How to Begin Video Blogging Today!

Mary — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 02:35:58 +0000

Whatever business you’re in, you probably have a unique view of the world through your business.

This is an overview showing how to create a quality online video.

Of course we want to do it for you, but if you want to “go for it” get started now:

Quickest way to Quality Online Video:

Your Video Shoot: Probably the easiest way to share your story when you’re first starting with Video Blogging, is to sit down in front of the camera with a script taped just below the lens of your camera. Read the script as though you’re looking into your subject’s eyes:

Pick one idea you’d like to share;
Tell them what you’re going to tell them at the beginning, go into detail, then at the end tell them what you told them.
Be passionate and authentic about your vision. Don’t become someone else.
Leave the viewer wanting to contact you – and be sure you ask them to do so!

Plan out your B-Roll in advance:

What is a B-Roll? Its the footage you use to illustrate your point. Whether you’re using still images or you’re shooting your B-Roll footage have a plan for what those “cut aways” will look like.

What Gear will You Need?

Camera: Almost any HD Camera will do for online video. Make sure your camera is set to the HD setting. You will want a camera with a microphone jack for upgrading your sound later.
Tripod: For shooting yourself speaking, you’ll want to use a tripod or set your camera on something just above eye level. Practice swiveling it before you buy it if you intend to use it for motion. The cheap ones can be sticky and not worth using. You can add weight onto your arm or the stand to create an even movement.
Editing Software: Adobe Premier Elements for PC is easy to use, simply import your footage and get started, you can even “share” it on youtube with the click of a button. Also iMovie for Mac is the same. These are not professional grade editing software programs, but they work fine for video blogging and do not have a steep learning curve like the professional programs.
Your Computer: Whether Mac or PC, the most basic computers will accommodate video. However a good tip is that once you upload to YouTube or the other video sharing sites, delete footage from your computer so as not to take up hard drive space.
Lighting: As many lights as you can shine on you, and your background is usually good. If you’re not using professional lights, you probably cannot use too many lights! So go for it, and be sure you and your background are well lit. Check your footage to be sure it looks good and not too dark or too blown out with light.
Your Set: Be sure you have a simple background that doesn’t take away from your message.

Editing Basics

Tip One: When you begin editing, simply use jpg photos or ”B Roll” footage to cut away and illustrate the points you’re making. You’ll use your audio track from the footage of you reading the script.

Tip Two: You’ll mostly want to keep your image in at the beginning and ending of the footage, although you may want to cut in and see you when making important points.

Tip Three: Do not use much time, if any, on the introduction footage, using too much prescious time right in the beginning of your message will turn people away and also is a dead give away that you’re not pro. Uploading to youtube with most modern programs is a snap!

Tip Four: Keep it about 2 minutes or less. One way to do that with a script, is 28 pt font and 3 pages or less – have a friend turn the pages quietly for you as you read.

Tip Five: Video Search Engine Optimization – Make sure the raw footage, when uploaded to YouTube has the right keywords! You want people to find it, so adding the appropriate description is important.

How do I get the Video to my Site?

We build WordPress sites that you can control yourself! So if your site is built with Wordpress, every time you create a new video, you can easily copy and paste the embed code into your wordpress site. You can literally have video up on your site in two shakes!

If you want us to build you a custom WordPress website, teach you how to do pro video, come to you and shoot your video blogs and teach you how to operate your gear, that’s what we do! So give us a call now and we’ll talk your ear off about what we can do to help bring your message to the world.