It’s a well-known fact that video is the best type of content. It grabs attention, it’s the most likely to help you generate leads and it gets engagement. But, for some, making video content isn’t as simple as hitting the record button and speaking to the camera. In this article, I discuss 6 tips to help you on your way to producing video content for your business.
How many videos are you creating now?
Often, people begin by looking at what equipment they should buy. The best cameras, microphones and lighting. But there’s no point splashing out on cameras etc when you’re not already putting out video content. The likelihood is that you have a great camera in your pocket. Most mobile phones contain cameras and mics capable of making video content. Don’t let equipment become an obstacle to your progress.
Where should you start when creating video content?
Go live. It might seem counter-productive if you aren’t already creating video content. But going live can help you to develop good habits. As well as being a fast-track to having confidence in front of the camera.
Attempting to pre-record video content can leave you feeling stuck. Because you know you can stop and start, you strive for perfection. Easily ending up with many stop-start videos. As well as a large highlight reel of failed attempts. This can lead to over-thinking and have you feeling overwhelmed.
When you go live it’s continuous. Like a normal conversation. You be yourself and if you “Mess up” then you carry on regardless. It will help you to realise that nothing bad is going to happen if things aren’t perfect. It’ll also make your message more genuine.
Breaking down these barriers will allow you to get yourself out there consistently. Giving your audience the chance to get to know you. Rather than wasting a lot of time making one perfect video. Where you run the risk of it never being uploaded. Taking too long between videos and your audience becoming disengaged, or giving in because shooting perfect video content becomes too much hassle.
Stay on topic
When a viewer clicks on your video content they expect you to stay on topic, whatever it may be. Straying away from your original topic will dilute your message, creating the risk of people losing trust in what you’re saying.
You’re more likely to keep a viewer’s attention if you’re concise and straight to the point. This doesn’t mean you need to cut your video content short. Try not to make your videos any longer than they need to be.
Interact with your audience about the topic. If you’re creating great content then people will want to tune in and interact with you. But don’t feel disheartened if there isn’t an immediate active audience, these things take time.
Save new topics for another day. If you get an idea whilst on a live, write it down for next time. Do a little more research. Create a separate piece of content. Rather than watering down your original idea.
Prepping for your live video content
Going live doesn’t mean winging it. You should still write down the subject and a few bullets to ensure you stay on track. You may veer off-topic from time to time but this will help you remain on the right path. Use a post-it note and stick it near the camera lens. This way, you won’t need to look away often or come across as if you’re reading.
Confidence on live video
Going live is one of the quickest ways to build confidence in front of the camera. The more you do it the better you’ll get. But even if you start on your own in front of a mirror. Keep practising.
On Facebook, you have the option to go live but change the privacy settings to ‘Just Me’. This means you can practice going live and have the full experience. But you’ll be the only one who can see it. Allowing you to learn the tech so there are no hiccups when you go live publicly. You also get to experience exactly how it’s going to feel.
Be yourself
Don’t get on camera and turn into someone you’re not. People connect with genuine people they can trust. This is very important when building your tribe in your particular niche. The caveat to this is, don’t be the you who’s laid on your sofa relaxing at home. Be the you who would talk with friends in a public place. Confident yet mindful of how you’re representing yourself. People can overdo it and come off as fake when new to making video content. The easiest way to combat this is to be yourself.
Ready to go live?
Don’t feel the need to go out and buy all the equipment. Use what you have and get started now. Go live to fast-track your on-camera skills and confidence. Stay on topic, creating many pieces of strong video content rather than diluting your message. Write down any prompts you may need. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be. Always be yourself. But most of all, have fun.
