We live in an interactive world and today people spend more time online looking at photos and watching videos than ever before. It is statistically proven that videos enhance conversions; 52% of people who watch a video take the next step with a product or service.

So what’s holding you back from getting video on your website and into your social media this year? Most often people just don’t know where to start. Here are three tips to help you get started on creating video for your organization.

Tip 1: Outline Your Goal & Refine the Tactic

The biggest mistake I see with video is that people try and cram too many ideas in rather than focusing on one well defined goal. Sit down and clearly outline the objective behind your video. Is the goal of your video to get someone to hire you? Are you trying to inspire a sale? Be clear about what you are trying to accomplish. Now pick the tactic for the goal. Will you use an educational approach? Are you looking to educate as well as entertain? Before you take the next step, you need to be clear about the personality behind the message.

Tip 2: Write a Script

Before you jump in and start recording, get your thoughts together and write a script. Though your video doesn’t have to be a perfect 30 or 60 seconds for broadcast, it is smart to write out what you want to say. The average person will give you 10-15 seconds to grab their attention, and writing out the script helps you put the sizzle right up front and center. It is also important to understand the momentum of how you or your voice-over talent will be delivering the dialog. For example, 65 words with lots of pauses can take 30 seconds to read. Or 180 words at a faster pace will be a full 60 seconds. Write out your script and time it before you move on so you will have an accurate expectation for the length of your video.

Tip 3: Create a Storyboard

After you have written your script it’s time to match up visuals with your words. Google “storyboard layouts” and find one like this that works for you. It will help you structure your visuals to match with your script, and it will help you understand what you need to create the video.

Here is sample of an animated video we created to explain the value of video, following all of the above tips. Take notice of how the animation lines up and syncs with the script.

Next time I will share some tools you can use to create your own animated videos. In the meantime, if you have questions reach out and schedule a free 20 minute consultation to discuss integrating video into your business growth plan.