Improve Your Videos With These Three Secrets
Do you ever wish your videos looked a bit more polished? Do you wish your fans would share and comment more often on your videos? Why even bother with video now in these crazy times? Here's why:
It's estimated that the average person will spend 100 minutes every day watching online videos in 2021. This is a 19% increase compared to daily viewing minutes in 2019, which stood at 84.
Now that we have the "luxury" (yes, I say that with a hint of sarcasm) of a bit of extra time, this is a great opportunity to explore some new wow-worthy video strategies. Adding extra finesse to your videos will:
• Inspire people to stick around and watch for a longer period of time.
• Showcase your professionalism.
• Build stronger relationships with your viewers.
Here are a couple of easy (and some more advanced) tactics you can use right now.
VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS
Have you noticed all the terrific virtual backgrounds out there now? What a cool way to showcase your niche market or specialty. Imagine having a cruise ship, beach or cityscape behind you in your next video or live stream—you'd be able to shift the conversation to your niche and give your viewers a "mental vacation."
If you use Zoom, you'll see how simple it is to use one of their virtual backgrounds or add one of your own for free.
If you use another video recording tool, check out their green screen options. I also use Screen Cast-o-Matic, which is super easy. Here's a list of other options. For these options, you will need an actual green-colored screen behind you, which can be found on Amazon.
Check out the video below for some examples of ways to use virtual backgrounds on Zoom.
TRANSFORM WITH TRANSITIONS
Many people think it takes a tech genius to add transitions to video. Guess what? It's super easy to pull off and so professional looking. Check out your favorite video editing tool (or the options above) and you'll see that adding a transition is as simple as the click of a button.
Transitions are perfect to add into your next video when you:
• Change topics or want a key point to really stand out.
• Want to add a still image.
• Insert another video.
• Insert your contact information card.
You'll see some examples of transitions in the video example above.
Bonus tip: Amplify your success by using one style of transition consistently in a video. While we might be tempted into thinking that variety will hold people's attention, it's been found to be distracting.
EARN TRACTION WITH TEXT OVERLAYS
Want to keep people's attention so that you can build a stronger relationship with them? Adding text overlays to your video will keep them engaged. Simply think about your key words and add them as text overlays.
Bonus tip: You can get fancy and change the text color in addition to how the text moves in and out of the video.
End your video on a high note! Turn lookers into bookers with these extra tips that keep your video top of mind.
Simple stuff, right? You'll be amazed at the results you'll see when you pay attention these small details. In these challenging times, small luxuries, such as the gift of time, give us the opportunity to learn new skills that provide us with fuel for the future. Don't miss out on adding some pizazz to your video library.
Written by Catherine Heeg, an international speaker and trainer who focuses on social media marketing strategies for the tourism and hospitality industry. Join the conversation and connect with her at www.cmsspeaking.com and socially.
