Rick and I were planning an Author Tour around Australia in our caravan ‘Priscilla’ when Covid hit. Friends had planned a large, cancer fund raising event in Mount Gambier, South Australia to launch my second book ‘Innocent Nurses Abroad.’ In excess of one hundred guests were expected and planning was in the final stages. Flyers were distributed and books delivered to the Library, then, with restrictions being implemented to our disappointment, but not unexpected, the event was cancelled.

As Covid 19 raised its ugly head and toilet paper was a thing of the past, we made the decision to head for home from our base in Victoria. (A good decision in retrospect!)

What was I to do now? I had a large shipment of books on the way from the printers and about to go into Pre-sale?

Thankfully I have a super supportive publisher in Ocean Reeve of Ocean Reeve Publishing. He re-assured me that all would be well. I could do my regular Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin posts and sell as I had previously done with my first book ‘Back of Beyond’ where I achieved great success.

BUT my most successful means of long term marketing of my books has been personal presentations, particularly as guest speaker for fund-raising events. Rick and I embarked on a seven week Author tour with ‘Back of Beyond’ where I presented at thirty five different Libraries with great success, constantly selling out of our supply of books, having to re-order often. Thanks to Covid, this approach has been taken from me.

What now?

‘Well Jen, you need to do some video marketing.’ Said Ocean.

It’s crazy to think that I can comfortably present to an audience of up to 200 people, but I was terrified at the thought of undertaking a video!

Why is video marketing important?

It is obviously the closest way to engage with people on a personal level, allowing the viewer to connect in an instant. The video must be concise allowing the message to be delivered in a way to hold the viewers interest. I know from personal experience, I scroll through the masses of posts but pause when one captures my interest, such as a personal video.

It is easy to monitor results by likes, views and searches on my web page.

Feedback is vital and I always respond to each message personally as this builds trust and rapport with the viewer.

I like to use humour in my videos because that is who I am.

It is important to leave the viewer wanting more. This is the beauty of a short and concise message.

What was it like to implement video marketing for me?

My first attempt at a ‘live’ on Facebook was a disaster. I was very stiff and frozen but decided to carry on and make it funny. I informed the poor people that I had to make a hair appointment and find my make up after being in lockdown for weeks and remember to wear a bra! Oh dear….The feedback was great as people found it entertaining and also gave courage to anyone out there that they could do better!

My next request from Ocean was to do a series of readings from ‘Innocent Nurses Abroad’ preferably in my garden, of which I had been sharing many photos of progress as I restructured it into an oasis of beauty.

He advised me in the ‘how’ and ‘why’ and ‘where’ to do this terrifying assignment. I selected a short passage to read, hoping to leave the viewer with a desire to know more and hopefully order my book. I underwent many, many practice runs until I finally was able to forward my attempt to Ocean, who was very enthusiastic and encouraging. I must say, I have improved dramatically and now feel relaxed when I do these videos. They are featured on my web page and YouTube channel.

I have received very positive feedback from these posts, but the interesting part is the ‘views.’ Even though there may not be many comments, people are viewing the video through. That is why it is important to keep the length short and concise.

Ocean then asked me to video some of my readers asking them to comment on my book. This was not as easy. Many of my readers are not local and some were reluctant and shy to be on camera, but I managed a few who loved to shine in the spotlight. Reviews are vital for marketing and often difficult to obtain. Hearing from readers on a live video again creates interest, especially in a punchy Vox Pop produced and edited by Ocean Reeve. This is an ongoing project and when I can emerge to do events, I will have many opportunities to gather more reviews. Viewers have loved my ‘Reader & Reflect’ Vox Pops with very positive feedback in comments and views.

Reflecting on my initial fear of moving into this new phase of marketing and being way out of my comfort zone, I have grown and feel a great sense of satisfaction that I have achieved new skills and enjoyed the rewards with sales.

I can recommend video marketing as an excellent way to share a message in a personal and interesting way, resulting in marketing success.

It is easy to acquire swift feedback.

It is a more effective manner of sharing reviews in a punchy, entertaining Vox Pop.

Thank you Ocean for pushing me outside my comfort zone and supporting me all the way through.

JENNY'S VIDEO MARKETING STORY

Those two words ‘Video Marketing’ triggered fear in my heart. Why?

Thankyou Covid 19.

Why is video marketing important?

What was it like to implement video marketing for me?

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