If you want to stand out in the digital marketing world, you need to post videos. Listen, we know it’s intimidating and weird to see yourself on a video, but it’s a necessary evil. Videos bring so much more personality and interest to your platform than pictures and infographics (if you do it the right way, that is). But don’t stress – we’ll give you four easy tips to make engaging digital marketing videos that are entertaining to watch and even fun to make.
1. Length Matters: How Long Should Your Video Be?
Each platform’s algorithm prefers a minimum or maximum length for videos. Here’s a quick guide on how long your video should be based on where you’re planning to post it:
- Instagram Post: 1 minute
- Instagram Story: 15 seconds
- Instagram Reels: 15-60 seconds
- Facebook: less than 1 minute
- TikTok: 7-15 seconds OR 1+ minute
- Twitter: 44 seconds
- YouTube: 2 minutes
- LinkedIn: less than 30 seconds
- Snapchat: 7 seconds
- Pinterest: 6-15 seconds
Knowing how long your video should be to get the most views will help you curate your message to fit the time constraints. Then, when you’re recording and editing, you’ll know where to cut down or where to add more information.
2. Nail the Basics: Framing, Lighting, and More
When it comes to creating digital marketing videos, getting the basics of videography down can transform a good video into a great one. Here are some essential tips to enhance your video quality and capture your audience’s attention:
- Framing is Fundamental: Use the rule of thirds: imagine your screen is divided into nine equal sections by two vertical and horizontal lines (your phone should have a setting where it shows the lines). Place key elements where those lines intersect. If you’re making a video of yourself talking, make sure to stay centered but not too close or too far away. Think like you’re taking a passport picture – from the shoulders up.
- Lighting Leads the Way: Natural lighting is your best friend. If you’re recording indoors, set up near a window with plenty of natural light. Avoid harsh overhead lights that create unflattering shadows. For late-night recording sessions, consider soft LED ring lights to keep your footage bright and inviting.
- Color Your Content: Choose backdrop and clothing colors that complement your skin tone and enhance your brand’s aesthetic. Soft, neutral backgrounds help keep the focus on you, while a pop of color in your attire or props can make the visuals more lively and attention-grabbing.
- Dress for Success: What you wear on camera is more important than you might think. Avoid intricate patterns and stripes that can distract or create camera distortions. Solid colors work best; they translate well on screen and help maintain viewer focus. Also, dress appropriately for the tone of your video content. If you’re aiming for professional, lean towards smart-casual. If it’s casual, relaxed attire is perfectly fine.
- Consistency is Key: Maintaining a consistent look and feel makes your brand easily recognizable. This includes the same filters (though they should be used sparingly), maintaining similar lighting, and sticking to a color scheme.
3. Speak Up and Stand Out: Master Your Delivery
Alright, now you’ve got the visuals down. Let’s talk about your delivery. This is where your personality shines through! Here’s how you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and make your message resonate:
- Clear Speech is Crucial: Mumbling or speaking quietly can lose viewers and credibility. Focus on articulating your words clearly, especially key phrases or technical terms your audience needs to understand.
- Inflection Adds Interest: Vary your pitch to keep your audience engaged. Rise and fall in tone can help emphasize important points. Think of your voice as a wave and allow it to go up and down naturally.
- Tone Tells a Story: It’s not just what you say; it’s how you say it. Whether it’s excited, serious, or humorous, make sure your tone matches the message. If you’re excited about a product, let it show! Authenticity in your tone will get your viewers just as invested as you.
- Express Yourself: Don’t forget about your face – it is a video, after all! Smiling, raising eyebrows, nodding, and using hands for emphasis can make your videos more lively and personable. Just be sure not to overdo it. You want your body language to match your words, not overpower them.
4. Keep It Real, Keep It Rolling: Embrace the Bloopers
Perfection is a myth, especially in the dynamic world of digital marketing videos. It’s about connection, not perfection. Embracing authenticity not only makes your videos more relatable but also more effective. Here’s how:
- Don’t Stop for Slip-Ups: Continuously recording through the bloopers allows you to capture unexpected moments that can be surprisingly engaging. When editing, you can decide whether to keep a blooper in for a laugh. These unscripted moments make your video feel more human and relatable.
- Authenticity Over Perfection: Don’t obsess over getting every take perfect. It’s your quirks and spontaneous reactions that often resonate most with your audience. If you stumble over a word but recover with a smile, it shows you’re human. Authenticity builds trust and genuine connection, and people are drawn to realness.
- The Magic of Editing: Remember, you can always trim down your content to make it tighter and more cohesive. This gives you the freedom during filming to not sweat the small stuff. Capture everything and refine it later to balance personality and professionalism.
With all of this in mind, you’re ready to hit the record button with confidence! Remember, the best videos are the ones that feel like a conversation between you and your viewers. Use these tips to fill your videos with personality, professionalism, and a little pizzazz. With practice and persistence, you’ll grow your presence and connect with people in meaningful ways. You got this!
