Video marketing has been a rising trend, as more and more users are going online to view streamed content. Just as a picture is worth more than words -- a video can have even more impact on the viewer. By creating strong videos that are easily accessible to users, you will be able to engage more of your clients and prospects who are searching for your business or looking for the products/services you offer. We've heard that YouTube is the second most popular search engine (after Google). If there are so many people out there looking for videos, it would benefit the growth of your business to create some that your target population will be able to find.

Now, if you're asking this question about why you should get involved in YouTube, your next question will probably be "HOW can I get involved with YouTube"? 

First, you will want to learn how to make videos. Second, you will need to know what to do with those videos and how to get them on YouTube. A good resource is Stacia Hopkins' blog and her video training. In her guide for beginners, she explains how to outline an effective script in seven steps (from using a "hook" to closing with a call-to-action), offers recommended products and services related to video marketing, and provides a 10-step video-marketing checklist on what to do to start gaining "massive exposure." 

One way you can get out there, is to post a video about your small business in the My Business Story gallery. You can find an "amateur" video of Inkwhy by searching on YouTube for "Inkwhy, Inc." There are also more professional videos that provide advice on how to shoot your own videos, such as the one below.

Communities are important, as small business owners understand. As you work on building your presence online and through videos, having the support of others will help you get farther, faster.  Let's pool our resources, and help each other grow.

Manta.com is a small business directory site that's tied to social media. It offers advertising options and additional resources to help businesses increase their online exposure. For more specific information about Manta, see their FAQ page:  http://www.manta.com/coms2/page_faq

At this point, most small business owners are probably pulling out their hair and asking "What?! How am I supposed to know what to do with all these sites? There's not just Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn -- now you're saying there's Yelp, and Manta?!" Yes, not to mention StumbleUpon, Digg, Reddit, Chime.in, Mightybell, Foursquare, Tumblr, and countless other networking sites... The short answer to the question as to whether Manta can help your business, is "Yes." However, the longer answer is that Manta and other sites can also be a distraction if you are being pulled in too many directions -- and end up lost in the forest of social media sites.

As with multi-tasking, the more you do and the more you try to take on at once, the more diluted your efforts become and the less effective you become at each task or site with which you become involved. The key to your success is to learn to master each one individually, and to focus your efforts where you are seeing the most positive responses. Also, a lesson to remember is that everything takes time. You cannot expect results overnight; if you keep casting your net and then pulling it up right away, then the likelihood of your coming home with any fish is slim.

Instead, begin building a strategy and focusing on how you can take advantage of the various sites out there. Do some research to find out the type of populations that use different social media sites (for example, Reddit has a higher percentage of male participants, and Manta targets business owners) -- and observe the behavior of the people in these networks before jumping in and trying to "sell" to them. Strong relationships require many conversations and actions that build trust, and this is no different online than it is in person.

It may be a good idea to wet your feet in different social media sites to begin spreading the name of your business and what you have to offer. However, you will likely fall flat on your face if you try to hit the ground running.

If you can afford it, seriously think about finding someone with more experience who can help you manage your online presence and social media profiles. However, if you're on a budget and looking to teach yourself how to better market your business on the Internet, make sure not to create an Information Overload roadblock for yourself. Instead, wade through each site slowly, explore the resources out there and learn at your own pace. Or if you're up for a challenge, think about going on a Social Media Diet to fast-track your way to being an online marketing guru.

A large chunk of small businesses actually do not have a website, and an even higher percentage are not actively involved on social media sites. So the first question may be, why should you jump start your business online? The key reasoning to building a presence on the Internet would be to differentiate yourself from other businesses, to connect with the growing population of online and social media users, and to engage with your clients and prospects at any time (whether your store is closed or your sleeping, there are people out there browsing the WWW). Given this reasoning, here are a few quick suggestions to help make your business stand out on the web:

1. Create a strong website that will attract visitors.
2. Develop content that will intrigue and engage your target audience.
3. Implement an automated system for collecting client and prospect details so you can appropriately follow up with them.
   
4. Establish a presence on social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.) so you can be more interactive.
5. Offer a way to connect your network with a larger network of individuals, so you can expand your reach.

Given the significance of this topic, we will be creating a series of posts on related issues, with additional actionable steps. For more information and immediate access to resources related to building your business on the Internet and generating more revenue online, please subscribe to our Inkwhy mailing list.