Written by
Rebekah Radice
Published on
April 3, 2013
Creating your first video is an exciting step. It can also be nerve-wracking.Whether you're using YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, getting in front of the camera can feel scary.But what if using video to market your business could be fun and easy?
Video marketing offers endless content to your website and blog and gives your visitors the opportunity to see the guy or gal behind that great content. Use it for everything from educational to hyper-local videos.With the popularity of YouTube (We watch over 6 billion hours on YouTube per month!!) adding video to your online presence can be a game changer for your business.With over 2 million daily active users, Periscope's meteoric growth is nothing to scoff at.Statistics show that 90% of people state that video was a driving force behind their online purchase. (Internet Retailer Study) Those are telling stats.Most people have to take the first step and that's scary.Whether it is fear of the camera or a fear of the unknown, stepping out there can be the hardest part. But now is the time to put on those big girl (or boy) pants and make it happen.But before you go diving in, let’s get you prepped with the first 3 steps to your video success.
Your first stop is video topic ideation. Here you'll research, identify, and then create the topics that matter most to your audience.This process is a simple research approach that gets me headed in the right direction. You will use a few tools to find trending, relevant, and topical video content to create.
Here's how: 1. Go to YouTube and search for your top 5 competitors. Scroll through their most recent videos. What type of video content are they creating? What's received the most views and engagement?
2. Go to BuzzSumo and search by your competitors domain. The tool will list their content based on total engagement. You're
3. Go to UbersuggestThis free keyword tool will help you uncover search volume, CPC, and competition for every keyword.Since I started using this tool several years ago, Neil Patel has made many helpful updates.First, add your keyword. But don't go broad or generic.For example, if I were running a blog about cycling, I'd stay away from a search on "best bikes" and instead get specific around your topic.I'd use the long tail keyword search "best bikes for" to get a long list of possible keywords.
Second, look to the note on ranking. How hard will it be to rank for this particular keyword?Before you create any video, you must answer an empathic, "YES" to each of these questions.
Is it interesting information, and does it provide a solution or answer to their needs?Look to your local news, industry headlines, and tools like SEMrush for keyword research on high demand topics.
You'll lose viewers as quickly as you capture their attention if your video:
As you begin to research topics, always look at it from the perspective of your video viewer.What value does it offer and what will they be able to do better, have more of, increase in their business after watching?If you can't give solid answers to those questions, ditch the idea or topic.
Can you share a funny, poignant or inspiring story? Tapping into emotions isn’t necessary. However, it does help your viewers connect with you, your business and your message.
Video EquipmentHave you purchased a video camera? For me, I'm typically either on my Macbook Pro or my iPhone 6s Plus. Both provide an exceptional experience in both sound and visual quality.But if you're looking for something a little different, here's some great advice from Omni Core Agency. (see their camera recommendations by clicking the link)
Tripod
Lighting While natural lighting is always the best way to go, there are alternatives. Below is listed from least to most expensive.
Just remember, when it comes to video and creating your online persona, Be Yourself!Creating your brand is about building credibility and trust between you and your audience. When who you are is accurately depicted in your videos, people will respond.Plus, being YOU on video is so much easier than acting!So get out there and start your video blogging journey!