Creating a YouTube video keeps getting easier. Thanks to the incredible tools we have available such as the mobile phone video cameras and easy to use editing software. So it’s a wonderful time to create videos. But that doesn’t mean just throw one up there. Take some time to make sure it comes across with a touch of professionalism. Here are a couple of steps to follow.

Determine What Your Message Is

The whole point of creating your video, your blog site, your website or any other Internet marketing element is to communicate a message. While the quality of your video is important, lack of professional quality sound and lack of professional image taking is forgiven by most viewers. A video with a poor message is not forgiven and can cost you views of future videos.

Plan Your YouTube Video

Not many people think their videos through very well before they create them. Take some time to draw a time line for the video content. For example:

1. It will start with a 15 second text introduction.
2. Then our CEO will introduce herself and the company in front of our 1st Street store location.
3. She will then walk over to the new fire extinguishers we are marketing.
4. The janitor will set the cat on fire.
5. The CEO will put out the fire (if she can catch the cat).
6. The video will switch to text scrolling up for 5 seconds listing store locations.
7. The video will conclude with an apology to the Humane Society.

You may want your plan to be a little more detailed. But, you get the idea.

Consider The Time And Location

You may be considering a video that will be impacted by the time and location of you shoot. If it’s outside, what will the physical element be like at this location? The angle of the sun, public activity around the shooting area, even the time of year will have an impact. If it’s inside, what will those conditions be like? You may need extra lighting, additional microphones, or a big white sheet to serve as a backdrop.

Create A Long Term Marketing Plan

One common mistake businesses make when creating their own videos is repeating a message they have already used in the past. A new video can be boring to the viewer if they’ve heard the story before, even if it is presented from a different angle. One way to avoid this is to create a long term plan. The fire extinguisher company may want to set up a plan like this:

1. January – Create a video on how to pressure test your fire extinguishers.
2. February – Create a video on where to place your fire extinguishers around your business.
3. March – Create a video on how to use a fire extinguisher.
4. April – (etc.)

When the next year rolls around and you decide to create a new video on pressure testing because of an enhanced product, make sure you remove the previous years video.

Now Go Do It

Now go make some videos, make some mistakes, and learn some lessons. A little practice will go a long way.

Have any other tips to offer here? Tell us about them.

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