Excuses, excuses! We’ve all got ‘em. Everyone I talk to who hasn’t jumped on the Online Video party train seems to have a legitimate reason for not giving it a try. It’s a pity, because with 85 MILLION YouTube viewers, they’re missing out on a huge marketing opportunity! YouTube is now the 4th most visited site on the net, and the second most popular search engine (right behind you-know-who!)
To give that nudge you may need to dip your toes in the video waters, I’m busting the 5 biggest video myths, right here, right now:
Myth #1: You need a webcam or fancy equipment to do video.
Wrong! You don’t even need a camera! Check out free websites like Animoto.com or OneTrueMedia.com and you can use your own text and photos to create a slick, professional video montage in minutes. Just add imagination… Otherwise, all you really need is a $40 webcam and a free account on YouTube!
Myth #2: I’m afraid I won’t look good on camera.
Solution A: Get over it! Solution B: See #1 – You don’t need to be on camera to make a video! But assuming you’re still camera shy, try some test runs or rehearsals until you get more comfortable on camera. You can even upload your screen tests to YouTube and mark them “private” so no one else (except who you approve) can see them…
Myth #3: I don’t know what to say on video.
If you’re at a loss for words on video, start by focusing on your central message. What’s the one key idea you want to share? Talk about what you know. Go with what you’re most passionate about. If you need notes or a “cheat sheet,” check out free “Prompt” teleprompter software at
http://www.movieclip.biz/prompt.html. Prompt will turn your Mac or PC into a scrolling teleprompter.
(Still need help crafting your message or getting ready for your close-up? Contact me, or stay tuned for my “What to Say on Camera” copy-content-creation package coming soon!)
Myth #4: Video is way too complicated and technical for me.
NOT! However, if you’re a bit of a technophobe, start simple and go with what you know. An affordable webcam and a free account on a video-sharing site are really all you need to get started. The Flip Video camera and the new iPhone 3G with Video are also super simple for shooting video – and the upload process on YouTube and other sites couldn’t be easier. Just give it a try!
Myth #5: I don’t know what to do with my video when it’s done.
It’s one thing to make a video, it’s another thing to blast it out to the world. Still, it’s not difficult to distribute your masterpiece. YouTube makes it easy to share your video to Facebook, Twitter and/or MySpace with one click. TubeMogul.com is another free website that allows you to send your video to multiple sites all at once. If you really want to put your video visibility and distribution on steroids, get my Video Traffic Blast program at
http://www.VideoTrafficBlast.com.
So there you have it! No more excuses; and no more reason for not getting in on the Online Video Revolution! Now I know I’ll see you online!
