Like any endeavor, you need to have a plan before your enter into a project. Creating quality web video is no different. In this article we will guide you through the steps to plan, produce and publish a great web video.
First, determine your topic. For those who are using webvideo for Internet marketing purposes, your topic should revolve around your niche and target market. If it is for marketing purposes, you probably don't want to focus on product or sales related content, but rather content related to topics your customers could potentially be interested in. For example, if you are a sports therapist, you want to talk about your therapies and services, discuss training techniques that people can do at home, or teach specific drills. Video is a fantastic medium to create instructional videos.
After you have selected a topic, write an outline of your short video. A good format to follow is "tell em what you're going to em," "tell em," and finally, "tell em what you told em." Be clear and concise and keep on point. A short, focused video will be more enjoyable than a long rambling one.
Your next step is to setup your video shot. Mark sure your subject, you, a white board etc., are all well framed and large enough in the frame. If you are going to be using text or written words in the video, make them 2-3 times larger than normal. Remember that people will be viewing your video on a small box in a web browser or mobile device, so you want to ensure that your text is readable.
Next, start filming. You will need to do multiple takes before you feel comfortable and natural in front if the camera. At first, the camera is hard to become accustomed to, but with only a little bit of practice you will be able to produce a quality video. We also find that it is more efficient to make one and tape all the way through one video than to have to edit multiple takes together. Video editing is meticulous work and very time consuming. If you keep your topics concise, you will be able to create your video in one take after practicing just a few times.
Things to keep in mind if you are going to be on camera:
1. Keep your eyes in the camera. Make sure your are comfortable with the subject and your outline so that you are focused on the camera 90% of the time.
2. If you are doing a screen capture, have a plan of exactly how your are going to display it. You do not want the mouse to wander because people will focus on the mouse, instead of you, if it is moving. Use it like your finger or laser pointer.
3. Have the best audio you can. People are tolerant of mediocre video but they really don't like echo filled, "ummm" and "ah" audio. Invest in a good microphone and sound input and learn how to speak into them properly. Also make sure that you are in a well lighted room in order to ensure that the brightness of your video is optimal. See our other articles for more specific information on a turnkey audio package and video package.