If you've been following this blog (or podcast) for a while, you know we've come a long way since the days when everything about online marketing started and ended with Facebook. Still, we all know that social media and Facebook in particular remain a BIG part of how we drive traffic to our websites, build community, grow our email lists and turn leads into happy paying customers. The journey you create for your prospects that takes them from casual social media fans to loyal customers usually starts on social media. Which means you have to constantly be aware of what's changing in the social media world, and tweak your strategy to take advantage of these changes. Don't worry--that's why I'm here! To help you master these tweaks and make social media your own. That's why today we are diving into Facebook and video, to learn how the two together can make a big impact in your online marketing success. In Episodes 50 and 51, we talked about the importance of videos for your business. And of course you already know that Facebook is important for your business. But do you know how crucial Facebook WITH Video is for your business right now? Here are some stats that prove it: It’s been reported that there are over 1 billion videos viewed on Facebook each day. The average Facebook user worldwide watched 75% more video this year compared to last year. In the US, that increase in views was actually 94%! Brands posted 20,000 more videos on Facebook than they did on YouTube in December 2014. I can vouch for these stats from my own personal experience--I've been very impressed with the organic reach with any given video I post on Facebook. I've been seeing instant traction when I post a video on my page, much more than a post with a static image. The greatest thing about video is how it takes on a life of its own through sharing. And no, I'm not talking about highly polished, professionally edited videos. I'm not a video editor and I don't have a big production budget for these. No, the traction I'm getting is with simple, quick videos made mainly on my smartphone and edited with simple software. Simplicity and ease are the key to making these videos a practical part of your marketing strategy--if they're not easy, you won't do them...and if they're not simple, people won't pay attention to them! Studies have shown that short video across all social media platforms get the most views and engagement. Short and simple is good. Today, I'm going to highlight some people and companies that take full advantage of this trend in online marketing through short, simple video posts. I've also made a free cheat sheet for you, with tips for how to post great video to your own Facebook Page. It's called “The 7 Tried and Tested Tips to Increase Your Facebook Engagement with Simple Videos." Download it by clicking here. EPISODE FREEBIE Get the Free Cheat Sheet "7 Tried and Tested Tips To Increase Your Facebook Engagement With Simple Videos" FREE DOWNLOAD Great Video Example #1: “3 Tips to Prep Your Yard for Spring” (Lowe's) Great Video Example #3: "Check Out My Latest Podcast" (Chalene Johnson) Great Video Example #4: "The Bus Pole" (Lysol) Great Video Example #5: "Love Your Curls" (Dove) Make Your Own Ready to start making your own videos? Instantly download our free cheat sheet “7 Tried and Tested Tips to Increase Your Facebook Engagement Using Simple Videos" to speed your process along...and also learn about some really cool video apps that will give your video a lot of viewer-friendly polish. EPISODE FREEBIE Get the Free Cheat Sheet "7 Tried and Tested Tips To Increase Your Facebook Engagement With Simple Videos" FREE DOWNLOAD If you have a great Facebook video that you've seen success with, or would like to get feedback about, share it with the community here! Post a link to your video in the comments below, or share the video on my Facebook page.