When it comes to promoting your charity or community organisation and engaging with stakeholders, users and the general public we live in ever-changing times.
From social media and email marketing to on-street promotions there’s a plethora of ways in which charities seek to engage with people using their services as well as the individuals and bodies who are funding the service.
It’s no secret that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are becoming more and more important in any marketing plan. Keeping up with their constant changes in rules, regulations and algorithms can be a headache, especially for those who don’t have dedicated social media marketers.
That’s where video can come in. According to Paul Connolly, director of Northern Ireland video marketing specialists SmartVideo, despite the recent changes in social media platforms “one thing that has remained constant is the importance of video and how effective it is for gaining the right audiences”.
He added: “Whether you’re targeting B2B, service users or wanting to tell people the importance of donating to your organisation – a good video can say much more than any amount of memes, share cards, competitions, blog posts and other social sharing aids.”
Of course when video marketing first came on the scene prices were extortionate, resources in Northern Ireland were low and most people in the voluntary and community sector dismissed the idea of pursuing it putting it down to being “too expensive”.
But times have changed. And companies like SmartVideo are making video marketing accessible, affordable and effective.
To prove how beneficial video marketing can be SmartVideo have launched an online competition for three local charities to win a free charity video to promote their cause.
Three charities will be chosen to have a video produced, including case stories, interviews and a final call to action urging people to do something like donate, volunteer or provide their details.
Paul Connolly, director of SmartVideo, said: “We want to give back something to the community, and offering our skills and knowledge to worthy causes seemed the right thing to do.
“Winners will be the charity that gives us a great story with great people. We will then choose one large, one medium-sized and one small charity.”
The selected charities will receive a day of video production and assistance with marketing the charity video online.
To be in with a chance of winning download our application pack HERE.
“The competition is designed in such a way that we will pick winners that can develop their message,” said Paul. “And, we understand that some may want to use it for specific campaigns or for a specific time, such as Christmas.
“But most important of all we want the entrants to say ‘My charity should be a winner because…’ as we want to assess every entry on the story they tell”
Winners of the three videos will be notified not later than 15 June, 2017.
The videos will be shot and edited on dates to be agreed between 15 July and 30 October 2017.
For more information: www.facebook.com/smartvideoNI or www.smartvideo.media
Full charity video prize includes:
Video production:
The video will consist of the following:
- Duration: 90-seconds approx.
- Up to three case histories
- Interviews with up to two charity representatives
- B-roll, cutaways etc.
- All filming to be carried out on the same day and location
- Addition of charity’s logo/graphics
- Addition of royalty-free music
Video marketing:
- Pre-shoot video audit
- Post-edit compliance review
- Embed code provided
- Clickable call to action where appropriate
- Email capture where appropriate
- Special Facebook edit
- Assistance with publication in NI media websites + leading social media and online sites
About SmartVideo
SmartVideo is an online video production and video marketing for Northern Ireland.
Director Paul Connolly said: “We specialise in affordable, social media-ready video for small businesses and organisations.
“But we don’t just give you a video and walk away. We use our video marketing skills and platforms, and our intimate knowledge of the local media, to get your message across.
“Our videographers can make video of any length, but we specialise in 90-second videos for websites and social media with prices from £195.
“Our free video marketing audit will help you leverage your digital assets including Facebook, YouTube, blogs and websites to grow your audience and help turn them into customers.
“And, if you want to create videos for your business or group using iPhone our Video for Smartphone courses will teach you how to shoot and edit. And we’ll show you what kit to buy. Prices from £250.
“We can create, optimise and manage your channels on Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo and elsewhere. Yes, it’s easy to start a YouTube channel, but to unlock the real power of these platforms, you need expert help.”