4 myths about making videos for your business [VIDEO]

Do you think making videos is too hard? Costs too much? Not relevant for your business? Think again!

When it comes to making videos there are a few myths about what it takes. Let's dispel some of those right now.

1. VIDEO ISN'T RELEVANT TO MY BUSINESS

If your customers can find you online then video is probably relevant to your business!

It doesn't matter if you're a local business, selling a physical product, a service, you're a coach, or any number of businesses, video is the best way to connect with and educate your audience about what you do/what you offer.

Here's some stats from HubSpot if you need convincing.

2. VIDEOS ARE EXPENSIVE TO MAKE

You don't need to hire an expensive production company and you don't need to go out and buy the latest video camera or other gear.

All you need to start is your phone, seriously! Because chances are you already have a high-quality camera available in your phone. Just check that it films in at least Full HD (1080p).

As you get more experienced, there's lots of gear available to either make creating a video easier or take your skills to the next level, but you do not need any of this to get started. And it's actually better that you just start with what you have so you learn what really makes a good video (and that's not the latest gear).

What's really important is your message, and how you convey this to your audience. To do this you need to know who audience is, and what it is they want to hear. 'How to' videos are often an easy choice, but this may not be relevant for your business. Instead, telling stories is one of the best ways to engage an audience.

3. MAKING A VIDEO IS COMPLICATED

To someone who doesn't know much about making videos it can seem complicated, but like anything new you're learning once you've got the basics it's actually straight forward.

It comes down to understanding how to use your equipment and how to tell your story/message using video.

To help you learn how to use your equipment, if you're using your phone, I've created a simple step-by-step process in my free ebook 10 Steps to creating professional videos on your iPhone or Android.

Simply click on the ebook below that corresponds with your device.

Android

iPhone

On the storytelling side of things, how to tell a good story is a blog post all in itself, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

Hook your audience: In the beginning of your video you need a 'hook' - something that is going to grab your audience in the first few seconds. This could be an image, or a statement that leads them to want to see/hear more.

Show, don’t tell: Video is about the visuals. Don't just talk on camera in your office, cut to some videos or photos of what it is you want your audience to know.

Be authentic: Be animated when telling your story but don't embellish. Be yourself.

4. VIDEOS TAKE TOO LONG TO MAKE

When you start out this can seem like the case as you 'find your groove', but this isn't necessarily true - it depends on what kind of video you're making. Videos can take as little as 15-30 mins to create.

There are so many phone apps available to streamline the process for creating quick videos for social media.

Some great ones I use and recommend are: