Video has become increasingly important to the life of companies on the internet.
Customers enjoy watching videos that explain how to use a product or to learn more about the company behind the product. There are entire blogs devoted to video - these are called vlogs.
Video makes the internet go 'round, so why isn't it working for you?
Ugly Video
First and foremost, ugly videos aren't watched.
People may take a look, but if the video is fuzzy, dark, blurry, or grainy, the viewer’s become annoyed. With every mobile phone taking decent video today, there's no excuse for shoddy video quality.
Throw out that old digital video recorder and use a smartphone. If you have access, iPhones have apps for video and allow upload directly to YouTube.
Pay attention to your 'set'.
Your video quality can be stellar but when the set looks awful, that's another strike. Keep the shooting area clean and avoid using cheesy props. There's a time and place for cheesy. Professional, serious videos do not need ugly backdrops or weird hijinks.
Tailor the Content
Speaking of hijinks, if your company sells fun merchandise, by all means be funny.
Be weird. Pull out all of the stops to sell your fun items. Keep your video content tailored to your product or the brand you are trying to project.
Make videos memorable for good reason - informational, educational, entertaining, or whatever fits your brand.
Think of your demographic.
The people you are trying to reach. Let's assume you are selling video games. It would make sense to create a video showing a teaser of game content. The people watching want to know about the game.
For this sort of company it would make no sense to show a video of the CEO's cat doing something funny. That may be entertaining, but it doesn't tell your demographic about your product.
Boring!
Let's say that all of the elements are in place.
Good looking video, target tailoring...but nothing seems to be working. Maybe it's your technique. Watch your videos. Pretend that you've never seen your product before. Is the video interesting or is it a bit boring? How are the lines delivered?
People can tell when someone isn't relaxed or if they're reading from a card. Don't be stiff and formal. Relax and pretend as if the camera is the person you are talking to. If it helps, have someone stand behind the camera and talk to that person.
Another technique is to have someone sit with you and ask questions. Instead of talking to the camera, you talk with the partner, similar to a television interview program.
Video doesn't have to be dry and boring.
Spend time getting used to sitting in front of a camera. Talk to friends over Skype or another video conferencing platform.
You can record yourself telling them about your product or service, then review how you spoke.
This may help you relax and create your best sales video yet.