Video marketing is one of the freshest ways to engage your audience and get more search engine traffic. Even in rather crowded markets it's possible to get rankings and traffic from video marketing. Using video as a regular part of your marketing efforts can get you the results that you're looking for.

Harnessing the power of online marketing is only possible if you use the best practices of marketing with video. You need to have a clear focus on your audience, your message and the purpose of your video. You need to understand your distribution channels and how they can help you get more traffic.

Here are three ways that you can use video marketing the right way to promote your business and make more money.

1. Pre-plan your video!

Just because video is engaging and relatively casual doesn't mean that you should create a video flying by the seat of your pants. You have to pre-plan your content and the purpose of your video. Even if you're planning on free talking through the video, you should at least have an outline for your video presentation. Know what you want to talk about and where your video will fall into your overall marketing plan. Is this video going to be shown on a squeeze page? Is it going to be an informative video that will pre-sell a product or service? Is this an interview with another video expert? You need to answer these questions before you even think about hitting record.

2. Think about your audience and what they really want to know.

Your video should be focused on some key points - and not ramble through different topics. Respect your audience's time and give them exactly what they want to know in a timely manner. No one wants to sit through a thirty second video, let alone a three minute video, that isn't clear and focused. Get to the point, understand what you're there to do and deliver it. Make sure that each major point of your video is accompanied by a graphic element, sound or other signifier. This will help your audience understand that you're making a transition.

3. End with a strong call to action.

Just like any other type of marketing, your video marketing efforts will be valueless without a strong call to action. What do you want your audience to do after they watch your video? Do you want them to sign up for your list? Make a purchase? Reach out and get in touch with you? Give your call to action at the end of the video and be sure to give them clear directions on how to take action on your special offer.

Video marketing doesn't have to be overwhelming if you use these three tips. Make sure to have a goal in mind, keep your audience at the forefront of your presentation and end with a strong call to action. Make video marketing work for you!