As we approach the final stretch of 2023, businesses can thoughtfully reflect on the economic complexities they have navigated throughout the year while strategically charting their course amidst heightened scrutiny. Despite economic headwinds and global uncertainties, many companies embraced a proactive approach, seeking innovative ways to expand their market share and flourish. In this blog, we will discuss the meaning and importance of market share and dive into three key strategies that will help your business grow even through challenging times. 

Understanding Market Share

Market share reflects a company’s portion of the total sales revenue within a specific market. To calculate market share, divide a company’s sales by the total sales of all companies in that market. The higher the market share, the more dominant a company is in its industry and the greater its influence over market trends and competition. 

Why It Matters 

Market share ultimately works like a spotlight. The brighter the light, the greater the visibility. 

More market share means more brand visibility, which means more customers and, ultimately, more opportunities. Companies with more significant market share dominate their industry, are thought leaders, and become trendsetters. 

Strategy 1: Differentiation through Innovation

In a crowded and competitive market, continuous innovation is the bread and water for companies striving to stay relevant and capture customers’ attention.

Anticipating what consumers desire allows companies to develop products or services that offer unique and superior value.

Businesses that have embraced new ideas and transformative technologies continue to not only exist as top players but also thrive amidst the dynamic challenges of the modern marketplace. Examples of such companies include Tesla, which disrupted the automotive industry with electric vehicles, and Airbnb, which reinvented the hospitality sector. These success stories demonstrate the transformative power of innovation.

Here are some steps to help you foster innovation:

Promote a culture of innovation: 

It starts and ends at the top. Leaders need to cultivate and support a culture of experimentation and creativity. Ensuring employees feel comfortable enough to think outside the box, take calculated risks, and embrace new concepts, ideas, or technologies empowers employees to become drivers of change and innovation.  

Listen to Customers: 

Don’t just innovate for innovation’s sake. Listen to your customers. Your customers are usually the first to tell you what doesn’t work, what you could do better, their pain points, and what features, items, or services they wish you offered. Conduct surveys, read reviews and comments on your socials, and perform market research. 

Create Cross-Functional Teams: 

Different perspectives and experiences can lead to unique and innovative solutions. Cultivate cross-pollination of ideas by combining people from various departments with different backgrounds, work experience, and expertise. 

Strategy 2: Invest in Brand Advocacy

Customer loyalty is vital in a competitive market, especially during economically challenging times when customers and businesses cut unnecessary expenses to optimize operations and navigate financial constraints. Strong customer relationships create loyal customers who are great brand advocates. By spreading positive word-of-mouth, they help establish trust and credibility for the brand, which attracts new customers, ultimately contributing to a company’s growth and success.

Consider using influencers or employees as advocates to help your brand reach a wider audience and influence potential buyers’ decisions. 

Here are some steps to help you boost your brand advocacy besides investing in influencers:

Deliver Exceptional Customer Experiences: Providing excellent customer service and delivering top-notch products or services will naturally lead to satisfied customers who are likelier to become brand advocates.

Implement a Referral Program: Create a referral program that incentivizes existing and new customers to participate. Offer rewards or discounts to customers who refer others to your business and the newly referred customers. 

Host Events and Gatherings: Events or gatherings where customers can interact with each other and with your brand can foster a sense of community and strengthen brand loyalty, leading to increased advocacy.

Leverage Social Media: Brand advocacy thrives on social media, and it is one of the best places to engage with the modern customer. You can boost brand advocacy on social media by encouraging customers to share their experiences, reviews, and testimonials. Promptly responding to comments and messages will help you build a strong connection with your followers.

Strategy 3: Retain Existing Customers

Reaching new customers during economically challenging times can be strenuous. And to no surprise. Buyers are likelier to hesitate before committing to a new product or service, especially when money is tight. 

While acquiring new customers is essential in strengthening one’s market share, retaining existing ones is even more crucial during economic uncertainty. Loyal and happy customers are often more inclined to maintain ongoing business relationships and will be the first to spread positive referrals about your brand, product, and services. 

Here are some ways you can retain and invest in existing customers: 

Reducing the Feeling of Risk: 

Reducing the feeling of risk is essential in encouraging customer retention. Transparency in pricing and policies, offering trial periods, the availability to receive a refund, and providing flexible payment plans can help customers feel more comfortable and secure in their decision to stay with a company.

Offer Loyalty Programs and Discounts: 

There are many ways to protect your customer base and improve customer retention. One way to achieve this is by offering loyalty programs and discounts.  

With loyalty programs, businesses reward their customers for repeated purchases, referrals, feedback, or actions that benefit them. 

Getting rewarded gives customers a sense of belonging, recognition, and appreciation. With these new incentives and benefits, they will be more motivated to buy frequently and consistently.

Don’t Shy Away From Negative Feedback: 

Stop seeing negative feedback as the devil. Your clients provide you with a clear roadmap for enhancements and essential insights into areas that need improvement.  

Lean into this opportunity and use it to build stronger customer relationships that last. 

Strengthen Your Market Share with Powtoon 

During times when everyone wants to reduce costs and operate in the leanest and most efficient way possible, businesses must embrace change and adopt innovative strategies to stay afloat. Such times demand resilience and adaptability, and those who prioritize innovation, brand advocacy, and strong customer relationships are poised to emerge as industry leaders. 

Powtoon’s video creation platform allows your business to create engaging visual content that will differentiate your brand, increase customer engagement, and solidify your position as an industry leader. Sign up to Powtoon today to create studio-quality content that impresses clients and closes more deals. 

The post 3 Key Strategies to Maximize Your Market Share During the Great Rationalization appeared first on Powtoon Blog.

The global sales training software market size was valued at USD 1.92 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.0% from 2022 to 2030. With the business landscape constantly changing and corporate competition rising, leaders worldwide are increasingly inclined to invest in their sales teams. 

Here are the top 6 training topics that will empower your sales professionals to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. 

AI Training 

Artificial Intelligence has been making waves in most industries, including sales. 

AI for sales can help manage and predict customer behavior, identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities, automate repetitive tasks, and improve forecasting accuracy.

Teaching your sales reps to leverage advanced analytics and predictive modeling can help streamline their performance, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and avoid bad leads. 

Lead Qualification Training 

Not all leads are created equal, and sales teams must know how to qualify them effectively. Lead qualification training allows reps to create a framework of questions and answers to identify promising leads and recognize lost leads effectively. These skills will help sales professionals prioritize and manage their time and efforts more efficiently. 

Prospecting and Outreach Training 

Effective prospecting is hard work without adequate training. Sales professionals must know how to effectively read and apply data, conduct thorough market research, and perform cold outreach. 

Various techniques, like researching customers, email marketing, LinkedIn outreach, cold-calling potential customers, and objection handling, are required to efficiently identify, engage, and convert potential leads into loyal customers.

Moreover, knowing how to use and navigate sales tools, such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator, can significantly amplify their prospecting endeavors.

Communication Skills Training 

A big part of selling is knowing how to communicate with the various potential clients and understanding their needs and pain points. Good sales communication not only includes proper writing and presentation skills but also means sales professionals know how to read between the lines, identify hidden pain points, provide solutions, and adress concerns. By possessing skills such as active listening and a deep understanding of customer needs, sales professionals can provide customized solutions to their customers’ needs. 

Pipeline Management Training 

For consistent sales success, the sales team needs to be able to seamlessly juggle all of their prospects in different parts of the sales cycle. A well-managed sales pipeline is the backbone of sales operations and requires a range of critical skills. 

Sales managers need to be able to strategically oversee and optimize the entire sales process, effectively allocate resources, provide guidance and mentorship to their teams, analyze sales data to make informed decisions, and adapt strategies in response to market shifts. 

Proper pipeline management training will keep sales leaders and managers updated on the best practices in pipeline management. 

Online Presentations & Webinars

As remote work and virtual events become more prevalent, online presentations and webinars have become invaluable sales tools. Training on preparing and delivering compelling online presentations will help sales teams engage prospects and convert them effectively.

Enhance Your Sales Training With Powtoon

Sales training is a crucial investment for any business looking to thrive in today’s competitive market. By empowering sales teams with the right skills and knowledge, companies can ensure their sales force becomes a driving force for success. 

With Powtoon’s online video maker, you can equip your sales team with effective and engaging training resources. Our hundreds of customizable and ready-to-edit templates are the perfect solution for when you need to explain intricate sales strategies or demonstrate effective communication techniques. Sign up today and enhance your sales training with Powtoon!

The post The Top 6 Training Topics for Sales Teams in 2023  appeared first on Powtoon Blog.

Sales enablement in 2023 is taking center stage as organizations shift their focus from simply hiring more reps for sales coverage to investing in their sales reps’ training, tools, and resources. Every sales leader’s question this year is: “ How can I boost seller productivity and achieve greater production while adopting a more streamlined coverage model?”  This blog post will cover mind-blowing sales statistics that offer valuable insights and data-driven trends to enhance your team’s sales performance and help you drive exceptional business growth.

Sales Statistics for Cold Calling 

Cold calling is still a thing in 2023. It will, however, be taking on a more sophisticated and personalized approach thanks to new technology and ever-changing consumer preferences. Sales teams are expected to use advanced analytics and data mining techniques to identify potential prospects who are more likely to convert. 

• Organizations that incorporate cold calling into their sales strategies experience a remarkable 42% higher growth than those that do not.
• Cold-calling prospects for booking meetings between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. is 71% more effective than calling between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. 
• The worst workdays to call prospects are Mondays and the second half of Fridays. 
• 69% of buyers have accepted cold calls from new providers, and 57% of C-level buyers prefer to be contacted via phone. 

Response Time Sales Statistics

The ability to respond promptly to customer inquiries can be the difference between winning a sale and losing a potential customer to a competitor. Response time is a critical factor in making or breaking a deal. Let’s have a look at these 2023 statistics. 

• Only 7% of companies respond within five minutes of a prospect’s form submission, while 50%  don’t respond until five business days later.
• 82% of clients want a response to their inquiry within ten minutes.
• 35% to 50% of sales go to the vendor that responds first
• 95% of customers complete a purchase with a business that provides them with relevant resources to help them at each stage of the purchase process. (SlideShare)

Social Selling Sales Stats

In 2023, the average user has been shown to spend 2 hours and 31 minutes daily on social media. Teens are spending a staggering 8 hours and 39 minutes. So, it is no surprise that businesses leverage these powerful digital spaces to connect with their target audience. And in 2023, social selling will only increase. 

• 78% of social sellers outsell peers who don’t use social media.
• Sales professionals who excel in social selling are 51% more likely to achieve their sales quotas than their counterparts who do not prioritize social selling. 
• According to HubSpot, a remarkable 67% of sales professionals say Facebook is the most powerful and effective platform for finding prospects.
• 63% of sales professionals who use social media to find new prospects say LinkedIn is one of the most effective platforms.

Sales Statistics for Emails

According to a HubSpot study, an impressive 43% of sales professionals consider email to be the most effective channel for selling. As we head into the second half of 2023, sales emails continue to be a driving force to successful outreach and meaningful connections with prospects. 

• The best time to send emails is between 1 PM and 4 PM.
• Cold email campaigns with 30-50 characters in their subject lines get a 24.6% higher response rate. 
• Reaching out to multiple contacts from the same account boosts the response rate by 93%.
• Personalized subject lines boost response rate by 30.5%.
• A single additional follow-up message can lead to 65.8% more replies.

Lead Qualification Stats

Everyone has unique preferences, and that includes buyers. That’s why lead qualification is so crucial before reaching out to prospects. With proper qualifications, reaching out to prospects can save valuable time and money and decrease missed opportunities. 

• Effective lead qualification can improve the quality of leads by up to 200%, according to a study by MarketingSherpa. 
• 34% of salespeople regard lead qualification as their primary challenge.
• According to Sales Insight Lab, at least 50% of your prospects aren’t a good fit for what you sell. 
• 79% of leads never convert to sales.
• 55% of respondents identified budget constraints as one of the top reasons for stronger sales opportunities falling apart.

Sale Referral Statistics 

Without a referral, you’re a stranger, and potential buyers can be more hesitant to trust you. Sales referrals are the first building blocks to a trusting relationship and help bridge the gap between you and a potential prospect. A study by Nielsen revealed that people are four times more likely to buy when referred by a friend – and 92% of us trust referrals from acquaintances. Let’s have a look at how impactful sales referrals are: 

• According to Hubspot, 56% of sales professionals get leads from existing customer referrals.
• Referral hires stay with their company an average of 70% longer than non-referral hires. 
• 66.5% of sales professionals consider leads from customer referrals the highest quality. 
• Consumers discuss specific brands in conversations 90 times per week. 
• 86% of B2B buyers say word-of-mouth is the most influential factor in purchasing decisions.

Sales Technology Stats

Sales teams increasingly rely on technology to optimize processes, enhance productivity, and drive revenue growth. Let’s look at how sales leaders view technology and its role in transforming their sales strategies for success.

• In 2022, 22% percent of sales leaders said leveraging their CRM to its fullest potential was one of their top goals.
• 32% of sales professionals who use a CRM stated that one of its most significant benefits is “helping them keep track of their leads.”
• 76% of sales professionals say using sales analytics has significantly or somewhat improved their ability to provide customers with a consistent experience across every channel. 
• 50% of teams use data to create timely, accurate forecasts. 

Enhance Your Sales Enablement Strategy With Powtoon. 

2023 calls for a more streamlined approach. Organizations worldwide have recognized the importance of investing in their current sales teams rather than hiring more reps. The above sales statistics provide valuable insights and opportunities for sales leaders to support their agents to excel and thrive in the competitive market of 2023 and beyond. 

Visual communication is a valuable solution, driving meaningful engagements with prospects and customers. With Powtoon, sales leaders can create engaging video content that captivates prospects, elevates the sales process, and sets the stage for remarkable success. Find out how Powtoon can enhance your sales enablement strategy by signing up today!

The post Sales Enablement in 2023: Key Statistics and Insights appeared first on Powtoon Blog.

The year 2023 has ushered in a new era of business-to-business interactions, which inspired many businesses to embrace new B2B lead-generation strategies.

Flooded with notifications, ads, and instant information, potential customers are spoiled for choice, making efficient lead generation harder than ever. As agile companies adapt to their customer’s evolving needs and preferences, traditional lead-generation methods are being reimagined.

Let’s explore some of the best and newest B2B lead generation strategies of 2023. 

Maximize Your Content Marketing 

According to DemandGen, 44% of potential buyers prefer to consume three to five pieces of content before they even consider engaging with a company. As Information has become incredibly accessible, consumers can research products and services on their own terms. Now more than ever, it is important that businesses invest in a content marketing strategy that builds credibility, gains trust, and effectively engages with potential customers throughout their research journey, ultimately increasing the likelihood of conversion and fostering a long-term relationship. 

Invest in a Multi-Channel Approach

Reaching modern customers effectively involves meeting them in their preferred digital channels, which means virtually everywhere. Businesses need to adapt and have a strong presence across various digital platforms, including social media, search engines, mobile apps, email, websites, and other online channels. 

It is important to remember that each digital channel’s effectiveness will vary depending on the target audience, industry, and business model. A data-driven approach is crucial for identifying the most impactful channels for reaching and engaging your specific customer base.

Social Selling

Businesses that are leaders in the social selling space create  45% more sales opportunities than brands with a low social selling index. Integrating social selling into your multi-channel approach can effectively engage potential customers across various touchpoints, deliver consistent messaging, and create a holistic and customer-centric sales experience.

Nurturing Strategies for Various Stages in the Buyer’s Journey

B2B organizations are increasingly focused on creating nurturing campaigns that not only embrace multiple channels but also cover the entire buyer’s journey, from the initial touchpoint to lost opportunities. Sales emails, sales calls, and videos have shown the highest response rate, with email newsletters and customer-generated content, like reviews and case studies, closely following behind.

Depending on your campaign’s goals and target audience, you want to create a tailored approach to ensure a personalized experience that resonates with your prospects.

Here are 3 things to remember when planning your strategy. 

Contact Management: Ensure a well-organized system for storing contact information that helps you keep data on subscribers up-to-date. 

Segmentation: Use your data and segment your audience to create tailored marketing content. Customers have different preferences, and creating a relevant, personalized experience will foster a higher engagement and connection to the brand. 

Your Buyers Journey Stage: Recognize that your buyers are at different stages of your sales funnel and adapt your strategy and content accordingly. 

Adapting your strategy, sales tactics, and content creation to the unique characteristics of your target audience will help you engage more leads, build trust, and ultimately close sales. 

Invest in the Customer

Modern customers want their experience to be seamless, personalized, and accessible across various digital channels and are quick to move on if otherwise. 

2023 calls for higher investment in the customer-first approach, as businesses realize that prioritizing customer needs and preferences is the key to building lasting relationships, fostering brand loyalty, and achieving sustainable growth in a highly competitive market. 

Today’s customers are tech-savvy and spend more time on their devices. They expect businesses to be digitally competent, offering a user-friendly and interactive experience that caters to their unique preferences and needs.

Let’s have a look at what the modern customer wants: 

Seamless Experiences: The modern customer expects a seamless experience across all touchpoints, whether scrolling through a website, using a mobile app, or engaging with customer support. They desire a smooth transition between devices and channels, with information and preferences seamlessly synced and available.

Personalization: With abundant data available, customers anticipate personalized interactions that resonate with their interests and behaviors. They expect businesses to understand their preferences and offer tailored content and recommendations that cater to their needs.

Convenience: 74% of buyers value the ability to purchase from any channel as a critical aspect of their buying experience. Modern customers want to save time and effort. They want to be able to find information, make purchases, and access services quickly and easily. Products Mobile optimization, intuitive navigation, and streamlined processes are crucial for providing a convenient experience that aligns with their busy lifestyles.

Social Presence: Social media has become a fundamental part of how customers find brands, communicate, access information, and connect. The modern customer expects brands to be strongly active on social media and engage with them on various platforms to establish a more authentic and personal connection.

Fast and Responsive: Tech-savvy customers have little patience for slow loading times, unresponsive websites, or delayed customer service. They expect businesses to provide fast and responsive experiences, whether in terms of website performance, buying experiences, or customer support. 

Security: Customers seek secure and trustworthy buying experiences as online transactions increase. Companies must prioritize robust security measures, secure payment gateways, and transparent data practices to earn customers’ trust and protect sensitive information.

Investing in the customer-first approach will not only create a better customer experience but will also set you apart from competitors. 

Elevate Your B2B Lead Generation with Powtoon

According to DemandGen, Video has proven to be one of the most effective B2B lead nurturing activities, along with sales emails, email newsletters, and customer-generated content. 

With Powtoon, you can easily leverage the power of video and revolutionize your B2B lead generation strategy. Seamlessly create studio-quality videos that captivate prospects, enrich emails with visual storytelling, and infuse customer interactions with dynamic video content.  

Learn more about how Powtoon can help you boost your B2B lead generation strategy by signing up today!

The post The Best And Newest B2B Lead Generation Strategies in 2023  appeared first on Powtoon Blog.

The sales landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, encouraging sales teams to embrace a new approach to selling. This blog will explore six critical predictions for sales outreach and empowering sales teams in 2023.

Accurate Forecasting vs. Accountability

Gone are the days of assuming all deals will open and close within a quarter. To thrive in 2023, sales teams must prioritize accurate forecasting and embody accountability. Rather than fixating on arbitrary timelines, the focus should be identifying meaningful milestones and promptly delivering value to potential customers. From addressing their buyers’ pain points to showing them value, reps should establish detailed success plans with buyers. That way, reps can ensure a clear roadmap of the next steps and share responsibility for achieving mutual goals. This approach fosters transparency, trust, and deeper collaboration between sales professionals and clients.

Video Dominates Text 

In 2023, online videos are predicted to make up 82.5% of all web traffic, becoming the most popular content on the internet. People spend so much of their time watching videos that reading long text seems almost archaic in comparison. According to Vidyard, 71% of sales reps admitted that video emails outperform regular ones. The rapid surge in online video consumption has changed how information is delivered and consumed and how businesses interact with customers. Sales reps who take advantage of video are expected to see at least 5x higher open rates and 8x higher open-to-reply rates.

Focus On Quality Leads 

Instead of reaching as many prospects as possible, sales teams should focus on driving leads with a higher chance of converting. With tighter marketing budgets, fewer prospects will be available, so prioritizing quality over quantity is crucial. It’s essential that leaders identify and filter out which leads have a higher likelihood of converting over the ones that will not.  

The Continued Emphasis on Customer Personalization

Personalization in sales reflects professionalism, shows an understanding of your customer’s needs, and a sincere dedication to addressing those needs. Sales reps must be skilled in analyzing data, conducting thorough research, and recognizing potential buyers’ needs and pain points. That way, they can tailor their approach and offerings to each customer, resulting in a higher likelihood of success. This personalized experience strengthens customer relationships, demonstrates a genuine commitment to their success, and sets the stage for long-term partnerships.

Social Selling Takes Center Stage

75% of B2B buyers utilize social media when making their purchasing decisions and 

78% of businesses that use social selling outperform those that don’t. So, it is no surprise that social media integration into sales strategies will grow even stronger in 2023. Leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to build relationships and generate leads must become an integral part of the sales playbook. Social media enables sales reps to connect with potential clients, share relevant content, and establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry. 

Sell the Value, Not Just The Solution

Solution selling focuses on the features and benefits of the product and how they solve a particular problem. In times when market budgets are short, it’s simply not enough to identify pain points and offer solutions. Nowadays, sales reps must go beyond solution-based selling and concentrate on showing customers the product’s value. Consumers who are hesitant to purchase a product want to know that its benefits are worth more than its price.

Sales reps need to help the buyer envision how the product will change their life so they can justify the price they will pay.  

Elevate Your Sales Outreach with Powtoon

Staying ahead in sales requires innovative strategies that align with shifting trends. Video has emerged as a pivotal tool to elevate your sales game, and Powtoon offers the perfect platform to leverage its potential. From personalized engagement to social selling, Powtoon empowers your team to captivate audiences at every stage of the buyer’s journey. Craft videos to emphasize your product’s value, include them in your roadmap, and highlight your accountability by connecting with customers on a deeper level. Powtoon equips your sales team to drive engagement, generate leads, and secure conversions with an impactful, video-driven approach. Sign up to Powtoon today and elevate your sales outreach in 2023.

The post Key Predictions for Sales Outreach and Empowering Your Sales Team in 2023  appeared first on Powtoon Blog.

As social media platforms continue to evolve, so do the ways in which users engage with video content. One feature that has become increasingly popular is video autoplay, which automatically plays videos when they appear on a user’s screen without the need for a click or tap. Video autoplay has its pros and cons, and in this blog post, we’ll explore them in detail, along with the effects of video autoplay on video marketing. We’ll also share best practices for creators to use this feature to their advantage and drive more engagement, reach, and conversions. 

Pros of Video Autoplay

If you’re looking to increase the visibility and engagement of your content, video autoplay can be your secret weapon. With video autoplay, your video starts playing automatically as soon as it appears on a user’s screen, catching their attention and drawing them in. This can be a game-changer for engagement, as users are more likely to watch the video without the need for additional clicks or taps. And let’s not forget that video autoplay can also be a cost-effective and efficient option for creators. By eliminating the need for users to take additional steps to engage with your content, you can reduce friction and encourage more views. Finally, video autoplay can provide an improved user experience, ensuring that users don’t miss any valuable content as they scroll through their feeds. So, if you’re looking to increase visibility, engagement, and user experience, video autoplay might be the perfect solution for you.

Cons of Video Autoplay

While video autoplay has its benefits, it also has its downsides. One of the primary cons of using video autoplay is that it can be disruptive to users, especially if the video has a sound that starts playing without warning. This can be annoying and even frustrating for users, which could lead them to scroll past your content or even unfollow you. Another potential issue with video autoplay is its impact on metrics. While autoplay can increase views and engagement, it can also result in inflated metrics, as users may be counted as viewers even if they didn’t actually watch the video. Creators also have limited control over when and where videos play with autoplay, which means that users might not be in the optimal mindset to watch your content. So before deciding to use video autoplay it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of autoplay carefully.

General Best Practices For Using Video Autoplay

Follow these general best practices to maximize the benefits of video autoplay.  

First, it’s important to optimize your videos specifically for autoplay, since users won’t necessarily see the video in its entirety. This means making sure the most important parts of the video are placed at the beginning and adding attention-grabbing visual elements to make it more engaging.

Second, creators should prioritize user experience by keeping the video short and sweet, so that users are more likely to watch it in its entirety. Additionally, adding closed captions to the video can make it accessible to a wider audience, including those who might be watching without sound.

Lastly, keeping videos attention-grabbing and relevant to your target audience can help keep users engaged and invested in your content.

Best Practices For Each Social Media Platform

Facebook: Facebook videos should be optimized for mobile users and kept short and sweet. Your Facebook videos also benefit from having captions or subtitles, as many users may be watching with the sound off. Aim to grab users’ attention within the first few seconds, as autoplay videos can quickly be scrolled past.

Instagram: Instagram is a highly visual platform, so you should prioritize using eye-catching visuals. Keep the video short and try to use text overlay and attention-grabbing animation at the beginning of the video, as autoplay videos can sometimes begin playing without sound. Instagram Stories can be a great way to utilize video autoplay, as they play in succession and have a more personal feel. Utilizing the video thumbnail is also key – by making it visually interesting or adding text, you can entice users who are scrolling through your feed to watch your videos.

Twitter: Twitter is a fast-paced platform, so videos on this platform should be kept super short! Aim to grab users’ attention within the first few seconds. Most users on Twitter are mobile users so make sure your videos are optimized for mobile viewing.

LinkedIn: When it comes to using video autoplay on LinkedIn, it’s important to remember the platform’s more professional and formal tone. To make the most of autoplay, use professional and high-quality video content that provides value to your audience. Consider using autoplay on LinkedIn Pulse articles to grab users’ attention and improve engagement. Since many LinkedIn users watch videos without sound, adding captions or text overlays can also be effective.  Place the most important information at the beginning of the video to grab attention.

YouTube: When it comes to using video autoplay on YouTube, there are several best practices to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s essential to have engaging and high-quality video content that aligns with your brand or message. Additionally, placing the most important information at the beginning of the video can help grab viewers’ attention and encourage them to keep watching. To further optimize your videos for autoplay, it’s a good idea to use clear and concise titles and descriptions, as well as eye-catching thumbnails. Finally, consider using annotations or end screens to encourage viewers to take action, such as subscribing to your channel or checking out related videos. 

TikTok: On TikTok, creators should aim to create videos that are fun and visually engaging. Creators should also prioritize using trending sounds and hashtags to increase the visibility of their videos. As with most other platforms, it’s important to grab users’ attention quickly as users scroll through feeds fast. 

By following these best practices, you can leverage video autoplay on all social media platforms to improve your reach, engagement, and overall video marketing strategy.

Metric-Related Effects Of Video Autoplay

The use of video autoplay can have a significant impact on the reach and engagement of a brand’s video content. By auto-playing videos on social media platforms, users are more likely to engage with and watch the content, which can result in higher view counts, likes, shares, and comments. This increased engagement can also lead to improved conversion rates, as users who are more engaged with a brand are more likely to make a purchase or take a desired action. The use of autoplay can also improve a brand’s return on investment (ROI), as it can lead to increased views and engagement without the need for additional advertising spend. By including a powerful call-to-action (CTA) at the end of autoplay videos, brands can further increase the likelihood of conversion and drive more value from their video marketing efforts.

Autoplay Your Way to Social Media Success With Powtoon

Autoplay videos can be used to improve visibility, engagement, and user experience. While there are potential drawbacks, such as being disruptive to users and negatively impacting metrics, using autoplay in the right way can greatly benefit a brand’s reach, engagement, and ROI. By following best practices, such as optimizing videos for different social media channels, prioritizing user experience, and adding closed captions, creators can make the most of this feature. Use autoplay thoughtfully and strategically to ensure a positive impact. We encourage you to experiment with video autoplay in your content to see how it can benefit your brand. Have some extra time? Hop on over to Powtoon and try out some of the best practices discussed in this article. Sign up today and start creating scroll-stopping videos for your social media platforms.

The post Using Social Medias Video Autoplay to Your Advantage appeared first on Powtoon Blog.

Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It is a place where we connect with our friends and family, follow our favorite brands, and stay up-to-date with current events. But, social media is not just a platform for personal use. It’s also a powerful tool for businesses and creators to market and share their work and connect with their audience. 

In order to save time, money, and energy many businesses choose to repurpose their content from their social media channels, websites, webinars, or podcasts. A great way to repurpose your content is by embedding your social media videos on your websites. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why creators may choose to embed social media content on their websites and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do so for different platforms. From increasing engagement to improving SEO and brand awareness, embedding social media content on your website can have numerous benefits. So, let’s dive in!

Why Embed Social Media Content On Your Website?

Free Marketing Content

Take a minute to scroll through your Tiktok, Instagram, or Youtube content and have a look at the plethora of awesome content that has accumulated there over time. Your social media content is often your most engaging and attention-grabbing content. Those Tiktok or Instagram posts and videos are bite-sized, captivating, and probably the best video marketing pieces you’ve ever created. It’s the stuff that gets you all the likes, followers, and subscribers. So repurposing that content is a no-brainer! It’s honestly like killing two birds with one stone. You get to showcase your best content to website visitors while keeping your social media game strong. By featuring your top-performing social media posts on your website, you can pique the interest of your audience and keep them engaged with your brand.

Increases Interaction and Provides Social Proof

Embedding content on your website, such as social media marketing videos, is a fantastic way to encourage interaction and provide social proof to your visitors. It shows newcomers that your brand is engaged and active on different social media platforms and provides them with a glimpse of the conversations, feedback, and interactions that are taking place around your business. This creates a sense of community and authenticity that can help build trust and credibility with your audience.

Embedding videos or image posts from your Instagram feed or other social media platforms on your website can provide social proof to your visitors. When they see that your content is being shared, liked, and commented on by others, they are more likely to perceive your brand as credible and trustworthy. This is especially true if you have a large and engaged viewer base on your Instagram account or other social media platforms. Social proof can be a powerful tool for building brand awareness and increasing conversions, and embedding videos or image posts on your website is a great way to leverage this effect. Your best-performing YouTube video or Instagram photos can help you establish your brand’s authority and trustworthiness in the eyes of your visitors.

Improve SEO

Embedding social media content on your website can help improve your search engine optimization (SEO) by increasing the amount of time visitors spend on your site, reducing your bounce rate, and increasing your click-through rate. 

More Cost-Effective

Embedding your existing content such as Facebook videos, video ads from Instagram, or Youtube videos on your website is a cost-effective way to produce and share your videos. Unlike creating new video content from scratch, which can be time-consuming and expensive, embedding your existing content from social media platforms like your Instagram videos is relatively quick and easy. By repurposing those videos for your website, you can leverage the content you’ve already created to reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your website. 

How to Embed Social Media Content on Your Website

If you’re looking to embed social media content on your website, the good news is that it’s relatively easy to do so. The process may vary slightly depending on the platform you’re using, but generally, it involves copying and pasting the embed code provided by the platform into your website’s HTML code. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to embed content from different platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and more.

Embed Facebook Video:

1. Go to the Facebook post you want to embed.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the post.
3. Select “Embed”.
4. Copy the embed code.
5. Paste the code into the HTML of your website.

Embed Twitter Video:

1. Click the v icon located within the Tweet.
2. From the menu, select Embed Tweet.
3. It will open publish.twitter.com – customize the look of the embedded Tweet by clicking the customization options.
4. If the Tweet is a reply to another Tweet, you can check Hide Conversation to hide the original Tweet.
5. Once you like the look of the embedded Tweet, copy the code provided by clicking the Copy Code button.
6. Paste the code into your blog or website.

Embed Instagram Video:

Desktop version:

1. From the post or profile you’d like to embed, click More Actions in the top right.
2. Click Embed, then click Copy Embed Code. Note: If you don’t see Embed, the post or account may be private or may have Embeds turned off and cannot be embedded.
3. The embed code will now be copied to your clipboard and can be pasted into your HTML editor.

Mobile version: 

1. From the post or profile, you’d like to embed, tap More Actions in the top right.
2. Tap Embed, then tap Copy Embed Code. Note: If you don’t see Embed, the post or account may be private or may have Embeds turned off and cannot be embedded.
3. The embed code will now be copied to your clipboard and can be pasted into your HTML editor.

Embed TikTok Video:

1. Go to the TikTok video you want to embed.
2. Click the Embed button that looks like this </>. 
3. A popup window with the HTML code will pop up. Copy the HTML Link.
4. Paste the code into the destination webpage, where you wish to attach the video.

Embed Youtube Video: 

1. On a computer, go to the YouTube video or playlist you want to embed.
2. Click on the SHARE button.
3. From the list of Share options, click Embed.
4. From the box that appears, copy the HTML code.
5. Paste the code into your website HTML.

For network administrators: You will need to add youtube.com to the firewall allowlist.

Important: If your website or app is child-directed and you embed YouTube content, you must self-designate your site or app using these tools. This self-designation will ensure Google does not serve personalized ads on these sites or apps and some features will be disabled in the embedded player.

 Tips for Optimizing Embedded Content 

• Ensure your embedded content is responsive: This means that it should be able to adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions. Test your embedded content on different devices and screens to ensure that it looks great no matter what device your viewer is using.
• Make it easy to navigate: Consider how your viewers will interact with your embedded content. Make sure that it’s easy to scroll through or play, and that any accompanying text or captions are easily readable.
• Optimize the resolution: High-quality visuals can make a big difference in how your embedded content is perceived. Make sure that your embedded content has a high resolution and is not pixelated or blurry.
• Add captions or subtitles: Including captions or subtitles can make your embedded content more accessible and engaging for viewers who may not be able to listen to audio or who speak different languages.

Effective Examples of Embedded Social Media Videos

Embedded social media content on websites can help improve user engagement and brand recognition. Here are some examples of how you can embed your social media content from different channels on your websites:

• Embed Your Instagram Feed: Including an Instagram feed on your website’s homepage or product pages to showcase user-generated content and social proof.
• Embed a Twitter Thread: Embedding a Twitter thread on a blog post to provide additional context and information for readers.
• Embed a TikTok Video: Adding a TikTok video to a landing page provides a fun and engaging way to introduce your brand or product.
• Embed a YouTube Video: Embedding a YouTube video on a product page to provide a more detailed explanation or demonstration of the product.

Mobile Optimization

Optimizing embedded content for mobile is essential for providing a seamless viewing experience across all devices. By optimizing your embedded content for mobile, you can reach a wider audience and improve their viewing experience. To make sure your content is mobile-friendly create your content with a design and composition that works well on smaller screens. Using subtitles and closed captions can also be a helpful way to make your content more accessible and engaging. 

Bring Your Website to Life With Powtoon

Embedding your social media content on your website is like sprinkling extra magic on your online presence! Not only will it boost your engagement, SEO, and social proof, but it’s also a fun and creative way to showcase your brand personality. With our easy-to-follow instructions and tips, you’ll be embedding like a pro in no time. And if you really want to level up your content game, try using Powtoon to create animated videos that will captivate your viewers and elevate your website experience.  Let Powtoon add the wow factor to your embedded social media content and bring your website to life! Sign up today!

The post Embedding Social Media Content on Your Website: The Why and How appeared first on Powtoon Blog.

Training video statistics demonstrate the enduring significance of training and development in a changing business landscape. Videos have become an indispensable tool for online learning and upskilling, offering powerful resources to enhance employee knowledge and skills. When companies invest in the growth and education of their workforce, it leads to increased job satisfaction, motivation, and employee engagement, ultimately contributing to the company’s success.

Let’s delve into the compelling benefits of training videos and explore why they are an absolute necessity in 2023.

Benefits of Training Videos

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards distance learning and online education, making training videos an even more valuable tool for training programs. As in-person training opportunities have become increasingly limited, companies and educational institutions have had to rely more heavily on online courses and virtual training methods. Training videos have emerged as a preferred option due to their ability to offer a dynamic and engaging learning experience remotely. Using animated videos, in particular, can help simplify complex concepts and make them more accessible to learners while still maintaining their attention. Here are some reasons training videos have become a valuable asset for distance learning and online education training programs.

More Engaging 

Online education has seen a massive surge in popularity, and training videos have become a critical component of this shift. Unlike long presentations and heavy textbooks, videos are an effective and engaging method of delivering information to learners. By combining visual and auditory elements, training videos create a dynamic learning experience that can improve the retention of newly acquired knowledge. This is particularly true for younger generations who have grown up consuming video content on various platforms. Training videos offer several benefits that traditional training methods cannot match. As online learning continues to grow in popularity, it remains an essential tool for L&D teams and trainers seeking to create engaging and effective learning experiences.

A Flexible Solution for Busy Employees 

Training videos are an excellent tool for organizations seeking to upskill their widely dispersed or busy workforce. In the age of online learning and remote work, online classes can be a convenient and flexible way to access educational materials. Training videos offer a convenient and accessible solution that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. With the rise of mobile learning, learners can now view videos directly from their phones or tablets, making learning more convenient. Whether used for onboarding or ongoing education, training videos are essential to online education and can play a critical role in upskilling a modern workforce.

Cost-Effective 

Old traditional training methods, such as in-person training sessions or printed textbooks, are often expensive and require higher production costs, such as hiring trainers, renting a venue, and providing materials. They often need participants to travel to a specific location, which takes time from their busy schedules. On the other hand, training videos are often more cost-effective and accessible, as they require fewer resources and can be easily accessed with an internet connection.

Standardized Training Experience  

One of the biggest advantages of training videos is that they allow for a consistent and unified message to be delivered to employees, which is especially important for large organizations with employees in different parts of the world. When cooperations use traditional training methods, such as in-person training sessions or printed materials, ensuring that everyone receives the same message and is taught the same skills can be challenging. Different trainers may deliver the training or vary depending on the location. In contrast, videos provide a standardized training experience, with the same message and content delivered to all employees, regardless of location. This helps to ensure that everyone receives the same training and has the same level of knowledge and skills, which can be particularly important for ensuring compliance and maintaining consistent standards across the organization.

Training Video and Online Learning Statistics 

Let’s take a closer look at some fascinating statistics related to training videos and online classes and their impact on learning and development in the workplace.

• The e-learning market size exceeded $315 billion in 2021. 
• The corporate e-learning market is predicted to grow by $37.8 billion from 2020 to 2025.
• On average, E-Learning increases a learner’s retention rate to 82%.
• Videos under three minutes had the highest engagement, with 75% of views lasting three-fourths of the video length (Guo et al., 2014).
• Watching a video with a quiz led to higher scores than just watching the video or discussing it with colleagues. (Okano et al., 2018). 
• Online learning helps cut CO2 by more than 85% and energy consumption by 90%.
• 58% of employees prefer to learn or train at their speed. (LinkedIn Learning, 2021) 
• According to a survey, most employees (70%) prefer online/self-paced courses as their preferred learning mode. This is followed closely by online/instructor-led training (63%) and hybrid learning opportunities (62%). (SHRM, 2022) 

Best Practices for Creating Training Videos

Training videos are on the rise, and to no surprise. They are an effective way to engage employees in the learning and development process, whether for upskilling, reskilling, or learning a new skill altogether. However, not all training videos are effective, and if done wrong can actually hinder the learning process. Poorly designed training videos that are too long, lack clear objectives or use irrelevant content can be disengaging and frustrating for learners. Let’s go over some best practices for creating effective training videos.

1. Keep them short and focused, usually in bite-sized lengths, it will help maintain the viewer’s attention.
2. A mix of visual and auditory elements can enhance the learner’s engagement and retention. 
3. Don’t be afraid to include interactive elements, such as quizzes or interactive scenarios. 
4. It’s important to ensure that the videos are mobile-friendly to accommodate learners’ busy schedules and enable them to access the training on the go.

Educational institutions, large cooperations as well as small businesses can use these best practices to create engaging employee training videos that enhance learning experiences and learning outcomes.

The Future of Training Vidoes in L&D

The future of L&D will undoubtedly be shaped by technology, and training videos are likely to remain a vital component of this landscape. As virtual reality becomes more accessible and AI-powered tools become more sophisticated, training videos will likely evolve side by side with these new technologies, offering learners an even more engaging and immersive learning experience. Moreover, the use of chatbots and voice assistants will enable learners to access information and support in real-time, creating a more personalized and efficient learning journey. However, despite these exciting developments, it’s crucial to remember that the training videos’ effectiveness ultimately depends on how they are used. Careful consideration must be given to how technology is integrated into L&D, ensuring that learners are engaged, supported, and able to acquire new skills and knowledge effectively.

This is where Powtoon can help! With Powtoon, you can create engaging and dynamic training videos quickly and easily without requiring technical expertise. Its user-friendly interface enables trainers and educators to produce animated videos that are highly effective in delivering complex concepts and ideas in a clear and memorable way. Moreover, Powtoon’s range of customizable templates, characters, and icons, combined with its extensive library of music and sound effects, enables trainers to tailor the video content to meet specific learning objectives and cater to diverse audiences. By leveraging Powtoon’s features, trainers can ensure that their training videos are engaging, informative, and effective in helping learners acquire new skills and knowledge in a way that is both efficient and enjoyable.

Empower Your L&D with Engaging Powtoon Videos

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of bite-sized training videos cannot be overstated. Whether your training is classroom-led or online, short and focused videos can help learners absorb information more easily and effectively. With Powtoon’s user-friendly software, trainers can quickly create a range of different video types, including explainer videos, which are perfect for breaking down complex ideas into bite-sized chunks. Powtoon’s versatility is especially important in the wake of Covid-19, where the eLearning industry has experienced unprecedented growth, and many organizations have shifted to online learning to continue employee training during the pandemic. By using Powtoon to create bite-sized training videos, L&D teams and trainers can provide engaging and effective learning experiences that meet the needs of today’s learners. Sign up today and revolutionize your L&D strategy with innovative and engaging training materials.

The post Training Video Statistics for Learning and Development appeared first on Powtoon Blog.

Have you ever watched an animation video and found yourself completely engrossed in the story? Animation has the power to captivate by bringing complex ideas to life. It’s no wonder that animation has become a valuable tool in learning and development (L&D). In this blog post, we’ll dive into how animation can benefit L&D initiatives and explore some exciting possibilities for the future.

What is Animation?

Animation refers to the process of creating the illusion of motion and change by displaying a sequence of static images that minimally differ from each other. It is a technique that involves creating moving images by manipulating drawings, photographs, or computer-generated graphics. Animations are used in a variety of contexts, including entertainment, advertising, education, and more.

History of Animation

From the pottery of ancient Greece to the ocular toys of the seventeenth century, the art of animation has taken many forms throughout the centuries. It has evolved and advanced enormously and turned into the beautifully computer-generated imagery (CGI) we see today. The history of animation is a testament to the ingenuity of humans and their ability to create incredible works of art and entertainment.

Animation For L&D

It was not until the early 1960s when digital computers had become widely established, that new opportunities for innovative computer graphics emerged. While their initial uses were mainly for scientific, engineering, and other research purposes, artistic experimentation with computer graphics began to emerge by the mid-1960s. With the advent of digital technology, the possibilities for animation in learning and development have continued to expand, allowing for more accessible and engaging educational experiences. With the advent of tools like Powtoon, creating animated videos for L&D has become even more accessible to creators and organizations alike.

The Science Behind Animation and Learning

Animated videos are a powerful tool that can significantly enhance learning and development initiatives. By using visual aids and storytelling techniques, animation can help learners understand complex or abstract concepts more easily, improving their memory retention. By capturing learners’ attention and making the learning experience more enjoyable, animated videos can increase motivation and engagement. Animation offers a unique and dynamic way to communicate important information, making it a valuable tool for anyone interested in promoting effective learning and development.

Advantages of Animation in Learning and Development  

One of its key advantages is its ability to make abstract concepts more concrete and relatable, helping learners understand and retain information more effectively. Additionally, animation offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing learners to access and engage with the material at their own pace and on their own terms. Through reinforcement of ideas and interactivity, animation can also help learners retain information more effectively and engage with the material in a more meaningful way. Finally, the potential to appeal to different learning styles makes animation an ideal tool for organizations seeking to create inclusive and effective learning and development programs.

Animation in Corporate Training

Animation offers a memorable and engaging way to teach and convey information, making it a powerful tool for training and development initiatives. By simulating real-world scenarios and creating immersive learning experiences, animation can help learners develop practical skills and knowledge that they can apply in their work.

L&D Video Examples

Animated Tutorials:

• Software training: An animated tutorial can be used to teach employees how to use new software programs. Demonstrate how to use a new customer relationship management (CRM) system or accounting software.
• Safety training: Animated tutorials can be used to train employees on workplace safety procedures, such as how to properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) or how to respond to an emergency situation.
• Compliance training: You can use an animated video to train employees on legal or regulatory requirements. Explain the company’s anti-harassment policy or how to comply with data privacy regulations.
• Product training: Train your employees on new products or services.

Emergency Respondance:

• Fire safety: Create an animation that demonstrates the proper procedures for a fire emergency. You can include how to use fire extinguishers and how to evacuate the building safely.
• Natural disasters: How do we respond to natural disasters, such as earthquakes or hurricanes? Teach employees how to seek shelter and what to do in case of injury.
• Medical emergencies: What are the proper procedures for responding to medical emergencies such as heart attacks or allergic reactions? Teach your employees how to administer first aid and how to contact emergency services.
• Workplace violence: Demonstrate the proper procedures for responding to workplace violence, including how to recognize warning signs and how to protect oneself and others from harm.

Explainer Videos:

• Company policies and procedures: Introduce new employees to company policies and procedures, such as workplace safety, security protocols, and human resources policies.
• Product training: Train employees on how to use a new product or software, demonstrating its features and capabilities.
• Compliance training: Explain to your audience the legal and regulatory compliance requirements, such as anti-bribery laws or data privacy regulations.
• Sales training: Train the sales teams on new products or sales techniques, and show them how to effectively communicate with customers so they can close sales.

When used in corporate training settings, animation can help learners master new concepts and skills, making it an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to promote effective learning and development.

How to Create Animations for L&D

Follow these key points to create effective animation for L&D:

1. Outline: Before you start animating, create an outline to make sure your overall message is clear and easy to follow.
2. Keep it short: Take advantage of the power of micro-learning and make sure your video isn’t too long. It’s always better to break up your content into a few parts than to mush it all together into one long lesson.
3. Animated characters: Don’t be afraid to use characters when you are teaching. Involving characters in your storyline helps your audience resonate with your content and makes your videos feel more interactive.
4. Simple Wording: Avoid using too many technical words to prevent overwhelming viewers.
5. Less is more: Don’t overdo animations and text – consider using a voiceover instead.
6. Timing and Spacing: Ensure that the animation moves at an appropriate pace that is neither too fast nor too slow.
7. Accessibility: Include accessibility features such as captions and high-contrast visuals to make your L&D videos accessible to everyone.

By following these tips, L&D professionals can create engaging and effective animations that effectively communicate their message to their learners.

How Leading L&D Teams Are Using Powtoon 

Animation is a powerful tool that helps captivate and engage learners. Powtoon allows L&D professionals to create high-quality and engaging animations for learning and development and has made a significant impact on companies worldwide. Clients such as Wiley, Foot Locker, and Nestle have testified to the effectiveness of the software in engaging learners, saving time, and increasing productivity. Wiley uses Powtoon to create educational, bite-sized videos that help build an engaged learning community of over 8,000 employees. Foot Locker has replaced static papers with diverse videos and trains 35,000 employees across 27 regions with experiential micro-learning. Nestle creates engaging training materials faster using Powtoon to streamline compliance through branded videos made in just a few clicks. Powtoon’s easy-to-use tools enable L&D professionals all over the world to create engaging animations that can effectively communicate complex ideas and improve learner outcomes.

Elevate Your Learning And Development with Animation 

Animated videos have revolutionized the way L&D is delivered in today’s digital age. Its range of benefits, includes enhanced engagement, increased retention, and improved accessibility for learners. Animated text and characters help simplify complex concepts and ideas, making them easier to understand and apply in real-life scenarios. By incorporating animation into your L&D programs, you can create a more immersive and interactive learning experience that resonates with your audience and promotes better learning outcomes. Powtoon makes it easy to create high-quality animations that are both informative and entertaining. Sign up today and revolutionize your learning content. 

The post How Does Animation Benefit Learning And Development appeared first on Powtoon Blog.