Lights! Camera! Action!December 13, 2011

Video is an essential feature on Web sites. Web video is particularly important for small and mid-sized businesses as they represent the largest percentage of online businesses in the US. Having a video on your site can generate foot traffic as well as increase your search engine optimization.

First set-up an account a free account with Youtube.com or there are several private online services that will hosts videos for you. Not familiar with Youtube? Check out this tutorial, you'll be set-up in 10 minutes: Tuturorial: YouTube Account Set-Up

You can successfully dive in only after you review a few do's and don'ts.

VIDEO DO’S

• Produce video with a steady hand


• The “Blair Witch” documentary style often deters more attention than it invites


• Be mindful of lighting
  
  
  
  • Too dark and the view will not be able to see, too bright and it’s irritating to watch
  
  
  • Make audio audible
    
    
    
    •  Pay attention to sound, background noise is ok (IF APPLICABLE TO VIDEO)
    
    
    • Main focus must be the “star” of your video, must be the predominant voice
    
    
    • Keep is short and sweet and fun!
      
      
      
      • People will get bored if you drag it on, why take 5 min to learn something when you can learn it in 3 minutes?
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

VIDEO DON’TS

• Don’t “free style” it
  
  
  
  • Plan it out, determine the process in advance
  
  
  • Don’t speak heavy industry jargon
    
    
    
    •  If they are watching your video, they’re trying to learn, not be frustrated with un-translated terminology
    
    
    • Don’t discuss multiple topics in the video
      
      
      
      • If you want to discuss multiple things, have multiple videos
      
      
      • Too many topics are unappealing
      
      
      • Don’t condescending
      
      
      • Be knowlegeful and informative, but remain modest and explanatory
      
      
      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

VIDEO-POINTERS

• WITTY FUN is your goal, information mixed with awe. Captivate, entice, and make your viewer yours. Whereas knowledge is important, if they’re bored, they won’t learn.


• DIAMOND your video is better than gold, it’s valuable, captivating and valuable. Diamonds are one color, one shape, one theme. Keep it simple, complication is a deterrent.

Making a movie can be simple. Use a high quality webcam or videographer. Become familiar with Windows Movie Maker, you can find a 10 minute crash course here: 10 Minute WMM CourseDecember 13, 2011