If you are an online video editor, you are aware of how tough it can be to perfect your craft with promo videos. There are many factors that go into making videos that are not only artistic, but also eye-catching, easy to follow, and above all, entertaining enough to keep people watching without getting bored or distracted by something else.
If you’re having trouble perfecting the art of video editing in general or you just want some tips on how to get better at making videos in particular, this list of 10 precious tips to help you get better at making videos is sure to help.
Table of Contents
1) Use Short Video Clips
When making a movie, it’s important to keep in mind that your audience is most likely not going to watch it in one sitting.
But you also don’t want them stopping mid-movie or fast-forwarding through anything. As such, you should aim for around 20-30 minutes of video per 100 pages of content. That means if your content has 500 words, fit it in 2 minutes and a half.
2) Do Not Try Too Hard
Go with your gut! If you’re comfortable in front of a camera, let it show.
The most natural videos are always better. Also, try not to use too many flashy transitions or effects while editing because they take away from your message.
The final product should be a subtle mix of fun and professionalism. If you’re trying too hard it will probably come across in your video.
3) Shoot Vertical Video
A vertical video takes up less screen space, which makes it a great choice for mobile viewers.
If you have a camera that lets you shoot in portrait mode, try creating vertical videos from time to time. They can feel more personal and intimate, and they’re likely to get higher completion rates (and better engagement) on social media.
4) Create Compelling Titles
One of my favorite things about online videos is that you can incorporate text into your videos for extra context.
Whether you’re recording an instructional tutorial or simply demonstrating how to do something, adding text will help you guide your viewers. Just be sure not to overdo it.
Keep in mind that when people are watching videos on their phones or tablets, they often watch them with headphones in. So make sure any talking-head parts of your video are short and sweet.
5) Incorporate Text into Videos
In addition to making video content, add some text to your videos. It can be a transcript of what you’re saying, a call-to-action for website visitors, or it can simply be a visual complement to what you’re talking about in your video.
Either way, mixing in some text will help make your videos more accessible and engaging. There are many tools, including an online video editor, that make it easy for you to do so.
6) Use Photos For Background Images
Most people can’t watch a video that’s longer than about three minutes, which means you have to keep your message simple and clearly communicate what you want your viewers to do.
In other words, if you have a longer video, include some form of intro or outro that gives context as well as a call-to-action. For instance, if you make how-to videos about fixing appliances, maybe include some tips on troubleshooting and where people can go for help.
7) Keep It Short And Simple
Be wary of overcomplicating things. While it can be tempting to add lots of different elements or styles, make sure you don’t add too much.
Keep your videos short and simple, and people will be more likely to watch them all the way through- and share them with their friends!
8) Proofread Before Publishing
If you don’t proofread your work, there’s a chance that you will accidentally publish something with an error.
The last thing you want is for your readers to see your mistakes.
Take time to make sure your writing makes sense and is free of spelling or grammatical errors. While tools like Grammarly can help find more obvious issues, it’s always good practice for writers to go back through their work with a fine-tooth comb before publishing.
9) Don’t Overdo Banners Or Calls To Action
Most video editing software will allow you to add multiple lines of text to your video. However, keep in mind that too many can make it look cluttered.
If you do decide to place text on your videos, place call-to-action banners behind what you want people to do next.
For example, if you want them to follow you on Twitter after watching a short clip, put Follow me on Twitter as one of your calls-to-action so viewers don’t have an excuse not to take action.
10) Make Use of an Online Video Editor
So you want to make videos, but you don’t have much experience doing so. Where do you start?
By making sure your first attempt doesn’t look like your last. It may sound obvious, but video production is a skill, and it takes time and effort to get good at it. The same can be said for any creative pursuit- music, painting, film- but video editing is especially difficult. So if you have little experience in this aspect, try using an online video editor. Its simple drag-and-drop user interface helps you get the most out of your content with the least effort.
Final Thoughts
Video is an important piece of your digital marketing plan, but it’s difficult to stand out when everyone is creating their own videos.
These 10 tips can help you get better at making videos- which, in turn, will make it easier for you to create great content for your viewers. And if you are just starting out, consider using an online video editor to ensure quality output.
When you improve how you make videos, people will take notice. And that leads directly to increased engagement and leads.
