No need to hire a film crew to make your holiday marketing video this year. Animoto videos are easy, and perfect for the holidays.

Here are our top five ways your business can use video this holiday season:

5. Make your site or blog festive

Example: Sweet Spud

Sweet Spud not only placed an Animoto Holiday Greeting right on their homepage, but they also made the color scheme on their site more festive as well. To boot, they are promoting free gift wrapping & shipping for the holidays. Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a great deal!

If, like Sweet Spud, you sell products on your site, definitely utilize Animoto’s Call-to-Action button, and encourage people viewing your video to take the next step and purchase.

4. Share on social media

Example: Beth Forester Photography

Beth runs a successful photography studio out of West Virginia. Not only is she incredibly talented with a camera, but she is also savvy with social media. Posting a video about her holiday portrait sessions on Twitter and Facebook helped her build excitement within her community. By staying connected through social media with clients who love her work, she remains “friends” with both prospective and lifelong clients.

3. Simply say thank you, and stay fresh in your customers’ minds.

Example: Artisans de France

According to Bruce Hudson, author of “The Relationographer: The Art of Relationship Marketing,” it costs 6 to 8 times more dollars to attract new customers than it does to keep old ones.

With that in mind, if you have a business that lends itself well to repeat customers, definitely consider sending a thank you video. Wishing their family a happy holiday season and giving a friendly reminder that you are grateful for their business can go a long way.

2. Reward your most loyal customers

Example: Chez AshTon

In the same vein as #3, you can even reward your most loyal customers with something free. May it be a party at your business’s location, a gift customers can redeem next time they shop with you, or anything else to show that you truly are grateful for their patronage, Animoto provides an easy way to spread the word, and let them know you appreciate them.

1. Get Charitable

Example: Monica Sigmon Photography

Many people feel that the true spirit of the holiday season is giving back. Monica Sigmon, owner of Pictology, knows this well. After donating her photography services to benefit an event sponsored by the Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg, she used Animoto to promote the event.

Non-photography businesses can get involved in the spirit of giving as well. May it be through hosting an event at your store, giving a product or service to a charity auction, or even donating a portion of your revenue around the holiday season for a good cause, you can get involved in your community while giving back.

People like supporting businesses that help the community and others. Use Animoto as a tool to get more people involved with whatever altruistic endeavor you partner with this holiday season and beyond.

Need a little more guidance? Check out these tips on how to make a compelling marketing video.