How to prepare video content

Video is a powerful content medium for storytelling. It can have a big impact on the success of your promotional campaigns and content marketing efforts.

It also serves as an effective way to connect with people and build more satisfying and deeper relationships between you and your target audience.

To prove the fact that video plays an important part of your content marketing strategy, here are a few key statistics:

·         In 2019, video content was to account for 80% of all consumer internet traffic.

·         Social media videos generate 1200% more shares compared with images and text combined.

·         87% of online marketers use video content.

·         The volume of mobile video consumption increases by 100% every year.

In other words, now’s the time for your business to create a winning video content strategy.

What’s in your videos is up to you.

But I want to help you find viewers and promote your videos better. These are valuable business assets, so you need to make sure the right people watch them.

So without further ado, here are five actionable tips to get more eyes on your videos:

1. Have a simple video SEO strategy

SEO isn’t only relevant for your blog posts and website. In fact, YouTube (owned by Google) has become the second largest search engine online.

People not only use this network to find specific videos, but they also use it to search for broad information – just as they would on Google.com.

There are also practical steps you can take to help make your videos easier to find on YouTube. Here are a few keys to video SEO.

·         Titles are the best way to catch people’s attention. Keep it informative and short. The first 60 characters or less will show up onYouTube videos. And make sure you plan your keywords, just like for any blog post. You can use the SE Ranking keyword suggestion tool or the YouTube keyword tool to find relevant keywords.

·         Add keywords to your video description and include a link to your website. Keep it to 70 characters on YouTube and help users to understand what your video is about.

Here a good example from R-Tools Technology:

·         Use tags properly with different keyword variations. Think about all the different things that people who watch your video could be looking for, and make sure to include these.

·         Link-building is important here too. The number of links that lead to your video is important for keywords rankings in search.

·         Thumbnails are the first thing that makes users watch your video. Create engaging, colorful, high-quality, branded and eye-catching thumbnails.

·         Many videos are watched on mobile devices, so you should think about optimizing your videos for mobile viewing.

·         To help your videos rank, a video sitemap is a good way to provide all details about your video content to search engines.

2. Make it clear what the video is about

If you want to get more views for your videos, obviously, you should provide enough information for people to decide whether they want to watch it or not.

John Bottom says on his blog that people skim the titles at first before watching the video, which makes sense.

But aside from the title and description, video isn’t an easy format to skim.

Don’t expect that people will choose to view your 5 or 10-minute video instead of scanning in seconds a piece of text or image.

How to fix this problem?

A. Write an accurate and informative synopsis. Highlight 3-4 benefits that viewers will get after watching the video. And if it’s a narrative, you can plot the main points.

B. Try to transcribe your videos. This way you give viewers the content in a text format they can skim read first, then watch if they prefer. Moreover, you will help search engines crawl your video content. In this case, I love how Rand Fishkin does it:

3. Use social proof

Using social proof is a good way not only to increase conversions, but also to build trust and credibility between yourself and your audience.

50% of customers find customer testimonial videos useful.

There are a lot of effective ways to do it. For example, you can show likes, votes, views, comments and such to showcase how other people find your video content informative and valuable.

If you offer services or products, provide video testimonials or case studies from your customers, experts, celebrities or friends. Here is how Van Damme did it for Volvo:

4. Optimize video for conversions

Once you encourage people to watch your video, it’s time to get the most out of it and focus on conversions. All it takes is to optimize it correctly with a focus on conversions.

How can we do that?

A. Include a clear call to action. Savvy online marketers know how important it is to have a clear call to action. Everything depends on your objective, whether you want leads, sales or just a dialogue.

You can include a direct message from the video’s speakers, add a link at the end of the video leading to your landing page, add share buttons, and plenty more.

Make sure that it’s easy to engage with your video.

As an example, you can see how Berenji & Associates demonstrate a direct prompt to start a free consultation and tell people what to do next:

B. Define the best publishing time. Analyze and determine the best time to share the video and get the most views in the first 48 hours. The more views you get, the more YouTube will recognize the significance of your video content to other viewers.

C. Offer incentives. Give people immediate incentives to watch and engage with your videos. You could give discounts to your video viewers, a free white paper, a giveaway, or links to a free course.  

D. Get creative with your content. You can make your videos interactive and entertaining and show how your video can help users. Be creative and try different things to figure out what works best in terms of getting conversions.

As an example, Slack made this entertaining video where animals are the stars:

E. Give more options. Viewers’ opinions differ. Some people prefer emails and contact forms, others prefer to receive texts or make phone calls. Give 2-3 options for your customers to choose from.

Take a look at this example from Fernandez & Karney:

F. Create simple and short videos. There’s a lot of advice to suggest that short and simple videos perform better than the long ones.

But in reality, the best videos are the ones that work for you. So find the length that works best for you and stick to it.

G. Say thank you at the end of the video. To increase conversions, show your sincere emotions about your customer memories. It’s a good way to get new customers and increase the retention rate in the long run.

5. Choose your distribution outlets

To engage even further, you need to find the right distribution channels and deliver your content to the perfect audience.

And in short, this means sending your video to as many places as possible.

Here are smart ideas you can consider for your video content strategy:

·         Use your video on your website. Even if you don’t have much traffic, this can encourage new visitors to watch your videos, and maybe improve your site’s performance.

·         Upload your video to YouTube and Vimeo. The obvious places to start.

·         Share your video directly on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest.

·         Introduce your video presentations on SlideShare.

·         Embed your video directly in your emails.

Once you share videos through these well-known channels, keep going and find new ways to promote them.

There are probably plenty of options in your niche that may work for your video strategy.

6. Maximize the reach and impact of your videos

So, your video content campaign is ready, and you want to get the maximum impact out of it.

Here are some helpful things to consider in your video marketing strategy:

·         Engage with your viewers. Try to ask viewers’ opinions and respond to all comments that are posted under the video. If you run live videos, you’ll get instant notifications when someone leaves comments under your video Your job is to let them know that their opinions are heard.

·         Pay to promote your video. Facebook and YouTube are great advertising tools to reach a large, targeted audience. You don’t need to have a huge budget to grow subscribers and exposure. Just make a compelling introduction, know your target audience and customize your parameters.

·         Make it part of your overall marketing campaign. Video is really just another format to present the same information you have in blog posts, web pages, podcasts, white papers, and all your other content efforts.

So just as you create informative content for these formats, do the same with videos!

7. Analyze your video performance

No online marketing campaign can be successful without analytics.

If you create a lot of videos, you should measure your investments in video marketing campaigns and make deliberate decisions to improve them.

You can use YouTube Analytics and Google Analytics to keep track of video performance and learn more about views, traffic sources, total watch time, and find your most popular videos. To measure your YouTube rankings, you can also go with the SE Ranking position tracking tool.

Moreover, you can measure your overall brand awareness based on the total number of views, the number of shares, and the number of mentions.

The best way to build a successful strategy is always to have clear methods of measurement.

The Bottom Line

It takes time and effort to create high-performing videos. But if you have the right video content plan and show a little creativity, you can capitalize on its potential to tell inspirational videos and encourage people to watch and take actions.

10 Clever Ways to Make Video Using Just a Laptop

GREAT BUSINESS TOOLS,VIDEO EDITING

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Need to make a video, but don’t have a camera? No problem!

There are plenty of imaginative ways to create video with just a laptop. We’ll walk you through ten of the most accessible and straightforward ways you can make video without any fancy gear at all. Warning: once you read this post, you’re out of excuses for not making more video!

1. Artificial Intelligence

No, really. There are online services that allow you to create videos using AI to handle the editing process.

First, you’ll need to pick a topic by entering text or a URL. Then, the platform you’re working with will put together a video using sophisticated algorithms, licensed content, and automated editing tools.

One such platform is Wibbetz, a startup using AI to automate video editing. Another option is GliaStudios, which works in a similar manner.

A related option is Magisto. They allow you to upload your own clips, and uses AI to edit them together according to the mood you select for your video. This is a good option if you’ve already got some content to work with.

None of these options are fully automated – at least, not yet. You still retain plenty of control over the branding and final output of your video.

2. Screencast

Screencasts allow you to capture activity on your screen as you navigate different programs or webpages. Often used for support videos, screencasts are a great way to walk viewers through a specific process, or teach a new skill.

Here’s our guide to making a professional screencast, with detailed steps to follow:

First, you’ll need a screen capture program, like Quicktime, SnagIt, Screenflow, or Movavi. There are many, many other options, from free to paid. Try out a few, and pick the one that best suits your workflow.

Key features to look for include HD video support, easy navigation, audio capture, and special effects, like the ability to highlight a specific part of the screen.

Then, pick a topic. It could be showing viewers how to use a new tool, or to complete a process correctly.

Practice the steps you’ll be navigating ahead of time. It will help ensure a smooth video, with fewer mistakes.

Although you can record the screencast and audio at the same time, that might not be ideal. If you miss a line, or stumble for a word, you don’t want to have to redo the whole sequence. For this type of video, recording the audio separately could save you a lot of headaches, even if you have to edit the audio and video together afterwards.

However you choose to record the audio, quality does matter. You don’t need a fancy microphone to sound great. The most important factor might be a really quiet room in which you can record your script.

You can make do with the built-in option for your laptop, use your phone, or spring for an accessory. For instance, this microphone does a great job for voiceovers. Whichever microphone you choose, jot down the bullet points you’ll need to hit, and start recording!

3. Webcam Talking Head

Technically, this requires your laptop to have a built-in camera. Most do these days, so we’re counting it!

The key to making a talking head video that looks professional is to get the lighting right, position the laptop correctly, and frame your shot well. Your traditional desk setup is not likely to be optimal for this type of video.

If your laptop is on your desk, it’s likely much too low to get a flattering angle when filming your face. You’ll want to raise it up so the camera is roughly at eye level. Then, angle the camera slightly downwards to avoid giving viewers a glimpse up your nose, or the dreaded double chin effect.

IMAGE CREDIT: FAST COMPANY

The photo above contrasts two different camera angles. On the left, the model is looking slightly down at the camera, resulting in a less flattering image. On the right, she’s looking slightly up at the camera, which is typically flattering on most people. It’s subtle, but a small change in a camera angle can work wonders on film.

Lighting is equally important. Move any available table or floor lamps behind the laptop, and position them so they softly illuminate your face. Make sure there aren’t any harsh shadows behind you. Also, check to be sure you’re not silhouetted by a backlight, such as a window.

Finally, frame your shot properly to make sure it’s visually interesting. Be sure to take care of the basics, like clearing clutter behind you. Rearrange furniture and art if you have to, in order to create a visually appealing space.

With your laptop positioned correctly, flattering lighting, and a properly framed shot, you’re ready to film! In order to do so, you will need software to enable you to record video from your webcam. If you’re using a Mac, you can use Quicktime, or if you’re on Windows, you can use the Camera app.

4. PowerPoint

Did you know you can export video from PowerPoint? This isn’t really the best way to make video, if we’re being honest. But, it will do in a pinch!

Microsoft provides an extensive guide to using PowerPoint to create video. You’ll need to be familiar with using PowerPoint. Even then, their guide warns that it could be a time-consuming process to undertake.

You’ll probably want to add a voiceover to your video, too. We wrote a guide recently about making professional voiceovers on the cheap. If you’re working with just a laptop, you’ll be limited to your built-in mic. You can still get a good result as long as you can control the amount of background noise in your environment.

5. Animated Video

If you go with an animated video instead of live action, the world is your oyster. Not only can you be extremely creative, you have a plethora of options to choose from, and total control over the end result.

Unless you are a talented artist or design professional, we’d recommend going with an online service that takes the guesswork out of creating animations. Some of our favorite options for animated video include Vyond, Raw Shorts, and Powtoon, but there are plenty of other great choices.

Sketch out the different scenes of your video to help visualize how you’d like the end result to be. This can be as rough or as detailed as you’d like. It’s a simple step, but it’ll help you stick to your concept, and achieve a polished result.

This animated explainer video for Padmapper by Grumo Media is from 2011, but it’s still engaging and nicely done:

Keep it short and sweet! Especially if you’re just starting out, it’ll be easier to stay motivated if you don’t try for a feature length film right off the bat.

If you get stuck, there are professional animation studios, like Grumo Media, or our friends Adelie Studios, that can help bring your ideas to life.

6. Stock Imagery

Believe it or not, you don’t even need actual video clips to make a video. You can use still images, and some simple editing techniques, to create a visually interesting video.

This type of video works best for news, current events, or historical videos featuring well-known figures. It can also work for short commercials or clips.

In this case, you’ll want to carefully script your video so you can more easily search for the imagery you’ll need. When reading through your script, think about possible ways you could portray different sections visually. Any specific places or renowned people are key to include.

You can purchase images from popular sources like Getty Images or Dissolve. Or, scour free sites for the images you need. We love Pexels, Unsplash, and Pixabay.

To keep it visually interesting, you’ll want to use a mix of panning, zooming, transitions, and possibly an editing technique known as the Ken Burns effect. Each adds motion in different ways to make it more of a video rather than a slideshow.

7. Stock Video Clips

You really don’t have to film everything yourself. If you’re pinched for time, or only have a laptop, you can find everything you need on the internet.

For example, Dissolve put together a pretty convincing video using only stock footage:

Although it’s meant as a parody, the video effectively proves the point that you can make a polished and attractive video with only stock footage.

Check out this updated article for an extensive guide to using stock footage, and finding it for free (or cheap).

8. Recorded Webinars

Webinars can be a great way to grow thought leadership, answer customer questions, or attract new leads. Once it’s over, don’t just discard the recording. Make it available to other website visitors as a resource, or as marketing for future webinars.

Most webinar platforms, like Webex or GoToMeeting, offer the ability to record and export video out-of-the-box. You don’t really need to do any more than that if you don’t want to.

However, it might be worth cleaning things up a bit. Say there’s a bit of chitchat at the start that doesn’t really add anything to the content of the webinar. You’ll likely want to trim it using a video editing program like iMovie or Movie Maker.

Sometimes, the visuals for the webinar aren’t that great, but the audio content is. In that case, you can go even further to edit your webinar into a more polished video. Swap out the visuals for higher quality screencasts, images, or stock video content.

You’ll need an editing program that can separate audio and video tracks. Both iMovie or Movie Maker offer that, as does Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere, among other options.

9. Repurpose Existing Videos

This one might be cheating slightly on the “you only need a laptop” premise. However, unless you’re really just getting started with video, you probably have an existing library of clips or finished videos.

Dive into that library and remix and match to create new videos. It might be as simple as creating a shorter version of a long video to share on your social channels. Or, an updated voiceover for an older video.

10. Combination of the Above

Each of the former nine approaches could result in a finished video. However, you might need a combination thereof to achieve the result you want.

For instance, you could mix voiceover from a webinar with a screencast of your website. Or, take some old content, and add a new intro using your webcam to frame it differently.

Variety is the spice of life, as they say. There’s no real reason to exclusively use one technique when making a video.

How To Prepare For A Successful Video Shoot And Create High Quality Videos

Content marketing is a powerful strategy to position yourself as a thought leader in your industry, an expert in your field, and the master at what you do. Video is one of the best tools in your marketing toolbox because it’s not only infants that respond to faces, voices, movement, and emotion – we all do!

According to an original study Wyzowl, video marketing helps increase user understanding, increase sales, reduce support queries, and increase traffic.

YouTube is the second most trafficked website and it’s the second largest search engine in the world. After all, it is owned by Google, right?

Look at these stats!

§  The average person watches more than an hour and a half of online video content per day, with around 15% averaging more than three hours.

§  95% of people have watched an explainer video to learn more about a product or service.

§  81% of people have been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a brand’s video.

§  69% of people have been convinced to buy a piece of software or application by watching a video.

§  Having watched a branded video that they enjoyed, 83% of consumers would consider sharing it with their friends.

§  85% of people say they’d like to see more video from brands in 2018.

§  Where both video and text are available on the same page, 72% of people would rather use video to learn about a product or service.

This research confirms that video marketing is the perfect way to get found online and showcase your business and expertise.

With that being said, video marketing is a great investment and it’s time to prepare to be in front of the camera and I’m sharing a simple guide on how to prepare for a successful video shoot and create high quality videos without spending a fortune, of course!

What happens before the camera starts rolling and before (Pre-production) is what makes the video marketing magic happen. When you take the time to plan before you hit the “record” button, you avoid producing unusable footage, and thus wasting time and money. You’ll also impact the ease of your video shoot and how effective your video content will be in communicating your message and serving your audience.

So let’s go through the steps you can take to prepare and create video content that creates connection and conversion.

How To Prepare For Your Content Marketing Video Shoot

Define the purpose of your video content  – Deciding the overarching purpose for your video series is the first step to take to create a winning video strategy. It’s essential that you know who your ideal viewer is and what their ideal response would be.

Make sure to involve your team or important advisors to brainstorm ideas with them and also to help them get your vision. You’ll want to provide your videography with creative inspiration and examples of videos you like, along with notes as far as what you like/dislike about each one – why reinvent the wheel?

Outline your videos  – You want to decide exactly how many videos you will create and have a simple outline for each video in the series. Each video should have at least a working title, the objective of the video, the style of the video, and three main points you want the audience to learn from the content on that video. Think about each video as a story with a beginning, middle, and end because storytelling is the best way to make a deep, genuine connection with your audience.

A very important piece of the puzzle is choosing how long each video will be. You want to overestimate the time you will need to shoot each video and give yourself breaks in between to avoid having to rush or skip crucial sections of your storyboard, and to honor your energy levels. Let me just say that you’ll soon find out that a 5 minute video takes way longer than 5 minutes.

You’ll need to also add set up and break down to your overall production schedule, so it would be wise to start as early as possible to get a lot more done – plus, you get the best natural light, too!

Write your scripts – Even though you are an expert in your subject matter, you want to write out a script so you are clear on exactly what you will be sharing and how. It allows you to test and tweak your message before the video shoot, and have someone proofread the drafted content for you.

You can also run your video script draft by your legal counselor and, ultimately, with your videographer / director before it’s time for the video shoot.

Practice your scripts  – You want to read your final script out loud as much as possible so you can get comfortable with the script. A great way to practice is in front of a mirror, so you can look at your posture and mannerism before it’s time to film. You can also have someone close to you shoot some tests to see how it looks to you. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel when delivering your lines.

I recommend you time yourself to make sure the script is adequate for the amount of time you have on your video. I love that you can use a free online teleprompter system like CuePrompter.com before the shoot to determine the pace and speed you’ll need, so you don’t have to memorize anything. You’ll just have to watch out for distracting eye-tracking (moving your eyes from left to right) or looking above or below the camera as you read your lines.

Get support  – Choose a person or team of people you trust to support you during the shoot. Having someone help you on simple tasks like getting something you forgot, bringing you water, food, or snacks, gathering extra batteries, having copies of your video scripts handy or even providing scratch paper to take production notes is priceless for a seamless shoot.

Taking notes on each take can expedite the editing process. You can note what part needs to be cut off (if any), any captions that must be added, and other notes that may be forgotten during the filming process.

Your video assistant can monitor the shoot for mispronounced words, things that may be out of place (like your makeup, a strand of your hair or a piece of jewelry), etc. 

In between takes, your video shoot assistant can help power up all needed devices and equipment for the shoot (camera, lights, laptop, and cellphone), upload videos and clear up space on SD cards, and test the videos to make sure the microphone audio is coming through loud and clear.

Choosing and staging the video set  –  Your video location could be your home office, if you work from home. However, you will need to schedule the shoot during a time when the kids are at school, out on a playdate, or somewhere else offsite.

If you are shooting in a place of business, you want to choose a time of where you won’t get any unwanted interruptions, distractions, and interference (such as a ringing phone, an air vent, street traffic, echos, or other ambient noises). Some people prefer to film outside of normal business hours to ensure the filming location is as quiet and calm as possible.

Your video strategist can help design your set and decide on a backdrop or background would be ideal. Having your videographer tour the place is a smart idea, so you can ensure there is enough space for the videographer to move freely around the video equipment.

You can expedite the process by choosing a brightly lit space, clearing clutter, and making the set as clean and aesthetically pleasing as you can. Make sure there is no glass or lights behind to avoid unwanted reflections and overexposure from backgorund light or distracting awkward shadows. 

I recommend choosing a background that establishes familiarity and showcases your expertise and to keep this set up consistent throughout the series. Other elements that must be consistent: where the expert is standing, the camera angle, the lighting, and the tripod and teleprompter location. Using duct tape to mark these spots can really make a difference.

Planning your videos will help you select the right props or equipment will be appropriate and specific to each video to drive a point home and to get your viewers familiar with your business operations. 

Be deliberate in your appearance. You must dress to impress! Bring different options so you are not wearing the same outfit on each video. If you wear an uniform, you can swap out your jewelry or hairdo. Hiring a makeup artist and hair stylist makes a lot of sense, so you can look your best on camera. 

Wear clothing that is clean, ironed, and fits right. Solid colors are best (avoid stripes, black, white – even white lab coats – as well as busy patterns, shiny fabrics) and simple accessories that aren’t visually distracting. Using your brand colors is the best idea

Of course, you will look your best when you are rested, hydrated, and energetic. Get enough sleep and eat enough to keep your energy levels high and let your personality shine through. Your body language is as loud as your voice! 

Provide all the editor needs – Besides looking great and delivering your expert content, you must make sure your video editor has all they need for final video production. They’ll need information and footage for the intro, text or credits for the lower third, and final post-shoot video scripts (with any ad-libbing updated), logos, font type, voice overs, and any photos that must be added.

If you’ll be including b-roll (people performing activities related to the topic you’re speaking about, an action shot with a client, etc.), you will need to have a signed release for each person so their likenesses can be included in the video.

If any third-party video or interviews must be added, consent and rights must be presented, as well.

Lights, camera … action!

Creating high quality video content and leveraging the power of video in your business requires you to be involved in a lot of the details of the production process and it will definitely pay off!

3 Ways to Create a Video Studio on Any Budget

Interested in delivering quality video content to your audience?

Wondering what equipment you need?

You don’t need to spend a lot on high-end camera gear and equipment for your studio to create top-notch social media videos.

In this article, you’ll discover how to set up a video studio without breaking the bank.

3 Ways to Create a Video Studio on Any Budget by Peter Gartland on Social Media Examiner.

#1: Choose the Right Camera

Camera equipment can be expensive, so it’s often the biggest barrier to entry for creating video. That’s why we’re discussing it first. Here are some good options for capturing quality video.

Free

The latest smartphones have amazing cameras. Anything from the iPhone 6 (and similar Samsung models) and later will be good enough quality to use for video.

A smartphone is also perfect for on-the-go shooting. Just find an elevated place to position the camera or a tripod (more on this coming up) and start filming.

If you don’t have the budget to invest in a camera to shoot video, just use your smartphone.

Here are a few quick tips for recording with a smartphone camera:

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·         Look at the camera lens while you’re recording. If you look at yourself on-screen, your eyes won’t be directed at viewers.

·         Hold your camera in landscape orientation, not portrait.

·         Place the camera slightly above eye level. Don’t hold it too low or viewers will be looking up at your chin. Similarly, don’t hold it too high or they’ll be looking down from great heights.

Recording video takes up a lot of space on your phone, so you’ll need to transfer your files periodically to your computer to ensure you have enough space to record. Dropbox is a good option for this purpose. If you’re a Mac user, AirDrop is a quick and easy way to transfer files between an iPhone and Mac.

As an alternative to your smartphone, you can use your iPad (if you have one) or the built-in camera on your computer. For the best quality, your device needs to be able to record in the dimensions of 1920 x 1080.

AirDrop makes it easy to transfer videos from your iPhone to your Mac.

Small Budget

For a small budget, the Logitech C920 Webcam ($99) is a good option. It produces HD video, attaches to your computer via a USB cable, and has a fitting to screw it into a tripod stand, which is handy. One downside is you can’t use this camera on the go because it needs to be attached via USB to your computer to work. (You could take your laptop with you, but that seems clunky.)

Download the Logitech Camera Settings app to your computer to alter the white balance, autofocus brightness settings, and so forth. If you live outside of the U.S., you’ll need to change the camera settings from 60hz to 50hz; otherwise, the video will start to flicker due to different countries’ lighting frequencies. You can easily change this setting in the Logitech Camera Settings app.

Bigger Budget

If you want to step up your game, look at digital SLR cameras like the Nikon D3300 ($449) or the Canon Rebel T5 ($399). A number of vloggers use these cameras and they produce great-quality video.

#2: Get a Tripod to Stabilize Your Camera

After you choose your camera, you’ll want to get a tripod to stabilize it while shooting. The right tripod for you depends on the camera you’re going to use.

A tripod will stabilize your camera to ensure it doesn’t shake while filming.

Free

If you don’t have the budget for a tripod, find a shelf to place your camera on to stabilize it. A stack of books might also do the trick. If you’re using the Logitech C920 Webcam, you’ll find it sits nicely on top of your computer screen, and that might be just the right height.

Small Budget

The Joby GorillaPods are fantastic flexible tripods if you have a small budget. You’ll find a number of options ranging from $10 and up. The more expensive models support more weight, such as a DSLR or an iPad; the cheaper ones are designed for smartphones.

Another affordable option for an iPhone or camera is the KCOOL Octopus Style Portable and Adjustable Tripod Stand Holder ($12). It also has a universal clip and remote.

Bigger Budget

If you want a tripod that stands as tall as you, the InnerTeck 70-inch camera tripod/monopod with carry bag ($45) is worth considering. Or just search for “tripod” on Amazon and you’ll be able to pick one up for less than $50.

The Joby GorillaPod line includes flexible tripods for both smartphones and cameras.

#3: Create Optimal Lighting Conditions

Good lighting is crucial for video. We can’t stress this enough. A surefire way to make yourself look unprofessional (and sometimes even a little creepy) is to have poor lighting for your video. Here’s a rundown of lighting options to consider.

Free

The sun! Yep, natural light is always the best form of light. If possible, try to record in a location with as much natural light as possible. Feel free to use a desk light or any other lamp to add supplemental light. However, keep in mind if the light isn’t fluorescent, it will cast an unnatural yellow glow that you want to avoid if possible.

Tip: When you’re recording, always face the light source as much as possible, so it casts your whole face in light. If the light is behind you, it will cast you in silhouette.

Small Budget

If you have a small budget, the LimoStudio Photography White Photo Umbrella Light Lighting Kit ($29) can be a godsend. It can literally take away all of your blemishes!

Bigger Budget

Ring lights quite simply make anyone look good. Here’s a good one if you have a larger budget: Diva Ring Light Nova 18″ Original Photo/Video Fluorescent ($199) and 6′ Light Stand ($39).

A photo umbrella helps create soft, flattering light for your videos.

#4: Invest in a Quality Microphone

Generally the more expensive the mic, the better the quality. While there are some free options, if you’re going to be investing your time in video, we suggest putting some money into a good microphone. Poor sound quality is unforgiving.

Free

If you’re using your smartphone to record video, the microphone should provide good audio as long as you stand close to the phone and film in a quiet room with no background noise or wind. Typically the built-in microphones in most desktop computers and laptops don’t produce great-quality audio but feel free to test this.

Small Budget

For a modest budget, consider the Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for iPhone and Smartphones ($79). It works great with a smartphone for recording fantastic audio. It’s especially helpful if you’re filming outside or standing a short distance from your phone. Also, if you get a splitter, you can have two microphones for doing interviews.

Tip: Don’t attach a lavalier microphone too close to your head. You’ll be surprised by how much it picks up.

Bigger Budget

The Blue Yeti USB microphone ($129) is used by many vloggers and podcasters, and it’s a great choice if you have a larger budget. It’s the one we use when recording videos and doing podcast interviews. Plus, it’s called Blue Yeti; how cool is that?

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Clip a lavalier mic to your clothing for hands-free operation.

Keep in mind the Yeti is extremely sensitive and will pick up the tiniest noise, vibration, knock on the table, footsteps, and so forth. To minimize those, you might want to look at a bundle that includes the mic, desktop arm stand, and pop filter ($159).

If you don’t want to fork out for the arm stand and pop filter, place the Blue Yeti on a really thick book and be careful not to tap on the table or move around much while recording; you’ll be surprised by how much you do!

#5: Set Up a Professional-looking Background

A nice background can set the scene and tone for your videos. Is it fun and friendly? Corporate and professional? Or does it just make you look amateur? Getting the right setup is important.

Free

The cheapest background is to simply use what you have. Often a nice bookcase will do the trick. In the background of our videos, we show a bookcase, awards, and some emoji balloons to add a little fun. That’s it; nothing special. It looks great and didn’t cost a thing (okay, we forked out a few bucks on the balloons).

Small Budget

Finding a nice background for video shoots can be tricky, especially if you work from home. In this case, consider investing in a backdrop like the 6-1/2′ x 10′ Slow Dolphin Fabric Video Studio Backdrop Kit ($58).

A backdrop helps you eliminate clutter for more professional-looking videos.

Bigger Budget

For a larger budget, a double-sized pop-up banner, maybe with some branding on it, would be suitable for a background. The price of these banners varies greatly, depending on the quality/size/finish and printing fees. You should be able to get a decent banner for $100-$300.

#6: Select Video Editing Software

There are many good video editing options available at various price points, but HitFilm is one of the best values for the money. Here’s a rundown of some popular editing software options in order of free to most expensive.

iMovie

Available only for the Mac, iMovie (free) is easy to use and comes with a lot of useful features. It’s ideal for beginners.

iMovie is an excellent video editing option for beginners.

Windows Movie Maker

Windows Movie Maker (free) is very basic and easy to use, and previously came standard with Windows PCs. However, Windows has now discontinued it so it isn’t a great future-proof choice.

HitFilm

HitFilm is our top recommendation, and it’s available at several price levels for both PC and Mac. At the highest end, the versatility and features are geared toward filmmakers.

However, the free version is ideal for beginners and more savvy video pros. It has more features than iMovie and is just as easy to use. To get the free version, you have to tweet/post about HitFilm, which is quite clever.

HitFilm’s free version has all of the editing features you need to get started with video.

TechSmith Camtasia

Camtasia ($199) is a simple tool that’s easy to pick up. It’s fairly versatile and can do screen recordings. You can get it for Windows and Mac.

Apple Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro ($299) is Apple’s upgrade from iMovie for Mac users. It’s powerful, versatile, and quick to use.

Adobe Premier Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro ($19.99/month) is available for Mac, Windows, and mobile at a reasonable price tag per month if you’re doing lots of videos. It’s the most versatile option in this list, but it may be more robust than you need if you’re just starting out.

Tip: Check out this site if you want to compare some of these software options.

#7: Choose Graphic Design Software

You’ll also need software to create thumbnail graphics for your videos and YouTube channel art. Canva has the updated sizes, guidelines, and templates you’ll need to create these graphics. It’s free to use (except for premium photos/graphics).

Canva offers a variety of social media templates, including one for YouTube channel art.

Click here for a tutorial on how to create the perfect on-brand image in four easy steps.

If you’re looking for free photos you don’t have to attribute, check out Unsplash, LibreStock, Gratisography, Pixabay, or Pexels.

Additional Video Tools

Here are two more helpful video tools for marketers:

TubeBuddy (free/$4-$39 month) is an all-in-one YouTube management system. The real power is being able to find (and receive suggested) tags that your video could rank for. There is a free version and a discount for the paid levels if you have fewer than 50,000 viewers, which you will if you’re just starting out.

Snagit ($49) is a fantastic tool for quickly and precisely recording your screen and editing it, adding arrows and text, etc.

Tip: TechSmith offers a Camtasia and Snagit Bundle for $224.

Conclusion

So let’s do a final price tally using the free, small budget, and bigger budget items.

Free Total Budget: $0

Camera: Smartphone
Tripod: A shelf
Lighting: Natural light from a bright window
Microphone: Smartphone
Background: Blank wall in house/office
Editing software: HitFilm
Design software: Canva and free photo sites
Additional tools: TubeBuddy free account

Small Total Budget Option 1: $178 Setup + $4.50/month

Camera: Smartphone
Tripod: KCOOL Octopus Style Portable and Adjustable Tripod Stand – $12
Lighting: LimoStudio Photography White Photo Umbrella Light Lighting Kit – $29
Microphone: Rode smartLav+ Lavalier – $79
Background: Slow Dolphin Fabric Video Studio Backdrop Kit – $58
Editing software: HitFilm
Design software: Canva and free photo sites
Additional Tools: TubeBuddy Pro Account – $4.50/month

Small Total Budget Option 2: $315 Setup + $4.50/month

Camera: Logitech C920 Webcam – $99
Tripod: N/A (not needed as the camera fits atop the computer screen)
Lighting: LimoStudio Photography White Photo Umbrella Light Lighting Kit – $29
Microphone: Blue Yeti USB Microphone – $129
Background: Slow Dolphin Fabric Video Studio Backdrop Kit – $58
Editing software: HitFilm
Design software: Canva and free photo sites
Additional tools: TubeBuddy Pro Account – $4.50/month

Bigger Total Budget: $949 Setup + $38.99/month

Camera: Nikon D3300 – $449
Tripod: InnerTeck 70-Inch Professional Camera Tripod – $45
Lighting: Diva Ring Light and Stand – $238
Microphone: Blue Yeti USB Microphone with Arm Stand and Pop Filter – $159
Background: Slow Dolphin Fabric Video Studio Backdrop Kit – $58
Editing software: Adobe Premier Pro – $19.99/month
Design software: Canva and free photo sites
Additional tools: TubeBuddy Star Account – $19/month

Remember that these totals aren’t finite; you can mix and match with what you have and build up to the more expensive equipment as you go. It’s also not a bad idea to look into secondhand items to save a little money, as not everything has to be new.

What do you think? Will you set up a video studio for your business? Do you have any tools to add to this list? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

9 Guidelines for Creating Video Content

1. The Basics

Audio Conditions – Film in a quiet place, where you are not likely to be interrupted.

Lighting – Film in a bright room, in the shade outdoors, or under cloud cover. Avoid bright sunlight as it creates harsh shadows. Avoid lighting that comes only from directly above.

Camera Orientation – Film with landscape orientation (horizontally.) This will be most practical for viewing on all types of devices.

Landscape Orientation

Composition – Having your subject in the center of the frame, looking directly into the camera, creates a very personal feel and can load your video with emotion.

Camera Angle – Keep the camera just above your subject’s eye level, slightly angled down, which is flattering for most people.

Stabilize – Use a tripod, or mount the camera to something stationary whenever possible, but don’t worry improvised methods are often just as effective.

Have Fun – Chances are, you do not have professional actors on staff. Do not take yourself too seriously or put unrealistic expectations on what you can produce.

2. Open With A Bang!

You typically only have seconds to capture a viewer’s attention. This can be accomplished with a startling statistic, quote, or simply a powerful combination of video clips and music that draws in the audience’s attention. People also appreciate getting critical information fast, so a quick summary of what the video will cover can be just as effective.

“Data from Facebook and Nielsen shows that 47 percent of the value of a video campaign comes from the first three seconds of video, and 75 percent from the first 10 seconds.” -from Hootsuite

3.   Connect With Your Audience

Show them what they want to see. Consider what information is most important to your viewer. For many non-profits, potential donors are really just looking to understand the impact of their donation. Show or tell them exactly where their money will be spent.

4.   Prioritize Audio

People are often willing to forgive shaky, blurry or low-quality visuals as long as they can hear what is being said clearly, but there is nothing that will cause viewers to drop off quicker than audio that is too quiet or is overpowered by background noise.

Most smartphones can record decent audio if you are careful about your surroundings and keep the subject relatively close to the mic. But this is where a small investment may make sense for your video project.

For general events and showcases, consider cardioid condensers microphone (directional) such as the Rode VideoMicro or Rode VideoMic.

For interviews, consider a lavalier microphone such as the JK MIC-J 044 Lavalier  or Audio-Technica ATR3350 

What type of mic you should use highly depends on the camera that you’re using, but any common DSLR will work with the mic systems above.

5.  Keep It Concise

We all have a busy schedule. Sadly, this has put us in a “time is of the essence” mentality and our attention span is continuously shrinking. The shorter the video, the more likely people will watch your entire video. But this also depends on where you intended to post your video and its purpose.

Example: Short Video Optimized For Social Media

6.  Be Authentic

Without professional training in video production or acting, it is usually best to stick with what you know. Be sincere and direct and seek to inform rather than to persuade.

7.  Call To Action!

Be sure to tell your viewers EXACTLY what you want them to do after they finish watching your video. Include links, instruction, and contact information wherever possible. Make sure that your call to action is simple, easy, and quick to execute.

8.  Editing and Titles

Some very simple editing can add tremendous production value and credibility to your video. Plan for this to take some time, but there are several free and simple programs that will allow beginners to add titles, logos, background music, credits, and also do some basic cuts and transitions.

Some of these programs include iMovie (for Apple users) and Windows Movie Maker (for Windows users). You can find free tutorials for both of these programs by searching on YouTube.

Example: Editing and Titles

9.  Publish! 

Now that your video is ready for the world, you will need to put it somewhere where your intended audience can find it. Post the video everywhere you can and promote it wherever you may attract views.

Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+, and any other social media channels your organization may have accounts with. Some have limitations for file size and video length you will need to be aware of.

Here is an excellent resource for understanding social media video specifications.

“…it’s critical to use the correct social media video specs and advertising video sizes.” -From SproutSocial

It’s also a great idea to have a YouTube channel where all of your videos can be kept in one place. YouTube video links are versatile as many social media channels, websites, and email providers will auto-generate video thumbnails and descriptions from a link.

“Adding a video to marketing emails can boost click-through rates by 200-300%.” -From Forbes

Although professional quality is best, you can create compelling and appropriate content that your target demographic will enjoy for most businesses and organizations. Authenticity can overrank quality in most cases as long as you have clean audio.

An effective video will allow your audience to emotionally connect with your organization or mission which can drive engagement and ultimately encourage giving.

Top 7 Free Online Video Tools For Teachers To Create Videos In Minutes

March 18, 2020  7 min read

I studied the traditional way. When I was in school, there used to be a blackboard, a teacher and roll-top desks in the classroom. Now with the advancements in technology, education is seeing a 180-degree shift. The teacher-centered approach is fast diminishing in relevance as more importance is thrust on student-centered learning.

This student-centered approach to using technology in education is allowing students to educate themselves efficiently and think outside of the box. Is there even a term for this approach? Yes, there is. It’s called “The Flipped Classroom.”

Teaching that once took place within the confines of the classroom is now moved online. In the flipped classroom method, class time is spent on discussion and in-class assignments. This approach calls for educators to either record their video lectures by making use of online video tools for teachers.

Studies have shown that 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual, and they’re processed 60,000 times faster in the brain than text

The study also says that students are more likely to watch videos as opposed to reading a text. With an increase in access to electronic devices, students can now whip out their phone or laptop and watch lectures.

Why Should Teachers Use Videos In The Classroom?

Videos are the hallmark of flipped classroom or virtual classroom methodology.

• Using videos in the classroom reaches children with a variety of learning styles. Be it visual, aural, physical or verbal.
• Motivates and engage students by allowing them to learn at their own pace.
• Video allows teachers to save hours of repetitive teaching.
• Help mitigate cheating and bring out the creativity in every student.
• Teachers can use videos to give personal feedback on student’s work instead of being verbal.
• Students can re-watch videos anytime and anywhere when absent or during exam revision.

How Can Videos Help Students In The Classroom?

Promotes Independent Learning 

Students learn better when they understand a concept on their own. Students watch video lectures and learn independently or create videos to explain a topic to their peers. Videos help students ‘learn by doing’, and because of this, a student’s ability to remember a topic improves.

Makes Student Future Ready 

Students can apply their video skills outside of the school too. Using digital technologies like videos inside the classroom amplifies student learning abilities and augments memory retention.

Boost In-Class Engagement 

Videos keep the students engaged longer and actively involved throughout the lesson. Engaged students participate more in the class, are less distracted, and retain what they’ve learned longer than those who weren’t participating enough in the class.

Facilitates Peer-Peer Collaboration 

Since video assignments are mostly a part of group activities, it allows students to help their peers and teaches them how to work collaboratively.

Which Is The Best Online Video and Lecture Tool For Video Creation And Video Editing?

There is a wide range of online video teaching tools for video creation and editing tools available that you can use to quickly create and edit videos.

Hippo Video – All-in-one Online Video Classroom Tool For Education

Hippo Video is an all-in-one online video tool for education. It takes care of the entire life cycle of video, from creating, editing, hosting, sharing to tracking. It is the one stop shop software for online virtual classroom.

It contextually integrates with Google Classroom, Google Slides, Google Docs, Gmail, and Desire2Learn LMS. You don’t have to upgrade to get these integrations. When you sign up for Hippo Video, all the integrations come along with it.  

Quick Video Creation And Video Editing

How to record a video lesson?

You can choose between webcam, screen record, and an audio option to start recording. Or import your videos from anywhere and start off with video editing. You can also make use of the Chrome Extension to record and narrate over your screen.

Simple Edit

Hippo Video has a quick video editor that lets you trim clips, cut, and crop videos. You can also add text, emojis, and callout to give your videos more context.

Pro Edit

It lets you add unlimited audio and video tracks, adjust clip setting, and callouts just like any professional video editor. Add introduction and end cards to the video too.

Annotate While Recording

With annotation tools, it’s easy to record lessons for students. Point it out right from versatile markup options like highlight, focus, erase, pause and play to find those perfect shots.

Other Useful Features

Supports Chromebook

Supports editing in Chromebook for the benefit of educational users.

Password Protection

Set privacy and password to protect your videos. Grant only necessary video access to students.

Guest Recording

Offers guest video recording link for teachers that lets them record a video without even signing up. Students can quickly record a video assignment and send it to you for review.

Real-time analytics

You could see the stats on how many students have watched your videos and also how it is performing on different channels shared.

Handle User Permissions

Video created will be available to the whole class and stored on the cloud. You can handle user permissions as well.

Add Comments & Reactions

Both teachers and students can now add a text comment or record a video and post it as a comment on videos. You can also react to the videos with emojis.

Create GIFs

Turn your short videos into GIFs instantly.

Powtoon – Animated Presentations

With PowToon, you can create animated presentations and videos. Using animated presentations in the classroom allows teachers and students to engage, explain and tell a story with impact.

Powtoon has ready-made templates designed to start creating animations by just dragging and dropping the ones you like. It also provides you the opportunity to customize the templates and design your own with images, music, and voice-overs.

The drawback in using Powtoon is that you have to upgrade to use all of the templates, and backgrounds. With the free version you have access to basic features and it comes with a watermark.

Animoto –  Slideshow Videos

With Animoto, you can turn photos and video clips into videos and slideshows. You can choose from ready-made video styles then add music, text and convert them into videos.

Teachers use Animoto to create ads for school fundraisers, event recaps, social media posts, newsletters, and announcements. In class, students can create photo essays, book reports, student portfolios, or other projects.

The downside is you can’t share or download the videos you created unless you upgrade. And the sad part is, it’s pricey.

Flixtime – Product-quality Videos

Flixtime is a free site where users can create custom, production-quality videos with images, videos, and text. With Flixtime, you can create, share and download a 60-second video for free.

Flixtime uses AudioMicro to provide users with a selection of award-winning tracks, sound effects, and stock music. All Flixtime video productions can be used for both personal or independent commercial use.

Screenr – Annotated Screenshots

With Screenr, you can screen capture and annotate easily. Instead of pointing out what you want to convey with arrows and highlighters, type your comments on the side panel next to the screenshot and share them. It supports PNG format. Once the annotation is done, you have to upload your screenshot to get a shareable link.

Webineria 

Webineria is a downloadable screencast tool with which you can capture your screen activity and do “picture-in-picture” video by adding your webcam as well.

You can upload your videos to the web in Flash format for free. You can alter the screen capture area from your active window to a customized area, and you can also adjust the recording quality, edit the audio and webcam properties. 

Convert from an AVI file to FLV using the latest compression technology, and upload to the Flash player. You can host all your videos for free and receive ratings, comments and generate leads for your website screencast or presentation.

Your videos are saved in the tool and you can only share via emails or you can directly embed them on your school or personal website. 

CamStudio

CamStudio is a downloadable software that lets you record your screen along with audio. Videos created with CamStudio produce  AVI or SWF format outputs. 

You can use annotation features like adding text, inserting callouts and even cursor options like default, hidden or highlight while recording your screen. 

You can convert AVI files into Flash. And CamStudio comes with its own lossless codec that produces crystal clear results with a much smaller file size compared with some popular codecs, like Microsoft Video 1.

The downside of this tool is that there are no video editing capabilities. You can only record your screen and share it with your students. There are few video options like control compression, frame rates, quality and time lapse, but it’s too technical to use it. 

With video tools like these teachers can bring education to life, either by creating their own content to make the classroom and curriculum more vivid and engaging, or by encouraging students to unleash their own creativity.

Different Types of Online Video Teaching Tools To Use In The Classroom

Live Lecture Videos – How to record yourself teaching?

For many teachers, flipping the classroom begins with live recording their lectures. Sending recorded lectures to students allows them to pause and rewatch if they didn’t understand it the first time. With recorded lectures, students will be able to pause the video, rewatch the lesson multiples times according to their learning pace and needs.

You don’t have to record teaching videos inside the classroom alone. You can record your lectures and share them with your students anytime and from anywhere. This is how you make quick teaching videos. 

Recording lectures before the class can help you close the gap that might result from your absence sometimes. If you are planning a vacation or experiencing prolonged illness, you don’t have to worry about missing the classes. With pre-recorded lectures, you can keep the class running even in your absence.

With the help of a online lecture software or tool – you will be able to walk in front of the webcam, press record, and start lecturing.

Mini Screen Recording Videos – How to make online teaching videos?

A lot of teachers like you must have tried recording their screen in an attempt to lecture. It’s an entirely popular means of creating videos among teachers around the world. If you’re one who knows nothing about screen recording, here is what it is.

Screen recording lets you record everything with/without audio that appears on your screen. It allows you to create mini-lectures by narrating over the screen.

Recording your screen is a piece of cake now with the advent of browser-based video tools. With such tools, you will be able to create professional screen recordings and share it with your students instantly.

Screen recording videos are created especially for hard-to-grasp concepts so students can view them multiple times. It saves you valuable class time and helps engage your students in the classroom.

Video Presentations – How to record video lessons?

As you explore better ways to increase the engagement rate between students and teachers, recording video presentations can be a good choice. Effective presentation and communication skills that students develop in school are among the most valuable assets they take into the workplace.

Instead of driving students to work on a quiz or exams, you could ask them to create a video presentation on what they’ve learned. And with the rate at which educational technology is growing, creating an excellent video presentation is faster than ever.

Recording video presentation has the following benefits for your students:

• Video presentation helps the student think creatively.
• It helps the student express their opinion verbally and prepare bullet-point notes instead of keeping it writing focused.
• It helps the student overcome the anxiety of public speaking in the long run.

Video Assignments

Forget about writing essays, reading assignments and other types of ‘homework’. Video assignments are the way to go. Asking students to do their assignments in the form of video can help them immerse themselves in a topic deeply and naturally.

Video assignments make students work collaboratively. It exhibits student knowledge and effective communication skills.

What kind of video assignments can students create?

• Ask students to find web videos that talks about the same thing discussed in class. Then ask them to create their video version of what they learned. This makes students think out of the box and get a diverse knowledge on the subject.
• Instead of asking students to write assignments, ask them to create a video instead. This will help them learn how to use digital technologies and use them to present their original thoughts.
• Asking students to record a spoken essay instead of a written assignment can be useful as well. It helps a student become effective communicators and prepare them for the real world.

5 Powerful Tips for Creating Video Content That Sells

According to a 2018 Forbes report, more video content is uploaded in 30 days than the major US television networks have created in 30 years. In today’s society, with growing demand for tailored answers — fast — video marketing is the biggest way to reach people and best way to sell products and services. But with 5 billion videos watched on YouTube every single day, how can you make your video stand out from the pack?

While technology has changed in unimaginable ways since I started marketing direct-to-consumer over 30 years ago, people’s behavior remains the same. We are all looking for ways to improve our lifestyle, and we are constantly seeking answers for our own set of every-day problems. Whether you’re creating content for a 15-second video or a 30-minute product demonstration, authentic content that solves a problem head-on will outperform videos that are over-produced and too slick every time.

As you plan your next video, here are some suggestions for gaining a competitive edge, while also building your brand by fostering trust and loyalty.

Tip #1: Get Organized

The best way to create a video is to understand the entire process from start to finish. Creating a video has three distinct steps: pre-production (planning phase), production (execution phase), and post-production (editing phase). I consider pre-production to be the most critical phase because when it is done correctly, the final two stages flow easily — and you’ll generally achieve the outcome you’re looking for on time and on budget. Another tip? Start with your end-goal in mind, both when you’re organizing the phases of production and also when deciding where to place your videos to ensure the content, length, tone, and style are appropriate for the platforms on which you are posting the video. Until recently, video production was an expensive process. A perk of the digital age has been the creation of many online services that let you create a video using templates very quickly and inexpensively.

Here are a few recommendations:

·         Waymark, https://waymark.com

·         Lumen 5, https://lumen5.com

·         Movavi, https://www.movavi.com

·         Content Samurai, https://www.contentsamurai.com

Tip #2: Hook the Viewer

Grab the viewer’s attention from the start with a message that appeals to them. Not getting the response you hoped for? Try changing the introduction. A great example of this is in a mistake I made on the first George Foreman infomercial. I thought it would be a good idea to start the video with boxing footage of George knocking out Michael Moorer to win the heavyweight crown at age 46 — the oldest ever! We tested the show and it didn’t work — not even close. Because it was a new product, I made the basic mistake of not understanding our target audience, which at the time was stay-at-home moms, who did not like boxing. Once we took that footage out and made the introduction about the benefits to the viewer of speed, convenience, and healthy eating, the show took off and became one of the most successful infomercials ever produced. Appealing to your audience upfront is critical if you want them to keep watching. Here are some suggestions for grabbing your viewer’s attention from the start:

1 — Start with a question — Do you want to lose 10lbs in the next 30 days? Are you in pain and would like relief? Are you getting enough sleep?

2 — Start with a factoid — “Scientists have found an element in broccoli, called Indole-3 carbinol that has been show to help reduce cancer”(Juiceman)

3 — Start with a story — people love stories and will continue to watch your video if the story interests them.

Tip #3: Always Add Testimonials

I’m always surprised by how few business owners reach out to their customer base proactively. The people who use your product or service are your best resource. They can provide feedback to help you improve upon the product or service you are offering; and they can demonstrate to potential customers that people “just like them” are benefitting from what you are selling. Testimonials have worked effectively for generations in every type of advertising because for the following key reasons:

·         Testimonials help overcome objections

·         Testimonials establish credibility

·         Testimonials offer social proof

They are also easy to find. Your customers or clients are the best sources of honest feedback about your product or service. The first place to look is your own database. Just starting up? Think about giving away some of your product. Let people use it for 30–60 days, then go back and capture their experience on video. Every chance you get, gather feedback. Eventually, you’ll have an entire library of testimonials.

Tip #4: Ask for a Response

Direct response advertising has a “call to action” (CTA) that utilizes a value-packed offer compelling the viewer to do something specific. Sometimes the aim is not necessarily to sell anything from the initial CTA, but to get the viewer to take the next step, such as requesting a free e-book in return for leaving their contact information. Most people try to hide the offer until the final few seconds of a video. In my experience, you’ll have much greater success if you make your offer clear, prominent, and easy for the viewer to respond to. I recommend you spend time brainstorming the best possible offer for your product or service. Here are my two favorite types of Direct Response offers:

Save money! This type of offer always works well in almost every product category and at all times of the year. It can be presented in many different ways:

1 — Pay half now, nothing later

2 — 50% off

3 — Get 2 for the price of 1

4 — Buy one, get one free

FREE! “Free” is the most powerful word in direct response marketing. Free shipping, free gifts, free bonuses, free trials — you name it, offering free stuff works well at all levels. Additionally, “free” is an important keyword for search engine optimization (SEO) and content marketing.

Tip #5: Consider Shareability

One of the most appealing aspects of video today is its inherent shareability. Video gets you access to huge platforms like YouTube, which serves more than 1 billion unique visitors each day. If you make something interesting, people will share it. A great example of this comes from GoPro camera. They created thousands of user-generated videos that were posted on their site. I helped fine-tune the process by branding each video with the GoPro logo at both the beginning and end of the video. I then helped create traffic to their site by running a contest giving, using 30-second brand response TV to drive people to the site. This all-video marketing campaign helped grow the business to over $1 billion in sales in only 8 years! To make your video content more appealing and effective, find out what your customer base likes to watch, then give them that type of content. According to statistics from Hubspot, here are the three most watched types of online video content:

1 — Customer testimonials

2 — Tutorial videos

3 — Demonstration videos

Video Alchemy

I have used video persuasion techniques to create television and online ads that have driven millions of dollars in sales and built many brands from the ground up. Lucky for me, the techniques I use today have stayed the same even though the delivery mechanisms have changed dramatically. Creating content that draws on the science of direct response advertising, as well as the artfulness that comes with infusing your video project with deeper meaning for your audience. By speaking your truth, you can better influence your viewers to respond the way you want because they can relate to your story or message. Authenticity is key!

I am constantly fine-tuning my approach to every video I produce. I am fascinated by the surprising ways in which the elements of good video-making can come together to form a winning message. I don’t always get it right, but I’m continually learning and open to new and better ways to make meaningful, lasting connections.

How To Prepare For A Video Shoot – Tips For Location, Wardrobe & More

By Marketing @ Shootsta 23 November 2018

Home  »  Blog • Video • Video Production   »   How to Prepare for a Video Shoot – Tips for Location, Wardrobe & More

Are you planning a business video shoot for your brand? First of all, congratulations! Video is the best way for you to communicate with your audience, and the whole process is far easier and less intimidating than you may think.

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So. You’ve got your script, you’ve sorted out which staff members are willing to speak on camera, you’ve allocated a day or two for filming, and you’ve got all of your equipment ready to go (at Shootsta, we make that part super easy). Basically, you’re well on your way to a well-prepared video shoot. But what else do you need to think about before the big day?

Here are our top 3 tips:

1. Choose Your Location Wisely

The best filming locations are those that will put your viewers at ease. You can use a room in your office or you can shoot in a quiet outdoor location. Try to avoid overly clinical surroundings, though, as these can appear formal and stifling. What you want is:

·         A location that is calming and uplifting

·         Little clutter, as this will distract your viewers

·         A location (and props, if desired) that reflect your brand

If possible, opt for a long, deep room, because this will allow you to use shallow depth of field – which provides contrast between the subject (the person talking, who is in focus) and the background (which is soft and out of focus). In terms of lighting, natural lighting from big windows is great for promoting a natural, relaxed appearance. Try to avoid overhead fluorescent lights or anything that sits directly above the subject (as these will cast unflattering shadows). On camera, a less bright, naturally lit room will appear better than a brighter room lit with artificial lights – just make sure you’re facing that natural light.

The room you choose should be quiet on your shooting day/s, so you won’t be interrupted by ringing phones, traffic, noisy air vents, people upstairs, or any other sounds that could interfere with your audio. We recommend you spend some time in your filming location at the time of day you will be filming, so you can gauge how loud it will actually be when you start shooting!

2. Plan Your Wardrobe

Something else you need to consider is wardrobe; the last thing you want is a panicked call from talent on the day, beginning with the dreaded, “Oh no, what do I wear?!?”. The main goal is to ensure your cast wears clothing that’s professional, camera-friendly and representative of your business. Wardrobe items that trigger brand recognition through colours or uniform may also be important, from a consistency and messaging perspective in your digital strategy.

Try to avoid clothes that are too visually distracting (i.e. garments with patterns, fine lines or writing), as this may create distortion on camera. Solid colours tend to work best, but try to avoid high-contrast pairings (like a bright white shirt with red trousers). Make sure the clothing fits well, and is ironed or steamed. Also, make sure your talent knows how much of them will appear on camera – just their torso? Their whole body? This will help guide their outfit.

In terms of makeup and grooming, some powder on the face is great for preventing shine or redness, and hairspray can be used to combat pesky flyaway hairs.

3. Be Organised – Be Very, Very Organised

The most important part of preparing for a stress-free video shoot is being organised. Make sure you create lists for anything and everything you’ll need on the day, and prepare as much as you can in the week/s before your shoot. Here are our tips:

·         Make sure all of your equipment is charged, and have spare batteries

·         Ensure all your paperwork (including release forms for talent and film permits for public places) is ready

·         Have organisational supplies on the day – pens, paper etc.

·         Print out numerous copies of the script

·         Give all cast and crew members a run sheet (which tells them when they need to arrive on set), and also a contact sheet (which contains the emails / numbers of all participants)

·         Make sure your camera SD cards are clear, and that you have backups

·         Double check all equipment is functional

·         Carefully pack props and clothing (according to the lists you wrote) so you don’t forget anything

·         Have some cash handy for coffee / food runs and emergencies

·         Ensure talent and crew members know when and where they need to be, and what they need to prepare ahead of time

·         If you are shooting at your office, make sure all staff are aware, so they can reduce environmental noise

·         Create a shooting schedule – you don’t need to stick to it religiously, but knowing which scenes to shoot and in what order when will definitely come in handy!

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Love the above? Learn more by watching our video.

But our #1 tip: Don’t leave these preparations until the night before! You don’t want to be stressed and sleep-deprived when you’re filming – a shoot should be exciting, and an experience that both your talent and crew will enjoy, remember, and want to take part in again! Overall, the most important thing you can do is prepare as much as you can ahead of time, and then try and relax. A video shoot is a fun challenge, that’s sure to bring your employees together and take your marketing efforts to the next level. ?

A 5-Step Guide to Making Your Own Instructional Videos

Replacing your lectures with self-made videos can boost students’ engagement and free you up to work with them directly.

Imagine lecturing to a class in which some of your students are grade levels behind, some are grade levels ahead, some have special needs, and some are absent. It’s pretty hard to do that effectively, isn’t it?

As teachers in a Title I high school, we developed an instructional model built around self-made videos that empowered students at all levels to learn at their own pace and build mastery skill-by-skill. We used these screencast-style videos:

·         To replace traditional lecture-style direct instruction, freeing us up to work directly with individual students;

·         To give directions for projects and other complex tasks; and

·         To provide remediation on skills that students might need to practice.

Now, as founders of The Modern Classrooms Project, we train teachers to create blended learning classrooms of their own. The key is empowering educators to build their own high-quality instructional videos. Unlike externally created videos, these allow teachers to multiply themselves in the classroom without losing their authenticity—they can provide direct instruction via the videos while also circulating around the room, answering questions and guiding students to deeper learning.

STEP 1: CHUNK INSTRUCTION

Great teachers have a lot to say about their subjects. When it comes to video creation, however, time is of the essence. Research on instructional videos shows that learner engagement with videos begins to drop after the 6-minute mark—and it falls dramatically after 9. So it’s essential to chunk instruction such that each video covers a single learning objective or task, and nothing more. Multiple short videos are better than one long video.

For example, this video on inference by middle school English teacher Toni Rose Deanon introduces an important concept, provides several examples, and gives the students a task—all in just over 4 minutes. Her colleague Emily Culp’s video on four-box notes is equally concise, walking students through an example and teaching a note-taking strategy in 3:25. In a world of short attention spans, videos like these make their points clearly and quickly.

Top of Form

STEP 2: BUILD VIDEO-READY SLIDES

Studies also show that the best instructional videos are highly focused, use visual cues to highlight key information, and minimize the use of on-screen text. The slides that a teacher would use in a lecture may not work in a video—it’s critical to build a slide deck that is clear, simple, and visually compelling. (We have templates for math/science and English/history.)

In her video on the big bang theory, high school science teacher Moira Mazzi uses compelling visuals and clear annotations to explain a complex idea to her students. This keeps student attention on what Mazzi is saying and gives students an idea of the key terms and ideas they need to record in their notes.

STEP 3: RECORD

There are many tools you can use to create a strong instructional video. Here are a few that can really simplify the process and enhance the quality of the video.

Recording device: Ideally, you have a touch-screen tablet or laptop with a high-quality stylus. This ensures that you can easily annotate visuals and show work. Handwriting also adds a nice personal touch. But if you have a non-touch-screen laptop, or a tablet but no stylus, you can still make your own videos.

Screencasting program: The best programs, like Explain Everything, allow educators to pause and re-record specific segments of their video easily, which removes the pressure of getting a perfect take. Look for a program that has a robust video editor and an embedded annotation tool.

Microphone: This is often forgotten, but it’s really helpful to have a pair of headphones with an external mic—these headphones help you improve the sound quality and ensure that your videos don’t contain background noise.

In this video on digital sound production (note: video is in Spanish), music teacher Zach Diamond uses highlighting, annotating, and a computer screencast to show students how to create their own songs using a program called Soundtrap. The clarity of Diamond’s voice and the video helps students follow along, even with a complex task.

STEP 4: ENHANCE ENGAGEMENT

Simply sitting and watching videos can lead students to lose focus—the best instructional videos keep them actively engaged. Research shows that when students take notes or answer guided questions while watching, they retain material better than students who watch passively. Embedding questions in your instructional video using programs like Edpuzzle can improve student interaction and provide you with invaluable formative assessment data. Students should think of video-watching as a task they perform actively in order to learn.

In this video on the Pythagorean theorem, math teacher Michael Krell embeds frequent checks for understanding and provides feedback for students who get those checks wrong. Students are free to jump ahead to key points in the video to test their mastery of the material, if they so choose. Krell makes paper copies of the video slides for his students so that they can take notes as they watch.

STEP 5: BE YOURSELF

Perhaps the most important element of a strong video is authenticity. The most effective blended instruction isn’t pretty—it’s personal. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and make sure your authentic personality shines through. Research shows that videos in which the instructor speaks in a natural, conversational manner, with an enthusiastic tone, are the most engaging. In our experience, students really appreciate knowing that it’s their actual teacher behind the video.

In this video on states of matter, for instance, middle school science teacher Demi Lager lets her personality shine through. No matter how interested students may be in solids, liquids, and gases, her warm tone and sense of humor are likely to keep them engaged.

Learning to create a high-quality instructional video doesn’t happen overnight—it requires continual trial, error, and innovation. We’ve been recording videos for years, and we still often struggle to be compelling and concise. Yet we keep trying, because we believe that teacher-driven blended instruction is what’s best for our students. So start planning, grab some recording software, be yourself, and have fun!