In today’s world, we live in an online video revolution, and if you’re not jumping in, your business could become a relic of the past. With so much noise and competition out there, making your message stand out can be bewildering. The good news is that technology is accessible, affordable, and easier than ever to use, which has leveled the playing field for business owners, big or small.

When you decide to join this revolution, you’re going to need some tools. Here are two easy-to-use video tools that can be used by any business to build and reinforce your brand, broadcast news, connect with your clients on a deeper level, and generate more revenue. And most importantly, your business will be quickly transported to center stage of the video revolution.

Tool #1: StreamYard

There’s no better way to fuel your business and 10X your video impact than live streaming.

According to DemandSage, “In 2023, online video is expected to account for 82.5% of all web traffic, making it the most popular type of content on the internet.”

The easiest way to get started live streaming is with StreamYard, a professional live streaming and recording studio you can use in your browser. StreamYard allows you to host a book launch party, launch a weekly show, interview guests, offer workshops, and brand your broadcast. My favorite feature is that you can simultaneously simulcast to multiple social media platforms at once, increasing your visibility.

If broadcasting live makes you uncomfortable, you are not alone. Many business owners shy away from going on camera – self-doubt creeps in, and we ask ourselves questions like, “Will I embarrass myself?”, “Will I represent my brand well?” or “How can I go on camera… I’m too shy, introverted, or a perfectionist.” Some of us would much rather pre-record our videos until we are satisfied, post them at a scheduled time, and still benefit from broadcasting “Live” on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

If this sounds like you, then problem solved! StreamYard allows you to pre-record video content, select your social platforms to stream, schedule it, and your broadcast will appear LIVE at the time of the broadcast. The beauty of this feature is that your social media platforms “think” that your video IS live streaming, and their search algorithms reward live streaming content and push it to the top of your newsfeed.

Learn more about StreamYard here.

Tool #2: Here are five ways to use Loom to support your business

Loom is a free screen and video recording software that can be used in myriad ways for your business. I use Loom specifically in five ways and have seen a dramatic increase in customer engagement, team efficiency, and income generation.

Here are five ways to use Loom for your business:

#1 Customer service tool

There are many free screen and video recording tools out there, so why use Loom? One of the things I love about Loom is it’s easy to use, and since it is a Chrome plugin, it connects with your business Gmail account (if you have one).

Once you record your video, simply “compose your email,” and you can add the video to your email in one click. This is the perfect tool to interact with your customers personally. For example, when an author or expert purchases one of my online courses or signs up for my membership, I send a personal (Loom) email, addressing them by name and welcoming them to my program.

People are stunned by this personal level of customer service and are much more likely to stay engaged and sign up for other programs I offer. All this impact from a simple 30-second personal video message.

#2 If a customer is frustrated or asks for their money back

I jump on Loom and apologize for the situation they’ve experienced and tell them how I will make it up to them. This simple personalized video has saved me thousands of dollars. I get messages like, “Wow! I can't believe you took the time to record a video for me. Thank you for sorting things out. I’m a fan for life.”

You may think; you don’t have time for this. However, customers today expect immediate attention. Recording a quick video takes a few minutes. Wouldn’t you say that’s worth creating loyal customers and saving thousands of dollars?

#3 Communicate with your team

I use Loom nearly every day to communicate with my team. Rather than sending long, detailed emails, I jump on camera, greet my team member (builds loyalty and connection) and share my screen, and “show” my team member exactly what I expect to be done. I have found this to save me time and money; no back and forth trying to understand the tasks. Since requiring my team to communicate with this tool, I have found projects to be completed at lightning speed which positively impacts my bottom line.

#4 Show me the (video) money

Loom can be used to create marketing videos for lead generation opt-ins and sales funnels or digital products that you can sell. In other words, I’m using a free tool (Loom) to generate multiple revenue streams for my business. How? It’s easy. Simply prepare your presentation slides, share your screen (you can choose to be on or off camera), hit the record button with Loom, and Boom! You now have a digital product to sell. As always, make sure your presentations are content-rich, so your audience is dazzled by what you offer. If you’re doing this for the first time, a great business strategy is to give this recorded training as a freebie with an opt-in, so that prospective customers see the great content you’re sharing. If they loved the free version, they would likely be interested in your paid program, product, or service down the road.

#5 Membership site

Another way to generate recurring revenue is to create a Membership site. I’ve used Loom in two ways for my membership site. First, to record a virtual tour of my exclusive membership site (Join the 2023 waitlist here).

I simply shared my screen, pulled back the curtain, and showed prospective members exactly what they will receive by becoming members.

The other way I use Loom is to create how-to video tutorials that only my members get access to – in other words, the value of the membership is that they get curated video content just for them.

You’ve GOT THIS!

The only way to get over the proverbial video creation hump is to… “Just Do It!” (to borrow a tagline from Nike).

And now, there are tools to make it easier than ever. The result? Instead of running scared and worrying about what your competition is doing, you’ll be leading the pack.

Businesses that embrace the video revolution and give their customers what they want will be among the businesses that will lead us from today’s revolution to tomorrow’s next big thing.

*This post was originally written for the McGraw-Hill Business Blog. It has been updated to reflect today's video revolution.