The trend toward using videos for marketing business Web sites, generating traffic and building a following is gaining more momentum in 2010. 

According to comScore, over 78 percent of the American online audience views Internet videos.  The Wine Library video blog has a hundred thousand viewers every month.  Increasing  numbers of people like to watch videos both online as well as on their mobile phones.  Now, it’s quite easy to create and publish videos on YouTube and iPhone.   Print blogging has soared over the past several years, and video blogging will probably do the same.  These blogs are also primed for search engine optimization, which enhances your marketing efforts. If you have or want to start an online business, you should give thought to videos for business Internet marketing online.

At the same time, live video streaming is also increasing.  These are not videos that play to a large number of general viewers. Instead, they are similar to written blogs that are designed to reach niche audiences.  In most situations, you ar targeting specific people with special-interest events with perhaps 1,000 or less individuals. 

Although there are a large number of free informative videos online, many of them do not cover topics in much deapth or are not high quality. Some of the videos also include advertisements, and viewers need to watch these before getting to the real meat .  Therefore, look for more video tutorials to be sold to interested customers either for a one-time use or on Web sites that offer subscription plans.  

Small online businesses can use videos in a number of different ways, such as providing information, establishing relationships and enhancing interest in products or services.  As your competition continues to only use text as a marketing vehicle, you can stand apart by including videos.  With a personal touch, you can talk directly to them and provide information on your products or answer questions that often arise with customers.  You can explain why you are better than the competition and how you can best meet their needs.

If, for example, you sell lighting, then produce video tutorials on how to enhance a livingroom with new forms of light.  Show how different lights change the look of the room. Or, you can talk about the benefits of the lighting products in terms of energy savings, length of use and quality design.  Or, have video just devoted to Q&As that you receive on a regular basis from your customers. Put that up on your site in addition to the regular FAQ list.  

It may seem overwhelming and expensive to do a good video, but that is not true. You do not need a full-length movie that is being shown in national theaters. Videos can be done very reasonably in a short period of time.