Videos are taking over. Videos are now in everything from emails, to landing pages, to social media channels, and even product descriptions on websites.
These videos preset a unique way for businesses to stand out from the crowd and attract new customers. But how do you get started shooting video without making something that looks like a high school film project?
Here are five basic tips for businesses looking to create and share profession-quality video:
1. Know What You’re Making
Different businesses have different uses for videos. While a florist might make a short video showing how to get flowers to last longer, a deep-sea fishing charter might create a video to showcase their business that has a completely different look and feel as they cruise the water.
It’s also good to keep in mind who your audience is and where they’re watching. If they are watching your video on social media, chances are they’re not going to sit through a 5-minute video, especially if it’s all one shot. Keep it short and find ways to engage your audience so they understand the message you're trying to get across right away.
2. Use the Right Equipment
The type of video you make will determine the equipment you will need. For example, if you’re making a quick, instructional video such as the florist above, you might not need the world’s best equipment. An iPhone with a tripod, some good lighting and a quality microphone should be enough. But if you’re looking to create the next big action blockbuster for your deep-sea charter video you might need to look at getting different equipment, such as a GoPro camera or other more waterproof options.
If you’re shooting video of your CEO talking to your audience, setting up a studio in your office with a backdrop, quality camera and lighting could be all you need.
3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Being aware of what’s happening behind you in your shot is crucial, especially for beginner videographers. It’s advised to never shoot with a window in the background. You could get people or cars going by in the background, your subject could become backlit – causing them to end up looking like a shadow, or you could catch the camera or other people in the window reflection.
It’s also important to watch out for unintended sounds. Whether it's wind blowing into the microphone or too much background noise, bad audio can ruin a good video. If your camera has a headphone jack, plug in and do some sound checks. Make sure you can clearly hear what you want your audience to hear, and nothing else.
4. Edit Your Video on a Computer
Editing your video doesn’t need to be complicated either, but that doesn’t mean you should rely on an app on your phone to finish your editing. Editing on your small phone screen could lead you to miss important details.
As for video editing software, beginners should stick with simple programs like iMovie. If you're just cutting some fat from your video, YouTube's cloud-based video editor should meet your needs.
5. Upload and Share
Once you're satisfied, export your video and upload it onto YouTube or Vimeo. From there you can share your video to your social media channels.
Facebook however, seems to prefer you place your video directly into Facebook instead of sharing your YouTube link. By doing this, your audience can play the video right in their newsfeed and it’s a much better user experience.
Also if your video is short enough you can add it onto Instagram. Instagram recently extended their video length from only 15 seconds to a full minute!
Video is no longer an "up-and-coming" marketing tactic. It is a powerful way to communicate your brand story, explain your value proposition, and build relationships with your customers and prospects.
For more information on how your business can utilize video in your marketing strategy or how to get started shooting videos for your business, call Sales & Marketing Technologies at 407.682.2222 or use the contact form below.