Knowledge Centre

How To Get More Video Views

How To Get More Video Views 150 150 Pam Jones

How do you get MORE video views? Whether that’s a video you’ve had made or videos you’re creating yourself?

Well…you have to promote your videos.

In this video I’ll be giving 8 ways to do that so your videos get more videos.

But first, let’s take a step back.

Video making takes time. There’s planning. Creating. Filming. Editing and lots more.

So when the video is ready to share, your next step is find ways for that  piece of content to work hard for your business.

Many times.

The mistake many businesses make is to share their video once and then think, that’s it.

People have seen it. The job is done.

But not everyone is going to see your video when you share it.

So the first thing to remember is to keep sharing and promoting it every few months.

Don’t just leave your video sitting around gathering dust. That’s a waste of time and of course money.

So let’s get into today’s video – how to promote your business videos to get MORE views?

  1. Create a video channel on YouTube or a similar platform like Vimeo.

This is where you can upload all your videos.

Remember, YouTube is part of Google and having videos does improves your website SEO rankings. So YT is a good place to keep your videos in one place.

2. Add your videos to your website.

Create a separate area just for your videos. Like a blog page. Call it something like Knowledge Hub.  Videos. Or Free resources.

It’s a way of directing traffic to your site when you share your videos.

Don’t directly upload videos to your website as video files are big and these can slow down your website if you upload directly.

Always embed videos into your site from another platform.

3. Share your videos on the social media channels you’re active on

If you’re creating videos yourself from any in app creation tools, remember to save the video on your phone.

That way you can share your videos across your other channels easily to get more views.

4. Email the videos to your marketing list

Lots of businesses forget this. Most email marketing systems have a video feature, so check this out.

And if you’ve setup your video area on your website, then this a perfect opportunity to direct people to your website.

5. Add video to proposals

Are you writing a lot of proposals or send other documents like brochures electronically?

Then another way to promote your business videos to get MORE views is to add a link to relevant videos in those documents.

6. Share relevant video in social forums

Are you part of any online forums or social media groups?

There may be a relevant post where you can share a specific video.

Be careful not to spam these groups  because you might get kicked. Only post a video if it’s relevant. And if you’re unsure, always ask the forum or group administrator if it’s OK to share a video that you think will help a discussion.

7. Add a link to the video in your email signature

How many emails do you send out? 100? Then that’s 100 more potential video views.

8. Showcase video at an event

Are you exhibiting at an upcoming event?

Take your laptop and have a suitable video like a business promotion video playing on a loop at your stand.

It’s a good way to direct people to you and strike up that conversation.

So that’s it. 8 ways to promote your videos to get more views.

If you found this helpful, please consider sharing it.

The Best Video Tool

The Best Video Tool 150 150 Pam Jones

Watch the video about this or read the script below.

What’s the best video tool you can use?

Is it a top notch mic? Is it an expensive video camera?

How about shining new lights. A funky new app.

Back to today’s video and I’m talking about the best video tool you should use for every video you make.

Surprise surprise. It is a blank piece of paper. This is where your creative process should begin before you start dabbling in software, before you press the record button, or even call a video production company to help.

Grab a pen and a piece of paper and let your imagination flow.

  • What video are you going to make?
  • What is it for?
  • What video approach do might need? Film or animation?
  • Do you need a location.
  • Write draft a script if you there will be one.
  • Props if you need them.
  • Who’s gonna be in your video?

This plan is your storyboard, which makes the rest of the video make being super easy and quick.

No director ever starts video without a storyboard, so make the storyboard your best video tool.

If you found this helpful, please consider sharing it. Until next time.

Happy video making.


Need more video help? Check out the following video training courses to help you:

  1. Video masterclass – How To Use Video To Promote Your Business
  2. Video Implementation Programme – 3 online course helping you to plan, film and edit your videos confidently.
  3. Work with us to create impactful videos for your business. Anything from animation, software demo video or filmed videos which we plan, film and edit for you.

How To Get A Fabulous Video for Business on A Low Budget

How To Get A Fabulous Video for Business on A Low Budget 150 150 Pam Jones

Every business large and small is budget conscious and looks for ways to streamline costs. And it’s the same for your video budget.

Making videos is essential for business growth. Before you start you need a plan which outlines:

  • The purpose of the video
  • Where it will be used
  • Type of video you will need to make or create

Video marketing must fit into your overall marketing strategy – but it doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Here are 4 ways to make videos on a low budget.

1. Use a smart phone

Learn how to make videos with your smart phone. The technology of smart phone filming has improved significantly. So start with your phone. No expensive cameras needed. And you still get a fabulous video for your business.

2. Free editing apps.

Once you’ve filmed a video, use free editing software like iMovie. Clips. And other apps which have features for free. You can upgrade to paid options when you’re ready to level up your skills.

3. Use natural light

Whatever you’re filming use natural day light – its free!

If filming inside, choose to setup near the best window which flatters your subject.

If outside, film a few takes in different locations and check which one has the best light that you’re looking for. For example, away from shadows or strong sunlight?

4. Royalty free footage

If you don’t want to film a video, search royalty free footage to get unique clips which you don’t film yourself. There are many advantages of using stock footage to make great videos. You can find more about out these in a previous video blog.

Check out Canva. Pixabay for free clips. Istock and Storyblocks for low cost clips or subscriptions services.

So that’s it’s 4 ways To Get A Fabulous Video for Business on A Low Budget.

If you found this helpful please consider sharing it to help others.


Need more video help? Check out the following video training courses to help you:

  1. Video masterclass– How To Use Video To Promote Your Business
  2. Video Implementation Programme– 3 week online course helping you to plan, film and edit your videos confidently.

 

 

 

Tips For Using Stock Footage For Videos

Tips For Using Stock Footage For Videos 150 150 Pam Jones

If you’re looking for alternative ways to get some amazing video content, then using stock footage is a great option.

Coming up…I’ll  be talking what stock footage, why it’s a great option for video content and where to get stock footage.

Hi, Pam Jones from Eight Interactive

Giving you video tips and ideas for creating impactful videos for your business.

If you’re new here please consider following or subscribing.

Now let’s get into today’s video.

One of the best ways to get more engaging video content is to use stock footage. And I’ve used it a lot for some of my projects.

Stock footage is a video clip which you source for free or buy from a third party supplier.

Why is stock video footage a great option?

First you might not want to get in front of the camera.

And it that’s the case, find several clips which you can edit together to make a short video. With or without a script.

Stock footage is cheaper and quicker to use than commissioning a film production company to film new footage for you.

You also can get unique video clips that might be difficult to film.

For example if you’re looking for breath-taking landscape video, like this one, then the chances are you won’t have the budget to film this kind of footage yourself.

So the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to do this is to source some footage.

And finally, it just might not be possible for you to get the clip you need for a specific video.

For example, in these social distancing times, there might regulations in place which mean your film crew won’t be allowed on location.

So again, stock footage is a good alternative.

Now here are 3 key places to get stock footage.

  1. Royalty free sites like Pixabay have a library of clips you can use for free as long as you attribute the source clearly when you use the clip.
  2. Your video editing app or software. Check your editing app or software to see use if you’ve bought a plan which includes some royalty free footage.
  3. Sites like istock. Shutterstock. And Storyblocks.

These all have a big library of footage that can you can buy.

So that’s it.

The what, why and where of using stock video footage.

If you found this helpful, then please give it some love and share it for someone who might find this helpful.

Thanks for watching.


Need more video help? Check out the following video training courses to help you:

  1. Video masterclass – How To Use Video To Promote Your Business
  2. Video Implementation Programme – 3 online course helping you to plan, film and edit your videos confidently.

Choosing Background Music For Your Videos

Choosing Background Music For Your Videos 150 150 Pam Jones

Think back to the last blockbuster film you saw.

I’ll bet you remember the film’s soundtrack as much as the plot. And it’s certain that the soundtrack and background music used in that film did as much to convey mood and emotion as the lighting, acting and the script did.

Indeed, as this article in The Guardian points out, when you remember a favourite film the chances are that its soundtrack will run in your head at the same time.

The writer suggests that it’s nigh on impossible to think of ‘Gone with the Wind’ without hearing Max Steiner’s sweeping score. Now, if you’re thinking ‘Gone with the what?’ then consider Star Wars and its music score penned by John Williams and you’ll get the picture.

OK so here at Eight Interactive we make animated videos and screen recording videos for learning and businesses and not wide-screen epics like Star Wars.

Even so – the background music matters.

Background music in videos is powerful. It drives the narrative of your video forward and it creates emotion around your message.

If you want your learning or business video to stand out from the crowd, then here are our top 5 ideas to help you choose the right background music.

1.Think about the emotion

What do you want your audience to feel?
Do you want them to feel inspired? Shocked? Or do you want them to laugh out loud at the video’s razor sharp wit?

There are styles of music that will go a long way to evoke all these emotions.

2. Create atmosphere or ambiance

In the same way that music can make you feel things it can also make you see things. In fact, emotion and atmosphere go hand in hand.

Depending on the choice of music, a scene of, say, a man approaching a house can be seen as being either benign or sinister. To return to the Guardian article: ‘Spielberg’s long shots of

‘Spielberg’s long shots of empty ocean in ‘Jaws’ would have lacked bite without John Williams’ two-note announcement that something nasty is heading this way.’

3. Know your audience

Who is your video aimed at? If it’s for families then you might need a light-hearted tune as opposed to a driving rock anthem.

4. Think about what your company values are

If you provide professional services you’ll want something that reflects that. A digital media business could be better represented with an electronic piece.In other words: the background music should have some link with the subject or the business.

It’s a good idea though to avoid any piece of music which has become well known. So, should you find yourself drawn to a piece of music associated with a brand of coffee – avoid it.

You want your audience to take on board your company values and your message and not be thinking of a well-known coffee ad.

5. What role in the video do you want the music to take?

You might want it to be there as a support to the information your video is conveying. Or you might instead want it to form an integral part of getting your message across.

Should you be conveying, for example, detailed information then you’d be best served by a piece of music that is unobtrusive.

But if broad concepts are what you want your video to convey then emotion-invoking foreground music is what you need.

This blog from Vidyard features a couple of video clips that demonstrate each of these concepts well.

If you’re wondering if music in learning and business videos is even necessary. Then remember, where you have a voiceover narration in your videos, then adding background music to the video makes an unobtrusive filler between voiceover pauses.

And, of course if you’re choosing not to have voiceover narration in your video, then you’ll definitely need music to create emotion, ambience and engage your audience.

Where can I go for inspiration?

Unless your music library is HUGE the best thing you can do is look at music libraries like Getty Images.

Like a regular library, this site organises the music and audio clips on its virtual shelves by either genre: rock, electronic, pop etc. Or alternatively by categories such as High Energy, Business, Piano, Orchestral and so forth.

Example in action

Visit this page of our website here to see a sample of an animated video and see for yourself how it all works.

Where is Background music most useful?

Background music can be used to enhance any of our video services: Software Demo Video ProductionAnimated explainer video.

 

Over to you

Do you have a particular piece of music that best represents your business? Add a link to it on our Facebook page and tell us why you feel it works for you? We’d love to hear it!


Need more video help? Check out the following video training courses to help you:

  1. Video masterclass – How To Use Video To Promote Your Business
  2. Video Implementation Programme – 3 online course helping you to plan, film and edit your videos confidently.

The 4 Most Popular Types of Video

The 4 Most Popular Types of Video 1920 1080 Pam Jones

Currently most of the world is in lockdown because of the coronavirus.

And what I’m seeing is that many business are taking this lockdown time to think creatively about their digital marketing. I’ve certainly seen more video content on social media and am getting more inquiries about using video.

So if you’re thinking about using video content for your business but not sure which types of videos to make, then watch the rest of this video where I talk about  the four most popular types of videos to use in your business.

Full transcript below the video.

Currently most of the world is in lockdown because of the coronavirus.

And what I’m seeing is that many business are taking this lockdown time to think creatively about their digital marketing. I’ve certainly seen more video content on social media and am getting more inquiries about using video.

So if you’re thinking about using video content for your business but not sure which types of videos to make, then stay with me because in this video I’m going to talk about  the four most popular types of videos to use in your business.

1. Testimonial Videos

One of the things every business needs to be doing is collecting reviews and testimonials from its customers. Testimonials are really important because they build social proof, and social proof builds credibility of who you are and what your business does.

So how do you create testimonial videos?

Well, there are three options.

  1. The most popular way of collecting testimonials is when your customer writes one. You might ask them to do this through Google reviews, Facebook or by email. Take the best statements from 4 or 5 written testimonial and create an animated video to showcase the testimonials. Use your branding guidelines to style the video, and voila, you’ve got a testimonial video. Once you’ve created this template, reuse it every few months to share another five or six different testimonials.
  2. Ask your customers to record a short video on their phone. Give them maybe a few questions to guide the testimonial. Once you’ve collected the videos, create a montage of these videos into a longer video showing 3 or 4 testimonials. And you can also showcase the videos individually with some creative video editing.
  3. Get a testimonial video professionally filmed. Obviously in the current situation, that’s not going to be possible straightaway. But if you do decide to go down this road later, then bear in mind that this option is likely to cost the most. But you’ll get a really high quality testimonial video.

2. How To Videos

The next most popular type of video are how to videos. And did you know the most searched for term in Google is how to.

How to videos are really important because they demonstrate value about what you do to help  your audience understand your expertise or products.

My hairdresser does these really well by making videos about different hairstyles people can do at home. And how to look after your hair in between appointments. So think of the how to’s in your business, then go ahead and make some videos about them.

3. Product Demo Videos

These obviously are only relevant if you have a physical product that you sell. Product videos are really important because they build up trust.

People might need to know:

  • How to use a product safely.
  • How to use all of the product features or
  • How to get the best out of it generally.

So think about how product demo videos might work for your business.

4. Explainer Videos

Explainer videos are really important because they build authority about who you are, what you do, and what your business is about.

An explainer video might be a film from a team member explaining key products and services that you sell.

Or if you have products and services which people find difficult to understand, then think about using animated explainer videos.

Set some lockdown time aside and plan and make at least one of these for your organization.

If you found this helpful, then please consider sharing it to help others.


Need help with a video? Get in touch for informal chat – we’d love to hear from you and see if we can help.

 

 

How To Stay Visible With Video

How To Stay Visible With Video 1920 1080 Pam Jones
Now more than ever, video is playing a really important part in helping people to stay connected with their families. This video gives businesses video ideas to help them stay visible online during the pandemic and beyond.

Watch the video below or read the full transcript below.

Today starts the second week of self-isolation from the virus.

Over the last week, I’ve seen a lot of conversations online with SMEs, about why it’s crucial for businesses to be staying visible through this pandemic.

And it got me thinking about this from a video perspective. So in this video I wanted to give SMEs my  suggestions for staying visible online using video.

Because I think now more than ever, video is playing a really important part in helping people to stay connected with their families.

Friends. Colleagues. Customers and followers.

I’ve seen people use video who I personally know and a year ago they pretty much said that video was not for them.

Over the weekend I’ve seen a few musicians who like the rest of the world are isolated and sharing their music with their fans. Live, using video.

Schools are starting to deliver lessons online, and there’s loads more examples of people and businesses using video when previously they wouldn’t have given it a second thought.

This just tells me that there is a place for video for every business. And everyone.

So if you’re a SME and feeling isolated. Maybe you’re not sure what to do next for your business. Or your business has been affected, then my advice to you is to start using video today to stay visible online.

Video is the ultimate visual medium. People love video and the engagement you’ll get from your videos will absolutely help to make you feel better. And more importantly it means you’re doing something proactively for your business.

So here are a few ideas to help you use video in your business during this uncertain time.

1. Make Vlogs

First, start making video blogs. Now one of the main reasons people don’t make video blogs  is that they don’t like the way they look or sound in video. Networking and client meetings will happening differently now. Many of these are taking place with some kind of video conferencing tool. So use those video meetings to get used to seeing and hearing yourself in a video environment. Then get the confidence to go and make some videos. I’ve got lots of other videos on my website to help you get started with vlogging so do check them out.

When you do start making videos, tell customers how you’ve been affected with the pandemic.

How will you be changing your business during this period?

How will you or can you continue to support them?

Will you be working less or more hours? I’m sure they’d love to hear from you and see how the business and you are doing.

2. Create a video brochure

Another idea is to create a video brochure of your products and services. You can do this using video software like Powtoon or Animoto and using your existing photos or graphics which form part of your brochure. Most video software has a free 30 day trial. Use that free trial to learn the software and make a brochure. Share it in all the usual ways to remind people of what you do and what your products and services are. Do this regularly to keep reminding people you’re still open for business.

3. Make live social videos

Next, make some live social videos which are just about your journey during this pandemic. Where are you working from? How are you finding it? What are you missing most about the world? This can be a great way of just getting some general discussion and support about what’s happening. And that in itself can help to build some interesting relationships.

So I hope that’s given you some ideas on how to stay visible online with video. Remember, these ideas will work now AND when all this is over. So you’re really just starting your journey towards making more videos for the future whilst you have the time.

If you have any questions or comments, then please get in touch in all the usual ways. I’d really love to help answer any questions and get you started using video.

 

Essential Vlogging Equipment

Essential Vlogging Equipment 560 315 Pam Jones

Recently I’ve been asked one particular question  quite a few times which is: What’s essential vlogging equipment do you need to film video blogs, particularly if you’re just starting to vlog?

It’s a great question.

So I’m going to answer it in this video and tell you about 4 essential pieces of equipment you need to film your video blogs. And why you need them.

Watch the video below or read the full transcript below the video.

Before I tell you what vlogging equipment you need, let me point out that I’m not here to recommend specific makes and models of equipment. Simply because there are so many out there. New products come on the market all time. And it all depends on your budget and what other equipment you already have.

1.Camera

So the first one is pretty obvious. Yep you need a camera to film your videos. If you’re starting out, you don’t need fancy, heavy, expensive cameras. Your smart phone will do the job perfectly. In fact it’s what I use to film my vlogs on – I have an iphone 6 – so it’s few years old but it does the job pretty well. And smart phone models are always improving their camera technology. So stick to filming on your smart phone.

2. Tripod

Next get a tripod. You don’t need to balance your phone on a book or shelf. Just invest in a tripod. It will hold your smart phone and means you can present hands free. Then you can use your hands to express yourself or show something else in the video – like a product you want to talk about.

You can stand back from the equipment and focus on delivering your message.

I don’t know about you but I personally find it distracting when there’s too much shaky footage so using tripod means stable footage.

There are lots of tripods on the market. And again it depends what size device you have. You might want to try an extendable tripod which has an smart phone mount. You can then position your device at different heights so gives you that flexibility. This one was about £25 and I’ve had this for a few years now.

3. Microphone

Next, you need a microphone for your smart phone to give better sound quality. When you’re filming you’ll be standing back from the camera so a mic will be able to pick up your voice up from a distance.

You can get mics that plug into your phone like mine does.

Or there are blue tooth mics out there which you can clip on. Again lots to choose from so see what suits your budget and your device.

4. Light

The final thing you need to film a video is lighting.

Now I do have a ring light. I bought this last year before we moved house because our old house was quite dark. It was about £99. And these come in different sizes. There are desktop versions and larger ones like this one. The benefit of this is that it’s a tripod and light in one so does two jobs.

But if you didn’t want to buy something like this or buy separate lights, then you can get good lighting for FREE.

All you need to do is FACE the window and use natural daylight.

Position your tripod in front of the window so you’re facing the window – as long as the sun is not coming through it. And to be honest the last few videos I’ve made have all been filmed using natural daylight by just facing the window.

And that’s all the vlogging equipment you need– camera, mic, tripod, lighting. And you’re ready for action.

So hope that was helpful.

Get in touch if you have any questions.

Until next time – happy vlogging.


To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

7 Vlogging Mistakes To Avoid

7 Vlogging Mistakes To Avoid 560 315 Pam Jones

So if you’ve decided to start making video blogs. Then great. BUT.

Before you hit the record button, watch the video below to learn about the  7 mistakes people make when vlogging. And what you should do to avoid them.

You can also read the full transcript below the video.

Vlogging mistake number 1: Looking at the screen NOT the lens

Assuming that you’ll be recording your video on your smart phone. It’s very tempting to look at yourself on the screen because that’s bigger than then lens on your smart phone.

The lens is a dot of thing on your phone and that’s where you should be looking and focusing your eye. Not the screen.

Obviously if you’re showing viewers a product or something then you might look at it intermittently like this to direct their attention to the product. But whenever you look back up again – look at the lens so you connect with your audience.

Vlogging mistake number 2: There’s no performance

Vlogging is a form presenting and when you’re presenting you have to put some energy into it. You could deliver in a monotone, non expressive way. But what effect do you think that’s going to have on people watching.

Remember, you’re trying to engage people not bore them to sleep.

  • So stand up.
  • Be expressive.
  • Project your voice.
  • Emphasise key words and perform for the camera.
  • Show your energy. Your personality and let that shine through in your presentation.

Vlogging mistake number 3: Poor light or sound

What’s the point of making a video if no-one can see or hear you well?

Your face will be the star of your show so:

  • Pay attention to the lighting situation. Check there’s isn’t a lightbulb over your head because this creates odd lighting over your head and behind you. You don’t need fancy lighting equipment– just face a window and use natural daylight. Or make sure you position yourself in a place where light is working for you not against you.
  • Your voice is delivering the message so you need to be heard properly. Invest in good microphone that will give you better sound quality than the inbuilt mic on your phone.

Vlogging mistake number 4: Not telling people what the video is about

When I watch a vlog I want to know what it’s about straight away. I can then decide if I should keep watching. So use the tell, tell, tell rule.

  1. At the start of the video, tell people what you’re going to tell them.
  2. Then tell them – which is the main part of your message.
  3. Then at the end, tell them what you’ve told them.

This is a golden rule for all types of presenting so use it in your videos.

Vlogging mistake number 5: Low (or high) camera angles

Pay attention to the camera angle. I’ve seen some videos where people are sat at their desk and have positioned the camera at too low or high angle.

So you end up maybe seeing too far up their nose or they’re neck is too high up.

Your lens should be at eye level so check this before you start recording. Because, people want to see your face and not up your nose.

Vlogging Mistake number 6: Not smiling

A smile goes a long way to connect with your audience.

Again I’ve seen quite a few videos where the person hasn’t smiled even once.

So make a mental note and consciously remember to smile in your video a few times.

  • At the start when you introduce yourself
  • A couple of times throughout
  • And at the end of your message.

You want to look like you’re enjoying the video process– so bring out that smile. It’s how you would greet people in real life – and it’s important to transfer that warmth with a smile in your video.

And finally vlogging mistake number 7: Waffling on

Oh and then there are the wafflers.

People usually do this when they haven’t planned what they want to say thoroughly enough.

They get a quick idea, it’s in their head and then they get just press the record button start talking.

I’m sorry but a thought in your head does not equal a planned message and that’s when you’re likely to waffle on. We’re all strapped for time, so plan your message, get to the point and don’t waffle on endlessly.

So that’s it. My 7 mistakes of vlogging to avoid.

Hope that was helpful. If you liked this video, then consider sharing it to help others. And if this video helped you, then let me know in the comments below.


To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

How To Vlog Confidently: 5 Tips

How To Vlog Confidently: 5 Tips 560 315 Pam Jones

I’ve come across quite a lot people who’ve made a video blog and then played it back and thought it was just awful. So they ditched the video and never bothered to do anything with it.

Many of us don’t like getting in the front of the camera for many reasons.

We might not like to way we sound or look.

So how can you get confident in front of the camera and make vlogs that you want to share?

Watch my latest video for some ideas.

You can also read the full transcript below the video.

Hi everyone – it’s Pam. It’s been a while since my last video. So this is for my first video of 2020.

And today I wanted to share some tips about how to get confident with making video blogs.

I’ve come across quite a lot people who’ve made a video blog and then played it back and thought it was just awful. So they ditched the video and never bothered to do anything with it.

Many of us don’t like getting in the front of the camera for many reasons. We might not like to way we sound or look, or perhaps the video doesn’t look professional enough.

Video is one of THE most effective ways to get your message out there. And video blogging is the quickest and easiest way to use video.
So how can you get confident in front of the camera and make vlogs that you want to share?

Here are my 5 tips to help you.

1. Plan your message

Don’t just press record and start talking. You’ll um and ahh causing you to lose your thought pattern. Then you’ll end up waffling about something else. As a result, you’ll find a vlog that is unclear. You’ll disengage (and maybe bore) rather than engage your audience.
So before you press the record button, plan what you want to say by writing it down on a blank piece of paper. It might a list of points that will prompt you. Or you may want to write down every word as your video script – which is what I do.

2. Rehearse

Once you’ve planned what you want to say, read it out aloud. You’ll be able to hear how your audience will it hear. As you read it out aloud ask yourself these questions:

How does the message sound?
Are you comfortable saying everything?
Are sentences short and punchy?

3. Pick the right setting

My third tip 3 is all about the right setting. At first it’s a good idea to choose the same location to record your video blogs. It might be:

  • Your home office
  • A well-lit part of your house
  • A meeting room in an office

Somewhere familiar, that has got good light and you feel comfortable. If you choose a different location for every vlog, then you’re likely to feel uneasy and this unease will come across in your vlogs. In time as your confidence grows, then you can get more creative with different locations. But at first, keep the setting familiar.

4. Practice makes perfect

If you only make one vlog every six months, then you’ll never build up your confidence. So make some ad hoc videos with family and friends that you don’t publish. Talk about everyday things with other people or on your own. Videos that give you the practice you need. Use these practice videos to get comfortable seeing yourself and hearing yourself in videos. When you’re ready to start vlogging properly, then you’re camera ready. Remember, practice makes perfect.

5. Dress for the part

Another sure way to get confident in front of the camera is to wear something that you love. Something which makes you feel confident. Have you combed your hair? If you’re female, then perhaps put on a bit of lippy to give your face some colour. I could probably do another video on this. But the point I want to make is that if you feel confident through what you’re wearing and how you look, then you’ll present confidently.

So take these tips can get vlogging. It’s actually quite fun when you get going and it’s a great way to get in front of your audiences.

Happy vlogging everyone and I’ll see you again soon.

 


To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

Make Video Essential In Your Business

Make Video Essential In Your Business 560 315 Pam Jones

My washing machine died. RIP. But what has this got to do with videos? Watch the full story to find out and say a goodbye to my washing machine. You can also read the full transcript below the video.

Hi everyone. It’s been a few weeks since my last video because of summer.

We’ve been holiday, Catching up with friends and family and enjoying the weather. Over the summer, our washing machine broke.

I think you’ll agree that they’re an essential gadget for every home.

It was bit of pain. There is a local launderette, but it was a hassle taking the washing there, waiting for a washing machine to be free and making sure I had the right coins to slot into the machine.

I could have hand washed my clothes.  But it’s not the 19th century, and whose got the time to do that right?

It’s quicker, and  saves me time to have my washing machine at home. And it’s more effective than hand washing. For me, a washing machine is an essential item for every home.

Now let me talk about, electricity, the power source for every electronic device and gadget in our homes and at work.

Without it, many things would not work. Life would pretty much come to a stop. We could use batteries, or candles but only in certain situations. And think most of you would agree that electricity is absolutely essential. Like a washing machine. Electricity is more effective and quicker at doing its job.

I know what you’re thinking –  why on earth is Pam talking about washing machines and electricity?

Well, think about your business. Think about all the things you’d need to tell your customers, prospects, followers about your business. Your products and services.

How you work. Clients you work with. There’s so much you need to get across. For all these reasons, I think video is essential for every business. Just like a washing machine and electricity.

Yes, you can use brochures, websites and other methods to promote your services and communicate what you do.

But video, like electricity and a washing machine is quicker and more effective at telling people what you do.

You might be struggling to get your message across.

You may need a more creative way to showcase how you can help people.

You may need to explain your processes or showcase your past work.

So my message to you today is, if you’re not using video in your business, then you need to start. There are lots of different ways you can use this video. Make video part of your overall digital marketing strategy and get your messages across easily. Like a washing machine, make it an essential way to connect, educate and engage with your audience.

I’d love to know how you’re using video in your business, so drop a comment below.

And If you’d like to find out how to use video in your business, then get in touch…happy to chat anytime and help shape your ideas.

Until next time, have a great week.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

What Is an Animated Logo?

What Is an Animated Logo? 560 315 Pam Jones

As creators of animated logos, we often have to start our process by explaining to a client what an animated logo is.

Let’s use this post to answer that very question.

Every business has a logo which helps to form their brand. Your business logo has many functions. It:

  • Is the face of your business
  • Creates that first impression
  • Communicates your values and may visualise your products and services.
  • Helps people remember your business.

In most cases, a professional graphic designer or branding company will have created your logo for you.

When they completed it they will have given you the image files of the logo – usually in a JPEG or PNG format. This image is the static image format of your logo.

You can then use your logo to brand your marketing materials. For example, business cards, stationary, websites, banners and brochures.

All these materials are print based materials and have their place in your business.

But today we live in a digital world. And a digital world needs digital marketing approaches. Using video, on-line advertising campaigns and much more. To brand these digital marketing approaches, we recommend using an animated logo.

An animated logo is what it sounds like: a moving video of your logo. We take the graphic file in vector format and make each element of the logo move.

Our logo

Let’s take our logo as an example. Here’s the static logo.

eight interactive logo 2019

 

 

 

 

 

  1. There’s the company name– Eight Interactive.
  2. Brand colours.
  3. And the following design elements.
  • The dot over the I is in fact a play button. We make videos, so that symbol is a unique icon.
  • We also create online courses, and in those a learner may navigate the content. So, the design of the letters A and V gives the impression of forward and back arrows.
  • And finally, there is the letter G. This letter resembles the number 8 and also represents a person. As people are at the heart of what we do, the design of the G is a perfect representation of the people concept.

So that’s the idea behind the logo design.

Our animated logo

Now when we animate the logo we can see how it moves.

  • The play button is first and uses a click sound effect
  • Then the word Eight moves and animates across the screen
  • The word Interactive is next. Within this the A and V letters animate up and down to focus your eye on the word.
  • We have used a digital sound effect throughout. Because we make digital content it’s appropriate to use a sound that represents our products and services.

You can see from our logo how effective the animated logo is. It communicates so much more than simply the company name and corporate colours.

What about your business? Do you have an animated logo? No? Then contact us to talk about how we can help.

You may also want to find out how to use your animated logo. And why.

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