Lights, Camera, Action!

people recording a video

Today, I looked into what makes effective video marketing.  You may recall in an earlier blog post, that I admitted I don’t love making videos, but I do it anyway and encourage you to make them too.

Because I don’t love the process or frankly the results (who likes to see themselves on film?) I realize the low level of effort I put into these little messages.

Well, that’s about to change.  Here is a list – and you can hold me accountable – of ways to make better marketing videos. 

Clear and concise messaging: Focus on delivering your core value proposition and key points without using industry jargon. 

 KS comment:  Yep, my videos are a bit rambling.  I should write down a couple of bullet point statements before hitting Record.

 High-quality production: Invest in good equipment and lighting to ensure your videos look and sound professional.

KS comment:  Um, you mean my built-in computer camera and microphone and no lighting, are a problem?  I see investment in the future.

 Engaging storytelling: Weave compelling narratives or client success stories into your videos to captivate your audience.

 KS comment:  Maybe a little tricky without client permission.  However, I do tell a lot of stories about my parents without asking.

 Educational content: Provide valuable information and insights that empower viewers to make informed financial decisions.

 KS comment:  Finally, something I try to do every time.  Also, I work on giving an opinion about something, not just regurgitating rules or information from news sources.

 Personalized approach: Tailor your content to your target audience's specific interests, needs, and pain points.

 KS Comment:  Maybe I do this or maybe I jabber on about what I THINK clients want to hear.  Need to pay more attention to what my audience wants.

 Brief duration: Keep videos short and to the point, ideally 1-2 minutes long, to maintain viewer engagement.

 KS Comment:  Amen, sister!  Short and sweet, that describes my videos.

Strong opening hook: Capture attention within the first 3-5 seconds to prevent viewers from navigating away.

 KS Comment:  Room for improvement here.  Just like writing blog headlines, creating catchy early hooks is easier said than done.

 Call-to-action: Include a clear next step for viewers, such as visiting your website or scheduling a consultation.

 KS Comment:  Yeah, I almost never do this.  An easy fix, but one must be intentional.

SEO optimization: Use relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags to improve search engine visibility.

KS Comment:  I’ll need to schedule a meeting with my IT Genius to get some ideas here.

Authentic presentation: Be genuine and relatable to build trust and credibility with your audience.

 KS Comment:  One thing about my janky, homemade, poorly lit videos is that they surely show the authentic me. 

 

So, this exercise has shown me that while I’m doing a few things well (and at least I’m doing it at all) my video presence can use some serious punching up.

Call to Action:  See how I did that?  Pick three ideas from the list above to help improve your videos for more effective marketing.

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