15 Tips for Creating Great Video Content

The first time you watch a video, just watch it. And then watch it a second time and analyse what’s going on.

What’s being said? What is in each scene? How are the scenes shot? How long between one scene and the next? How does the camera move? Do you see the person speaking? Where is their focus? How are they dressed? How do they move? What is the lighting like? What is the script? How do they speak? What kind of words do they use? How do they sound? Is there music? Are there sound effects? Why are the funny parts funny? How do they hold your attention? How do you feel during the video? How do you feel when it’s done playing? What do you remember the most about the video?

It won’t be too long before you’re able to take a video apart in your mind and see how it was crafted, how it works and most of all, why it works.

There is the true secret to learning video marketing – watch videos multiple times to see how they work. Make notes. Give yourself a crash course by dissecting other videos and choosing the techniques and methods you want to make your own.

And then just do it.

Here are 15 great tips that will help you create great video content:

1: Start with a clear concept – Before you even pick up the camera, have a clear idea of what you want to communicate through your video. Define your target audience and consider the type of video you want to create – educational, promotional, entertainment, or something else.

2: Write a script – Even if your video is going to be largely visual, a script will help you stay on track and ensure that your message is clear and concise.

3: Start with a strong opening – You only have a few seconds to grab your audience's attention, so make sure your video's opening is engaging and attention-grabbing. Try starting with a surprising fact, a bold statement, or a provocative question.

4: Use humour – Humour is a great way to make your video memorable and shareable. However, make sure the humour is appropriate for your target audience and aligns with your brand's voice and tone.

5: Show, don't tell – When possible, rather than telling your audience about your product or service, show it in action. Use visuals to demonstrate how your product works or how it can benefit your audience.

6: Use high-quality equipment – While you don't need to break the bank on equipment, make sure you're using good quality tools that can capture high-resolution video and audio.

7: Pay attention to lighting and sound – Good lighting and audio can make or break a video. Ensure that your shots are well lit, and invest in a good quality microphone for clear audio.

8: Keep it concise – People have short attention spans, so it's important to keep your video concise and to the point. Keep most videos under five minutes if possible, and only go over 10 minutes if you absolutely have to.

9: Add visual interest – Use different camera angles, cutaway shots, and other visual techniques to add interest and keep viewers engaged.

10: Use storytelling techniques – Storytelling is a powerful way to engage viewers emotionally and help them connect with your message. Consider using a narrative arc to structure your video.

11: Incorporate branding – If you're creating a promotional video, be sure to incorporate your brand into the video in a way that feels natural and unobtrusive.

12: Include a call to action – Every video should have a clear call to action that tells viewers what to do next. This could be visiting a website, making a purchase, or signing up for a newsletter.

13: Consider adding music – The right music can help create a specific mood and evoke emotions in your audience. Choose music that aligns with your brand and the message you want to convey.

14: Be authentic – Consumers are becoming increasingly skeptical of marketing messages, so it's important to be authentic and genuine in your video. Avoid overly salesy or gimmicky content and instead focus on creating a real connection with your audience.

15: Edit carefully – Finally, make sure you edit your video carefully to ensure that it flows smoothly and that there are no mistakes or technical issues. Use transitions, colour grading, and other techniques to make your video look polished and professional.

One of the tips I mentioned was to have high-quality equipment but if you only have a smart phone, start with that. The point is, just start making videos and don’t let the fact that you don’t own the latest camera stop you. That can all come later. Build your business as you go.