We are living in the golden age of the video blog, or “vlog.” Video blogs, when they are done right, can be an integral part of your content marketing strategy. If you have never dipped your toe into the video blogging pool, here are some best practices to help you get started, and to keep you moving along once you have begun vlogging.
Invest in a good camera.
Yes, your smart phone, tablet, and laptop all come with built in cameras. These are not necessarily professional grade pieces of equipment. Do some research and find the best cameras for vloggers and vlogging. If you have money left over invest in a good microphone, or a camera with a good built in microphone.
Pick a message and stick to it.
Your video blog content should not just be a catch-all of different topics that interest you or your managers. Pick a specific focus for your video blog, like science, or lawn care, or cooking, or anything else that seems pertinent to your brand’s followers and make sure that each week you continue to create content that fits that theme. Try to think of a unique value proposition- what will make this video blog different from all of the other video blogs on the internet?
Don’t just talk about your products.
Obviously you want to promote your brand and the products or services you ultimately want to sell, but it is far more important to create engaging content that is helpful or interesting to your followers. Be informative and entertaining. Use your video blogs to disseminate information that is interesting, and pertinent to your followers, but also remember to give it a little razzle dazzle. Present your information in a manner that includes humor, and honest emotion.
Stick to a schedule.
Whether it’s once a week, once a month, every third Tuesday, or whenever there is a Blue Moon, pick a schedule, communicate the schedule to your followers, then follow it. Set up an editorial calendar and plan out your video blogs as far in advance as possible. Leave some wiggle room to include real time items, but try to make sure you plan your vlogs out in advance.
Learn to use basic video editing software.
You do not need to edit your video blogs, but if you choose to, editing can make your video blog look more polished and professional. There is great software out there like Final Cut Pro X. If you do not have much budget, try the free software available on Youtube.
Cross post your video blogs on multiple platforms.
Post your blogs to popular video sites like YouTube and Vimeo, and then post them on your web site, and various social media channels.
Don’t forget the written content.
Even though video blogs are, well, video, there are written components to them as well. Make sure to give your video blog a memorable title, and create short informative descriptions of your entries that include links back to your web site.
Once you have your vlogs established, your can start including them in email blasts. Not sure how? Learn more with our best practices for video emails.
