Written words are important. Valuable. Necessary.
But I sure do heart video.
And if you’re drawn to the idea of using video to connect with your dream clients, I think you’ll heart this post.
Fun fact: ALL of the recipes I share in A Course About Copy developed organically from years of experience teaching public speaking at the college level (before starting my business).
I’m all about conversational COPY because I’m all about conversational speaking. Genuine interaction, no matter the venue.
It’s not about trying too hard to be anything that you’re not. It’s about clearing the fear, the awk, and the distractions, and allowing you to be yourSELF. On purpose.
Whether you’re writing or speaking, there are just certain ways to present info that make SENSE.
And today I want to help you write a blog video that makes sense.
In this video, I’ll share:
- Why I feel so strongly about video (even though I’ve got an entire course about COPY)
- The biggest mistake so many folks make at the start of their videos
- 4 simple steps to keep your content focused and valuable
- How to find your sweet spot when it comes to video length
- My exact process for writing my video outlines (+ info on where you can learn more of my best vid tips)
- A homework assignment to get you one (actually…FOUR) steps closer to your first video post :)
Click below to watch (or take a listen):
Click here to watch directly on YouTube (Safari’s being testy with the embed code!).
IN A (COCO)NUT SHELL
Creating video content is a GREAT way to showcase more of YOU on your site. Have fun with it!
The Blog Video Recipe
- Attention Getter: Why should they listen? What’s in store?
- Intro: Who the hey are you? (Short ‘n’ sweet. This could be their first time finding you. Help ’em out.)
- Nugget: The GOLDEN nugget. What are one to three valuable points you can share?
- Homework: The action step. What is one thing they can try today to put this gem into practice?
Sound familiar?
It can really be that simple. (Click here to see it in action in one of my Prep School videos.)
Whether your video is one minute or ten minutes, the goal is to speak directly to YOUR dream clients, customers, readers, watchers…etc. and add value in a way that only YOU can.
That means you’ve got to do your best to relax and just be yourself.
A whip-smart video outline can help you do just that.
INTRODUCING: ACAC for VIDEO
I loooove this vid + speaking stuff, and there’s plenty more where these tips came from.
In fact, I’m currently creating a brand new bonus for A Course About Copy called ACAC for Video. Once it’s ready, I’ll send it to all current members of ACAC, and from that point it will only be available to new students who sign up during their “first-chance” offer after their first run of my free training videos. (A reward for those CEO-like quick decision-making skills.)
If you want writing your site NOW you can get the full scoop on ACAC here, or you can start with the free videos at acourseaboutcopy.com, and I’ll let you know when that “first-chance offer” comes up!
In the meantime…
YOUR HOMEWORK
Part I: Use this recipe to write an outline for a video on YOUR blog.
Part II: In the comments, tell us what your video will be about, share your attention getter, orrrrr….if you’re a total teacher’s pet…share a link once you’ve got it recorded and uploaded on YouTube :)))
Don’t get in your own way on this. A week ago I didn’t even want to share THIS video with you because there were a squillion things I could’ve said differently. But then life happened, six days passed, and I needed to deliver a new video because I told you I would.
The blog must go on, friend. Remember it doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be shared.
Show us some video!
To your beautiful mug in that clear, valuable video,
P.S. If you liked this post + want to help me spread the word by using the links below to share it with your buddies, I would greatly appreciate it! You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel if you’d like to see new videos before I’ve had time to turn them into blog posts ;)
Video is such a big scary step if you’re not used to it, but I completely agree: it helps fill that trust gap in a way that text alone just can’t.
I have just started videos, but only in the form of screenshare training. (ie: my latest post about getting noticed on Twitter: http://olyvia.co/how-do-i-get-noticed-on-twitter/) It’s difficult to step in front of the camera, but I’m excited to do it soon.
You’re such a natural teacher and communicator, Nikki. :) It’s a pleasure watching your videos.
Thanks, Erika!
Video definitely fills in a gap and helps us relate more directly to our readers. We tend to get so stuck behind our laptops – it’s refreshing to see a moving face and hear a voice every now and then ;)
Hey Nikki, Have you done a blog post on your video production methods? Type of camera, lighting, teleprompter?
Here you go, Bruce! (No prompter at this point.)
https://nikkielledgebrown.com/how-to-make-a-pro-looking-video/
Hi Nikki,
Your email came at just the right time – about 30 min before I recorded my next video (I am studying nutrition and posting videos about the best tips that I learn).
Whew, I think I already include three of the steps buuut, I went back and modified my beginning and put in something before I introduced myself. (http://realfoodwithcindy.com/mealtime-trio-best-foods/) Thanks for the great tip!
Good enough is a tough one for video – with writing I feel you can always go back and change it but with video you have to decide when the take is good enough and not fall into perpetual rerecord land…
Thanks again for all of your insight!
YESSS, way to go, Cindy! Looks fab and makes me hungry :)
I totally understand the perpetual rerecord land…it was about to drive me insane last week!
can’t wait for your video course!!!
Ha! This new bonus will definitely help tide y’all over in the meantime ;)
I LOVED this Nikki!! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and as a video-lover, I definitely always use “recipes”. Love hearing your insights :)
Thanks, Emmy!
Nikki, thanks for these great tips. I made a commitment this week to start batching some videos because I want to build connections to parents and I know video will be a great way to “connect”.
GOOD! Have you seen this post from Denise? She’s definitely my batching inspiration: http://www.luckybitch.com/2014/10/create-a-lot-of-blog-content/
Hey Love,
thanks for the tips.
I’ve been vloging and making videos for awhile now on youtube here https://www.youtube.com/user/Urbanmotifs . I just started a Tip for living and working in France video and a Travel playlist.
I’m kind of confused. What the difference between a ” Blog Video ” and regular making video ?
I see people do splashes with the logo, then intro last outro logo or call to action. Thats whats I’ve been doing.
Or is the blog video always surpose to go with copy ?
Going to start working on your homework assignment teach. This weekend.
Hi Rachel! I’m not sure I understand your Q, but when I say “blog video” I’m just referring to any video with the intention of teaching (as opposed to a more general welcome video, about video, story-based video, etc.). Hope that helps :)
Thank you nikki, i understand better now.
You are totally kicking me in the pants Nikki! Over the past few weeks- friends, mentors, and clients have brought up video for me to use on my site about thyroid/hormonal health. And (to be 100% honest)…..I’m scared! This is just the inspiration that I need to take a big breath and go for it. Writing a few video outlines now.
Thanks for the kick!
Ha! Kicking with LOVE :) Go, Kristin, go! Excited to see what you come up with.
Teachers pet right here!
I had followed Summer School & got massive value in there. I had seem your ‘recipe’ and it resonated with me. (Because I like formula’s + consistency + valuable content). So had started implementing in my biz).
I also think video makes me a better (conversational) writer, rather than the dorky robot I was before. I would literally transcribe the video and notes I had pre-written. Much easier than staring at a blank word doc.
{I also loved the Summer School forum, and started doing that leading up to the launch of Cake Business School (by 3 November). Helllloo! deadlines!}
http://angelfoods.net/how-to-make-money-online-in-your-cake-business/
http://angelfoods.net/how-to-make-moonlighting-work-cake-business/
Love this, Rebekah! (Largely because I love cake.) Happy launch eve :)
I’ve been toying with (and procrastinating about) the idea of adding videos to my blog for a couple of months now, but I keep putting it off. Your video was so helpful and made it feel so much more do-able. I’m off to play with some ideas! Thanks Nikki. :)
It’s absolutely doable, Sarah! Hope you’re having fun with your first videos :)
Thank you so much for your recipe, I noticed your formula in your videos but having you lay it all out for how it operates makes everything so crystal clear. I have been attempting to record my intro video for my Goal Achievers program for the past 24 hours and these 4 tips are going to really bring home my message. Thank you so much.
Great to read it, Phoebe! Go get ’em :)
I did it!!!! I wrote AND recorded my first video…and introduction to a Bible study I am starting.
No, It isn’t posted yet….BUT I did it! Happy Dance Happy Dance
Thanks Nikki for recipes I can even follow :D
Happy dancing with you, Missy! Way to go :)
Great video Nikki! I’m just starting my biz and heard you on the Screw the 9 to 5 podcast with Josh and Jill. The simple outline you’ve provided in this video was just what I needed. I now have an outline for my first video, which I intend to use as a lead magnet. Thanks so much for the practical advice!
Perfect, Kassie! Go get ’em :) Let me know how it goes!