In a time when internet videos pervade the Internet like pimples on a preteens face, its hard to know what works and what's worthwhile. Recently KISSmetrics came out with a great article on "How to Create Your Own Promo Video for Under $100." The article does a great job outlining how to produce a quality explainer video for any business--simplicity and brevity being key.
1. Write script. Like all marketing material, content is king, make sure your script is engaging, articulate and includes a call to action. Also don't forget to pay attention to SEO with titles and other keywords.
2. Record voiceover. Use a quality USB microphone (between $100-150) in an echo-free space.
3. Create visuals. Beforehand, the storyboard should be planned out visually. If you don't have the talent for someone to create a video in Illustrator or Flash, don't forget about screen captures, live video, doodles on a scanner and stock images/videos that can be purchased online.
4. Edit video. Possible software to work with include Adobe After Effects, iMovie, ScreenFlow, Powerpoint and Carntasia.
5. Add music and SFX. Only use music with a proper license for unrestricted web use. Royalty-free tracks range from $15-30 and includes sites such as Premium Beat, Audio Jungle and IB Audio.
6. Publish. Export in high definition whenever possible (MPE-4 format). As mentioned before, pay attention to SEO when writing title, tags and description.
While it's a great launch point for any small business, especially one without a marketing firm, an explainer video runs the risk of being a bit formulaic and it should be noted as not the only option. The point of any marketing video, like in any form of advertising, is to show what you have that your competition doesn't. Sometimes that can be as simple as personality. Checkout how simple this concept can be from Indeed Brewing Company, a new beer brewing company in Northeast Minneapolis.
Introducing Indeed Brewing Company from Indeed Brewing Company on Vimeo.
No comments:
Post a Comment