Uses of Online Video INFOGRAPHIC

7 Tips for Creating Online Video

When shooting an online video, there are a few keys steps you will need to take to make sure your online video is as successful as possible:

1. Try to keep your video short:

As online video watching continues to grow the trend of short-term videos continue to reign as king. This is because many online video audiences prefer fast and quick information and, in order to keep their attention, it is best not to go over the three-minute mark: keep this in mind when deciding on the type of video you want to produce.

2. Don’t ramble on:

For online video, it is important to get the point of your message across as quickly as possible so to keep your audience engaged. To make sure you do this, write a script outline before you shoot and include an introduction, 3 key points of your message, and a closing statement.

3. Ensure your sound is audible:

Many online audiences will forgive distorted frames to a certain extent but bad audio is not as easily forgiven. Test your sound before you shoot to see if you will need additional microphone support.

4. Make sure your shot is lit well:

Simply putting a lamp beside you will result in shadows on the camera. If you don't have the professional lighting equipment one suggestion could be to get in front of a window to allow sunlight and put a light fabric over the window. This will diffuse the light somewhat, creating a nice light. It will be flat light, but it will be way better than having shadows across your face.

5. Practice before you shoot:

In order to ensure a good, clear delivery of your key messages, you will require practice so make sure you do a few trial runs before shooting your final video and stay away from the use of em’s and ah’s.

6. Introduce yourself:

When shooting online video, always introduce yourself, first name and last, and state the point of your message at the start of your video. This will ensure your audience identifies with you and your message from the very beginning and can make an informed decision to keep watching.

7. Stay focused on your camera:

In order to ensure a professional delivery and that your audience stays engaged, try not to get distracted yourself. What this means is keep your focus on the camera, don’t look off screen and don’t fix you hair or touch your face.

- Rozlyn Gibson

Small Business, Big voice

One of the best things about being a small business is that you have the ability to test new ideas. So much of starting a smaller business is about trial and error. Finding out what works for you, and what draws in the customer you are looking for. One such area is with online video. Video has the ability to help you connect and engage your customers, in a way that text-based websites just cannot do.

As with most small businesses cost can be an issue. Most companies do not have the budgets that the big guys do. But you know what? Adding video to your company is a very cost effective way to grow your business, in fact you really can’t afford NOT to add video! Here are a few ways that video can help you get heard in the industry:

1. CONNECT WITH YOUR CUSTOMER

The great thing about being a small business is the ability to have a personal connection with your consumer. Video enables you to engage your customers on a personal level. For example say you own auto body shop. With video you could have a live record video chat between the mechanics, and the customers. The mechanic could go through the areas that needed attention, and show you the process, through a range of tutorials. Another effective way that the auto body shop could add value to their services is by offering helpful tips on their website, on vehicle maintenance, between visits.

2. VISIBILITY

Video increases your visibility on-line. Universal searches within Google, have proven that 1 in every 4 of the top searches are video. This statistic shows that if someone does a search, all content by video will come up first giving it maximum visibility. Those videos are more likely to get clicked on, than any text based information n the same subject. Linking onto a website with video, will increase the traffic to the site, and also create “sticky” websites. (Video based websites hold people’s attention longer, and keeps them from clicking to another site, causing them to get “stuck” on them)

3. PRODUCTIVITY

Live video conferencing, and collaborating with remote employees or customers can be invaluable. Having a small business sometimes inhibits you from travelling to and from your suppliers, and or colleagues freely. Video allows you to readily converse with your team effectively. This is a great tool, if you want to have a conference call, and need to trouble shoot an issue. Often emails and text can be ineffective in translating the key messages.

4. ACCESSIBILITY

On of the greatest things about video, and how it can be a benefit to small businesses is its availability. Internet video can be viewed anywhere, and everywhere. On your iPhone, blackberry, iPad, laptop. Anywhere that has a network connection.

5. EMPLOYEE FOCUS

What better way to show your team, than have a short video bio created for each member! This personal touch can really set you apart from your competition. People want to trust in their businesses. Having your employee’s showcased on your website, shows them a) That the company values its team, and believes in them, and b) It shows the customer who they will be working with, and helps them feel connected, right away. This makes for a lasting and loyal relationship!

Video is 53x more likely to appear in the 1st page of search engine results, than text related pages with the same topics. On-line video lives forever, it is an effective, affordable way to get your business noticed!

Elle Boutilier

How To Make the Best First Impression

Within the first few moments of meeting you, people have already begun to form their opinions about you. They’re analyzing your appearance, your demeanor, your body language, and any other cues you might be transmitting. This is equally true of your online presence. You need to send the right signals from the get-go in order to make a positive and lasting impression!

Whether you’re presenting communicating through video or in person, here are 5 things you can do today to ensure that you put your best foot forward:

1) Make eye contact

Maintaining eye contact tells others that you are interested in them, and shows that you have nothing to hide.

2) Be genuine and true to yourself

People can sense when you’re trying to be something you’re not. Rather than put on a mask, let the real you shine! After all, you’ve gotten yourself this far, why stop now?

3) Be confident

Having and expressing confidence in yourself tells the world that what you have to contribute is valid and worthwhile. You’ll see others drawn to you, really wanting to hear what you have to say. Just don’t let it go to your head! Over-confidence can turn people away just as fast!

4) Be present

Be fully engaged in whatever it is you are doing at this moment. Try not to think about the pile of “To-Do’s” you have waiting for your attention, or what your next move will be. Whether you’re meeting someone new or addressing your audience with video, being present will allow you to perform at your very best.

5) Smile!

The importance of a smile cannot be understated! When you smile, the world smiles back at you. It shows others that you are happy, and you want them to be happy also. This is one of the most powerful things you can do in your communications.

Stephanie Kittell, videoBIO Producer

Tools for understanding and managing your online profile

What does your online profile look like now? Well, if you are curious, you can try out a couple of great tools that I highly recommend. videoBIO partners with Reach Personal Branding, an innovative company who is creating great tools to help professionals define and develop their personal brands. One of the tools CEO, William Arruda has co-created is called the ID Calculator. This calculator is designed based on the premise that relevance, distinction and quality of brand and profile is more important than quantity. This I agree with wholeheartedly. To check out your online ID go to http://www.onlineidcalculator.com .

There is another cool tool for ego surfers like us.... check out http://www.addictomatic.com

And finally, James Alexander, CEO of cool start up http://www.vizibility.com has created another tool to manage search queries on Google. Take a look!

Your professional video profile doesn't have to be serious!

video profiles are all about taking the opportunity to add the human, personal touch to your online profile. This is important when managing your reputation online while trying to make a connection with your audience. But that doesn't mean that it has to be serious! It just has to be authentic to you and what you want to put out to the world. Take Peter Shankman as an example. We did a social media videoBIO for Peter a month or two ago. It's one of my favourites because it's witty, funny, fast paced and exactly who Peter is. Smart, quick, adventourous and always thinking. Check out Peter's videoBIO and you will see what I mean http://www.videobio.com/pshankman