It should come as no surprise that YouTube is the #2 search engine on the Internet. That’s why videos are such an amazing way to create awareness and generate killer traffic for your business.

With the instructions in this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step into making your own slick viral videos within just a few hours.

First, take a look at this completed example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxnH8QP3ZTE

This video was produced by Storagepipe Solutions as a means of showing the benefits of their enterprise online backup & archiving systems. And it’s an ideal illustration of how your final video will look.

Step 1: Write the script

Notice how the video is very entertaining, and doesn’t go into boring semantics or technical details. Instead, it’s very light-hearted and playful. The main focus of the dialogue is around the customer’s backup-related problems…. and NOT the company’s product.

You want to leave the viewer wanting more. Your goal is not to make the sale in the video. Instead, your aim should be to generate curiosity and get the viewer to ask for more information.

Also, the video should be brief. No more than 2 minutes at the most.

Step 2: Record the script

Go into a quiet room and record the script using your PC microphone. You can improve the sound by filling the room with large soft objects such as stuffed animals or pillows. This will help dull the background echo.

The best free audio recording software for this is Audacity.

Step 3: Create the storyboard

You don’t have to be Picasso to illustrate your video storyboard effectively. Just make the nicest, cleanest drawings you can on paper. There should be one image for every 10 to 15 seconds of the movie.

Take each of these drawings and scan them as image files on your machine.

Step 4: Compile the movie

When you bought your computer, it probably came with some form of video editing software.

Windows users can create their own movies for free using the built-in Windows Movie Maker. All you need to do is import your audio and image files into your Windows Movie Maker session, and rearrange them however you like.

Step 5: Publish the movie

Once you’ve published your video using Windows Movie Maker, you can open an account with YouTube and upload the video for the world to see.

Extra Tip:

If you don’t feel very confident about your voice talents or drawing abilities, there are many outsourcing sites online that will help you find a professional artist or voiceover actor at a reasonable price. Getting the components of your videos professionally made should cost less than $250, but the results will be much nicer.

The best thing about this video-making technique is that it can be applied to just about any product or service. If viral videos can make big-business backup and archiving sound interesting, just imagine what it can do for your exciting business ideas.

About The Author: Patrick Jobin works for Storagepipe Solutions. This company uses viral videos to promote their line of server online backup products and their online backup partner program to businesses.