Video series or “vlogs” are now a staple in any sized business, and that includes small businesses. They are a great tool for getting the public to notice you and your brand – building a fan base for your business. Whatever you choose to use your vlog for, there is one common denominator they all need to have: They need to be good or no one will watch them.

If you have the right pro working by your side, you don’t need to worry too much about this. A video expert’s biggest concern is making sure your videos are structured in such a way that they motivate the right audience to watch them through to their end.

But if you must create your video(s) yourself there are a few things you need to focus on to make sure you’re not practicing these video faux pas.

1. Sound – Bad sound equals an unwatched video. It’s funny how the human mind is. We can handle watching a badly, unfocused image as long as the sound is good. But if it’s the other way around and we have a perfect picture with fuzzy, echoing sound we will turn away.If the camera and mic you are using are new to you, do a sound test. Check to see that it is a clean enough recording for your video. Never record on the beach. It looks cool. But it is a sound nightmare, with all that ocean wind. In fact, it would be best for you to set an indoor location to shoot in, until you get more experienced with the workings of your sound equipment.Lastly, if you can, turn off indoor sounds like the fridge (if it’s in the same room) or the air conditioner, heating and fans. These are sounds that can destroy your video quickly.
2. Branding –I’ve seen many videos where the person’s name has been left out. The name of the company has been left out, etc. At the very least, place your own name at the start of the video and the company name and URL at the end of the video. I would advise that you include a watermark of the logo in one of the corners of the video’s frame.Remember this too, branding isn’t just about the logo and look. It’s about the personality and feel of your business. Video is all about demonstrating personality and feel. Take advantage of this. Get to know the full details of your brand and include that in the design of the content for your video.
3. Content – This is the one area that gets the least attention, sadly. Most do-it-yourselfers tend to turn on the camera and start talking… and talking… and talking. Be meticulous about the details of what exactly you are going to say. WRITE A SCRIPT OR OUTLINE. I mean it. Then cut that script or outline in half. It is then that you have something close to descent content.This is important; always present the message from the point of view of the viewer. In other words, what’s in it for them? We don’t care that you are a great mechanic, realtor, baker. We just want to know that you can serve us and our needs, in the line for which you are an expert.Ask questions in your video? Then support the questions with interesting commentaries. It gets the viewer more involved with the content. Give unique tips or lessons in your videos. Show your unique personality and interests. Don’t hold back your best tips. Give some amazing advice for free.

These tips will get you on your way to a successful video. After all, if you are going to invest the time into making a video, you want to make sure you get the most out of your investment.

And if all of this is just a bit overwhelming for you, I’m here to help you at any level you need.

• Consulting
• Technical setup and recommending equipment
• Recording (video and audio)
• Editing and final output

Happy Shooting,

Danielle