Video Advertising on Social Media: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid

Are you looking to increase your brand’s online presence through video advertising on social media? Video marketing has been on the rise in recent years, and it’s no surprise that social media platforms have become prime targets for video advertisements. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best practices and common mistakes in video advertising on social media, so you can effectively reach and engage with your target audience.

Best Practices

Plan Your Video Ad Campaign

Before creating your video ad, you need to determine your goals and target audience. Who do you want to reach? What message do you want to convey? What action do you want viewers to take after watching your video ad? Once you have a clear understanding of these things, you can start planning your video ad campaign.

Keep It Short and Engaging

Social media platforms have shortened viewers’ attention spans, so it’s essential to keep your video ad short and sweet. Focus on the key message and make it visually appealing and engaging. Most social media platforms allow only a few seconds of autoplay before requiring the user’s input, so make sure your ad is grabbing attention right off the bat.

Optimize for Mobile Devices

According to a study, more than 90% of social media users access the platform through mobile devices. It’s crucial to optimize your video ad for mobile viewing. Keep it in vertical or square format, add captions, limit the use of sound, and ensure that the text is easily readable on smaller screens.

Make It Authentic and Personal

One of the best ways to connect with potential customers is by creating authentic and personal video content. It can be a behind-the-scenes look at your business, a heartfelt message from the CEO, or a satisfied customer testimonial. People want to see the face behind the brand and connect with it on a personal level.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Poor Quality

Nothing turns off potential customers more than a poorly made video ad. Make sure your video is well-lit, clear, and of good quality. Avoid shaky camera movements, avoid grainy images, and ensure that the sound is good. Poor quality video ads will only harm your brand’s reputation.

Too Salesy

An overly salesy video ad can drive away potential customers, so avoid being too pushy with your message. Instead, focus on providing value to viewers and building brand awareness. Make sure your message is clear, concise, and focused on building a relationship with your audience rather than solely making a sale.

Misrepresentation

Misrepresenting your brand or product in a video ad can also severely harm your brand’s reputation. Make sure the video accurately represents your product or service and clearly portrays the benefits. Avoid making claims that are not true or exaggerating the product’s capabilities. People trust brands that are transparent and honest.

Neglecting Call-to-Action

Your video ad has one primary goal: to get people to take action. It could be to make a purchase, visit your website, or follow your social media page. Neglecting to include a clear call-to-action (CTA) in your video ad can leave viewers confused and unsure of what to do next. Make sure your CTA is clear, concise, and easily actionable.

In conclusion, video advertising on social media can be an effective way to engage with your target audience, but it requires proper planning and execution. By following best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create engaging and high-quality video content that resonates with viewers and helps increase brand awareness and conversions.