Dig a little deeper and you might discover other reasons(besides what I’ve discussed in previous posts) you’ve hedged about creating video for your business — such as budgetary constraints or perfectionism.
Many people don’t want to dash off an Instagram video with their mobiles: They want to present a polished, professional image – which is all well and good, but the compulsion towards perfectionism can immediately send you into a tail-spin before you even begin over such things as not being ready yet to invest huge sums of money in top-of-the-line equipment or hire professional video crews.
Just remember it’s all about communication. Using a small, portable tripod such as the inexpensive SlingShot stabilizer (less than $20.00 U.S.) can “polish” your spur-of-the-moment Instagram videos in a manner that knocks your competition flat.
And with Vine 6-second looping animations, the whole point is supposed to be capturing a raw and unique life-event as it happens – in which case slick video techniques would actually detract from the immediacy and honesty, and make your 6-second clip look “staged”.
It’s also about your message. Your first questions always ought to be: “What’s the best way to get this message across and connect with the people who really need to receive it? What type of video best accomplishes this?”
Throwing away your preconceptions about making videos means you’ve already done half the work in creating top-notch productions. You can approach each video project objectively, taking into account factors such as:
- Is this an “as it happens”, slice-of-life, real-time breaking news item or event?
- Are you demonstrating how to do something? On screen (e.g. using a program?) In the flesh (e.g. sewing that French seam?)
- Are you interviewing someone? Is the focus on them?
- Is this a customer testimonial?
- Would using a professional actor detract or enhance from your video’s message?
- Would animations or slides make your message stick in peoples’ minds better than a “talking head” video?
- Are there other guests in your video?
- Are you presenting an informal video, such as a Google Hangout for a closed group?
- What goal do you want to achieve with this video?
Focusing on the video and its message rather than just your feelings will help you make the most effective video possible.
Miss the other posts in this series? Click below.
Creative Video Marketing
Creative Video Marketing: What is Stopping You?
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