It worked for UPS, so take a cue from a huge conglomerate by creating a simple video explaining what you do to promote your business. Those ever-present UPS commercials with the long-haired “every guy” and his white board actually feature Andy Azula, the creative director of the marketing campaign. It turns out Azula wasn’t supposed to be in the commercials, but focus groups found him more appealing than actors and pitchmen.

This confirms that consumers like to see the face behind the business, and also indicates you don’t have to be a superstar to engage in self-promotion. You know your company better than anyone else, so who could be a better fit to make the sales pitch?

With a number of free sites available to host your creation (YouTube, Facebook and dozens of new sites), using a video platform to highlight your business is a great tool that won’t cost a lot of money. Also, many allow you to imbed the video right on your blog or website.

Here are some tips for creating a simple, self-promotion, online video to market your business.

• Have a friend interview you about your business. This is a great idea if you’re offering something slightly more complicated. Design some questions for a friend to ask you as you sit down and chat. Be conscious of length because viewers can lose interest. Having your friend ask the right questions allows you to toot your own horn without sounding arrogant. The shoot can be done in one sequence to avoid the need for extensive editing, etc.

• Speak directly to your viewers. Take a tip from Azula and speak directly to your audience.  Explain exactly what they need to know about you and your business.

• Show the product. If you’re selling a particular item, be sure to show your wares. In fact, the whole video could just be images of what you have to offer set to music and/or a voiceover. If your product is the key to your business, showing the items is the best way to bring in buyers.

• Get creative. Showing your viewers who you are and what you sell is a standard practice, but if you have the means (and the money), take the time to create something fun and memorable that pertains to your business. Costumes, jokes and tricks are attractive, but be cautious as to avoid creating something that will embarrass you and your company. Have fun, but remain professional so that others will take you seriously. You may nab thousands of viewers with a ridiculous video, but if it’s not clear what your business offers, then you’re still at square one.