Are you creating video content? If the answer is no, you may soon be left behind.
Do you need motivation to create with video?
What are the benefits of using video?
Videos have many benefits over text and images alone. Used effectively, videos are practical for instruction, entertainment, and inspiring action.
The statistics are clear – video is on top and rising: (1)
85% of U.S. internet users watch online videos each month.
Videos are consumers’ preferred way to consume content on social media.
Video is effective for building a following and driving sales.
In 2019, internet users spent on average almost 7 hours a week watching online videos.
The majority of consumers want to see more video.
By 2022, it is estimated that >80% of global internet traffic will be video.
Do you need help creating with video?
Video production is no longer only for professional videographers. Anyone with a smartphone can now create high-impact videos. The following tips can be downloaded as a free tip sheet.
Tip #1 Maximize the Message
Videos can bring a message to life. They are ideally suited to illustrating processes (how the heart works), demonstrating something (how to make a recipe), sharing stories that humanize a concept (bring a case study to life), and allowing the main character (you) to connect with the audience.
Once created, videos can be shown over and over. Use video to its greatest advantage.
Tip #2 Reach your Audience
Who is your video for? Tailor your video’s purpose, content, format, and platform to best reach your target audience. What types of video do they prefer: Food (recipe) videos? Cooking shows? Educational videos? Promotional videos? Livestream?
Where does your audience access content: Instagram? Facebook? YouTube? Unsure how to answer – ask the audience!
Tip #3 Assemble your Tools
Similar to having the right ingredients and utensils for creating a recipe, a video requires some basic equipment for success:
1) A camera to shoot the video.
2) A tripod to prevent shakiness.
3) A microphone for audio quality.
4) Natural or artificial lighting to create the desired result.
5) A backdrop that enhances not distracts. And,
6) Editing software to create the finished video.
Tip #4 Plan your Production
Careful planning leads to less stress during production and a better product. Once you know your audience, select a video platform, and assemble the necessary tools, it’s time to plan your production.
Begin with a storyboard to illustrate your visuals, camera angles, and action. Write your script and practice it out loud. Plan your set-up from the beginning clear through to editing.
Tip #5 Shoot, edit, release
“Lights, camera, action!” It’s time to shoot a video. Check and double-check what is in the field of view. Give yourself room to edit with extra footage at the beginning and end.
Record all audio while on camera for continuity between on-camera talking and voice-overs. Until more experienced, keep your editing simple. Save special effects for later.
Master the basics first.
“The amount of information contained in one single frame can take three pages to describe. It is a known fact that people engage more when they watch a video and tend to stay watching it. They are also happy to pass it along. Video informs and entertains people and, good or bad, today most people prefer to watch a video rather than read a page of text.” ~ Lisa Lubin
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