How long should our videos be?
What’s best?
The first approach to an answer is:
A video has to be as long as it has to be.
While undoubtedly true, this is probably not really helpful as far as this question goes.
We all know that there are no easy answers to ‘What is best?’ question because ‘it all depends.’
Does it matter where we shoot our videos?
Indoors?
In front of a plain background?
Perhaps something more varied?
Outdoors?
Actually, it does matter although not so much where we film but the choice of background for our videos matters.
1. Is it a Non-Governmental Organisation?
2. Is it a radio station?
3. Is it a new game for the Wii?
Well, it is none of these.
Being charitable, radio station would probably come closest because WIIFM defines the wavelength on which we have to broadcast our message if we want to be heard at all, if we want it to be received by our audience.
WIIFM stands for What’s In It For Me.
Why do we have to broadcast on this wavelength?
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Isn’t it enough just to create videos?
Do we really need a purpose for creating our videos?
Everyone now talks about wanting and needing videos. Is it really necessary to go all fluffy and delve into why?
Do you know why you want videos?
Let me come clean at the outset. Being clear about our purpose has nothing to do with being ‘fluffy’. It is hugely important even if we limit ourselves here just to creating videos. Without it we won’t get anywhere.
Let me answer these questions in turn:
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There are at least a couple of dozen different types of video, give or take a few. What makes Talking Head Videos special?
Let’s recap: Those who offer Professional Services have to connect and build trust with others before these will become clients.
What is the best way of achieving this?
Of course, it is talking to them directly face-to-face.
How can we transfer this online?
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Do your smartphone videos have these ugly black bars on either side when you upload them?
Do you ever wonder why this happens?
It’s simple. We make videos with our smartphone by holding our phone the way we always do, namely ‘upright’ (or in ‘portrait’ format).
It is convenient and very easy as this is how the phone naturally sits in our hand.
The result, though, is a narrow little video that generally flits all over the place and usually sounds bad.
And the black bars are there because videos are shown ‘horizontally’, in ‘landscape’ format, as our eyes are arranged horizontally in our head and not vertically.
There is a real danger in using videos like that to promote your business, service or project. Because it looks amateurish and at times even off-putting, this judgment can carry over to and damage your image, reputation and credibility.
Can we do anything about it?
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Does the mere thought of being on camera scare you?
Don’t worry, you are not alone. Fear of video is well-nigh universal. Lots of people are really afraid of… actually, what?
What is so scary about being on video?
After all, a camera is just a small plastic box with bits of glass, metal and some very low-voltage circuitry that could not hurt anyone. Nothing will jump out at you. It is not a sable tooth tiger ready to pounce.
So, what is it then?
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Have you been to the Nespresso store in Regent Street? You ought to try it.
The first time I walked in there, I had a coffee and bought one strip of pods (no. 11, I don’t do their names). In other words, I had enjoyed a free coffee, parted with a mere £3.50 for their merchandise and left the store having been treated like royalty. What else?
I mean, what ought one expect of a luxury store selling a luxury beverage, the means to brew it at home and offering their clientele the opportunity to sample the delights they provide, no strings attached? What else, indeed?
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What should I talk about in my videos, where do I find content, and how much content should I give away?
Do these questions resonate with you? If yes, read on, if not, feel free to click away.
You want videos, be they for your website, social media, business, work, charity, club or whatever else. You hesitate. Should you DIY or have them Done 4 U? What is ‘better’?
Obviously, it depends. But you don’t need me to tell you that.
So, instead of harping on about the blatantly obvious, here are three scenarios when you’re better off creating your own videos:
Scenario 1: When you have the time
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