Videos are a great way to start conversations with your audience. It puts a face to the brand and helps your audience get to know, like and trust you. Without it, you are just another faceless brand that doesn’t stand out from the crowd.
YouTube, Instagram, TikTok are all video driven, with most other platforms encouraging video content. It is also a great way to improve the SEO on your website.
However, many business owners don’t like how they look and sound on video or feel that they need loads of time and specialist equipment. Well, you are AWESOME and you don’t need a Hollywood Budget to record impactful video content.
Here are 5 awesome video content creation tips to get you started.
Start At The Beginning
The first thing you’ll need is content to share with your audience. And, before you say I haven’t got time to create content or don’t have anything of value to share! STOP!
We all have stories, knowledge and experience to share and you are no different! In fact, your unique perspective could be a game changer for someone!
1. Let’s Get This Show On The Road
I always recommend starting with a short introduction video that tells people who you are, what services you offer, to whom, and how people can get in touch with you. Keep it simple!
After that, you can start planning out other video content ideas! Try this method!
Grab a piece of paper and a pen, and write down some words or phrases about your job, problems areas you have helped your clients get past, your journey, wins (big and small), or anything else that you feel passionate about and want to share with the world.
Now go through the list and see which word or topic jumps out. Whatever jumps off the page is your starting point for your video. On a separate piece of paper, write one of your words and pop down a few points you'd like to share about that subject. Now, you are ready to go.
2. Scripting Videos: Keep It Simple
People have a limited attention span and don’t have time to watch you rambling on.
Choose One message for One video and follow this outline.
Top:
This is the hook that grabs the attention of your audience. State a problem or ask a question that encourages your audience to watch on. Make it about them and not you.
Middle:
This is the meat of the video where you share your main message. You have a limited amount of time to capture your audience’s attention so get straight to the point. What is the one thing that you want your audience to know by the end of the video?
Bottom:
Finish with a call to action. What do you want your audience to do at the end of the video. Do you want them to comment, contact you or sign up for a program? Let them know.
2. Be Yourself
How could I be anybody else? Well, in the era of social media and comparisonitis you might think that you have to deliver your content in a specific way, which is simply not the case.
BE YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU ARE AWESOME
If you are extroverted or energetic, then show that energy in your videos and have fun with it. If your naturally introverted, then don’t try to be the life and soul of the party.
Let your personality come through and YOUR people will respond well. On the other hand, if you try and act in a way that is not authentically you, it will translate in the video especially if you look in pain or have a painted Cheshire Cat grin on your face.
3. It’s ShowTime
Now, you are ready to record it is important to make sure your equipment is set up properly.
To start with you, you need a smartphone, a tripod, a good light source and YOU!
Lights - Make sure that the light source is in front of you so your face can be clearly seen. I have good natural light in my office so I record during the day time. If this isn’t an option for you, then you can purchase a ring light that are available for a low cost.
Camera - Place your camera in a tripod or selfie stick if you are out walking. Make sure that the camera lens is level with your eyes.
Action - Take a few breaths before recording, feel a smile come to the corner of your mouth and press play. Focus on the camera lens and…
4. Pretend That You Are Talking To A Friend
Before you press play, remember this little trick.
Imagine that the camera is your best friend and you are sharing something important with them. The camera lens is their eyes and you want to maintain eye contact with them as you speak.
Now, press play and maintain eye contact while you are sharing your message. By doing this, you won’t spend the whole time looking at yourself or getting confused about where to look. And, when you post the video your audience will feel like you are talking directly with them.
Even though we are living in an increasingly online world, eye contact is still important.
5. It Takes Time To Find Your Groove
The old saying practice makes perfect may be nonsense, but practice will help you find your groove. Play around with it, embrace trial and error, and find the system that works for you. The chances of your first video going viral is small, but is that what you really want? Congratulate yourself for taking your first step and start planning for your next video. ocus on talking to your people.
Get to know your audience, find the things that work and don’t work, and most importantly, keep posting. As you build momentum, your confidence will grow and from there the possibilities are endless.
Need Some Help Getting Started?
Book a coffee and a chat with me today to learn more about confidence in communication coaching programs.