There are 2 main reasons I hear about why people aren't using video marketing.

1. I don’t know how to do video.
2. I don’t like how I look on video.

These are not good reasons.

It used to be more difficult. It took a lot of time and it was expensive. Not anymore.

I’m not going to waste your time regurgitating the same facts everyone else does about the importance of video. I’ve been working on how to be more effective with video myself. I get it, and I’m sure a lot you do as well. If you're not on video, you're missing out.

There are 5 types of videos you should be doing

1. How to video - Think about how many “how to” videos you’ve watched. Exactly.
2. FAQ - These are videos that answer common questions your customers are continually having. If it’s something you’re hearing a lot, then others will inevitably have that same question.
3. Products and services - Describe what you have to offer, how it’s going to make my life better, and how it’s different from what’s already out there.
4. We are a best fit for... - This video will help you attract the right kinds of customers.
5. Bio video in emails - use them or don’t, but it could be a good way to get your face in front of people and for them to hear you talk.

1 Myth and 1 Bad Habit

First, the myth. "Your videos should only be 2 minutes max!"

The 2 min rule is crap. Make them as long as they need to be but as short as they can be. Simon Sinek’s “why” video is 18 minutes long and it’s been seen millions of times. Just don’t suck.

Now, the bad habit. Don’t film commercials.

When a YouTube video starts, and a commercial plays at the beginning, how often do you watch the whole thing? How often do you watch commercials on TV? No one wants to see your commercial.

Content research

Understand the idea behind “Wants vs. needs.” You think I need something, but what do I actually want? There’s a really cool tool out there that can help. Answer The Public aggregates all of the questions from the web and puts them into a nice little infographic. You can use this to see what some of the top questions are around a certain topic.

Preparation and Scripting

Introducing the APP method:

1. Agree
2. Promise
3. Preview

Use this when starting out your video process to get in the habit of addressing common problems and hooking the audience. The 3 statements are:

1. I’m sure you’d agree that...
2. But what if I told you it’s not that complicated?
3. In this video, I’m going to show you...

SOME EXTRA TIPS

• 85% of Facebook videos have no sound. Use captions. Facebook has made this easy for you.
• YouTube has free soundtracks.
• 1 min video = 1 hour editing
• LinkedIn has a video limit of 10 min.
• Instagram Stories are limited to a length of 15 seconds; videos in the main feed can run a little longer at 60 seconds. If needed, you can chop up your longer video by using an app like CutStory.
• Remember the Rule of Thirds when framing up your shot.
• Write a script when starting out.
• Rehearse!
• Please, use good lighting! Bad lighting will kill your video.
• Video kit suggestions from Amy Porterfield.
• Video starter guide from HubSpot.

Just go for it

You can do it. Don't try to be perfect. Try to be good.

I have good news and bad news. Ready for the bad news? We are all media companies. Now, the good news. We are all media companies.

Get out there and put that face on camera.

–––––

How healthy is your brand? Take this free 20-question survey to find out.