This is a guest post by Sean Platt of Ghostwriter Dad.
A lot of writers make the mistake of assuming video isn’t for them.
This makes sense, were writers. We build our worlds with words not images, right?
Well, yes. But whatever future we’re writing for ourselves will need to be fueled with intelligent marketing, and video offers raw potential like little else.
I made the same mistake, but I’m not making it anymore. Video is already BIG, but it’s going to get BIGGER. Once Google finds a way to index video the way they index copy, it’s game over.
The Time to Start Learning How to Use Video is NOW
Smart writers will get comfortable on video before then. If you don’t develop the skills necessary to capitalize on video, you’re locking a lot doors for your writing career.
If the idea of doing videos makes you uncomfortable, I understand. The same was true for me. I recently recorded a metric ton of videos (over 60 in one week) and so my comfort level is now growing, but when I first started I may as well of been standing on my front porch naked.
Turns out, the cure for getting over your fear of making videos is to make over 60 in a week.
Video is good for you, good for your audience, and good for your future. The best way to get it done is to look in the camera and do it.
The Easy Formula for Making Videos in Minutes
Watch this example of a video I did for my own site to get a feel for just how simple video can be while still being effective.
Follow the soft template below to build a video library in less than 15 minutes per day, then tweak the template to your unique needs, personality and business model.
1. Start with a short script so you know what to say.
This doesn’t have to be detailed, and really shouldn’t be. All you need is a few bullet points so you don’t get lost and can start with a general idea of what you’re going to say on camera.
2. Hit record and let your device run for a minute or two.
Somewhere around 90 seconds or so seems to be the sweet spot for amplifying your views on YouTube. Though your finished video should be no more than a couple of minutes, allow five for recording time.
3. Keep your videos on topic and don’t ramble.
Offer a single tip and keep it specific. If you think of other things to say, keep them in your head, then write them down as soon as you stop recording so you can use your ideas for future videos.
4. When you’re finished with your video, upload it to a video sharing site.
This shouldn’t take longer than three minutes. Once that’s done, spend another three minutes creating a powerful title and description for your video, using appropriate keywords and tags so it’s easy for people to find you.
5. Spend your final few minutes connecting with others in your industry.
Once your video goes live, this is essential. Search by keywords to find other people in your niche, then network intelligently by leaving comments, friending them, and liking their videos.
Follow this formula and you should be able to put out a video each day without it having a dramatic impact on your schedule. Find a regular rhythm, and the video marketing you were once too timid to try can suddenly soar ahead as the most powerful weapon in your marketing arsenal. Need more inspiration? Check out these effective videos made by other writers.
Are You Using Video?
It’s your turn – are you using video to accompany your writing and blogging? Share your video strategies – if you have a favorite video of yours, be sure to link to it and tell us why it’s your favorite in the comments below!
