Melinda Emerson, aka “SmallBizLady” is a veteran entrepreneur; small business expert and social media coach who specializes in helping small businesses thrive. Today hosted a WebEx offering tips for using video to help grow your business.

Watch her on-demand webinar on using video for your business.

Why should you use video?

Here are a few interesting stats about video Melinda shared with us:

• Online video is expected to grow 55% this year and is the top format for content marketing.
• Videos have a 41% higher click-through rate than plain text context.
• 58% of consumers ages 18-34 who follow brands on social media would watch a video posted by that brand.
• 57% of Smartphone users polled say they’ve streamed video on mobile.
• Videos are integral to the success of any SEO strategy.
• 90% of web traffic is predicted to be video by 2014.

With all that good news, there’s one important point Melinda makes about using video: don’t waste people’s time. To be effective, keep it short. 88% of people say they would watch a video that educated them for at least one minute.

Use video to create a deeper relationship with your customer.

Here are 12 ways you can use video to market your business (be sure to watch the on-demand presentation to learn more).

Melinda went on to explain how to create videos that are interesting to customers. Her biggest advice: use her MAGIC formula to create video that makes a lasting impression. Motivate your viewers, include a call to Action, help them attain their Goals, create an incentive to Interact and show Commitment to their success.

She concluded with the anatomy of a strong video and the importance of using social media to share your video; increasing its audience. If you are looking for a way to get started with video, you can get a free WebEx basic account and start experimenting today.

Want more of Melinda?

You can “like” her on Facebook and chat with her on Twitter where she hosts #SmallBizChat on Twitter to discuss everything entrepreneurs need to know about launching and running a profitable small business. Her areas of expertise include small business start-up, business development and social media strategy. She has lectured on small business at The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and for clients including: IKEA, Verizon, GlaxoSmithKline, National Association of Women Business Owners, Small Business Administration, and the Center for Women’s Business Research.

Tags: business, event, expert, marketing, Melinda Emerson, online conference, small business, video, WebEX, webinar