I was flattered to receive great feedback from both the workshop and the presentation. Because of the great response, I wanted to share some quick tips for how to get started with video. The session at the Summit was much more in depth and dare I say much funnier, but this will give you a little taste to get you started. Try it. Your brand will be glad you did.
Why Video? A Few Fast Facts:
• Viewers are spending more time watching digital video than ever before
• The average American spends 1 hour and 55 minutes watching digital video (per person, per day)
• Business leader Andrew Angust declares the play button “the most compelling call-to-action on the web.”
• Hubspot reports that using the word “video” in an email subject line boosts open rates by a staggering 19%.
• Out of all the video produced, only 8% is produced by small businesses. #missedopportunity
*USA stats as of January 2016
Why else do I need video? My still images are killer.
Videos tell a much more compelling story—a story through motion. It’s a way to bring your audience in, pull at their heart strings, make them laugh, inspire them. It offers connectivity.
How To Get Started
People have all kinds of hang-ups for why they aren’t using video. It’s time to throw those out the window and just start trying. You’ll get better and it will get easier. Get started quickly with these pointers:
•ALWAYS Make a story board—brainstorm your concept ahead of time. Come up with a compelling hook and do your best to tell a story, not sell a story. It’s as simple as drawing squares on a piece of paper and writing what you want to happen in each square/segment/take.
Here’s the simple “story board” for the video I produced for the new Le Creuset Hibiscus color of pots. To me the pot was ballet pink and my mind immediately went to a dancer…dancing through a kitchen preparing something tres French!
And Here’s the video: Does it sell Le Creuset? Absolutely it does but without being chock full of logos, marketing speak or facts.
Thanks for sharing your words of wisdom Libbie. I so wanted to come to your talk in Charleston. Camera suggestions for newbies?
Hey Cynthia! I’d encourage you to make good friends with your iphone before investing in any other camera. The secret to great videos is telling a story. Getting comfortable with story telling using your phone and editing in imovie (the step by step guide is in my article above) are key in the beginning. If you’re ready to take a leap after that…I recommend a Cannon 7D. Just know, the best camera in the world can’t tell a good story…that’s all you.