Would you love more comments and shares on your videos? Do you ever wish your videos looked a bit more polished?
Now is a great time 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’s 5 easy (and some more advanced) tactics you can use right now.
1. 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. Check with your suppliers for their branded backgrounds.
If you use another video recording tool, check out their green screen options. I also use Screen Cast-o-Matic. (Super Easy) Here’s a list of other options. For these options you will need an actual green-colored screen behind you. You’ll find them on Amazon.
Check out this video for some examples of ways to use virtual backgrounds on Zoom.
2. Transform with Transitions
Many people think that 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 below) and you’ll see that adding a transition is as simple as the click of a button. Don’t forget the KISS rule for video!
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
Bonus tip: Amplify your success by using 1 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.
3. 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 as well as how the text moves in and out of the video. Check out the tools below.
- Compelling Captions
We see how the 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. Attention-grabbing!
Don’t miss out on this essential part of your video production. It will help to 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.
Bonus tip: Placing this box in a position where the captions will appear helps the captions stand out.
- 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 an intro and outro of music by tapping into the royalty free music available in many video editing platforms.
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. Here’s an example.
Simple stuff, right? You’ll be amazed at the results you’ll see when you pay attention these small details.
By: Catherine Heeg, international speaker and trainer, takes the mystery and mayhem out of social marketing. She focuses on social media marketing strategies for the tourism and hospitality industry. Connect with her at www.cmsspeaking.com and socially.
