3 Examples of Successful Video Marketing from Local Businesses

Video is intimidating. Not just to retailers looking for new ways to promote their businesses, but to seasoned marketers. Video takes every aspect of communication -- writing, audio, photography -- and combines them to make one complicated but effective way to reach new customers.

However, today`s technology allows us to do more with video than ever before. As long as you have your cell phone, you have you video camera handy. Need a professional video editor? There`s an app for that. An app to add filters, an app to add text, an app to piece photos together with music to make a video. You have the tools! The trick is using those tools to take your creative ideas and turn them into a useful selling tool. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of inspiration to get going, so here are three small businesses that are doing it right!

Mr. Kate

Kate is a Jane of all trades. Mr. Kate is a lifestyle brand, compiled of a blog, a book, and an online retail shop. Kate Albrecht is a metalsmith and jewelry designer at heart but has grown her brand to cover many topics, and she`s grown her YouTube channel along with it. Her YouTube channel allows users to watch DIY tutorials, trailers for her books, and peeks at her newest products. Check out how she promoted her line of jewelry by presenting it as a video gift guide!

Travel Portland

Portland is known for its craft beer, quirky style, and selective choice in coffee, which makes it a unique and popular city to visit. But going up against every other city in the United States is difficult, as families, couples, and individuals have limited budgets and limited time in their schedules for travel. So how did Portland decide to bring tourists to their city? Videos that show off the best parts of Portland, like their "cool stuff" and "no sales tax."

Marilyn`s in Naples

For a small gift shop in Naples, even having a video presence is impressive. Marilyn from Marilyn`s has a video presence that includes well over 1500 subscribers. She uses her YouTube channel to highlight products in her store, give advice on how to wear them, give other fashion tips and give users a behind-the-scenes look at in-store events. Check out this video on accessorizing that has more than 3,100 views on YouTube!

You have what it takes to see success with video, even if you don`t realize it yet. Start small by using your smartphone to record video and teaching yourself some basic editing skills. If you find that the feedback on your videos is positive, you will be motivated to learn more and use the platform more effectively to reach customers. If you`re looking to learn more strategies about video marketing, and how to boost exposure and sales with video, click here to learn more about Social Edge, an online training website for retailers looking to increase traffic and sales through social media. Use the coupon code RDIDiamonds to save 25% on a yearly membership.

Crystal Vilkaitis is the Resident Social Media Expert at RDI Diamonds and is the owner of Crystal Media; a company dedicated to helping retailers integrate proven social media, mobile and email marketing strategies into their businesses. Crystal started Social Edge, an online membership group exclusive to retailers looking to gain an edge over competition using social media, who need direct access to what`s important and relevant when it comes to marketing their store and products online. For more information visit http://socialedge.co.