10 Things to Consider Before Using Video

May 9, 2019 | Kyle Plummer

Kyle Plummer, Director of Marketing, Tero International

Use of video can put any company ahead of the game and connect better with clients (and potential clients), staff and the worldwide web. Have you been thinking about using videos in your business?

Nearly everyone has at one point said the phrase “we should do video.” Some might not know what to say on camera. Others don’t think they have the technical skills to pull it off.

Videos are one of the best methods to promote your brand, communicate your message and engage your listeners. At Tero, we have been ‘all-in’ for video over the last several years.

Here are 10 quick tips for those looking to dive into video whether you are doing it in-house or hiring a professional:

1. Don’t Wait
There has never been a better or easier time to get into video. Think about how you consume information, and what you share to coworkers, friends and family. It used to cost tens of thousands of dollars in equipment and a highly technical team. You are now able to use your smartphone and free software on your computer. Jump in sooner than later.

2. Equip Yourself
You don’t need to buy a $10k camera to produce great video. In fact, I’d avoid expensive investments from the beginning–they simply aren’t necessary. But you should pay attention to your lighting and audio. The best visuals have the best audio. And the worst visuals have the worst audio. Do your research on external microphones to make sure you come off as professional. And don’t forget about investing in a lighting kit. $100-$200 can make a major difference.

3. Why Are You Doing It?
It seems simple. But you should have a specific purpose. Whether it’s awareness, leads, social media content or another goal. Every video you create should have a purpose—and a means to fulfilling it. Once you find yours, think of the creative ways that you can share your message.

4. Find Inspiration
Once you’ve determined your purpose, find who else is doing it (preferably successfully). There are plenty of examples of individuals and companies doing what you are trying to do on the internet. Use them as a framework and fill in the rest with your own creativity and ingenuity. Make sure you use them strictly as inspiration, and don’t completely copy their look. Making something your own will allow you to stand out.

5. Plan Ahead
This means writing scripts, storyboarding and having all your bases covered. We’ve all seen videos that seem to ramble on and don’t get to the point. These are the videos you wish you didn’t click into and are quick to click out of. Know what you want to say and how you want to show it.

6. Determine Video Length
According to Wistia, you’ve got up to two minutes to hold your viewer’s attention. Keep in mind it depends on the type of video you are creating. Someone will likely pay attention to a longer video on your company website. Whereas a video on someone’s Facebook feed might need to be shorter. We also personally look at it as engagement. If the video is extremely engaging, people will have an attention span for it. But don’t get too crazy.

7. Have A Call To Action
What do you want the viewer to do? Visit your website? Fill out a free consultation form? Follow you on Facebook? CTAs make sure you are getting a return on your investment. They shouldn’t be overdone. But realize the viewer isn’t going to magically take the action you want without guidance.

8. Overestimate The Time You’ll Need
Everything always seems to take longer than expected. From writing scripts, to filming, to editing—it all takes time. But it’s well worth it. Everybody is gravitated toward video, and you can make an impact with your business by taking advantage.

9. Pay Attention
Look at how people are reacting to your video. Are they engaging with it? If your video is hosted on a platform like YouTube, you will get a host of tools to figure out how long people are watching and where they are dropping off. This gives you a solid idea for next time where you need to spike the viewers’ emotions to keep them through the video. It’s all a learning process.

10. Be Patient
If you are just getting into filming or editing, these skills take time. It doesn’t require a top-notch videographer and editor to produce something great. But it does have a learning curve. Most of all, approach it as an investment. And don’t be ashamed if your video doesn’t go viral out the gate. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Kyle Plummer is director of marketing at Tero International. You may email him at kplummer@tero.com.