Embracing video in your 2020 marketing initiatives is a must. Video continues to dominate in the content world and increases your engagement and brand exposure. Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video compared to 10% when reading it in text.We know creating and distributing video can be intimidating, so we've compiled a list of best practices to help you with conquering video in 2020!
Starting with a script is essential. You might think you can skip this step, but writing your ideas down can save you a lot of headaches later on. It also helps to focus your message, minimizing filler words like 'um' and 'uh.'
Remember to look at your webcam and smile. It's fine to peek down at your script from time to time, but don't forget to focus on the webcam. Blinking is encouraged- you want to keep a natural contact.
In general, facing a window will result in a nice, even light that makes you easily visible against a background. Avoid areas with low light or too much backlighting (windows in the background are a challenge for webcams).
When setting up audio, consider using an external microphone. These allow for more control over the quality of the sound. And always make sure to check your audio before filming. Simply record a couple of seconds of you speaking and then play it back to make sure the audio is clear with little to no background noise.
After you confirmed your audio check, take a look at what is in the frame and remove anything distracting. A quick clean up can do wonders.
Whether you are using a USB webcam or built-in webcam on your laptop, make sure that the camera lens sits at or above eye level, no higher than your hairline. Once your webcam is in place, remember not to sit too close to the camera.
Video can be scary, but these best practices will help you become a master and share your expertise! Practice makes perfect, so keep your goal in mind. You'll become a video rockstar and crush it in 2020.