In that same study, it reported more than 167 million viewers in the U.S. watched an average of 167 videos each, while YouTube reached 1 billion views per day - or 41 million views per hour - in the same month (October 2009).

From these numbers, it shows how powerful of a platform the Internet is, and how video marketing is poised to take center stage in marketing efforts.

The Importance of Web Videos

Undoubtedly, you've seen many social video agency uae sharing sites popping up, telling us we're in an emerging industry. And, although digital media and online video space is very young, we are definitely seeing the beginning of this space.

Why? Because video engages people in a way that static content cannot. Video boosts customer interaction, drives sales, encourages viral sharing, and builds brand awareness.

With moving pictures, you have a very compelling medium to tell your story and sell a product. You can show prospective and existing customers your product instead of just telling them about it.

So now we're at a time that having video on your website is needed as much as you need someone to code and put up your website.

However, many small businesses are too busy and don't have a "video product manager" overseeing video production or deployment for them. Nor do they usually have the technological knowledge to be able to set up an online video offering themselves.

Well, video is too important to put it off much longer.

With more than 50% of people now looking online for products and services, a website has become an important aspect in connecting with your public.

What is happening here is that video marketing has become the nucleus of online success for companies. It is leading the way for businesses and individuals to incorporate a video strategy alongside an online, social, paid media, PR, and other marketing strategies.

Here's another statistic for you: 52% of people who watched an online video ad took action after viewing the ad, such as visiting the advertiser's website (31%) or searching online for more info on the product (22%). A full 21% went on to make a purchase - giving video ads one of the HIGHEST CONVERSION RATES IN THE INDUSTRY (per Online Publishers Association).

Here are a few companies that I came across that have substantial success with video:

Zappos (an online shoe and clothing retailer) increased sales from 6 to 30% using video marketing.

Deloitte (a consulting firm) uses web video to enhance their business with useful videos for current and future employees and company stock holders.

Jivox (an online video ad platform) used video demos on their website to increase registrations by 25%.

Fuse Box had 20% higher close rates when sales reps play a video at the beginning of their virtual sales demo.

Jigsaw uses crowd-sourcing to gather and vet business contact info, a new approach that relies on customer participation.

Car dealers with videos on their website generate more phone calls and emails from prospective shoppers vs. websites without video.

FrontPoint Security successfully uses video demonstrations to expand its pool of customers, and monthly sales leads from website increased 250 percent with video.

With success like this, it is a no-brainer that 94% of ad agencies plan on increasing their online video marketing budgets this year (BrightRoll survey).

In Summary....

Video shows your story and/or product and service.

Video drives sales

Video builds your brand

Videos help position you as an expert in your field.

Video makes your site more "sticky" - visitors stay longer.

Video engages people

Video goes viral

Video increases website conversions

Okay, I think you get the point.

Cyndi Seidler is an Internet Marketing expert who specializes in using a blend of Internet marketing tools that help you get noticed, get connected, and get results. Website: http://www.scarletmedia.net/en/portfolio_calve_02.html