If you have wanted to add video content before, but just haven’t been ready to commit the time and resources to do so, I have some great news for you. We now offer video production as a service available to all of our member libraries!

We have an assortment of new equipment including a DSLR camera, multiple microphones, lighting and a portable green screen along with the capability to record, edit and produce finished videos for you to include in your online presence.

Video is one of the most powerful marketing tools available and is much easier to incorporate into your marketing strategy today than it’s ever been. Why should you consider adding video to your marketing toolbox? Here are some 2017 video marketing statistics from Hubspot that highlight just how dominant it has become.

• 74% of all web traffic is video
• More video content is uploaded monthly than traditional TV has created in 3 decades
• 78% of people watch videos online every week
• 55% of people watch videos online every day
• 500 million people watch Facebook videos every day
• 85% of Facebook video is watched without sound
• YouTube is the #2 search engine in the world

From my personal experience, creating video content has been one of the most rewarding opportunities I’ve had in the past several years. Before I joined the OWLS team, I was the marketing manager for a company that represented retail brands in the incentive industry. In 2015 I began incorporating video content into our overall marketing strategy to see if it could bolster our online presence.

With the uptick in quality and a regular stream of content getting produced we could see the positive impact it had on our social media and online presence. Pretty soon we had several of our brand partners excited to participate and even received some recognition by earning a few industry awards for our efforts.

While it can seem overwhelming, I quickly learned how many great resources are readily available that covered every question I had. I learned a lot of lessons that first year and could see that reflected in the quality of the videos as my skills improved.

Even without a DSLR camera, you can record, edit and upload video content from most smartphones. Not all video needs to have slick editing and splashy particle effects thrown in. Authenticity and engaging content will always win out.

I’m available to help out in any capacity for your video needs. Whether you are already creating videos and just need some help with editing or want a fully recorded, edited and produced piece of content, I would be happy to assist. Editing a video can be a lengthy process, so please keep that in mind when planning any upcoming content.

There are limitless possibilities when it comes to ideas for video content, here are just some to consider with links to examples:

Facebook cover videos – You probably already have a Facebook cover photo on your page, but you can also use this space to include a short video that showcases your library. Think of this as almost a virtual tour; walking down the aisles, seeing the staff in action, snippets of programs and activities all edited into a highlight reel. The Cincinnati Public Library always has a unique and engaging video cover page.

Collection videos – This video from the Seattle Public Library shares stories from interactions with patrons using their yearbook collection

Stories from the Librarian – Sharing personal stories and background can make for some very compelling content like this video from The New York Public Library

Advocacy – Create a video that shares why your library is a vital part of the community like this one from the Columbus Library

Summer reading book reviews – Ask patrons or staff to contribute short reviews on books they have been reading like this

Building additions and new construction – Share your new construction and renovations with the community with a video like this one from Lincolnwood

Highlights from programs – Share a memorable snippet from a recent program like this retelling from the Fresno Public Library

Video is definitely here to stay as a primary communication method of reaching your audience and I can’t wait to see some of the ideas you come up with! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments you have regarding video or any upcoming marketing or graphics projects.