How to make your video content effective

These days, people are consuming more video content via their computers than they are via the traditional television route. With the falling cost of video production equipment, and the rise of video sharing over the internet, it is now easier and cheaper for small businesses to produce and distribute their own videos to promote their businesses, products, and services.

From customer testimonials and product demonstrations, to how-to guides and news-reels, almost all businesses can benefit from complimenting their online presence with video content.

But what makes one video more effective than another? What are the secrets to making your business videos worth watching? Watch our free, live and interactive web seminar where we chatted to industry experts about the tips and techniques that could help make your business videos a success!

We’ve also put together a beginner’s guide to video, so here are our tips to helping you get going with your business video…

Different types of video

Video is versatile and you can use it in many different ways as an online marketing tool:

Introduce yourself: Video can help you add that personal touch to your trading. Simply coming across as a normal human being can give you the edge over your faceless competitors.

Meet the team: If you have staff and premises, show them off. It can give a big boost of trust to wary buyers.

Showcase your products and skills: Complex lines, maybe things with moving parts, can be shown to be in full working order. But it’s not just about goods: it could be about your skills. A catering company could show the chefs in action, for instance.

News and Views: Use a video to establish yourself as a credible person to do business with. An accountant could talk about the latest tax news a DVD seller could review new releases.

Customer Testimonials: Get your loyal and treasured customers to recommend you to others. It’s a powerful way of attracting business.

Making and Editing Videos

You don’t need to splash out on expensive cameras and lighting to create a compelling and professional video. Very often, you’ll be happy with the results that you can get from an ordinary digital camera: most of them take videos nowadays.

In terms of low cost video cameras, Flip cameras are great fun and easy to use. BT Tradespace has teamed up with Flip to give you exclusive deals on flip videos cameras. Find out more here.

It’s also remarkably easy to spruce up your video with editing software. Most computers now come with standard software so you can crop and trim your footage, add soundtracks, insert captions and titles and add all manner of glitzy effects to professionalise your video.

Video Tips

Even though it’s possible to enhance your footage, it makes sense to make your video as good as possible when you shoot it. Here are some useful tips:

Keep it quiet and speak up: Keep background to a minimum and don’t mumble!

Don’t wobble: Use a tripod or rest your camera on a solid surface for a nice steady image.

Good light: Natural light is best and make sure there is plenty of it. Don’t ruin your film be keeping us in the dark.

Keep to the point: Make a list of things you want to say and get to your points. Keep it short and sweet.

Hosting your video on BT Tradespace

Once your video is made and edited, you can easily upload it to BT Tradespace for people to view. Simply log in to BT Tradespace, go to ‘Manage Treadespace’ and select ‘Upload Video’ in the options and follow the prompts.

If you want to find out more about getting your hands on a cost-effective easy to use video camcorder for your Tradespace – have a look at our special offer on Flip camcorders….