Archive for the ‘Create A Video’ Category

YouTube has just increased their video time limit to 15 minutes from non-partners. The change is the result of some sophisticated copyright tools that give copyright holders more control over their content. But, we’ll let the legal minds worry about that one.

How will the additional 5 minutes help you?

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One of the basic rules in social media is to offer something for nothing up front. That is what entices visitors to visit and then revisit your websites and blogs. One of the best ways to do this is through a “How-To” video.

KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid

A key to making a “How-To” video is to keep is simple, very simple. It may require narration, it may not. But, you need to put in some kind of sound in the content, even if it is just background music.

Show Your Business on YouTube

When your making your video, make sure your are promoting your business in the video content. Show your business name and contact information. That could be via a shirt worn by a video subject, a sign displayed in the video background, or a number of other methods.

Here is an example of a “How-To” video that shows you how to hang a door:

Another way to provide a how too video is to go find one that has already been created on YouTube and post it on your site. The primary disadvantage to this is that the video does not contain your company information. However, it does give viewers a reason to make another trip to your website if they think they will learn something from the visit. And you should have your contact information posted on your website.

What are some good “How-To” videos you have seen on YouTube.

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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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There are two basic tools you need to create a video. First, you need a camera. Second, you need software to make your video presentable.

Get An Inexpensive Camera First

I have purchased a Flip Ultra. Today it is listed on their website for $149.99. This is a very simple camera, but it can do a good job creating a video for your Internet business. If you haven’t created any videos, then it may be a good idea to invest in this and create a couple. From that point you can determine the level of camera you will need to create the videos required to promote your products. The Ultra comes with a built in microphone that limits your sound capabilities. But, for some this is all they need.

Get Some Editing Software

The next thing you need to be able to do is edit your video. Windows Live Movie Maker is software that may already be on your computer. It came with the last one I bought. If not you can download it for free. This software allows you to move pieces of your video around so you can create a flow that keeps the viewers attention. You can also add text portions to the video.

I created a video for a customer with just these tools. You can see it at their blog site starnes-rocks.com

Learn Too Make A Video

The next step is to get your hands dirty! Go make a video. Shoot some action, insert it into your software, edit it, and post it on YouTube. It takes a little while to learn it, but once you have done it a couple of times you will realize that it is fairly easy.

Learn To Create A Work Of Art

Once you’ve learned the mechanics, learn how to create a message that stands out from your competition. View their videos. Then, make yours better. And better doesn’t necessarily mean a better quality video, it means a better message. Even if your videos are of lesser quality you can come up with a message that is unique enough to communicate a message that people will talk about. That makes it viral. And viral videos get traffic.

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