The KPCB Internet Trends report states us that by the end of 2017, 74% of all online traffic will be video. It is pretty astounding how video content has surpassed written content. This means that now more and more marketers will be investing in video creation. In fact, video will no longer be an accessory to marketing but will soon become a staple. This is evident in the fact that Facebook has become a ‘video first’ platform.
Let’s play a little memory game – think back to the glory days when you first joined Facebook (however many years ago), now try recall what your news feed looked like.. your answer is probably ‘statuses’, right?! Now think about what dominated your news feed when you first checked it this this morning… yep, video!
Are we in agreement video is pretty important then? Great! So to prevent you from entering into the eternal video hall of shame, we bring you a list of the top five mistakes that you need to avoid while creating video content. They are as follows:
#1: You Don’t Have a Clear Purpose
This one might sound typical but what can we say, it is often overlooked. Creating a video without a solid goal or specific purpose in mind is a lost cause.
The number one thing you need to do when you are about to create a video is to determine the goal of the video. Is it to drive traffic? Is it to generate brand awareness? Is is to sell a product or service? What is the message you want to give out? Is it an entertainment video? What are you trying to achieve through this? Once you have the answers to the question, it’s time you start with the script. Generating video without having a script is like walking down the wrong path since the beginning. Thus, never make this mistake if you want t give a final shape to your video.
Once you have the answers to the question, it’s time you start with the script. Generating video without having a script is like walking down the wrong path since the beginning. Thus, never make this mistake if you want t give a final shape to your video.
Once you can answer these, it’s time you start with the storyboard/script. This is the structure of your video. Like any good book, all video’s need a beginning, middle and end. Creating a video without a clear structure or purpose is like going on a road trip without a clear destination or a GPS.
#2: You’re Not Making Your Video Engaging
In the age of the short attention span, people want visual stimulation. Offering them a video where you provide little visually and you keep on taking will simply result in your viewers losing interest. Here are some tips and ideas for creating a more engaging video:
- Use shorter HD clips
- Grab attention in the first 3 seconds – make a bold statement
- Try 360-degree view video
- Add colors, fonts & high-quality images
- Deliver your message in a unique innovative manner
#3: You’re Using The Wrong Camera
The world through the lens is a completely different one. You can reshape the whole view with the help of a good camera and few expert tricks up your sleeves. Good video quality is a big must. Thus, if you’re using a low megapixel phone camera, then you need to stop and rethink. With some much video content online viewers aren’t going to waste their time watching low quaily videos. What if you don’t have a camera? Use stock footage!
#4: You’re Using the Wrong Editing Tool
There are tons of different ways through which you can edit a video. Hundreds of various videos watched are watched on Facebook, Instagram and Snap Chat. Do you think these videos are posted without editing? The real business brands take a moment, edit their videos, elevate their standards and only then they post it to attract more customers to their brands. Thus, if you are creating a video for the sake of generating more business sales, then you need to invest properly in editing the videos. Here are the top mistakes that you can avoid:
- Poor color correcting
- Not ensuring proper visibility of the lower thirds and the title
- Not refining the audio
- Ignoring templates and frames and so on.
#5: You’re Not Reviewing Your Video
Whoa, did you review your video the very last time before pressing the button ‘create’? This is one of the most common mistakes that the video makers make. In order to hurry the process of generating the video, they forget or ignore reviewing their video for the very last time. Your final review can be really helpful. You can spot any text spelling/ grammar mistakes, correct the color contrasting, refine the audio quality and look for any other loopholes that you gave left behind in the video. Always give your project a final revision before you take the bold step. It always helps you spice up your game.
So…We have pretty much covered the major domains in which the video makers tend to make mistakes. At least five of the top mistakes are pointed out here for you. It’s time you take a step and avoid making them in order to generate high-quality material for the web and social media.