How To Integrate Video Making Into Your Small Business
Video isn’t going anywhere and it’s crucial for any size business to incorporate it in some fashion.
Before businesses had to worry about websites or social media presence, there was video and radio presence. Between those two, video has gained a surge of growth, especially once the internet and social media moved into the picture. Over the years, video was only available for larger businesses, but now everyone has quick and easy access to video to the point that small businesses are slowly starting to integrate this in their advertising strategy.
And I do mean slowly. In 2019, the growth of small businesses using video will rise by 21% according to Yum Yum Videos 2019 video survey. This is based on their own analysis and uncovering that 67% of businesses surveyed planned to make between one and six videos over the coming year.
While that’s impressive, the sample size was only 167 business owners within the US — a very small number compared to the rest of the industry.
It goes to show just how much small businesses are dragging their feet over this aspect of their business and I can relate to that. In the past, I’ve tried to put in more video and it’s only now — when I’ve hired someone else to do it — that I’ve been able to do some video consistently and over a long period of time.
And part of the issue is people aren’t sure about what video making software to use or what’s considered a good editing platform to use. So here are some steps to integrate video making — and what to look for in a video making software — so you can tap into the expansive video market.
Make Considerations Before Picking
As a Mac user, I have access to one of the best free video editing software out there — iMovie. But I’m not oblivious to the fact that there are several other platforms out there. Some able to match up to iMovie and some are exceptionally better.
But just because a video making software has more features that are more appealing, doesn’t mean it’s always best for your business. You need to make some considerations first.
- Consider what you are planning to use the video making software for. There are several that are available on desktop, but if you’re thinking of making Instagram Stories or short video clips, you might consider video making apps on your phone instead.
- Consider the length of videos. Again, short videos might not need an extensive platform while longer ones you might consider larger platforms.
- Whether the editing software is compatible or not. movavi.com is a multi-media tool where one aspect is around video making. It’s also compatible with Mac and Windows. Other platforms are exclusive to one or the other. Other considerations are things like how much space it takes on your computer too.
- Whether the platform accepts the formats of your videos. If you’re recording using your phone this isn’t an issue, but if you’d like to make a 8K resolution video or a virtual reality video later on, you’ll need a platform that can support that.
- Your budget is another thing as well. There are free video making apps and other editing software, but others can charge you monthly subscriptions or several hundred dollars to gain access to it.
Gather The Necessary Tools For Video Making
Editing software is only one piece of the puzzle to integrate video into your business. You’ve also got to consider the other tools that could be helpful or necessary to capturing video.
For example, we’re still in a global pandemic so there are fewer people making videos outside. This means there is less natural light to work with and you may need to invest in more lighting — like a spotlight or ring light — if you work in an office at home.
Some other tools you might need include:
- A tripod for your camera to stand or to have a better grip on when recording.
- A microphone for ensuring a clear voice and to avoid echo. It’s also helpful if you’re going to be using voice over for your videos.
- Memory foam or some other noise-muffling material. This mitigates your voice from echoing and it coming up in the video.
- Some extra tools to make your life easier are things like headphones, a portable audio recorder, extra batteries, a hard drive, a camera bag, a boom pole, a lens kit, audio cables, and microphone shock mounts.
Get To Making Videos
Once you have all the necessary tools, the next thing is to create the videos themselves. This is the toughest step to be taking as people are often so nervous about videos. Again, small businesses have been taking very slow steps to video making.
The key here is to understand what the underlying reason is for not making videos. After all, it was predicted that 80% of the world’s internet traffic stemmed from video marketing by 2019.
That prediction is spot on even now as more people are spending time watching TV, YouTube, and other video related content thanks to a global pandemic.
But that alone isn’t enough incentive for people to be making videos. So here some of my suggestions that have helped me in the past:
- Use a platform that has exciting features. Movavi video editor is a video making platform that I found interesting in that they’re rolling out new features that their user base love. Their latest is a screen recording feature which means if you’re camera shy you don’t even have to appear on screen to do a video.
- Find ways to put video into your daily life. One thing that’s been helping me is to do various activities during lull times. If I’m walking to the gym, I could easily record a video. If I’m taking a small break from writing, I could record a video.
- Remind yourself of how long making a video can take. People get intimidated by the idea of making videos as they think it’s a large endeavour. It feels like it’s on the scale of a feature film. In reality, you can make it simpler. It’s a matter of changing your mindset around that.
- Have a video making schedule. If you have an idea of how many videos you want to make, put them into a schedule and plan them as things you need to do.
The more you work on your business, the more you realize how easy it is to implement video. There are hundreds of tools and resources that are available to you to make videos. It’s to the point now that all that’s really needed from you is your own way of thinking.
You need to figure out what to be making video-wise and motivate yourself to making the video. And even though my video making has been sporadic, I find it gets easier every time to make videos and crumble the excuses that I’ve had over the years for not making enough videos.
