In today's digital era, video has emerged as a cornerstone of a brand’s content strategy. It’s highly engaging and can significantly boost a brand's visibility and sales. But where do you start with video?
Our expert videographer walks you through the basics of preparing for a video shoot, the equipment you'll need, the types of videos to consider and how to leverage video content effectively.
Preparing for a Video Shoot
1. Prepare the Area
Before the cameras start rolling, it's crucial to set the stage. Ensure the area is tidy and free of clutter. Pay special attention to the background – it should be visually appealing and free of any sensitive information. A well-organized space looks professional and helps keep the focus on the subject of the video.
Related Tip Sheet: How to Prep for a Video at Your Company
2. Prepare the People
The success of your video heavily depends on the people featured in it. They should be well-informed about the video's purpose and their roles. Review the storyboard and production schedule with everyone involved to ensure all are aligned with the vision and flow of the shoot.
Related Tip Sheet: How to Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Choosing the Right Equipment
The video equipment you need varies based on the type of video you're creating. For quick, organic social media content, your smartphone might suffice. However, consider investing in quality equipment for more polished, professional videos, including a good camera, lighting, microphones and editing software.
If investing in equipment and hiring a videographer seems daunting, partnering with an outsourced video marketing agency like Marketing Essentials can be a smart move. We can handle all your video marketing needs, including mapping the video strategy, production planning, scripting, shooting, editing, and posting on your website and social media channels.
Types of Videos to Consider
One mistake we often see is when a company determines they want to do video, but they have no clear video strategy in place. Consider who your target audience is, what your goal for the video is, and how that goal matches your overarching company goals. The key to producing efficient, compelling videos is having the right strategy in place first.
Types of business videos include:
- Recruitment videos: These include employee testimonials, culture spotlights and inside-the-company glimpses to help market your company to potential candidates.
- Explainer/how-to videos: Choose a product, service or topic and walk through it for your audience.
- Customer testimonials: Have a happy customer? Show them on camera as they discuss what they love about working with or buying from you.
- Product demo videos: Show your product and how it works, or explain how to get started after purchase.
- FAQ videos: Discuss common questions and answers about your product or service.
- Drone footage videos: If your physical location, production facility, machinery, etc., are selling points, show them off with drone video.
Get more types of videos to consider in this Video 101 article.
Leveraging Your Video Content
Once your video is ready, it's time to put it to work. You can repurpose a single video across various platforms. Upload it to your social media channels, embed it on your website, share it on your YouTube channel and use it as a tool in your sales processes. The key is to ensure your video reaches your target audience through the right channels.
Venturing into video marketing can initially seem overwhelming, but with the proper preparation, equipment and strategy, it can be an incredibly effective way to enhance your brand's presence and connect with your audience. Remember, the world of digital marketing is constantly evolving, and video is a trend that's here to stay.
Want to learn more about partnering with a professional? Read What To Expect Partnering with Marketing Essentials for Your Business Videos.
