Getting videos into the mix can add extra oomph to a business owner's blog.
In helping entrepreneurs make the most of their websites, I've generally found that visitors to a blog with videos spend twice if not triple the time on it than they would with a site that's only text and pictures.
The videos make the site more personal for prospective customers because seeing you in a video is more like meeting you in person.
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You also don't need to produce video daily like a written blog. It can be something you do once a week or even once a month. The whole idea is to create excitement and expectation around the video because it's going beyond the usual 300- or 400-word written blog post. It's not just a yada, yada post for the day. You'll also likely be more excited about what you're talking about.
It doesn't take a lot to start using video in blogs. A good high-definition video camera can be found at an electronics store for about $200. Record a video and then upload the video file to YouTube. You can then insert the YouTube link into your blog post. Embedding the URL instantly turns it into a video box you can work with.
Here's a video I recently recorded and uploaded onto YouTube.
I'm explaining some things you need to keep in mind to ensure your video looks professional:
- Know how your camera works.
- Write a list of the points you want to make so you can stay on task.
- Make sure your surroundings are well-lit.
- Be aware of ambient noise and try to minimize it.
- Watch how much you move around.
- Make sure your eye contact stays on the camera.
- When you're done, watch the presentation with a critical eye toward detail. Make sure, for example, your cat isn't in the background.
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Ensuring the video looks acceptable is just the first step in making sure your video blogging is meeting the needs of your business. Here are some other important things to consider:
- Know your audience. If your customers are mainly bankers, it's probably best to wear a suit and be more straight-laced. If you're in the sports equipment business, then it's probably no holds barred. Think about who your customers or prospective customers are, and proceed accordingly. If you already have a written blog, look at which posts are most popular and interactions with readers when deciding the personality of your video blog.
- Don't be boring. A video needs to be faster paced and a lot more interesting than a written post. Get others to critique your videos, and, when you're starting out, record the first one three or four times and choose the best one to post.
- Make it conversational. I've done public speaking for 15 years. But when I started video blogging, I definitely had a drone going on. To give myself an audience to talk to, I made a little cartoon figure and pasted it on the top of my screen above my camera. I found that I had more voice inflection, and the pace picked up.
- Keep it short. A video blog post should usually be three to five minutes maximum. If you're going longer, cut down the length of the presentation and consider elaborating by pairing the video post with written posts about different points. You can also plow forward and do that 15 to 20-minute video, but it better be something really interesting. Otherwise, it will likely be the last 20-minute video your visitors ever watch.
- Don't be pushy about what you're selling. Avoid repeating all the time that you have great prices, or that you have great customer service. Demonstrate your expertise in your industry. If you talk about product features that benefit customers, they won't mind that you're telling them about it. Ideally, they will see who you are and decide they want to buy from you.
Related: How to Decode Website Metrics to Pump Up Your Online Marketing
Photo: Shyshak Roman/Shutterstock
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Comments:
For an effective running a blog, video clips must be up to the level and interacting with all the factors to protect within the short phrases. Long phrases makes the information aggravating. Prevent experience and uncertain terminology in video clips and use well mannered and eye-catching overall tone.
I was searching some thing relevant to this, And i am feeling lucky, as its the perfect one for what i am looking for. I will share this link on face book.
Yeah! these tips are very useful. For an effective blogging, videos must be up to the mark and dealing with all the aspects to cover within the short sentences. Long sentences makes the information frustrating. Avoid competency and ambiguous wording in videos and use polite and attractive tone.
Thanks for sharing this useful information . It is really a great help to those who want to start a new business. Hope to hear more from you. :D
Great article. Love your website. Making money online is what I do and if you have any questions about how to make money online fast and without any effort then give me a shout.
Before shooting video remember taht what people really search on you tube. and the shoot some videos related to it
Video blogging is popping up now on the most popular websites nowadays. it really is the newest thing. Customers love this because they can see the admin of the blog and start getting to know them on a deeper level. We started teaching people how to make money online through our blog. People were not satisfied with just reading about how to make money online so they commented on our posts and said we should start video blogging. Well it worked people love going to thehellbrothers.com to learn how to make money online. All thanks to video blogging
Great post John! I agree with all your points :-) Check out my video post and let me know your thoughts! http://ow.ly/7i18h
did you know you can actually make money from vlogging as well. Youtube will pay you to make videos.
Hello John! I enjoyed the information in your post. Very relevant for the business I'm in and something I use more and more each day. Your video blogging tips were spot on!
It is nice information John! As you said, it is more useful to get good results in business. Thanks for sharing this post.
Great post! Your tips are useful. Thank you!
I use JiveSYSTEMS video email software and it really works, you can send video emails and also post videos on your website or blog! Great post. www.jivesystem.com
great article, thanks
The author hit the nail on the head on many points about video, however, before you spend all the time effort that your videos will do no good if nobody is sees them. If they do see them, make sure they are something that represents you and your organization in the best light possible.
Some great tips. Thanks so much. Here are a few more to think about when doing video storytelling. http://bit.ly/ocrEnE
If you do not have a background in business, all is not lost; consider things that are not directly related to business, like your access to certain social groups or a discount on facilities as a result of membership in a club or organization.
35 hours of video is uploaded to YouTube every 60 minutes. This alone suggests that there is a huge desire for video with a growing online audience. Thanks to video small business owners, can bring their brand to life and help convey messages that sometimes can get lost in the written word with more impact and vigour. Video marketing is a "must have" component of any well constructed marketing mix.
Videos plays the major role these days for the business success. As through videos one can explain their business concept more clearly in people's mind in less time , and specially in this time when none has more time to read all stuff. So just by seeing the video they can take the review. And as if one use less time video in blog , then through blogging with video they can make their visitor more understanding and after that they can give their reviews fully. And video make our blog attractive also and if video in blog then can upload that blog on youtube also for more response. Thanks for sharing such valuable information.
Great Post! I couldn't agree more, video blogging is a great way to keep your blog interesting and keep customers coming back.