The buzz these days is that video blogs will be the new trend in Social Media in 2010.
Yikes, you say…I’m shy, I have a face for radio, I need to lose weight, I don’t know what to talk about, pass the lipstick, yada, yada, yada.
Not to worry. I have two pieces of good news for you. First, no one expects you to be a pro. Second, it’s not that difficult to produce (create) a video blog, or vlog, that can attract people to your website and help grow your business.
The important point to remember is that even if you are currently writing your blogs, everyone learns in different ways. Using a visual medium is a powerful way to connect with people. It allows them to get to know you in a more personal way. They see your movements and style, hear your voice and words, and are engaged on a different level.
Like anything else, you’ll likely start out a bit shaky but I encourage you to stay with it. Practice will help build your self-confidence and improve your on-camera presence.
Here are 99 tips to help you produce top-notch video blogs:
1. Use technology you are comfortable with.
2. Invest about $200 in a flipcam, tabletop tripod and basic editing software.
3. Hire a local college student or person who can easily teach you in a couple of hours how to edit your segments.
4. Remember that #’s 2 and 3 will be the only overhead you have; make the investment.
5. Come up with a snappy and punchy title for your vlog.
6. Identify a theme that will be consistent in all of your posts (know your area of expertise & passion)
7. Be enthusiastic about your topics and being on camera, or don’t venture into this! It will be extremely obvious to your viewers, which will result in a loss of your credibility.
8. Keep it short and sweet. Limit your segments to 1-2 minutes (or less) and pack each one with good content.
9. Forget a quota on how many posts you “should” create each week/month.
10. Develop a framework or Editorial Calendar that’s realistic and proactive.
11. Avoid creating a video when you have nothing of value to say.
12. Write a rough outline or bullet points to help you stay on message.
13. Know your information so you appear knowledgable and comfortable –do not read from notes.
14. Act as if the camera is not there and you are simply talking to an old friend.
15. Smile and relax!
16. Select a location that has natural sunlight and a simple background.
17. Overcome anxiety and your fear of public speaking by working with a coach or joining Toastmasters.
18. Pay attention to background colors so you don’t blend in.
19. Dress in bright solid colors like black, red, navy, and dark gray. Light colors look washed out on camera.
20. Avoid stripes, ”busy patterns” and excessive jewelry (and make-up).
21. Present yourself in a professional yet casual style.
22. Decide if you are comfortable standing, sitting, or moving around.
23. Understand how best to position yourself if you have a product or prop to display.
24. Be aware of possible background noise such as an airplane, barking dog, screaming child, clock chimes, phones or beeping technology.
25. Avoid a close-up headshot. No one wants to count your blemishes, wrinkles or nose hairs.
26. Begin your video with a quick and friendly opening that welcomes your viewer.
27. Give your viewer a clue or line about what you will be sharing (the topic of your message).
28. Grab their attention and get right into the content.
29. Use tips that are easy to follow.
30. State the benefits of your information to your viewer.
31. Organize your thoughts and content so it flows in a logical sequence.
32. Help people solve a problem by offering solutions.
33. Avoid a sales pitch.
34. Weave in a client success story that can apply to your target audience.
35. Speak directly to the viewer in first-person language.
36. Avoid industry jargon, rhetoric and empty words that may confuse people and don’t add to your message.
37. Use language and material you are comfortable with.
38. Consult with your website or SEO team to utilize keywords and metatags that can increase your visibility on the web.
39. End with a quick reminder of your main point.
40. Thank people for watching; they have plenty to choose from.
41. Use an authoritative but helpful tone of voice to build your credibility.
42. Convey enthusiasm and passion in your voice, body language and facial expression.
43. Act with the genuine intention of helping others.
44. Speak slowly and emphasize every word as if it were Gospel (listen to radio & TV newscasters).
45. Drive key points with silence, pauses and strong eye contact.
46. Avoid “speaking down” to your audience.
47. Invite them back.
48. Ask viewers to refer friends and colleagues if they found your information helpful.
49. Give people a peek into your personality and life by sharing a quick anecdote or challenge that you have overcome.
50. Use present tense and active verbs.
51. Choose your words carefully; they are powerful.
52. Forget about perfection. If you make a minor mistake, just continue, we’re all human!
53. Speak from the stomach, not the throat.
54. Use generic greetings for your opening and closing (say “Hello” instead of “Good Morning”)
55. Try to use ”undated” content as much as possible, which may be tough for tax season, holidays, etc. Information that’s not tied to a date has a very long shelf life.
56. Avoid using background music with words.
57. Use your vlog to cross-promote your Social Media (BlogTalk Radio show, chats, e-zines, etc.)
58. Focus on attracting and keeping people in your pipeline.
59. Put your finger on the pulse of your industry so you have fresh content and can help people work through challenges and trends.
60. Use Ustream for your longer segments so you can interact with viewers in a real-time video chat. It’s similar to a live call-in radio show.
61. Archive your vlogs, and tweet and post links and nuggets in your Social Media circles. In other words, create a buzz.
62. Be upbeat. If you are not in a good mood, record your video another day. People pick up on negative energy.
63. Refrain from turning your back on the audience if you are writing on a flipchart or white board.
64. Critique your delivery without beating yourself up.
65. Watch other people’s video’s and vlogs to get ideas on how to improve.
66. Read industry and trade news to help develop topical content.
67. Plant “creative mental seeds” for viewers so they can immediately take action and use your tips.
68. Learn how to monetize your video blogs.
69. Be transparent and authentic in your intention and content.
70. Make this fun and not a chore.
71. Recommend books, links, websites and other people’s blogs so you become a trusted and valued resource.
72. Understand the power your video blog has in your branding and marketing strategy.
73. Chew gum—-off-camera.
74. Market, market, market- with bookmarking, YouTube, RSS feeds, word-of-mouth, etc.
75. Record, edit and post your segment the same day.
76. Ask yourself: “Why would someone want to watch this? ”
77. Keep an eye on your competition.
78. Cite your sources when mentioning statistics, studies or research.
79. Use the lower third of the screen for your name, website or contact information (check spelling before posting).
80. Connect with your fans. A great idea may pop into your head and you won’t have a script. Turn on the camera and go with it!
81. Remember to be patient. You will not know the technology or have thousands of followers from Day One. It will take time to develop this new skill set and an online video presence.
82. Check out applications and platforms such as Viddler, YouTube and Ustream.tv.
83. Ask for feedback by encouraging comments and questions from viewers.
84. Go for quality viewers (your target audience), not quantity.
85. Sit or stand straight and use good posture that exudes confidence and pride.
86. Take your camera on the road and record an interview with the speaker or a well-known person at a seminar or conference (be aware of background noise and ask in advance if it’s ok to use the clip on the Internet).
87. Send people to your website, where there is a call to action (register for a free newsletter, webinar, buy a book, etc. )
88. Develop a thick skin. You may hear criticism, complaints or negative comments. Stay focused.
89. Remember that content is still king. If you have the expertise and are willing to share, the technology part will follow.
90. Forget about getting anything in return. Begin with an open heart of giving and helping people. The rest will magically appear…
91. Avoid slang, telling jokes and off-color humor.
92. Create a segment that is appealing to the eye. Video is a visual medium.
93. Understand that YOU are the message.
94. Know your shortcomings. If you are shy or speak with a heavy accent, you may want to stick with the written word.
95. Think in sound bites. Simple and pithy nuggets that are distinct, relevant and memorable will help drive your message home.
96. Produce a “Best Of” compilation of 10 or 12 segments and repurpose them as giveways, products or marketing material.
97. Sit or stand behind a desk or podium if you are self-conscious about your appearance.
98. Vent in private. Never badmouth anyone in your video or written blogs, or content. No exceptions.
99. Inspire people! Video blogs are your platform to impacting and influencing people. Go for it!
Overwhelmed? Go back to the top and start with #1. Take baby steps, and have fun!
(Photo Credit: Hyperscholar)
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I loved this post! Who knew there were so many points to consider and very valid and helpful ones at that. I often have a difficult time finding time to write for my blog but I am much better at talking about my topic. This would save me time and still serve the purpose of blogging. Thanks for giving me the incentive to integrate this into my current marketing. It’s much easier than I thought it would be.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. I’ve heard a lot of people say they are better at “talking than typing”…so there is a venue for all of us!
Good luck Monica!
Susan
This is a great list. Didn’t find one I don’t agree with. Found many that I wish more people would pay attention to!
Love the last line. Baby steps will get it done!
Hi Susan,
You always provide access to such incredible information! I had no idea there were so many things to think about with video and so many possibilities as well. In my practice, I’ve shyed away from video, but have been advised by both my clients and mentors that video is a better method of communication to your audience.
Thank you again for providing information a person can read and implement right away! Happiness Chick
Hi Kathy,
Glad to be of service with the video blog tips. Let me know when you’ve got a few under your belt so I can check them out :)
I appreciate your feedback; thank you!
Susan
These are great tips, but I never thought of ustream for short 1-2 minute clips, as I’ve only seen people use if for live shows that were a half to full hour long. Do you have an example of a ustream channel w/ short clips like that? Thanks for this post. It’s great.
Hi Gina,
Thank you for pointing out the length of the the video segments for U-stream. You are correct (referring to #60 on my list). U-stream is indeed for longer pieces –similar to an interactive call-in radio show. It enables the host to speak with viewers, like a Town Hall meeting. I have now edited my #60, to clarify this point. Thank you!
Susan
Thank you for sharing and giving me the nudge I needed to explore videos, and taking all the little things to think about out of my way.
Create an excellent day
Gary
Thanks Gary, video is just another interactive channel for us to engage with people. Let me know when you have your video done—will look forward to seeing it! I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment!
Susan
Great post. Very useful. I keep procrastinating taking the video plunge. I’ll def use this as a guide.
Any software recommendations?
Hi Tim,
If you are just starting out, you may want to try Windows Movie Maker- part of the MS package that can get you acquainted with basic editing. If you want to move onto some advanced editing options, special effects, etc., Sony Vegas 9 is good. It’s about $80 retail. Camtasia is also hot these days. In the end, it’s important that you feel comfortable with the technology you choose. Practice will also help.
Good luck, and thanks for your comment!
Best regards,
Susan