In this episode of 5 Business Rules, Monika Jansen and I share our top five tips to keep in mind to create video content.
You’ve probably heard all kinds of great things about the value of video content, but if you’re not sure how to get started creating videos, you’ve come to the right place! Spend 4 minutes watching the video below or read on for the tips.
#1 Show your personality
The whole point of video is to help you connect with your audience.
Monika and I have talked endlessly about how visuals pack a punch and are easier to consume than text. Videos are visuals on steroids because it incorporates sound and inflection, which all adds up to an emotional connection.
To create that emotion, you’ve got to show some personality.
I know it can be hard staring into the camera (Monika recommends taking a shot to help you loosen up before you film!), but you need to let the real you shine.
#2 Find a niche or spin
You may love our videos (and we hope you do!), but you can’t replicate the Business Rules series because it’s already out there.
If you’re into marketing or small business, you may end up talking about some of the same things we do, but you need to figure out your own way to present it.
You CAN absolutely be inspired by other people, but find a way to make something uniquely yours.
#3 Have a reason for making the videos
People make content for all kinds of different reasons. Maybe you are a knitting phenom and just want to share your approach because that’s your thing. Great!
Maybe you pioneered a new way approach to product development and want others to get on the bandwagon. Cool!
Perhaps, you just want a way to enhance your marketing. That’s okay too – but I’ll still ask you why are you making a particular video?
Here’s our why:
This started as a something we shared with our clients as a mini-webinar. We got really good feedback, and had a ton of fun doing it, so we decided to do more. As time passed it’s become a way to keep up with our networks and make sure we stay up with different trends.
#4 Know your audience – and where they’ll be watching you
You’ve probably heard us talk about the importance of knowing your audience, but it’s especially true when it comes to video because the formatting on IGTV is going to be totally different than YouTube.
People visit YouTube to learn stuff, and so tutorials are awesome in that space. Maybe not so much on IGTV.
Now, Monika and I put these on YouTube, but really, LinkedIn is where I see the most views, as well as people reading them on our emails, which means most of the people watching already know us. That means are videos are a little longer than videos should be if you’re trying to catch someone’s attention for the first time.
#5 Building up a channel takes some serious effort.
Last but not least, you have to understand that while videos are great as an add-on to your marketing toolkit, you are going to have to do a lot of work and if you want to grow a following for your video channel. In fact, it’s going to take its own marketing campaign.
Those YouTube stars that you hear about – that’s their job. They didn’t get a large, engaged audience by accident or overnight.
Yes, individual videos can help you boost a campaign, but if you want to create an actual community around your content, be ready to roll up your sleeves and put some work in.
Have more questions about using videos for marketing? Reach out today!
