Have you seen some of the recent stats about video?
- Social video generates 1200% more shares than text and images combined
- 90% of users say that product videos are helpful in the decision process
If you need more convincing, read more stats here.
Let’s assume you realize video is a good idea. Perhaps you really want to get going with video, but you are worried it will take too long, be too difficult and be too expensive.
It doesn’t have to be! You can even use your phone to record a short video that helps your business, as in increasing engagement and winning over clients. It is really about your unique message and your passion, not expensive video equipment or achieving massive traffic.
There are four steps to create your small business video. Let’s get started!
1 – Decide what kind of video you want to make
There are a lot of possibilities!:
- Product demo or highlight your service
- Testimonial
- Share your company story
- Talk trends
- Share tips
- Special offer
- Celebrate client success
- Recap an event
2 – Sketch out the text and find the images you want to use
Describing the problem your clients have and how you solve it, is one good strategy. You don’t want to read from a script, just have an outline of your important points and talk.
Click here for more on finding and using images.
Remember, your video should be short. Depending on your content and audience, it might be only 1-3 minutes. Do not go over 10 minutes. Be sure to include a call to action . . . what should they do next? Sign up for your newsletter or call you for a consultation?
3 – Shoot the video
If you are like most people, you don’t want to be on camera. At least say Hi at the beginning. If your clients can see you, it increases engagement.
Allow enough time for a couple of takes. The first one is not usually the keeper, but the second or third should be just fine.
If you are using your smartphone, a tripod is a good idea. Be sure to shoot horizontal and do check that the lighting and background look good.
Don’t edit too much! This is the part that gets frustrating and time-consuming. Don’t even try to edit out a single word. If you make a mistake, just record it again.
Do consider adding a title and music at the beginning and text with your call to action at the end.
If you have a mac or iphone, you probably will be fine using Quicktime or iMovie. More choices for editing here: 6 Best Free Video Editing Software Programs for 2018
4 – Distribute the video
Put your video on Youtube. Also, be sure to share the video:
- On your website
- Via email
- On your social media platforms
There you go! Making your small business video doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive.
Want help? Reach me here.