Get Started
Support
Call us
Email Us
Lights…camera….action!
Online video isn’t going away anytime soon – a staggering one-third of all online activity is spent watching video. If you’re still struggling with incorporating online video into your marketing, now’s the time to jump in.
Many marketers are too intimidated to try video for themselves. They think online video demands the sleek production of television and panic, knowing they don’t have the resources or time to pour that much energy into a simple Facebook video. The truly great thing about online video marketing is you don’t need boom mics and studio lighting – you have everything you need right in your pocket.
You can make stunning marketing videos just using your smartphone. And best of all? You can do it in under 5 minutes.
Online marketing videos don’t need to be grandiose. Just follow these simple tips.
1. Choose the Right Lighting
Just like with photography, good lighting is key. You don’t need to splurge on actual lights, but try to find a spot to film that is well-lit. Natural light works best, but decent indoor lighting can work in a pinch. You may need to experiment with a few different angles before you find one that works best. The important thing is that when you film you can see everything you’re filming clearly.
2. Stay Steady
Unless you’re shooting the next Blair Witch Project, it’s a good idea to keep your camera as steady as possible. Hold your phone vertically, with two hands on either side. If you’re going to be filming in the same spot for more than a few minutes, you can brace your hands on a flat surface like a table. If you plan on filming regularly, you can also pick up a cheap tripod on Amazon for less than $15.
3. Sound Off
Sound is often overlooked, but critically important when filming. If what you’re filming doesn’t need sound, try replacing the natural audio with simple music when you edit (more on that later). If you do need audio, here’s how you can get decent audio without buying a mic:
- Get close to your subject while filming
- Shoot indoors to reduce ambient sound like wind or traffic
- Film a test before your actual video to listen for echo
For testimonial videos, it’s not a bad idea to spend a little extra on a mic to ensure that viewers can understand your videos. Like with tripods, there are many affordable options on Amazon.
4. Utilize Free Resources
For simple videos, you may not need to do much editing. Both iPhones and Androids come with built-in video editing that let you perform simple edits like trimming the beginning or end, or simple color correction. If you find yourself needing to splice together more footage or add in sound, iMovie is a fantastic free resource for mac and iPhone users. For Android, we recommend Adobe Premiere as a great free option for simple edits. Both iMovie and Adobe Premiere can be used right on your phone without needing a computer. You can make all your edits and upload directly to Facebook or YouTube.
With these tips, you can create your own marketing videos in under 5 minutes. Now that you know the how, need some help on the what? Don’t miss our Google Webinar: Sharing Your Story Through Video on November 7.
* * *
Sign Up For Our FREE Google Webinar: Sharing Your Story Through Video
Today’s consumers watch video content whenever and wherever they want. This creates an opportunity for businesses to reimagine the role of video in their marketing strategy. This workshop offers best practices for connecting with consumers through online video.
In this session we’ll talk about:
- Understanding the role of video as a marketing tool
- Finding your ideal audience
- Creating eye-catching videos that wield results
Join us for this great event from Google!
Need a new digital marketing or web design plan? We are a Minneapolis SEO, digital marketing, social media marketing, web design and inbound marketing agency. We’re located just outside of Minneapolis. Stop on by and get started – and while you’re here, pick up a free honey stick (yes, we love our bee-related theme).
