Ten Ideas to Spark Your Video Creativity
July 2, 2010
Are you thinking about using video in your marketing efforts, but don’t know where to start? Here are 10 ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.
Before you start shooting, here’s a piece of advice: Don’t try to be perfect! I can guarantee that you will not like your first take of any video you record. And it is of course fine to redo it a few times. But don’t let multiple video takes slow you down. Make a promise to yourself that you will do your best, and then move on. With each video you publish, your confidence will increase and you will get better with time.
#1: Educate
Tell people about your product or services. Give the details on features and benefits. Tell them everything they’ll receive once they make the purchase.
#2: Answer questions
What do you get asked most about your product or services? Most of us can think of a list of at least 5 to 10 questions we get asked often. Make short 2- to 3-minute videos clips where you state the question and then the answer. These are easy to make and extremely valuable to your prospects.
#3: Do a product review
Find a product or service that would be of interest to your niche and your audience and do a review on its benefits and features.
#4: Grow your list
If you have a business, you need a list of potential clients. Make a video to encourage your prospects to give you their name and email in exchange for something you will give them. You can give away an ebook, an article (tips, strategies and how-tos are always popular), a tutorial video, a free consultation, a type of assessment, etc. Figure out what your prospects would find most valuable and create a giveaway around that. (Here’s a hint: give away your best stuff. Don’t hold back.)
#5: Talk about your case studies and results
Make a video about the results you were able to achieve while working with a client or talk about a case study and show what you did for them and how you can do the same for the viewer. You can also show a case study of someone who did not follow your guidance or use the method you teach and failed. Another similar idea is to read testimonials from your most satisfied customers while weaving in key examples.
#6: Tell a story
People can relate to you when you tell a compelling story. Weave a lesson into your story as a takeaway. You can also tell about an event from your past that has shaped who you are or how you do business today.
#7: Debunk myths
Talk about the top three myths in your industry and give real examples to show why they are truly myths.
#8: Take your viewers behind the scenes
Take your viewers outside of your office and show yourself in your “natural surroundings.” If appropriate, introduce your family and show things that are meaningful to you. Tie in some of your business secrets—how you organize your business, what type of setup you use to get things done, etc. Pull back the curtains and give tips on how you do business.
#9: Ask questions and answer them
Ask your viewers some key questions that will spark conversation about their wants and needs as they relate to your niche. Personally answer the question yourself and then ask your viewers to leave their answers below in the comments section. This will start discussion.
#10: Additional video opportunities
There is so much you can do with video. Besides filming yourself, you can also do screen captures (ScreenFlow for Macs and Camtasia for PCs are great options), slideshows, and use Keynote or PowerPoint slides to tell your story.
Here’s my challenge to you. If you are new at video, make the commitment that you will record a video in the next 24 hours. Just dive in and try it! The longer you wait, the faster your competition will claim their video space and run with it.
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Had one of these “I'm going to do it and that's it” days and I ended up with this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C1Q26HlcLs. I feel that #2 has the potential of being very powerful.
We clearly saw what happened with Old Spice and what a hint of humour adds to the equation. Even if it`s basic to you or me, for the person who asked the question, it will mean the world that someone is taking the time to record a video and specifically help overcome an obstacle together.
Great points Amy!