Everyone seems to be filming themselves these days. While it’s great to see the democratization of video content, it’s also concerning that the amount of cringe-worthy DIY videos has skyrocketed. And more importantly, if you’re creating videos for your business, it’s crucial to think twice before hitting the big red button. These tips are for those who want to strengthen their brand, showcase their services, and make a lasting impact. Here are three tips that will instantly enhance the quality of your video and keep viewers engaged.
Three Tips for Better Business Videos
Planning, audio quality, and shot stability are the three factors that most immediately separate professional-looking business videos from amateur ones.
1. Planning Is Actually Essential
Social media often suggests filming frequently and improvising. While naturalness is desirable, the lack of planning is what viewers will most likely notice. Before filming, consider your message and create a script or outline. Think about the location of your shoot. Is it noisy or filled with distractions? Viewers may want to tune in, but if they can’t hear you or there are too many distractions, you’ll lose their attention. The more you plan, the more likely your video will be successful.
2. Invest in a Quality Microphone
There are some excellent microphone options available for smartphones. Wise up and spend the money. Personally, I recommend the DJI Mic 3. It’s compact, easy to use, and provides high-quality audio for under $300. While viewers may overlook subpar video quality, they’ll quickly lose interest if you’re inaudible.
3. Stabilize Your Shot
Stabilizing your shot is crucial for creating professional-looking videos. Use a tripod or a stabilizer to ensure smooth and steady footage. This will help you maintain focus and keep viewers engaged throughout your video.
It’s common to record yourself on your iPhone in selfie mode. While it’s convenient, it’s not comfortable for your viewers when the phone bounces around. Your arm isn’t the most stable, so it’s better to use a tripod or ask a colleague to hold the phone. This way, you can gesture, compose a better shot, and ensure your viewers can see you clearly (it’s not flattering looking up at your face, believe me). Additionally, it reduces the number of things you have to do while sharing about your business.
At the end of the day, video production is much more challenging than people think. While anyone can hold up a phone to their face, the goal is not quantity, but quality. The quality of your video reflects your business and your brand. If it’s shaky, nauseating, and hard to hear, what does that say about your business?
What a Professional Branding Video Needs
A professional branding video covers three things: your business history, what makes your services different, and a clear call to action.
DIY videos are great for ongoing content like FAQs, quick tips, and staying visible on LinkedIn. However, when the stakes are higher, a branding video is designed to build credibility with a prospect who is evaluating you before reaching out. In short, the video production quality is crucial in this context. Here’s what a professional branding video should include:
1. The History of Your Business
It may seem obvious, but viewers want to understand how you arrived at your current position. While it’s important to provide some details, avoid overwhelming them with excessive information. Instead, focus on the beginning, your humble beginnings, overcoming obstacles, and your journey to success. Ensure that the history of your business is incorporated into the video. Aim for a duration of 30-45 seconds.
2. Your Services and What Sets You Apart
Be clear about your offerings. Viewers are assessing whether you’re a suitable fit for their needs, so clearly explain the services you provide or the products you sell. This doesn’t need to be an exhaustive list, so aim for a duration of 30-45 seconds. However, what’s even more crucial is highlighting what makes you unique and different from your competitors. This segment is vital in a branding video, as it helps convince viewers that you’re the right choice for them. Don’t forget this!
3. Call to Action
It’s astonishing how often branding videos fail to include a call to action. This is your opportunity to direct the viewer to take a specific action. Make it count! If you want them to contact you, clearly state that. If you want them to fill out a form on your website, make it easy for them to do so. As the video concludes, this is your unique chance to guide the viewer to take action based on the video. And make it simple. Avoid overwhelming them with a long list of contact options. Remember, everyone has a limited attention span. Aim for a duration of 10-25 seconds for your call to action.
Branding videos present a significant opportunity to share your brand story. They’re essential for various platforms, including your website, social media pages, email signature links, conferences, and trade shows. In fact, a branding video is a must for any business aiming to expand and grow. However, given its importance, ensure you have a talented team capable of creating a compelling video. Similarly, while DIY videos will reflect your brand, an unorganized and unprofessional branding video can be detrimental to your business if not executed effectively from the outset.
If you are interested in partnering with Nick Alexander Films for your branding video, please reach out. We offer free discovery meetings to explore your brand, establish a clear plan of action and a proposal for your review.
