Are you a goldfish? This question had little relevance before social media was a thing. An average viewer’s shortest attention span in 2000 was somewhere around 12.5 seconds. Today, we have an attention span of around 8 seconds (goldfish have 9 seconds).
If you are a digital marketer or a video content producer, you know how challenging it can be to keep people interested in promotional content. But do not worry! Today, we will share few basic tips to help you make your videos more engaging.
Understanding the Engagement Challenge
Contrary to what you might think, longer videos can perform better than shorter ones, especially on platforms like Facebook. The key is to grab viewers' attention right from the start and keep them engaged throughout the video. Facebook rewards videos that people watch all the way through, so it is essential to create content that hooks them from the beginning.
The Psychology Behind Engaging Videos
Sparking Curiosity
Ever heard of the information-gap theory? It suggests that when people feel like they are missing information about something they are interested in, they will go out of their way to find out more. By creating curiosity with intriguing headlines like "Entrepreneurship is Back," you can make viewers eager to learn more.
Hooking the Audience
When people watch videos online, their first instinct is often to skip the ads. It is the same on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where viewers quickly scroll past promotional content. That is why the first few seconds of your video are crucial. By using quick cuts and simple narration, you can grab viewers' attention right away and give them a taste of what is to come.
Visual Storytelling
We are naturally drawn to visuals, so combining pictures and sound in your videos can make them more engaging. By adding dynamic graphics and real-life footage to your narration, you create a rich sensory experience that appeals to viewers' senses and helps them better understand and remember the information you are presenting.
Crafting Compelling Narratives
Stories are not just for entertainment—they can also evoke emotions and forge connections with your audience. By taking viewers on a journey through the history and resurgence of entrepreneurship, for example, you can engage their hearts and minds, making them feel inspired and motivated by the success stories you share.
Igniting Inspiration
Creating an emotional connection with your audience is essential for building brand loyalty. When your video evokes positive emotions like optimism and hope, it goes beyond just conveying information—it makes viewers feel good about your brand. This emotional resonance fosters trust and affinity, making people more likely to remember and support your brand overall.
Establishing Credibility
Trust is vital in communication. By featuring endorsements from respected industry experts in your videos, you can boost the credibility of your message and solidify your position as a reliable source of information. When viewers see that experts endorse your content, they are more likely to believe in its authenticity and reliability, strengthening their trust in your brand.
Incorporating Psychology into Your Marketing Strategy
Understanding human behaviour is not just useful for brands—it is essential. By delving into the complexities of human psychology, marketers can create videos that resonate deeply with their audience, driving engagement and loyalty in today's digital landscape. So, next time you are creating a marketing video, remember to consider the psychology behind it—it might just make all the difference!
Mastering the art of creating engaging marketing videos is a blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of human psychology. By implementing the tips outlined above, you can captivate your audience, foster meaningful connections, and drive lasting engagement with your brand. Remember, in the digital age of storytelling, psychology is not just a tool—it is the very essence that fuels successful marketing campaigns.