember your name. Like what they say, some people may forget what you did to or for them but not how you make them feel.

There you go! If you think there are other factors we should take a look into, share your thoughts.

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Why Facebook Should be on your Marketing Strategy Plan

In general, the status of digital marketing in the Philippines and globally is competitive and has a high impact in one’s advertising strategies. One branch of digital marketing is the use of social media which include, on top of many, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Given that the Internet users almost reached 4 billion, digital marketing is one good way of promoting products and services. But why Facebook should be a priority?

Facebook has a significant number of active users

If you are looking for an avenue where you can promote your products, services or brand in a wide range of audience, Facebook is there to help you. According to statistics, there are over 1.94 billion monthly active users for the month of March this year. It is 18 percent higher than the other year. It’s also important to note that the Philippines lead the world ranking for the most active people in social media (Facebook included, of course). Filipinos spend an average of 8 hours and 59 minutes online and regarding social media, we go for 4 hours and 17 minutes and still the number one in world stats.

Aside from that, 25 to 34-year-olds are usually are on Facebook which takes 29.7% of the pie. Your products and services may greatly appeal to these ages.

 

This social networking site is easy to navigate

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why many people go online on Facebook - it is user-friendly. Moreover, if you are managing a page, you wouldn’t need a couple of hours just to figure out how this button or ad work. There will always be the help section or FAQs to go to. On top of the regular posting, Facebook offers “boost” for your page and posts. No hassle, no tricks, no headaches - Facebook is just easy to use.

Advertising in Facebook won't hurt your wallet

Remember that Facebook offers services to boost your page and posts? It’s only for a minimal fee. Just think that you will be spending a small amount of money which is going to be worth it. Reports said that advertising in Facebook is comparatively cheaper than Google.

 

 

And you can always interact with your followers

One thing we love about Facebook is that it’s very interactive vis-a-vis other social networking sites. You can quickly respond to the queries you get from your friends and followers, reply to their comments and posts. It makes your leads and customers feel that you are just around the corner and ready to respond to their questions about your products and services. If you would closely look at it, many online sellers use Facebook as their platform.

 

 

 

Facebook Live is one for the books

Triple yes for this! If you are offering something new to the market, posting a video and making it live is a great move to promote your item. Your followers will know how your item works, and since it's live, they know there’s no hocus-pocus going on. And if they find it nice, word of mouth (actually, sharing) will do the magic itself. 

Facebook pretty much got everything

Though each social media or networking site is unique, we can say that Facebook got it all for you. Photo uploads like in IG? You can simply do it in your timeline and check the pictures in a separate tab. Videos similar to Youtube? You can also upload in HD on Facebook. Hashtags and trending reports like in Twitter? Say no more as Facebook got it too. 

  

So aside from registering for a personal account, you might want to make one for your business, group or brand as well. If the reasons presented above are not enough, you should start researching further and read reviews from other users. Anyway, give it a try as there’s nothing to lose. Happy marketing (digitally)!

Maximizing the Art of Persuasion Using Social Media

Persuasion, in its very essence, is psychology.

You’re technically addressing the brain and convincing it to believe what you’re saying and do what you’re asking. But the brain is a complex organ. It doesn’t easily get persuaded by minor ads it sees as repetitive.

For marketers, the art of persuasion has been a daily challenge especially now that the market’s perception is easily affected by the barrage of external information it sees. For industries undergoing tough competition such as the mobile app developmentcompanies in the Philippines, being able to persuade clients is vital in their operations.

Below are some proven-effective strategies that would make your persuasion tactic even more efficient!

Bank on testimonials

If there’s something that works just as good as advertising but for free, it would be actual testimonials from your customers. What real clients say builds up your credibility as a company. The more positive feedback you receive, the better.

Facebook has a feature that allows page owners to provide a review option for the public. This way, clients will have an easier way to review your service through star ratings. It will also help prospect customers get an idea of your average satisfaction rate judging from what other people say.

Share awards and recognitions

Any form of recognitions may it be from an academic body, or a government-run organization can impact your credibility as a company.

Do not hesitate to share these awards on your social media sites. Clients who are so keen in hiring reliable services are likely to get in touch with those ventures who have already received special recognitions from trusted award-giving bodies.

Show significant attention to customer service

There’s a reason why big companies such as Uber create a separate Twitter help support account apart from their official one. You can’t just impress everyone. And from time to time, clients will want to get in touch with you to ask for some help.

Creating an easier mechanism to extend your support is vital in building trust and confidence. Twitter is an efficient avenue for this. If you’re mainly promoting on Facebook, then including a ‘Message Now’ link to your official page is a good way to tell your followers that you’ll respond to their inquiries ASAP.

Partner with influential individuals, groups, etc.

There are several ways on how to persuade customers. You can invest on flashy ads on television or online and event distribute quality magazines or brochures. But one technique that remains to be a top method in getting your market’s attention is partnering with popular individuals in the industry.

The clothing business is fond of using this. We often see big stars in the entertainment industry wearing a casual shirt of a specific brand. The image alone can be simple, but its message is clear. If that particular star trusts the brand, then it must be excellent.

Of course, companies need to pay for these models, but few can do it for free especially if they’re an avid fan of your brand.

Display figures and statistics

Social media is now the go-to place for a lot of people when it comes to buying something. But with the variety of choices available for them, it could be difficult to tell which is authentic and which is not.

Including statistics and figures on your social media posts could help customers narrow down their list. If you’ve had a significant sale for the last month, for instance, then getting the numbers and making it into an attractive image or infographics is a good way to encourage others to give the product a try.

People feel the need to conform. In Psychology, we call this social proof. The ability to design a social media strategy that answers this need remains a crucial factor in determining who wins the competition.

Reassess your current strategies and see which areas need a significant boost in persuasion

Pitching it Right: The Psychology of 'Targets' in Today's Digital Marketing

Your product is only as good as the impact and actual sales it generates from  customers. 

All modern marketers know this.  Regardless of how appealing an ad may look at first glance, the only tangible means of measuring its real impact lies on the response of the target market  - which technically spells out the profit you get from any product or service. 

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Decades ago, companies battle to stand on top of their league against one or two direct competitors. At present, apparently, the battle arena has changed. May it be for better or for worse depends highly on how well a business conglomerate understands their market and uses the available  tool at their disposal to get things done. 

The tough market competition is one of the reasons why current SEO consulting services strive to build stronger rapport between the company they serve and their specific target audience. To do this, a thorough understanding of the following psychological factors is vital. 

Demographic

• What age group does your specific market belong to?
• What are their educational attainment?
• Are they employed? On what specific professions?
• How much is their income?
• What is their ethnic origin?

Going for something like 'college level adults'  is valid. But it's hardly enough.  Getting more specific by answering the questions above paints you a clearer picture of your market's  current economic status and capacities. This in turn makes it so much easier to pattern your marketing approach that fits their preference. 

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Psychographic

• What are their hobbies?
• What kind of lifestyle do they follow?
• How do they behave?
• What visible attitude is dominant in their personality?

Identifying the psychographic is like asking a friend of their hobbies and interest. What makes them tick?  To some industries, pointing out a specific interest may not be enough. Strive to get down to the nitty-gritty of what your customers want.  For instance, 'What keeps them awake at 2 o'clock in the morning - that something they just can't let go before hitting the crib?'

Feelings and Needs

• What are their specific needs?
• How do they feel about the current products or services offered in the market?
• How will they feel about your own products and services?

We've heard this before- that unless we connect emotionally with our market, we'll never get to win their trust. It's how politicians win, shaping their political agenda to directly address the need of the majority. Marketers surely are not politicians per se. But the dynamic on which they work to promote a message has this stark similarity - hitting on the people's feelings. 

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Concrete, Relevant Situation

• At what particular scenario can they make use of the product or service you offer?

Instead of crafting a message surrounding an overly general situation such  as 'creating a more attractive advertisement,'  why not go for something like 'creating a proven-effective 30-second video ad to combat drugs?' 

Some marketers, in their desire to avoid over-the-top claims, for fear of inspiring negative feedback, miss the chance of seeing the full potential of their products. 

People like it when you tell them what's in it for them. But they love it even more when you show them a distinct added value they can use often. 

So Get it Right and Pitch to the Right Target!

Seasoned marketers love to tell beginners; 'It's never about your product or service but your audience.'

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So the next time you start drafting that online press release or writing  that script for your next video ad, stop ,think about your TARGET and ask yourself the following questions:

• Who are they?
• How does my/our product help them? 
• What can we offer them that other competitors in the market don't?

Get to know your target. It's the first step to marketing right.