Now that my blog has gained some traction, I’ve been thinking about how to introduce video blogging to my audience to stretch myself and my blog. After getting advice from many people on how to get started, here are five tips I’ve heard:
Tune in to what others are doing
Good bloggers read a lot of blogs and good video bloggers listen and watch other people’s videos. Reading other blogs has been essential to me in starting my own – by doing so I’ve learned (and am still learning) what to post and how to gain a following. I’m taking the same approach with video blogging.
If you are wondering where to start, two of my favorite video bloggers are Jun Loayza and Rebecca Thorman. I love Jun’s energy and confidence when he’s on camera, and I love how Rebecca keeps her posts short and sweet, yet still relevant.
Get the technical aspects right
Create a good video blog post isn’t just about performance; there’s a technical side as well. Learn what equipment is needed (ie: camera, editing software), how to create and edit files, and how to distribute your video blog posts via feed. Also consider sound and resolution quality – understanding how to improve these will show consideration for your audience and boost your success.
Choose topics suitable for video posts
If you own a blog, choosing topics should be easy and since blogging is essentially the same as writing a speech, it shouldn’t be too difficult to transpose your content and message into a different format. According to 12seconds.tv, the average person gets bored after 12 seconds of watching a video. While I don’t think 12 seconds is long enough for a full video post, I do think topics that only take a minute to talk about work well. Another suggestion: try making a video post when you have one question that wouldn’t make a good blog post on its own.
Find people to talk to
I think video posts are fun with just one person, but also get bored of listening to the same person. For longer videos, everything I’ve read so far points to either having a co-host or having an interesting guest (or both). One person even went so far to say you should get a co-host of the opposite sex because there is better chemistry. All of this makes sense to me – not only would I not want to talk for five minutes straight, I wouldn’t want to listen to someone else talk for five minutes straight. A few different perspectives would mix it up, cause tension, and create a little more drama.
Do a test drive
If you aren’t ready to start your own video blogging, it might help to get your feet wet on someone else’s as a guest host or guest interviewee. This would give you an overview of creating a video and experience for your own. It’s also a good way to start relationships with people who can help you get your video blog posting off the ground.
What do you thing of video posts? Way of the future, or just a fad?
Author:
Monica O’Brien writes career advice for young professionals at her blog, Twenty Set. You can also follow her on Twitter (@monicaobrien).
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The flip cam rocks. Most people would be surprised to know that my videos are shot with one. Everyone assumes I have a big, complicated HD cam or something. Video totally sets you apart from everyone else for sure! Great post!
Video podcasts are cheap and extremely effective. Thanks for all the tips Monica! I think the main reason why people should do video podcasts is that your audience gets to know you on a more personal level.
Thanks for the shout-out! I think video blogging is a lot harder than people think it is at first – I recommend practicing in front of the camera and then watching yourself for a bit before committing and posting.
Good tips! I think the flip camera a huge grade above the video cam. While there are some quality issues – such as a desire for an external audio source in some of them, the sound is generally pretty good.
I would also recommend a bit of practice prior to the final record. Take a look at it a few times before you upload.
A few points of advice:
First, I’ve been doing live shots for TV news for a bazillion years and it’s best to keep things short and tight. You can always refer your “viewers” to other links and information at your blog or in credits should you actually decide to edit your segments.
Second – as i tell newly reporters – not only keep it simple but keep it contained. If you have 3-5 bullet points – it’ll be a more concise video. Scripting word for word will get you tangled in perfection. Video blogging is more of an organic spontaneous event.
Third: If you are going to do a promotional video – that’s where you can spend a little extra time on editing and scripting. THis baby lives on your site and is the main promotional tool. Creating talking points are crucial for these to articulate your brand with a laser sharp edge while hitting your viewers on an emotional level.
WorkLifeNation as a series debuts soon – please visit.
I have my own personal movie blog/vlog where I do a lot of quick movie reviews at my desk. I try to keep them short, in the one minute range because I know people can get bored very quickly, especially if it is just one guy up there. Try it out, its fun.
Thanks for the compliment Monica! Can’t wait till you join me on the video blogs!
Great Post!
There is a lot of video content out there these days, and a lot of competition for eyeballs, so I think doing a little research to improve quality goes a long way (lighting, sound, motion graphics).
If quality / branding is important, hire a pro who can ensure high quality and make you stand above the rest.
And, as a pro, here’s my big secret — use Tubemogul.com (no, I don’t work for them, I just use them a lot!) to quickly distribute your video to 10+ viral sites for maximum kickstart to viral traffic to your product, service, or site.
Today’s technology is fantastic and allows you to do so much with so little! Of course, it’s doing it the right way that’s important. There’s a simple rule that I learned back in Grammar School that has stuck to me like glue-”Never B flat, never B sharp-always B natural.”