Online videos are an effective marketing tool for the small business entrepreneur seeking to grow his or her online brand. Thanks to inexpensive and easy-to-use internet tools and cameras, every business owner can – and should — add video to his or her marketing mix.

Here are five reasons you should consider doing so:

1) Viewers Love ‘Em!

When you post written content, visitors have to gear up mentally to follow your points. Many people will decide it’s too much effort. But at least a third of your viewers will willingly sit through a 3-minute video. That is, unless your video is dark and muffled. Your videos don’t need to be professional quality to engage, but please don’t make people strain to see or hear you.

Videos have become so popular, because at least 30 percent of online viewers learn best by seeing and hearing. Online videos provide both the verbal and visual stimulation they crave. So give it to ‘em!

2) Videos Create Relationships

By watching you and seeing how you express yourself, people instantly form an opinion of you. If they like what they see, they’ll want to see more. Which gives you an edge in quickly engaging them, building community with them, and moving them more quickly down your sales funnel.

TIP! You only have seconds to engage your audience, however, before they turn you off. Studies show, in fact, that half of your audience will click the “off” button by the 1-minute mark, if you’ve not engaged them.

3) Videos Show Off Your Expertise (And Let you be the Star!)

If you feel comfortable in front of the camera, why wouldn’t you want to add video to your marketing mix? Just remember to practice before you start filming, to ensure you look polished. Notice that I didn’t say “perfect.” Fortunately, viewers don’t expect perfection from small business videographers.

Remember to make eye contact often with the camera lens. And smile every so often. Keep your face and voice animated, just as you would if you were having a live conversation with someone.

4) Videos Quickly Go Viral

Thanks to the Net, you can place video in so many places — ensuring you and your business get seen by many audiences. Specific to your established communities, be sure to link to all of your social media sites, including Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and your favorite social bookmarking sites. Make sure it’s easy for people to share your video with their friends, so they will market it for you!

TIP! Be sure to embed your videos within your own blog or website. Your goal is always to drive viewers to your website so that you can build that one-on-one relationship. Be sure to feature an opt-in box on your website so that you can collect contact information. With this permission to market to your prospects, you can continue to build a relationship over time.

5) Videos Let You Give Viewers a Call to Action

Why miss the opportunity to have your viewers take action at the end of your video? You can ask prospects to hop over to your website, to leave a comment, or even to sign up for your FREE gift in exchange for their contact information. Just by your asking, you help your prospects get to know you, like you, and trust you. Take the lead on that; invite people into your inner circle.

See all the perks to adding video to your marketing mix?

Best part: you need very little equipment to get started. All you really need is a recording device such as the Flip camera, a tripod (to prevent you ending up with shaky videos), a decent background (please don’t share your untidy home office with viewers!), some basic editing software (most computers come with a basic editing package), a basic script (can be as simple as scribbles on a piece of paper!) and a bit of practice. PLEASE don’t skip that last part!

Get to it! With video, you’ll soon see your marketing percolating!

Guest Author: Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt is the owner of Creatives Marketing, which helps creative entrepreneurs succeed with online marketing. To receive your FREE Creatives Marketing Kit, visit http://www.CreativesMarketing.com.