If you use your website to attract prospects, then the following figures will likely surprise you ...

This year, eMarketer estimates that 66.7% of U.S. Internet users -- or 147.5 million people -- are watching video online each month. By 2014, that figure is forecast to rise to 77% of Internet users, or 193.1 million people.

Obviously, any business not using video as part of an online marketing strategy is missing major opportunities.

Most clients and prospects I talk to recognize the importance of using video online. But few know how to get started. So I'll share with you the simple, low-cost strategy I use to expand the reach of my marketing message through video.

The foundation for my videos begins with a weekly article that targets my prospects' needs and desires. Once written, the article is posted on my blog, distributed to my lists (which are generated using numerous web forms/e-mail autoresponders), announced on several social media platforms and distributed online. These steps alone result in tremendous exposure.

Next, the article becomes a script. I set up a video camera on a tripod and then present the information as if I was in front of an audience. Sometimes I even tape the article to the camera so I can reference it while recording.

Until recently, the camera I used was the Flip Ultra. I just bought a Kodak Zi8 because it's the only "pocket" camcorder with an external microphone jack, which results in better sound quality. The benefit of pocket camcorders is you can plug them directly into your computer and upload your video without any hassle.

Once your video is on your computer, use TubeMogul (http://www.tubemogul.com) to distribute it to several online video sites at once, including YouTube, Dailymotion and Blip.tv (TubeMogul is free). Keep your videos short -- about 2-4 minutes -- and incorporate keywords your prospects search into your video title, description and tags.

Also, don't forget to include your website at the beginning of your description and include the "http://" to ensure the link is active.

Of course, if you use videos (and articles) to drive prospects to your website, then you must have a lead-capture form on your home page. Expanding your marketing message online is pointless unless you have a way to capture your prospects' information.

If you need a complete hands-off way to incorporate this strategy, consider my article-a-month service. You get a keyword-rich article targeting your prospects' needs (written by me) that you can post on your website (to keep your content fresh), distribute to your clients and send to the media as a press release. I also give you a web form for your website (so you can build your targeted prospect list), set up your e-mail autoresponder, maintain your list and distribute each article online for you.

Designed for anyone who needs a multi-step marketing strategy that continually reaches new prospects and requires minimal effort, the service is only $250 a month. Reply back to this e-mail today and we'll reserve time to discuss how to apply this approach to your business.

For those who are more hands-on, you'll find step-by-step details of this strategy in my easy e-mail training program at http://www.tomtrush.com/easyemailtraining. (This private link is only available for subscribers because it includes a discount and free consultation with me.)

Please feel free to share this e-mail with the people in your network.

Sincerely,

Tom Trush

Get more free articles, videos and expert interviews at http://www.writewaysolutions.com/blog. Also, if you have a copywriting or marketing question you need answered, just click reply and your message will come directly to my personal inbox.

P.S. The beauty of videos is they allow you to introduce your products or services in a personal manner because prospects see you. About three weeks ago, I received an e-mail from a prospect in Australia who asked me to write copy for his website. What surprised me was he never read anything I wrote -- he only watched a few of my videos on YouTube.