By Michele Scism
The Results Lady
How do you make a great video that you can use on a online sales letter or a training video series?
Well you have come to the right place because I have been the video queen lately. I have been making 30 minute training videos, 5 minute introductory videos and 20 minutes sales page videos.
First you learn these words “OK, that's good enough.” That has to become your mantra because I can tell you right now it will never be good enough.
Second you need patience. First because your computer doesn't work as fast as your brain. Then because you forget to hit the “save” button and your computer crashes because you have so many websites and programs open it decides to go on strick.
Third you need to absolutely love what you do. A few weeks back I wrote a blog post about how long it was taking me to put these 30 minute training videos together. I don't know if I actually admitted that it took me 30 hours to create a 30 minute video but it did. However, the second one I created only took me about 20 hours and yesterday I did one in about 15 hours. So it's getting better. I have exactly 24 hours as I type this to have the next video ready for publication and I am only 25% done so I wonder how long this one will take me.
Fourth you need some great trade secrets. OK, I'll share them with you.
* You don't have to be on camera yourself, if you don't want to. Love that – means I can make great videos in my jammies.
* Create a PowerPoint slide for your presentation. Usually I like to put lots of pictures and not many words. But yesterday I did a video where the viewer can read along as I speak. I really liked that and I will let you know later what the feedback is.
* You need a good headphone. Be sure you do a little test run to make sure it is recording. Learned that one the hard way.
* Use a screen capture software to capture your screen and your voice. I use Camtasia and I know a lot of the video experts do too.
Fifth repeat your mantra – “OK, that's good enough.”
So when you see my new video that is coming out on Monday and you notice there is a “T” missing on one of the slides – remember “OK, that's good enough.”
Are you using video to market your products and services? How about doing training videos? You can check out my newest training videos at www.SixFigureSocialMediaSystem.com
Michele,
Great post. I just recently dipped my toe into video and ONLY because I want my clients to start using video. I want to be able to say: see it’s safe so I knew I had to tackle it first. I hope it gets easier with time.
Thanks for telling the truth and encouraging everyone to set real expectations. Very useful.
Regards,
Camara
“You talkin’ to me?” The phrase “OK, that’s good enough.” is something I’m still in the process of learning…the hard way. Perhaps I should print that phrase out on my label maker and attach it to my Flip. 😉
I have started setting a limit on the number of takes I will allow myself to film…ESPECIALLY for a 2-3 minute video!
What a great learning curve you’re on…30 hours for 30 minutes…20 hours for 30 minutes…15 hours for 30 minutes…that’s FANTASTIC!!! When I was a marketing director we would spend 8-10 hours making 30 SECOND TV commercials! Hopefully that makes you feel like you’re even further along the right track. 🙂
Lynn…thanks so much for the tip on Screencast-O-Matic…I will have to check that out!
Michele, rule of thumb is 1 second equals 1 hour from concept to finish! So don’t feel frustrated about taking 30 hours for a 30 minute one! In fact the shorter they are the more difficult to keep the same ratio … a 30 second commercial is incredibly difficult! Thanks for your insights.
Michele loved your blend of honesty & humor. I have sat down at my computer to create videos and ended up stopping. Why? It wasn’t good enough. The setting wasn’t good enough, my hair wasn’t good enough, what showed up on the monitor wasn’t “right”, on & on.
I can tell you learned well from Adam about not seeking perfection – just doing it. It’s time to light that fire underneath my you know what! Thanks again. Have a great day.
Thanks for this timely post, Michelle. I have been totally stuck on my ppt video and it makes me feel better that 30 hours for your 30 minute video is not out of the ordinary. I really just need to get going with the first couple of slides!
“OK, that’s good enough!” will be my new mantra! Back to creating my video…
Hey Daphne – How did that video turn out? Did you finally get it “good enough”? :))
Hey Gretchen – How have you been? Well I am so glad you did decide to stop by. Thanks for commenting, Michele