Why Would Writers Want To Use Video?

“We are writers. We are trying to attract readers. Why in the world would writers want to use video to promote their books?” my client wailed at me when I answered the phone.

She went on to say that everyone she talks to about book promotion tells her she needs to be producing videos. Book trailers seem to be the new standard for promotion. The thought that she had to add video to everythihng else she was doing to build her online presence freaked her out!

We have become a society of screen watchers. You Tube has passed Facebook as the second most popular website in the world. It’s also the second most popular search engine, second only to Google.

People watch televisions, computer screens, and smart phones. It takes movement to attract their attention, while their attention spans become shorter.

Some people make a video and send a link rather than compose an email. More training on the Internet is delivered by video rather than text these days.

However, as writers, we have great appreciation of the written word.  We’re also trying to attract readers, people who will actually buy and read our books. Will using video help you gain readers?

The people who love video may not be readers at all. It doesn’t make sense to spend time and money to reach people who will probably never buy or read your book. Of course when the movie based on your book comes out, they may flock to it.

Of course, if your publisher tells you to create a book video, then it will benefit your career to produce one. I don’t think publishers are going that far yet. The jury is still out on how effective book videos are for increasing book sales.

However, there are a few reasons you might want to use video. Simple, short videos can build a relationship with your readers faster than any other method.

Here are a few places where you might want to use video.

• The “about” page on your blog
  • Using a short video on your “about” page is a great way to introduce yourself to your readers
• Blog posts
  • Creating blog posts where you show your writing area or your book setting draw readers into your world
• You Tube
  • You Tube has the potential to put you in front of a large number of viewers, some of whom are readers

These are a few of the reasons that writers want to use video to build a relationship with their readers.

Do you use video to build a relationship with your readers? Leave a comment below and share.

Write on,

Lynn