Do You Hate To Write? by Sue Henry
If you hate to write and it’s keeping you from blogging, then I have good news for you! Have a “video blog”.
A web video isn’t a mulitmillion Hollywood project. It’s not going to be “perfect”, and if you wait for perfection, the world will pass you by!
Basically, a blog video is like a blog post your write. It’s you sharing some information with your readers and connecting with them in a sincere, honest way. Here’s my top 5 tips for your blog video:
1. Have a script and practice it a couple of times before recording. You want to sound energized and competent while still showing your humanness of “ahhs”, etc.
2. Check the background where you’ll be recording. Remove any stacks of papers, clutter, etc. I would recommend having a couple items in the background that are “personal” and help people learn a little more about you as a person. For instance, if you have a pet you love, have a photo of them on the desk or table behind you.
3. Have the camera capture your face straight on. Have you ever seen the videos or photos of people where the camera has been angled from below the head and is aimed upward? No one looks good with a double chin!
4. Engage your audience with a story they can relate to. If you are using visuals (like a white board to share something), have yourself in the video, too. “Condition” them to hear your voice, see your face, and provide valuable, helpful information. This increases credibility and name/information retention. You want them to remember YOU when they think of the product or service you provide.
5. Be enthusiastic. Smile. And have fun!
Blogging can be an essential tool in attracting and finding the people who want, need, and are willing to buy what you offer. Someone is going to go online and find and connect with a person who offers what you do… Help them find you!
Tags: blogs, hate to write, video
September 8th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Great article!
I was at an expo earlier this year when one guy heard I produced video for a living and for one of my hobbies I podcast (audio, however). He said he was very interested in starting a video podcast (aka video blog) and asked how would I start one.
I spoke of much of what is in this article, but I also mentioned he should get a lapel microphone (aka lavalier). The microphone that is one the camera sounds horrible because it is too far away. I bought a lapel mic on ebay for about $7 for my own use…and it works better than the built in microphone. For under $20 you can buy lapel mics and the difference is astounding.
The last video blog type of video I did (it was an experiment), I used a Logitech 9000 webcam and a lapel microphone. You set the software for the webcam to take the video from the webcam, but the audio for the lapel microphone.
For the minor investment, it will bring your video blog to a whole other level of quality…which could go on for years (I am in my third year of production for my audio podcast for my hobby).