As a small business owner, I often find myself juggling multiple tasks at once. Recently, while enjoying a cup of coffee at the Naples Coffee Bar, a potential client pointed out that there weren't any recent videos on my LinkedIn account. He seemed to be questioning the importance of marketing videos if I hadn't made any recently to promote my own business.
Embarrassed, I replied, "I'm like the cobbler whose children have no shoes." It's true that I have been so focused on creating marketing videos for my clients that I haven't had the time to make my own. But this experience made me realize the importance of practicing what I preach and investing time in creating videos to promote my own business.
In this article, I will share my expert tips for recording a killer promotional video that I always consider for my clients, and will help you captivate your audience and showcase your business in the best possible light.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Before you start recording, take some time to plan ahead and prepare for your video interview. This includes deciding on the topic, choosing a suitable location, and ensuring that your equipment is in good working order. You may also want to prepare a list of questions or talking points in advance to help guide the conversation and ensure that you cover all the key points.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is scripting out their responses. While it may seem like a good idea to have a set script to follow, it can actually hinder the authenticity of your message.
Instead, I suggest thinking about how you would answer a question for a potential client that you meet at a networking event. What would you say to capture their attention and convey your message effectively? By approaching your video interview in the same way, you can ensure that your responses come across as natural and genuine.
Remember, the goal of a video interview is to connect with your audience and build trust. This can only be achieved if you are authentic and speak from the heart. So, skip the script and focus on delivering your message in a natural and engaging way. Your viewers will appreciate it, and your message will resonate with them on a deeper level.
2. Choose the Right Location and Attire
When it comes to recording a video interview, location is key. Choose a location that is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. You may also want to consider using a neutral background to help keep the focus on the speaker and the message.
Consider that it's not only about the content being discussed, but also about how it's being presented. A key factor in making a video interview successful is making sure all of the components are congruent and communicating a consistent message.
For instance, the setting should match the main points being discussed. If you're talking about a product or service, the setting should be visually consistent with the product or service being discussed. This helps to create an overall feeling of trust and credibility with your audience.
Additionally, it's important to make sure the speaker's attire is consistent with the message they are conveying. If the person is wearing a t-shirt and jeans, but discussing a topic that requires a more formal tone, this can create a disconnect and reduce the audience's willingness to "buy-in" or believe the speaker.
Overall, the goal is to create a cohesive and visually appealing video that reinforces the message being delivered. Every component, from the setting to the attire, should be carefully considered to ensure they all work together to support the overall message.
When everything is in sync, the audience is more likely to engage with the content and be receptive to the message being conveyed.
3. Quality Equipment
Don't let the lack of expensive equipment hold you back from creating great marketing videos!
If you're just starting out with creating marketing videos, you might be wondering if you need to invest in expensive video equipment. While having professional equipment can certainly improve the quality of your videos, it's not always necessary.
In fact, I often suggest using your smartphone to record your videos, especially if you're just starting out. Most modern smartphones have high-quality cameras that can produce great video. Plus, using your smartphone is convenient because you always have it with you. This means you can quickly and easily record a video whenever you have a spare moment, without needing to set up complicated equipment.
Of course, there are some limitations to using your smartphone. For example, the built-in microphone might not be good enough for high-quality audio. However, you can easily purchase an external microphone that plugs into your smartphone for better sound quality.
Overall, using your smartphone is a great option for beginners or for those who want to create videos on a budget.
If you have someone on your team that is already familiar with video production, or you are dedicated to learning the new necessary skills, that's the time to invest in better equipment.
While a smartphone can do the job, a mirrorless camera or DSLR and lens can offer significantly better cinematic-like results. This includes a high-quality camera and lenses, a tripod, and a good-quality microphone.
If you're working with a limited timeline and/or budget, consider renting equipment or hiring a professional videographer to help you get the best possible results.
4. Set the Stage
Once you've chosen your location and gathered your equipment, it's time to set the stage for your video interview. This includes positioning your camera and microphone, adjusting the lighting, and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that the speaker is in focus and the audio is clear.
5. Conduct the Interview
During the interview itself, it's important to stay focused and engaged. Listen carefully to the speaker's responses and ask follow-up questions to help clarify any points. If you're recording an interview with multiple people, be sure to give everyone a chance to speak and avoid interrupting or talking over one another.
6. Edit and Polish
After you've recorded the interview, it's time to edit and polish the final product. This may include cutting out any irrelevant or repetitive sections.
I like to edit out any filler words. "Um's" and "ah's" in the middle of your talking are audible roadblocks that the listener needs to go over. If there are too many of them, they will become frustrated and will likely stop watching and listening. Cut them out!
Of course, the more practiced you are before recording, the fewer filler words you will need to edit them out.
in this stage, adding in music or other visual elements can help support your points and make the video more engaging to view.
A very important part of this stage, that is often not addressed properly, is color correction and color grading.
Color correction is the process of fixing any errors made by the camera's exposure and color temperature at the time of recording.
Color grading is the creative use of color and exposure settings to add an intended style to your video.
Color correction should always be done to generate a consistent and matching look across all the shots in your video before any color grading is applied.
7. Share Your Video
Finally, once you've completed your video interview, it's time to share it with the world. This may include uploading it to your website or social media channels, sharing it with your email list, or even using it as part of a paid advertising campaign.
At Ryan & Scott Media, we not only create high-quality videos for small to medium-sized businesses, but also offer training for you and your teams to do it within your own company.
With our expert tips and guidance, you can learn how to create compelling and effective video content that will help you stand out in today's crowded marketplace.
So whether you're looking for help to create your video marketing, or to launch your own video marketing department, we're here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our video marketing services and training programs.
Comments