I started to get to grips with video marketing in 2012 and have had my share of successes and failures. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years.
Video blogging has become a key marketing channel for business owners. In this article, I will explain why you should create videos and how to get started.
But why should you start video blogging? The answer is simple: Video attracts more attention than pictures or text.
Video blogging is a proven way to get your message in front of people who are not familiar with your business or increase trust and credibility with those who have.
And it won’t even cost you any money.
You already have the equipment at home. Your smartphone is perfect for video blogging, and the majority already have a good quality camera built-in.
How to start video blogging
Before you can start with your video blog, you need to decide whether you will be using it for business marketing. If you are, then let’s go ahead and get started.
Begin by choosing a topic that you are passionate about. This article will help you choose and validate a niche.
Create compelling content, be it a short video or an audio podcast. The content should address your target audience’s pain points.
Don’t forget the title, which should get people’s attention and make them want to know more about what they see in the video roll.
You might ask, what makes some titles better than others? Well, I’ll tell you: “What’s in it for me?” This is how people think, at least most of the time. So use this insight when creating a catchy headline that will trigger their curiosity.
Make sure your video blog or Youtube channel has a clear focus on one specific topic instead of just rambling about any old thing that comes into your head.
This is what makes people quickly lose interest, and they’ll most likely not return to your channel or website.
Once you have created an interesting title, break down the description of your video into short sentences, which will make it easier for people to digest your content.
Don’t forget to add tags so that people can easily find your videos on Youtube search results or Google. You should also add a transcript with the time codes included; this way, people who prefer text over video can still enjoy your blog.
Getting viewers and subscribers
To improve our rankings in Youtube search results, we want to reach out to as many users as possible; we do that by promoting our videos through social media channels like Facebook and Twitter – but don’t spam your friends and followers with endless posts and tweets.
This will only get you blocked.
Instead, try out different types of content that people might like to share and engage your audience using questions or polls; they are an excellent way to spark a discussion on relevant issues.
Keep track of what is working by analyzing your website’s traffic statistics or the Youtube analytics provided by YoutubeStudio.
Which Camera Should You use?
Some people might think you can only get high-quality footage straight out of a DSLR camera. But, this is not necessarily true.
While you don’t need to invest in any additional equipment, the quality of your videos will be improved if you do.
As a video blogger, I’ve used a range of cameras, from webcams to DSLRs.
My favorite webcam is the Logitech C920 – it’s crystal clear and costs around £100.
The DSLR I have the most experience with is the Canon EOS series. Again, they produce great results and are reasonably priced.
However, DSLRs can only record for 20 minutes at a time in the EU.
If you are in a different country, there may be other regulations.
Which microphone should you use?
I can talk about microphones all day, given a chance.
Over the years, I’ve tried dozens, and take it from me; the audio quality is more important than the video quality.
If you choose to upgrade one piece of equipment, upgrade your microphone.
You could also start with a Blue Yeti microphone which costs around £80. It’s not as good as the Rode microphones, but it will record decent audio and is plug-and-play.
At the moment, I’m using a Rode ProCaster. It’s amazing sound quality, but you need to get an audio interface if you want to record directly onto your computer.
In my opinion, if you can get started with the equipment you already have, do it that way first – then save up for additional gear once you’ve made a commitment to stick with it.
Your Video Schedule
Start small; shoot one video blog per week on your smartphone or tablet and post it on Youtube.
If you enjoy the process, make another, and then another.
But don’t just create videos whenever you feel like it; you need to have a consistent schedule – and stick to it.
I recommend a schedule of at least once a week.
Consistently is more important than frequency.
Building an audience is like fishing – you have to keep casting your line into the water if you want a bite. Once someone has subscribed, it’s up to us to make sure they return.
So think about what types of videos get your audience engaged, then produce content on that topic frequently. You might be able to pick something out of thin air, but it’s always better if you’re passionate about what you are talking about.
Editing Your Videos
Video editing used to be expensive and time-consuming. However, most smartphones have editing software built-in.
So you can get started straight away without any additional costs.
I recommend using free software like iMovie for iPhone or Windows Movie Maker on PC.
But if you are willing to spend some extra money, then I suggest Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
You can also use Youtube Editor for beginners, but it’s not as easy to use and lacks features found in paid editing software.
I use ScreenFlow to edit my videos.
The great thing with ScreenFlow is that it can also record your computer screen, but it’s for Macs online. Camtasia is a good alternative for Windows machines.
Youtube Metrics
Youtube provides a wealth of analytics and metrics to help you make informed decisions about your channel.
For example, you can use your Youtube Analytics to find out which of your videos are performing well and which aren’t.
You should also be able to see how many people have watched each video – this will help you make better decisions about the videos you produce in the future.
The key metrics to keep an eye on are:
Watch time – this is the average time people spend watching your videos. The higher this number, the better.
Retention – what percentage of a video people watch. The higher the percentage, the better.
Subscribers – this is the number of people who have subscribed to your channel. The more subscribers you have, the better.
Video views – these are pretty straightforward and self-explanatory. Tracking them will help you determine which videos are most popular with your audience and which ones aren’t so well received.
Why Video Blogging?
Video marketing offers a more personal and engaging experience compared to traditional online advertising. It provides you with an opportunity to connect directly with your customer on a one-on-one basis.
This is why many companies have been expanding their video marketing efforts.
Another way Video Blogging helps businesses generate leads by making the sales process easier for potential customers, which makes them more likely to purchase products or services from you and refer others to your website or Youtube channel.
You can use this to your advantage by offering free information and useful content to make them want to get in touch with you and find out more about what you have to offer.
Or if you are selling something, or if you run an affiliate business or a network marketing scheme, the idea is still the same: You need people to know that your product exists.
And one of the best ways to do so is through video blogging directly on Youtube, where they already spend a lot of their time searching for new stuff.
And since Video Blogging has also become increasingly popular among celebrities who now vlog on Youtube, it’s safe to say that we’re only beginning to see its full potential and what it can do for businesses both online and offline.
Conclusion
Video blogging is a great way to build a fan base, generate leads and increase sales. In addition, it makes the whole process easier for potential customers – which means they are more likely to buy from you.
In this article, I’ve given an overview of what video Blogging is and why it’s such a good idea for businesses to start using it today to capitalize on its benefits as soon as possible.
Getting started in video blogging is easy nowadays with all the available resources online.