Online Marketing Videos take many forms, from a straightforward how-to to a creative viral video. Regardless of the content, videos aren't necessarily easy to put together, but they are an effective way to communicate your messages. With a mix of visuals, voice, and music, creating online videos is one of the best ways to engage customers, prospects, and your broader online audience.
But businesses frequently avoid making videos, despite their benefits. Here are 8 common excuses people make to avoid making videos - and why they're totally wrong.
- They take too long to produce. It's true, making a great video isn't fast, but it doesn't have to be a long, drawn out process, either. With one day of shooting and one or two days of editing, you can have a fantastic video. Or, make a one-take video. Just take your time rehearsing what you need to say and do, then shoot the whole thing at once. It will require very minimal editing and save you time.
- No one will watch them. This is the same argument businesses used to make about social media in general. YouTube is the second most popular search engine, so trust me, people will watch your video.
- I don't want to be on camera. Truth be told, I am not a big fan of appearing on camera. But when we have a great video concept, I don't mind joining in on the action. That's the secret--great content is rewarded with great participation. Plus, the more other people you can get involved in your video project, the less time you have to spend in front of the camera.
- We don't have acting skills. The good news is, you might not need them. Just because you're making a video doesn't mean it needs to be fiction. Quite often, it's best to be yourself, that way your brand will shine through.
- My voice doesn't sound good. I recently saw Norah Jones interviewed on television. And guess what...she doesn't like her voice. So if you don't like your voice, there might be no hope. I'm just kidding; your voice probably sounds much better than you think it is.
- No one in my office can edit video. A really great video editor is invaluable. But without formal video training, you can certainly put together a great finished product. If you can't shoot your video in one take, try editing with a tool like Apple's iMovie or Windows Movie Maker on a PC. Both feature user-friendly interfaces that keep basic editing simple. Or, shoot the video yourself and ask a video production company to edit it for you.
- We don't have fancy equipment to shoot with. These days, you might not need it. While super-high-quality, HD videos are the nicest to look at, you can also shoot great footage on the smart phone sitting in your pocket. This can be particularly important for capturing behind the scenes footage, short videos, or just something funny happening in the office.
- We don't have the sets/scenery we need. Are you sure you need that scenery? More likely than not, you can transform your office into a set for your video shoot - easily. Try bringing in some props from home, purchasing some affordable decorations at a thrift store, or just shoot against a blank wall and let the audience use their imagination.
The lesson here is that you don't have to shoot a theater-ready movie to produce videos that support your brand and help with marketing and customer service. Instead, use video production as a mechanism to make your content as effective as possible.
