Tips on Creating Engaging Videos for Your Brand
10:48 PM
In all of my travels with the boys, especially our massive road trip this summer, I have always wanted to create videos that told the story of our destination. I didn't though. Why? Mainly because I was scared of being on camera. Then, Rob Burgos from Full Circle Post entered into my life at the TMS Family Travel Conference this weekend in Niagara Falls, NY. Rob was a speaker on how to create engaging videos that tell a story to your readers, and best of all, he said I never had to be on camera! From this point on, I vow to always try to create a video for each location we visit, but for now, I wanted to share some of his words of wisdom with all of you!
Choosing a Video Platform
The three most common platform for bloggers to share videos on now are YouTube, Vine and Instagram Video. When choosing which of these is right for you, consider the level of shareability you want, who your audience is, and the content you want to share.
Youtube
- Has no set time limit.
- Ability to add annotated notes.
- Extremely easy to share.
- Web and mobile based sharing, but web is by far easier to view longer videos.
Vine
- Free mobile sharing app.
- 6 second time limit ensures you must be creative.
- Easy to share on Twitter
Instagram Video
- Free app designed for smartphones.
- 15 second time limit.
- Video is connected to photo account and shows up in your Instagram feed.
If your goal like me is to share a short video about a destination on your blog, then Youtube would be the way to go, but if you were on location and wanting to share a short snippet on Twitter, then Vine would be ideal. Similarly, if Instagram is your platform of choice, a short Instagram video could help tell your story in a short 15 second blast.
5 Tips to Get the Most Traction for Your Videos
- Use Social Media (Youtube is the most versatile platform for this.)
- Plan for a series of videos on a subject or location.
- Be aware of the length of your video. Videos that are too long can cause your audience to lose interest.
- Use appropriate keywords, hashtags and titles so that you are easy to find.
- Consider the charm and entertainment value of your content. What would you enjoy watching?
Tips for Video Interviews
- Do your research about the subject so that you are familiar with what to ask and talk about.
- Make your subject feel comfortable. The more at ease they are, the more they will be willing to reveal.
- Listen to your subject. When you really listen, you can take your queue from what they say to create an interview that comes off as an engaging conversation.
- React and show interest in what your subject is saying.
- Smile, it helps put your subject at ease and makes the interview more fun to watch.
- Make eye contact with your subject.
Editing Steps for Beginners
For best results, Rob recommended editing your videos in the following order of steps. If you are on a PC, Windows Movie Maker is a great free editing tool that can be used to do all of the following.
- Connect camera to your computer.
- Import the video.
- View all of the footage.
- Make selections and write down the footage you would like to use.
- Radio edit your video.
- Add additional coverage using B-roll footage.
- Add voice over or narration if needed.
- Add music.
- Add text.
Do you have any tips for creating engaging videos for your blog? I'd love to hear any ideas you may have in the comment section below!
6 comments
Thank you! I pinned this for later. I have been thinking about how I need to start YouTubing, but I'm just so shy!
ReplyDeleteI really want to start vlogging, but hate the way I sound (not crazy about the way I look, either). :) Thanks for the tips! Maybe I'll give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI haven't done much vlogging, but I will definitely keep these tips in mind!
ReplyDeleteI love videos, but your are right. Sometimes they are just too long and I do not want to watch them.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips!!!! I love to vlog, I really need to get back into it.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I am really trying to vlog more but I get so nervous talking on camera!
ReplyDelete