Make a Big Difference with These Three Video Tricks
Sometimes the smallest interactions or little things going right can turn a mediocre day into a fantastic one.
Like when you're stuck in traffic, but your favourite song comes on the radio. Or when you try on your home-knitted sweater for the first time and it fits perfectly. Well, it's the same with social videos! Paying attention to the little details can take your "good" video and turn it into an enthralling one. Check out these three details to keep in mind.
1. COMPELLING CAPTIONS
We see how TV news stations use the bottom portion of the screen for captions. Eye-catching! You've noticed how adding captions to your Facebook videos places the text in the bottom third of the video. Also attention-grabbing! Don't miss out on this essential part of your video production to help amplify your message. These days, research shows that over 80% of people watch video without the sound.
However, the challenge with the placement of captions on a Facebook video is that as the captions scroll, they sometimes blend into the background or your clothing. An easy way to eliminate this challenge is to add a rectangular shape at the bottom of your entire video to help the captions stand out.
2. A NOTE ABOUT MUSIC
Back when we all first started shooting and editing video, we were just thrilled with the enormous response. Now, as more people are posting video, we have to fuel our own video success with a bit more pizzazz. Music can change the tune of your video from OK to outstanding. Try adding a musical intro and outro by tapping into the royalty free music available in many video editing platforms.
3. ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE
Imagine a viewer watching your video, loving it and wanting to reach out to you, but they can't find your contact information quickly enough. So, what happens? They forget and move on to something else. You lose out on a valuable connection and a potential booking. The fix is to include a slide at the end of every video with your contact information.
Bonus tip: Include a subtle call to action along with your contact info. Here are some tips:
Done for You: YouTube End Cards
The last time you uploaded a video to YouTube, did you notice the option to add an "end card?" This battle-tested option is sometimes missed in the haste and excitement of an upload. Using a collection of templates provided by YouTube, you can add a professional looking end card to spur subscriptions and squeeze more video views from a current viewer.
The trick is to leave 5 - 20 seconds of blank air at the end of every video you produce. Once you create your end card using the templates on YouTube, it will automatically be placed at the end of your video. Optimize your end card to promote other videos, playlists and even an external website.
Simple stuff, right? You'll be amazed at the results you'll see when you pay attention these small details.
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.
Graphic courtesy of Catherine Heeg.
