Greetings from LittleSomething.com, a small but rapidly-growing online company dedicated to mailing smiles around the globe!

When our website was launched a little over a year ago, it included a video introduction by one of our owners.  Mark Helsel tells the story of his vision for sending Little Somethings --- a cost-effective way to brighten someone's day with a package and a personalized note in the mail.

Since then, we've expanded our use of video technology and so offer the following tips for promoting yourself through videos.

Tip #1:  Add a specific kind of video to the landing page. Showing the human face behind the company gives visitors to your site a very warm welcome.  This is as simple as having the CEO speak briefly but passionately about your business.  Make sure he or she strikes a genuine, friendly tone.  In addition to giving potential customers a positive first impression, this technique can provide a better understanding of the service you provide.

Tip #2:  Have that video auto-play when anyone comes to your website.  This works to draw someone in who may not have gone to the trouble of clicking on play of his or her own accord.  It can also increase the length of time that someone stays on your site.

Tip #3: Include video clips featuring or demonstrating any products you sell.  People like to see what they're getting!  And they can see much more in a video than they can with a one-dimensional picture.

Tip #4:  Toot your own horn! If your company is involved in something remarkable, and it's possible to capture some of that on video, do so.  Then post it on your blog and/or Facebook page.  Email the link to everyone who has an existing account with you and share the good news.

Tip #5:  Post every single one of your videos on YouTube.  This is the big one.  Not only can this drive traffic to your site, it will also be one more place on the World Wide Web where your company's name appears.  The more your name is out there, the more likely it is to come up in a search.  

Tip #6: Don't be afraid to do it yourself. If hiring someone else to create videos isn't in the budget, just keep it simple.  Many point and shoot digital cameras have a video mode.  Use it.  You can also download some free video editing software, which is a great way to get your feet wet in the world of movie making.

Tip #7:   Capitalize on what makes video different from still pictures. Video is a medium that lends itself to movement.  So move!  Follow the action.  Don't limit yourself to wide shots, but step right in close to the subject and get the good shots.

Tip #8:  Definitely add music. Just watch out that you aren't infringing on copyright law.  There is stock music available online for a small fee.  Or maybe you know someone personally who will grant you permission to use his or her work.  Watching something set to music is more entertaining and often results in a more emotional impact than it would without music.  A little editing advice: lay down the music track first.  That way, you can cut to the next video clip as the beat dictates.

Tip #9:  Be prepared for the editing process to take longer than you think. But don't get discouraged.  The end result should prove well worth the time spent.

Tip #10:  Have fun with it! Embrace the advantages that this technology affords.  Revel in the fact that using video provides a whole new way to share your company with the world...

I recently had the opportunity to put Tip #4 to work for Little Something.com.  The results are uploaded here.  It's a video montage of our experience looking for new Little Somethings at the New York International Gift Fair in August.

Enjoy and good luck with your own videos!

Brooke Meadows

Communications Coordinator

LittleSomething.com