It’s no secret that video marketing totally has exploded. It’s pretty much become an absolute necessity for all businesses, even if they are traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
A few years ago, you could get away with any kind of video quality because you might be only one of three companies on YouTube or Vimeo. Now that everyone is flocking to video marketing, you’re going to have to raise your video standards to stand out from the crowd.
So, here are five tips that are pretty easy to implement and won’t cost you too much.
1. Have Someone Read Over Your Script
This seems obvious, but it’s a valuable step. As promotional product specialists, we know a lot about promotional products. But end-users might not. It can be easy to use terms that we think are commonplace, but leave end-users scratching their heads.
Have a family member, friend or coworker read through your script to make sure that he or she finds the content in it both interesting and easy to understand. If you’re planning any kind of text overlay, make sure you have someone read through that for spelling and grammar, too.
2. Feature a Detailed, Close-up Shot of the Product
This also seems like a no-brainer, right? But you’d be surprised by how many industry videos I’ve watched where I’m told all about why this product is amazing, but never get to see it up close. The video just is a stream of someone holding the item and extolling its virtues.
Yes, customers want to know that they’re getting a cool item and/or know how to use it, but they most certainly want to see what they’re about to spend their money on.
3. Increase the Production Value
Most of the tips that I will cover in this post naturally will increase the production value of your videos. But, in this point, I specifically mean getting a little creative when you’re working with your videos. Consider adding some relevant music or sound effects in post-production.
If you really aren’t confident in your video-editing skills (though YouTube has a video editor that can help), then make sure you use the annotation feature in YouTube. This does require some tinkering, but you actually won’t have to edit your video.
4. Inject Some Personality
Do you watch an entire video if someone is speaking in a monotonous voice without inflection or enthusiasm? Probably not. And your customers won’t want to either.
See if any of your employees are comfortable on camera, can memorize lines and are fun to watch. Heck, this might even be you! If you run a one-person business or can’t find anyone to fit the bill, take a look within your community. Hire an actor by reaching out to local colleges or community theaters. Or, even better, see if you could trade them promotional items in exchange for some time from some of their actors.
5. Invest in Some Equipment
Obviously the better the camera, lights and audio equipment you can afford, the better your final product will be. But getting your hands on top-of-the-line equipment like that doesn’t come cheap.
Thankfully, smartphones shoot decent video these days. It’s not professional-level quality, but it’s not bad, either. So just getting a tripod for your phone (or camera) is a small investment that will go a long way.
It’s been debated before if distributors or suppliers should be making the product videos. Since I work for a distributor, and Quality Logo Products has secured three spots in Promo Marketing’s Video Battle Hall of Fame and General Awesomeness, I’m a little biased. I think all distributors should start right now!
If you’re still feeling uncertain about how to improve your videos, you’re in luck. There are plenty of people in the promotional products industry who already have created videos or could form a partnership with you. I know that both Promo Marketing and FreePromoTips offer these services, and I am certain that there are others.
Is your company doing any video marketing? Do you have any tips to share? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
