Vlogging for business may be an inexpensive option for marketing your products and services but is it the right choice for you?
It’s tempting isn’t it, we’re all so used to talking on Teams or Zoom that creating vlogs (video blogs) is going to be a walk in the park, right? Perhaps your competitors are trying vlogging and you’re nervous of being left behind. Or maybe you know how powerful video is as a marketing tool.
Engaging vlogs are delivered by an individual with great presentation skills who is at ease in front of the camera. They present a valuable insight, event, idea, or product and have subtitles to make them accessible to everyone.
So, here’s a few questions to ponder before ‘Reporting Live ’on social media.
1) Who are you trying to engage?
2) What’s the message you want to deliver?
3) Are you a confident public speaker?
4) Is what you have to say or the way you present it different to the other 5 vlogs on my LinkedIn feed today?
5) Is the setting of where you vlog in keeping with the rest of your brand and communications style?
6) Are you sitting too close to the camera? No, seriously. Are you?
7) What’s next? Is your vlog part of a strategic communications plan?
The Blue Peter approach to film-making can work wonders for certain types of campaigns, for people who are ‘naturals’ on camera, and for those with valuable insight or exclusive access to unique places. (The Dior dressing room on Instagram Stories is a prime example.)
So yes, video IS an excellent way to deliver a message if it ticks the boxes of adding value by being entertaining, informative, honest and insightful. When it’s thrown together without much thought, it can be risky. Here’s my 5 tips for business vlogging.
5 Tips for Business Vlogging
- Polish up on your presentation skills
- Plan your content
- Get to the point – our attention span is short so no warbling.
- Do a trial and ask a straight-talking confidant for their opinion prior to sharing the vlog with the world
- Add subtitles to your video to make your content accessible for Deaf and hearing impaired people, and for those scrolling with the sound off on the train or office.
Finally, check out Fynn at Fosho Video sharing his tips for making selfie video content without expensive equipment. Switching to flight mode is my favourite tip!
If you’d like to learn more about accessible communication and inclusive culture then it’s worth chatting with disability awareness charity Enhance The UK. They offer free 20 minute consultations and have free insights on their website.