Keeping Connected: How Video Conferencing Software Can Support Your Small Business

If you’re like the rest of us, your business was likely turned upside down in the first quarter of 2020. With stay at home orders in place throughout the majority of the United States, many business owners are searching for ways to stay connected to their customers and employees, and having a reliable communication tool is so vital in today’s world. You may have used video conferencing software in the past, but these tools and programs are now becoming a necessity. Read below for a breakdown of some of the most popular video conferencing softwares available right now, and then I’ll share some tips about how you can use them to support your business.

Skype

Skype has been one of the top video conferencing softwares since 2003, and specializes in providing video chat and voice calls between computers, tablets, and mobile devices. Skype to Skype calls are always free, but users can pay for minutes to call landline telephone numbers. Many have also used Skype for their business to hold video conference calls. Video calls can be done one-on-one between users, or with up to 50 people at once. Skype also allows for a convenient chat feature, which opens a chat conversation between two or more users. Website: https://www.skype.com

Zoom

Zoom is another great video conferencing software available right now. While both Zoom and Skype offer the same basic communication features, they vary greatly in the details. While Skype is great for simple video conferencing, Zoom aims to be a more in depth tool. Zoom offers features like: unique meeting links, so users can easily join your meeting and breakout sessions, so small groups can discuss privately. With Zoom, there is also the ability to record the video session, share your screen, and even virtually “raise” your hand. However, all these bells and whistles will cost you. You can get started for free, but plans with advanced features start at $14.99 per month. One word of warning: Zoom has recently come under fire for their security issues, due to the fact that some video calls have been susceptible to hackers. Zoom has made some security fixes, but take caution if your video conference is confidential. Website: www.zoom.us

FaceTime

If all else fails, use what you already have! Many cellular phones or computers already come with video conferencing software built in. If you have an iPhone, try the app FaceTime to video conference with any iPhone users via their phone number. If you are more familiar with using social media platforms, check out Facebook messenger, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, or Marco Polo, which all have free video conferencing and chat plans.

How to Use Video Conferencing in your Business

Now that you’re familiar with a video conference software, let’s explore some ways in which you can use the software to support your business. Use video conferencing to virtually “meet” with your employees on a regular basis, which improves communication during a time when you’re unable to meet face to face. Many companies are also trying out “virtual happy hours” to make up for this missed bonding time among employees. Videos are also a great way to keep your customers informed.

A video from your friendly face is a great way to let your customers know what you’re up to, and keep them confident that they’ll be able to visit you again soon. Record “behind the scenes” content or a “how-to” video that will both entertain and inform your audience. This type of content is often called “evergreen” content, because you can use it again and again on social media!

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box: if you had a large event planned for the next 6 months, it’s likely going to be affected. If possible, consider holding “virtual events” via one of the video conferencing apps, or stream your event live on social media. If your business has closed completely - can you offer any of your products or services from home or via your website and online ordering? Can you change up your product to better suit the world’s needs right now? For example, Liquor Distillers are now being asked to make and bottle hand sanitizer.

Regardless of your business's needs right now, remember that video conferencing software can be a useful tool to keep in touch and drive sales during times of uncertainty. A lot of the software is intuitive, and mimics one another, so once you’ve learned one, the rest will be easier to figure out! Most importantly: have fun with it, and let your personality and brand shine through your video content.

How are you using video conferencing in your business? Let us know below!