Tips For Better Video Blogging

Video Blogging really seems to be catching on as of late. Even some well known, A-list, bloggers are getting in on this new medium. While I think it’s a great way to deliver your message, there are a few rules that should be followed. Here is a list of tips that will help take your video blogging to the next level, and make the experience more enjoyable for your readers (viewers).

1. Pick the Right File Format for Your Video
This is very important and, to a certain degree, can vary depending upon your audience. You need to make sure that the majority of your viewers will be able to see your video out of the box. If they have to upgrade their software or download something new, you may have just lost a loyal watcher.

Pick a format that is very common and highly supported among the majority of video players/browsers. The newest wizbang codec maybe God’s gift to video compression, but if your viewers video player doesn’t support it, you’ve wasted your time (and theirs). Flash video (FLV) is always a good option because something like 98% of people will already be able to see it. If it works for YouTube, it can work for you.

2. Don’t Be a Close Talker
Back up and get your face out of the camera. One of the most common, and annoying, mistakes a video blogger can make is being to close to the camera. Think of a publicity photo or head shot. You should be able to see your shoulders and a little bit of space above your head. If you can’t, you are way to close.

On the other hand, you need to make sure you are also not to far away. With a little practice, you should be able to quickly judge the correct distance from the camera.

Update: I thought I would give you a visual example of what I mean by “Don’t Be a Close Talker”, courtesy of the ProBlogger himself. These are screenshots from two of Darren’s most recent video blog posts. The one on the left was posted August 15th (too close) and the one on the right was posted August 22nd (perfect!). Hmm, quite the change from one week to the next. Maybe, Darren reads Average Joe Blogger.

Clicking on the screengrabs will take you to the posts where the videos are located. Darren is implementing many of these tips and it’s a good example of what to do.

3. Plan Your Environment
One of the appeals of video blogging, from a viewers point of view, is being able to see you in your environment. It gives an impression of who you are and ultimately helps to build trust. So take the time to plan out what will be in your background. It’s nice to see a little of where you are as long as it’s not distracting. Make sure their are no kids or people moving around behind you.

3. Embed Your Video in a Page
Don’t be lazy and just link to the video, take the time to embed it in a page. By embedding your video in a page, you get to control how and where it appears, as well as provide valuable information to your viewers about the video.

Here are a few things that should be included on the page with your embedded video.

A. Provide A Summary - Let your viewers know briefly what the video is about. If their not interested, it’s a waste of their time and your bandwidth. Plus, by providing a text summary, you give your video a chance to be found via your local search or by search engines.

B. Software Links - Give your viewers links to any software updates they might need to view the video. If you know your audience and thought about Tip 1 above, then only a small percentage of your viewers will even need this. However, by making it easy for them, you may gain a loyal viewer.

C. Related Information - This is your opportunity to give your viewers any additional information or links that might not have been fully covered in your video. For example, maybe your video post was a review of the new iPhone, or and expansion on someone else’s. By giving a link to the original reviewer and even a website selling the iPhone, you allow the viewer to explore what you’ve just talked about even further.

4. Pre-Plan What Your Going to Say
Before you even turn on the camera, you should have a very good idea of what you are going to say. It may even help to make an outline, or some basic notes, to help keep yourself on track. It should never look like your are searching for or trying to remember your next point. This will convey a lack of knowledge about your topic and damage the trust of your viewers.

5. Know Your Software Package
Whatever software package you choose for editing your video posts, make sure you take the time to learn how to effectively use basic editing techniques such as fades and transitions. By just using fades and the beginning and end of your video, as well as transitions between cuts, you can make your video look more professional. Look for other simple techniques you can do with your software to make your videos more professional and appealing. Your viewers will thank you for it.

6. Check Your Audio
There are two basic things to plan for when it comes to audio. The first is an extension of the “Plan Your Environment” tip above. Wherever you choose to record your video post, make sure it is free of unwelcome noises. The only sounds that should be able to be heard are the person (or persons) talking and any other noises specifically related to your video topic. This means no television, kids, or cars driving by outside, unless you happen to be video blogging about these.

The second is to invest in a decent microphone. You don’t need to spend a fortune, just don’t use the microphone your buddy traded you 10 years ago for a stack of floppy discs. If you’re serious about video blogging, and you want your viewers to take you seriously, invest in something halfway decent. It’s a good way to use that Best Buy gift card you got for your birthday.

Conclusion
By following a few basic tips and rules you can give your videos a more professional look and help your blog stand out from the crowd. You’ll have more credibility and your readers will love you for it.