Regularly Create Videos That Engage Viewers

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

What You Need To Do – Regularly Create Videos That Engage Viewers

So here’s what you need to do. To be an effective video marketer, you need to regularly create videos that engage your viewers, that build relationships with them, and position you as the expert in your field.

Now this isn’t as tricky as it sounds.

Here are 10 quick tips to help you create videos that help you stand out miles above your competitors but before that, here are a few online video myths that prevent many people from even getting started.

4 Biggest Myths

Myth 1: Equipment Too Expensive

The first myth is equipment is too expensive. It’s not true!

These days almost everyone will have a camera more than capable of filming high quality web video on their phone.

If you don’t, the cheapest option is to get an iPod Touch.

Myth 2: It takes time

The second myth is that video takes time.

Once you learn how to film and upload videos, you’ll find it’s actually quicker than doing articles.

As a bonus, they rank better.

Myth 3: Quality

The third myth is that people want to see high quality videos. Not true.

People have different expectations when watching web video.

If you make mistakes, it is actually more engaging and natural.

People will find it easier to believe you.

If you are too polished, people will get suspicious and perceive you as being fake.

Myth 4: Presenting on camera

The fourth biggest myth is that it is too scary to present on camera.

A little voice in your head will say, “I’m no good on camera, people won’t want to watch me.”

And if this is you, don’t worry.

This is by far the biggest obstacle everyone faces, even the pros.

The good news is that presenting is a skill that can be learned and practiced.

Ten Top Tips To Help You Get Started With Online Video The Right Way

Tip #1: Don’t be on camera

The first tip is to not be on camera.

If you aren’t comfortable being on camera, the good news is you don’t need to be on camera.

You can start with ScreenCasts or getting someone else to present.

Build up your confidence by doing “ScreenCast” videos.

There are quite a few free online programs available, including Screen-o-matic and Screenr.

These videos record the screen of your computer and your voice.

Alternatively you can find someone who’s a natural presenter to be the “Face” of your videos.

Tip #2: Do an interview

The second tip is to do an interview.

Interviews are a great way to make engaging videos and build confidence in front of the camera.

They also position you as an expert in your field and help you get used to being in front of the camera.

The first type of interview is where you interview an expert in your niche.

Alternatively, if you can’t find an expert to interview, you can have a friend interview you…just get them to ask you your top ten FAQs.

Tip #3: Breathe

The third tip is to breathe.

Engaging with your viewers is difficult if you are rigid and nervous but much easier when you are loose and relaxed.

Breathing properly is the easiest way to loosen up.

When you are nervous you take short, sharp breaths through your chest – you will notice your shoulders move when you breathe.

Instead breathe through your diaphragm – in for 3, out for 3… in for 3, out for 3…and smile when you’re ready!

Tip #4: Watch yourself

The fourth tip is to watch yourself.

The first time you saw yourself on camera you probably deleted it.

You looked weird and sounded strange.

I only know this because it happened to me too.

The image that the camera sees or Your True Image is very different to what you think you look like.

Most times you see yourself you are actually looking at a reflection.

Also, Your True Voice is very different to what you think you sound like.

The voice that you hear has to travel from your mouth to your head to your ear.

The voice the camera picks up – true voice – only has to travel through the air.

So how do you get used to your True Self?

By watching your videos again and again until you get over yourself and start to accept your true self and even begin to like it.

Tip #5: Chat to a friend

The fifth tip is to chat to a friend.

Self shooting your videos is very convenient.

However, you can appear rigid and robotic on the camera.

Remember you want to engage with your audience and the majority of the people watching videos online by themselves.

So get a friend to film you.

You’ll immediately notice that your energy changes, you’ll be relaxed and you’ll even start having fun.

Your audience will be more engaged too because you will be talking to them as if you’re already good mates with them.

Tip #6: Consuming Passions

The sixth tip is to film what you’re passionate about, find out what consumes you.

People are good at picking up if you are genuine about what you are saying.

If you are making videos about a topic you aren’t interested in, it really shows.

Also, you must believe that if you are passionate about something there’s a good chance millions of other people are too…no matter how weird, off-topic or out there you might think it is!

Tip #7: Be Prepared

The seventh tip is to be prepared.

Many times people get a great idea for a video but by the time they set everything up the inspiration has gone.

So for this to not happen, have an area in your office or home that’s always set up so that you can film a video straight away.

If you film outdoors, make sure all of the equipment you need is easy to grab.

Tip #8: Get Inspired

The eighth tip is to get inspired.

Listen to other videos or audios on your topic.

Read something that inspires you.

Ever notice how your energy and confidence levels rise when you talk about

something after you’ve been inspired by something?

Like after a good movie or a webinar or when you get a new client?

Well these are always great ways to pump yourself up so that you’re in the right head-space to film engaging and exciting videos.

Tip #9: Make Mistakes

Tip no. 9 is to be comfortable with making mistakes.

It’s way too hard to be perfect.

Learn to become comfortable with making mistakes on camera – they are inevitable.

You’ll notice you’ll become a lot more relaxed and confident on camera if you aren’t worried about slipping up.

Also, people watching online video have an expectation that you won’t be polished and perfect.

Believe it or not, but you’ll actually sound a lot more natural if you let in the odd small mistake…within reason of course!

Tip #10: Just Do It!

The final and tenth tip is to just do it!

Film a video right now and post it up on YouTube.

Sure, your first video may be nothing spectacular, but your second video is

going to be a lot better than your first and your third will be light years better than your second…but how are you going to get better if you don’t start?

So break the “Online Video Rules” if you have to.

Don’t worry if your video has poor sound, is longer than 2-3 minutes, atrocious lighting… just get it up online!

Please send me your videos – I will be happy to critique them honestly based on these 10 points.

GO FOR IT!

~Sue Tamani

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