How to Create Videos People Will Actually Watch

So, you’ve decided to make a video. Good for you! Now, how do you make a video that people will actually watch? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you create your next video:

1. Know your Purpose.

What do you want to accomplish with this video? Are you after name recognition, product sales, or lead generation? You’ll want to keep your purpose firmly in mind to avoid going off-topic, which is remarkably easy to do.

2. Know your People.

Who is your target audience? What will appeal to them? What’s in it for them if they watch to the end? Focus on the value of what you’re offering (audience-focused) rather than its features (product-focused).

3. Make a Plan.

Sure, you could just turn on the camera and start talking, but a little planning goes a long way. What will people see? What will they hear? A script that looks great on paper can be really hard to wrap your lips around. How can you use both audio and video to pack the most value into each second?

4. Be Pithy.

You probably have about 10 seconds to capture someone’s attention, so don’t beat around the bush with a long, rambling introduction or they’ll lose interest and wander off. Once you have their eyeballs on your video, don’t waste their valuable time. Keep your video short; two minutes or less is a good goal. Most folks are too impatient to watch much longer, anyway.

5. Provide a call to action.

It might be an invitation to comment and start a conversation. It might be asking them to sign up for an incentive or make a purchase. Whatever it is, don’t just entertain your audience: engage them. That’s how you build a fan/customer base.

6. Practice.

If your video has a voiceover, consider hiring a professional to record it. If you’re doing it yourself, read your script out loud (more than once). Record yourself. Watch/listen to it. You’ll get better each time you do it and the end result will be worth it.

Do you need a professional, affordable place to record? Check out our studio rental options.

7. Don’t get hung up trying to achieve Perfection.

You’re (probably) not a Hollywood film star or director and your audience knows that. Do the best you can and know that the next one will be better. And the next one after that will be better still. Also: Authenticity goes a long way. A sincere but technically less-than-perfect video can still bring great results.

8. Be Polite.

At the end, thank your viewers for watching. They didn’t have to, and everyone likes to be appreciated.

If you need help scripting your next video or recording voiceovers—or if you want to brainstorm video ideas and strategies—we’re happy to help. Contact us to get started.