How to Make Videos for Your Business

If you haven’t started using video as a marketing strategy for your business, what are you waiting for?

Here are three reasons I can think of:

1. It’s scary to put yourself out there
2. You think it will take a lot of time
3. You’re not sure how to make it happen (technical obstacles).

Let’s tackle the first barrier, fear. OK, what’s the worst thing that could happen? Well, I can’t really think of anything.  It’s not like it’s live TV and you can’t do another take.

You can keep shooting until you’re satisfied with the final product.  But please, don’t think it has to be absolutely perfect.  You’re not a news anchor and people relate to real people talking about a subject they’re interested in.

Making videos does not have to take a lot of time. You probably already have a lot of content to choose from.  And once you figure out how to do it, you can make several at one time.  These days it’s easier than ever to make a quality video and it’s almost free to do.

Plus, videos will give you exposure in a way that is so powerful and that you just can’t get otherwise. When prospective clients watch your videos they get a feel for who you are and a stronger connection is created.  And of course, it’s a one-to-many marketing strategy which is always smart.

With videos, the learning people take away is greater than with written text or audio. Research from noted educationist Edgar Dale showed that in a passive learning setting we retain:

• 10% of what we Read (reading: verbal receiving)
• 20% of what we Hear (hearing words)
• 30% of what we See (looking at pictures)
• 50% of what we Hear & See (watching a video: visual receiving)

Are you convinced?  Ready to begin?  Now for the nuts and bolts of how to make it happen.

Content
As a business owner you help your clients solve specific problems.  Think about the questions your clients ask you and your most popular topics.

If you use speaking or writing as a marketing strategy your content is ready and waiting.  You can share ’how to tips’, advice, or new perspectives about a topic. Here is an example of one of my ‘how to’ videos about how to introduce yourself at events and mistakes to avoid.

Be sure to mention your website address at the beginning and/or end of your video (or show the url as text at the start and end).  And make a clear call-to-action about your valuable giveaway (more about that here).

Equipment

• Webcam or Video Camera Which can be a digital camera that takes video – that’s what I use.  There are also really simple video cameras (like the Flip Camera) that are reasonably priced.
• Tripod (if you don’t use your webcam).  This can be a regular tripod or a mini version (very inexpensive) you can place on a table.
• Lighting is important but you don’t have to buy expensive lamps.  If you don’t have good natural light you can use lamps in your home.  Experiment by taking videos with different set ups and choose the one that puts you in the best light.

Editing
If you can get your video in one take then you won’t need to edit. If you need to edit there are many free options.  Windows comes with a free program called Windows Movie Maker and for Macs you can use iMovie.

Length
While there are no hard and fast rules about this, in general shorter is better.  On average, one to five minutes should do the trick.

People are busy and if they have to invest more than a few minutes they may not bother.  If you have more to say on a particular topic, you can create a series of videos.

Once you’ve completed a video, you can put it on You Tube for free.  It’s super easy to create an account and upload your video.  You’ll have your very own ‘You Tube Channel’ – sounds pretty cool doesn’t it? People can subscribe to your channel and leave comments about your videos.

You’ll also want to put your videos on your website. You can either embed them (examples here on my website) or provide links to You Tube.  You can also promote your videos on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media networks.

Please don’t wait until you think you’re “ready” to begin.  You are an expert in your field and have valuable information to share, so why not add another channel by using video? Start sharing your expertise using video and watch your business grow!

© Stephanie Ward

Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to set their profits on fire!  Grab your FREE copy of the special report ’7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Time’ plus business building tips at: Firefly Coaching.

Twitter: @FireflyCoaching
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Comments

One Response to “How to Make Videos for Your Business”

• Brenda Ashley Says:
  June 5th, 2012 at 10:16 pm

  Thanks for Sharing!!

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