10 Tips on How to Create Compelling Videos

We already know that video marketing is important. But how do we create compelling vides that people actually want to watch?

1. Answer A Question

What questions are you frequently asked by your leads or existing clients? Write down at least 10 of these frequently asked questions. Then write out your best answers for each question. These answers can each become one (or more) videos.

1. Use Numbers

People like to know what they are getting into, so number your points and put it right in the title of your video. “Five Tips on How to Lose 50 Pounds” or “10 Ways to Grow Your Blog Traffic.” You’ll also see that both of these titles answer a question.

3. Start out with the “Secret”

One way to compel viewers to watch your video to the end is to tease with a “secret” tip in your introduction. An example might be “In this video, learn the number one thing you must do to grow your website’s traffic!”

4. Share something truly valuable

When you share your tips, try to make a point to give clear and concise advice, not generalized “generic” tips.

5. Share yourself

While recording your video, don’t worry about being perfect in your delivery. For one thing, you can always edit it. Second, people want to know you’re human and you can leave some “mistakes” in, or you can put them into a blooper reel at the end. People want to do business with those they know, like, and trust. And if they know you’re a real person, they are more likely to both like and trust you.

6. Do Edit It

While it might seem easier to just post one long take with little editing, in the long run it will hurt your video. First, as I mentioned above, you can edit out some of your mistakes but leave some in. Second, you want to create (or have a professional create) An opener and ending for your show. This can really put your video a notch above the rest. Just don’t make it too long, or the people you hooked in the “Secret” opening may still click away.

7. Add Titles

While this falls under editing, I wanted to make a point to tell you to add titles, lower thirds, and other text to the video to emphasize your points. If you have “5 Ways To Save Money on Home Repairs”, show test of each point as you go to emphasize them. You also want to add in your URL, name, and any URLs you mention in your video.

8. Add Other Images Or Videos

It doesn’t have to be jsut you talking. Since you are going to editthe video anyway, why not acquire some (legal) photos or videos – know as b-roll – and integrate them into your video. This will improve the visual interest. In fact, you could make a video that doesn’t show you at all!

9. Do Provide Typed Notes

As you complete your edit, and get ready to upload it, make sure you give your video a good description. Whether you are uploading to YouTube, Viddler, or your own blog, type up notes on your keys points, any URLs mentioned, and of course, links to your own web site and social media profiles.

10. Leave Them Wanting More

In point #1 eluded to this; if your answer to a question is going to take longer than 3–4 minutes to answer, consider splitting it up into parts. Just make sure you break up the parts in a way that makes logical sense. And make sure you tell people up front – verbally and in your video title – that this is part of a series. Make sure to provide links to all of the other parts of the series in the description.

Did I miss something? Have another “must use” tip on create a compelling video for your marketing efforts? Make sure you leave a comment below. Or, leave me a video reply on YouTube with your thoughts and opinions.

Bonus Tip on Compelling Content

Reading up more on writing “compelling content” for blogs will help you to create more compelling videos. So I read many of those articles, as well. Below are a few I have found helpful.

More Helpful Links on Compelling Videos and Compelling Content

• 12 Tips to Create Compelling Content via marthaspelman.com
• 5 Tips for Compelling Content via business2community.com
• Another 10 Tips to Creating Compelling Online Videos via denversbdc.org

About The Author

Stuart Mackey is founder and Creative Director at Mackey Productions, LLC. Mackey Productions, LLC is a producer of high definition marketing videos for local businesses, non-profits and individuals. Serving Riverview, Brandon and the greater Tampa Bay area, Mackey Productions’ mission is to deliver custom, focused content at an affordable price.
Please contact Mackey Productions today to receive your free video marketing consultation! 813–699–0843 or mackeyproductions.com.