DIY: Shooting Your Own Content
Small Business Tips
The Seven Steps to Video Marketing Gold
You should be creating video content for your business!
We all know, as small business owners, that video plays such an important role in how we connect with our customers. The problem is, that if it’s not done properly, then your videos can sometimes do more harm than good. I’ve been behind the camera creating professional video products for over 10 years, and I’m excited to see technology get to the point, where you can now create your own videos for your own business. With some simple tips and techniques from a professional like myself, you can create a video for your small business that help you to connect to your audience and convert viewers into buyers!
The Guide to Video Marketing Gold
So, what are these steps?
1. Writing Scripts For Videos:
The first production tip that we’re going to talk about is having a script for your video. I see videos all the time that are full of ums, likes and you knows and as a result, the finished video is less then professional. I’ve worked with countless clients, who try and ad lib – it never works out and we always end up pausing the shoot to sit and write a script with them. So in order for your video to be successful, write a script!
2. Host Your Own Videos:
Video Marketing is the best way to develop trust and credibility with your audience about your small business. And what better way to do so, then by being the face and voice of your company. By standing in front of the camera and presenting your message, you are able to really put personality into what you’re saying. This carries greater engagement – It’s a deeper connection. Plus, by performing in your own videos, you are giving yourself a greater chance of being recognised as the industry expert in your niche – and that will draw targeted traffic to your site.
3. Think About Where You Are Going To Film
To an audience, the area that you choose represents you and your business. Ultimately, you want your viewers to trust you and to concentrate on your message. So you need to come up with the background that works for your branding, that isn’t distracting, and a space that allows you to perform at the best of your ability. Everything that you choose, the colour pallet, the room you are in, what extra furniture that is in the shot, the colour of the backdrop – all of these decisions you make have a subconscious effect on the viewer, making them feel a certain way while they watch your video.
4. Make Your Videos Stable
There is nothing worse then watching shaky video! It will make your audience feel sick and your videos will look amateur. Plus, no matter how hard you try, naturally your body will shake when holding the camera or phone – we may not notice it at the time, or even feel it, but your camera will. And everything is amplified when seeing it back on camera – camera shake is inevitable if you don’t use a tripod. Ultimately, a shaky video will distract your viewers from the key message you are trying to present, and then they won’t become customers – and nobody wants that.
Is this a recipe for success?
YES! When you combine all of these tips in your video, you will create successful video content for your business.
Listening to a professional video company can help small businesses create high-quality videos that effectively communicate their brand message and resonate with their target audience. By listening to a professional video company, small businesses can gain access to industry-leading equipment, specialised skills, and a team of creative professionals dedicated to helping them achieve their goals. Create powerful video content that stands out in a crowded market and drives real results.
5. Let There Be Light
Lighting can make all the difference between professional looking video and an amateur one. Most business owners who attempt to start their own videos don’t pay attention to adding extra lighting in their videos, they tend to rely on Natural Light. This is light found in the location that they are filming in, either sourced from the sun or from the lights in the room – and I understand why. Our eyes are so forgiving when looking at a location, and they can adjust our perception of the lighting in the room, to make it look the best it possibly can. Unfortunately, our iPhones or digital camera don’t have brains or eyes that can adjust for us automatically – they are going to capture the room as is. If you are trying to create branding and consistency in your videos, then you will need to be able to film in the same location and deliver consistent results. So, you may want to invest in Constant Lighting. They allow you to have constant light in a location, control over the amount of light coming in, and allow you to be confident in your settings staying the same no matter how long it takes you to film the video.
6. Think About Your Audio
Is there anything worse then when you are watching a video, and the sound is either too soft or way too loud or distorted that it hurts your ears? It’s such a pet hate of mine, that I can’t stand watching anything that has bad audio – even if the content is amazing! So many business owners don’t worry about capturing good sound either because they think it isn’t important or don’t know how to fix it. Fantastic sound is so crucial to having your audience members focus and retain your key message. To fix it, isolate your space as much as possible and think about investing in a microphone.
7. Editing Can Be Your Best Friend
Editing, or how the video is finally assembled and put together, can make all the difference in any video production. The post production process is where you can really refine the message you want to convey with your video. Now editing can sound really technical, and frankly overwhelming – but there are 3 key reasons why video editing could become your new best friend, like it is mine. It can help with your nerves, it allows you to add extra eye candy to the screen AND you can start with the free software that comes with your laptop, or even smart phone!
Too Long? Grab Some Quick Tips
01.
Your Success Starts With A Script
Writing a script for your marketing video has numerous benefits. Firstly, it helps to clearly define the message you want to convey to your target audience and ensures that your video stays on track. A well-crafted script can help to save time and resources during the production process, as it minimises the need for retakes and revisions. A script can also be used as a reference point for future marketing campaigns, ensuring consistency and continuity in your brand messaging.
02.
Your Company Should Appear In The Videos
Being the host of your own videos and, if it's possible, filming the videos in your location helps to build trust and credibility with your audience. By standing in front of the camera and presenting your message, you are able to really put personality into what you’re saying. Everything that you choose, the colour pallet, the room you are in, what extra furniture that is in the shot, the colour of the backdrop – all of these decisions you make have a subconscious effect on the viewer, making them feel a certain way while they watch your video.
03.
Use Additional Lighting
Lighting can make all the difference between professional looking video and an amateur one. If you are trying to create branding and consistency in your videos, then you will need to be able to film in the same location and deliver consistent results. So, you may want to invest in Constant Lighting.
04.
Great Sound Is Key
Is there anything worse then when you are watching a video, and the sound is either too soft or way too loud or distorted that it hurts your ears? Fantastic sound is so crucial to having your audience members focus and retain your key message.
05.
Maintain Engagement With Clean Edits
Editing, or how the video is finally assembled and put together, can make all the difference in any video production. The post production process is where you can really refine the message you want to convey with your video. This is also where you can add branding and graphics on screen to really make sure the videos are visually striking!
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We’ve generated so many success stories with this process, and so many happy customers, who often return to us over and over again to generate powerful Video Content. I want the same for you, I want your business to succeed, for you to stand out above the noise online and for you to generate the results, the leads and the cash flow you want. If you found the information useful in this video – I’d love to hear from you – leave me a comment. And, if you want more tips and techniques around Video Marketing delivered straight to your inbox, then click this link here.
