How To Use Video Blogging To Increase Traffic
A video blog or vlog, sometimes shortened to vlogging, is a type of internet based blog in which the content is recorded directly to a small video format. Vlog entries are often combined with images, text, and various other meta-data. Entries may be recorded straight from the camera or edited in a variety of ways. Some vlogs are also recorded live as their host goes live from the front. These recordings are used later as a reference material for the vlog’s creator.
Video blogging is very popular on several platforms. Most blogging platforms are capable of displaying video; however, some require the use of additional plug-ins. Windows Media Player is usually needed to view video on the Windows side of a Windows PC while Quicktime must be installed on Macs in order to view video on the Mac side of a Mac. Some blogs use proprietary formats such as RealPlayer in order to view video on the computer and iPod Touch devices that support the media player. For those who want a platform that allows viewing of all videos across multiple platforms, Vlogging is highly recommended.
The vlogging process begins with creating a blog and setting up a network. The bloggers, or joggers as they are called in online forums and discussion boards, are the ones who post videos to their blogs and provide links to vlog content. This content is oftentimes humorous or topical in nature. Content is uploaded to the vlog site daily. There are no rules that dictate when a new vlog must be posted, but it is recommended that the vlogger check back every day to see if new vlogs have been posted.
As blogging becomes more popular, it is necessary for the vloggers to find ways to attract their followers. Some bloggers prefer to open up discussions with their followers through email or RSS feeds. Others still prefer to open up discussion groups and add themselves to the conversations. These vloggers may also participate in blog rolls that allow others to vote on a vlog or add them to their own blogs. This can generate a lot of traffic to the vlogger’s blog. Vlogging is truly a multi-faceted marketing tool that can greatly benefit both established blogs and those just getting started.
There are a variety of other ways to create an audience for a vlog as well. Making sure that there is an option to turn off comments is a great way to ensure that those readers who do not want to be kept in the loop are able to read behind the vlogger. Creating a feed that will deliver content automatically to all of the followers’ mail boxes can keep the audience always up-to-date on what the blogger is saying. Offering prizes for the best vlog and/or linking them to social media sites is another great way to attract attention and gain a following.
Marketing with vlogs can be as easy or as complicated as the vlogger wants it to be. There are a variety of different platforms available that allow bloggers to interact with their audience. With the right platform, a vlogger can reach a large number of people, while at the same time, interact with only those that really want to hear what vlogging has to offer. If done correctly, a vlogger can easily take his or her online business to amazing heights!