Yes. You have read that correctly.

I am telling you how to create your own business video.

I firmly believe that every business should be using video as part of their marketing strategy. This was the reason VisualPunch was created: to bring affordable video content to SME’s throughout the North East. I love to see North East businesses embracing video because of the incredible benefits it can add to your business marketing strategy.

Including a video on a landing page can increase conversion rates by 80%

1/3 of all time online is spent watching video

Did you know that 59% of executives would rather watch a video than read text?

With just 7 easy to film shots you can create a 30 second social media video for your business using your smartphone. Your will explain quickly and concisely what you can do for your customers.

Elevator Pitch

The first thing you need to do is write down your elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in your business. You can also use them to create interest in a service, product or in yourself. A good elevator pitch should last no longer than 20-30 seconds. This elevator pitch will be the spine of your video as it is the perfect length for a video. (If you haven’t got one, don’t panic! You can look at the outline I’ve drafted so you can see what you need to include).

Now look at your elevator pitch. Does it include everything that you offer? What is that one thing that makes you different to everyone else?

What do you want people to do after they have watched your video?

Your script should now be starting to look a little like this-

Hello, I’m ………………. from …………………….

We are a ……………………..
(what do you do?)

We are based in ……………….
(where do you it?(optional))

We offer …………………………………………..
(tell me a bit more about your service, this is the bit that makes you different)

Call to action

Call to action

It’s important to have a call to action – someone has taken the time to watch your video, so tell them what you want them to do. This can range from:

-Calling in-store to see you

-Giving you a call to arrange an appointment

-View your website for more details

This can simply be achieved by either filming a branded product relevant to your business and using a text overlay. (E.g. A graphic designer can use a shot of a pen on top of a branded pad of paper. The text overlay can say ‘Lets talk about your design today’ ‘www.graphicdesigner.co.uk’.

Before filming starts

Before you start any filming, make sure you have your smartphone and that it has plenty of battery and space for your video clips. Remember, you can film multiple clips until you are happy.

The next thing to do is to make sure you use your phone in a landscape view. If you use portrait mode, your video won’t look very good and your customers will take that as a reflection on you. YES it is a BIG NO NO when filming video.

The last thing is don’t forget to smile!

Shot List

Now you need to think about what you can film that will be relevant to your business. Within this 7 shot video I’m going to guide you on what and how you can film to make your business video. This is broken down into nice bite size chunks to make it easier for you to do yourself. What is great about this is you only need to be on camera talking for two shots as the rest can be done as a voice over.

Shot 1 – Headshot

This is your opening shot. You can either do this shot slightly wider or closer inwards, but that’s your choice. It’s important to include yourself in your video as people buy your products and services from you.

In this clip, you are going to introduce yourself and your business. This clip will approximately be 5 seconds long.

Shot 2 – Headshot

This next shot is where you are going to talk more about the service you offer. If you start a video wide for higher production values (yes, this is a thing!), do this shot a little more zoomed in. It will make your video look a lot nicer. If you started your video quite close you can always go wider on this shot. This clip will approximately be 8 seconds long.

Shot 3 – Interior/Exterior shot of the office/shop/warehouse

In this shot you are going to talk about where you are based. This is great if you offer a product/service which people can buy. This can show them where you are and what your shop/studio/office looks like. If you work from home you might not want to include this shot. This is your choice.

Shot 4,5,6 – Your service

In these shots we are going to show what your business does and why people should buy your service. You can include whatever you want that you feel shows off your business in the best light. This is the part where you can tell your potential customers what makes you different to the others in your field. If you are your business then think about including you in action in these shots.  This clip will approximately be 12 seconds long.

 

Shot 7 – Call to Action

This is where you can tell your customers what you want them to do. Here is an example of what a Call to Action can look like. What iconic part of your business do you want to be the final shot? This clip will approximately be 5 seconds long.

 

 

Voiceover

Now you will need to record a voiceover of any parts that you haven’t filmed yourself talking. If you have followed the guide you will see that it is from shot 3 through to shot 7.

Now, all of this should only take you an hour and a half to film to ensure you are happy with your end results. I will show you how to piece this all together in our next blog.

Tell me how your filming is going on social media  @Visual_Punch facebook.com/VisualPunch/