Mar 7, 2023 | blog, Content, videography |
When it comes to video production, there are a number of angles worth considering – and I’m not talking about literal vantage points here. In other words, there’s more ways to leverage videography than you might think. In today’s digital world, a majority of business owners publish media that’s geared towards selling a product or service. They don’t exactly think of the entire sales cycle. So today, I wanted to talk about the types of video content you can use to promote your brand and better engage your ideal customers.
While you most certainly don’t have to invest in each, all will give you a better idea on how to take your business to the next level. At the end of the day, consumers (who are people) want to see and hear from people. They don’t want to listen to bots or a radio announcer tell them what to do. They want to feel your brand aura – and they ought to. It’s their hard-earned dollars we’re talking about here. When coupled together in a seamless way, each of these features can really enhance value perception.
At PreFocus, I’m not in the business of helping companies improves sales pitches. I’m genuinely passionate about the authenticity of your brand. Keep this in mind as we roll through. Hopefully, you’re even able to come away with a couple of ideas.
1. About Us Videography.
This type of video production is pretty straight forward. Anyone creating a website or some form on online presence ought to be looking to promote the mission, vision and values of the company. While you can type all of this out, it will always be received a lot better when it’s communicated by the face of the brand. Who you are, what you do, how you do it and why you’re invested is absolutely crucial when it comes to loyalty. This kind of footage details your origin story, purpose, and inevitably where you plan on going.
Depending on the extent of your offering, this could be short and sweet or extremely long. At the end of the day, this is totally up to you. But your ability to extract and spread out the video content will make a big difference. What I’m trying to say is, don’t try to cram too much into one feature. If you’ve got a lot to say, present and overview and segment the details in later videos.
If you’re manufacturing a product, talk about the specifics of your ideation. What problem are you looking to solve and why? If you’re delivering a service, you better be able to stand out. What makes you unique and why would people appreciate it? No matter the root of your business, you have to be able to encompass the experience. Out of all the types of video content on this list, the way you present yourself starts here. So take it seriously.
2. How-It-Works or Explainers.
This type of videography is becoming more and more popular every year. People want to know how to do things themselves. Sure, you can write out the instructions or explain how to use something in a – but nothing beats a visual example. To me, watching an online video about drivetrain mechanics is a lot more understandable than sifting through a manual for my 1992 Chevy. Taking the time to invest in some quick pointers or detailed tutorial can go a long way for any business – even if you’re a service company looking to explain an app.
3. Customer Video Testimonials.
If you really take the time to truly analyze this type of media, it might shock you. Although you may have thousands of reviews on Google or Amazon, a couple dozen video testimonials is usually far more appealing. These days, you just never know who Dave M, Suzy B, and Geoff R might be. If you’re not catching my drift, I’m talking about pictureless, hand-written reviews that could’ve been bought or left by someone’s mom. People don’t know who or what they can trust anymore.
Data and “leverage” is sold all over the place in 2023. An ability to see someone, look them up and confirm they were actually a customer carries a lot of weight. While it may seem like overkill to invest a few hundred dollars to grill your customers about their experience – let me be the first to tell you, it’s not! If you’re afraid to ask satisfied customers why they appreciate you, then how are you even in business? Did your grandpa hand over the company to you or something?
If you take the time to ask, you’ll find that most people will be more than eager to help you out. It actually ends up making them feel even more special. Quality companies usually grow through word of mouth anyways – so you might as well capture some footage to share yourself! Out of all the types of video content to choose from, testimonials are normally the most rewarding.
4. Brand Culture Video Insight.
No matter what any videographer is filming, the culture should always be the focal point. Finding a way to showcase the personality or identity of the business is important – at least it is to me. Nonetheless, there are plenty of ways to go about capturing this in a stand alone video production. A swift pass through from a number of angles to encompass the architecture, design, layout, amenities and people is usually enough to do the trick. Videos that provide insight on the culture don’t always require a lot of talking.
The reel can be fun, serious, insight or personable. Either way, the atmosphere speaks for itself. If you are looking to produce something with more of a featured spotlight, then it’s never a bad idea to include a voiceover. Sometimes, simple conversations with employees, leaders or founders can really brings out the essence of the culture. In contrast to the about video and others that I’ll mention below, verbal insight needs to stick to primary promise and aura of the brand.
5. Thank You Videos.
Out of all the types of video content examples, this is by far the easiest to produce. Whether you’re thanking someone for subscribing, submitting a form, donating money or supporting you in any way – and personal thank you video goes a long way. Think of it like a hand written card. It makes people feel a lot more special than a generic form of appreciation. Every business owner has 5-10 minutes to sit down and record and thank you.
These can be posted on stand alone pages that are redirected after some sort of conversion (on or off site). Welcoming a subscriber or first time customer with a personal video is just as effective. You’re taking the time to actually tell someone that you appreciate their attention or business.
6. Event or Occasions Footage.
Many businesses don’t even consider promoting what they do behind closed doors. While some have good reason, others don’t. Any way you can encompass the actualities of your company, do it! Are you hosting an awards banquet, charity event, company outing or even an in-house brainstorm? Capturing it and sharing bits and pieces on social media (or writing a blog about it) only increases your chances of getting in front of your customers.
Most any form of authentic content is extremely valuable. It also gives you an opportunity to let your hair down a little bit outside of the office or workspace. Although it may seem like a bit much, try me. Any short video is a qualitative approach with quantitative measures – even if you’re shooting from the sky.
7. Updates or Announcements.
Some types of video content may seem unnecessary, but updates or company announcements shouldn’t be viewed that way. Whether you’re making internal or external changes to the business, some form of communication is essential. Not everyone will get that email or make the meeting. Having a process that allows you to broadcast changes, big plans or exciting news is invaluable. While not every business has a premier video studio, it doesn’t take much to ensure people (in general) are in the know and on the same page.
I personally like the way the Desoto County Chamber of Commerce handles their weekly updates. The gal uses a little microphone and keeps things under one minute. Good stuff, easy production.
8. Educational Videography.
If you have a website and any type of social media presence, you’re more than likely already invested in some form of educational content. It’s not too difficult to find a topic that the general public wants to learn more about. The problem is, writing a blog just isn’t as effective as showing someone speak on their knowledge. Even when business owners or key employees are unable to teach something, an expert can always join in on the conversation. This is called affiliate marketing.
Think of it as a guest posts. Relevant topics that are discussed openly create a lot of intrigue. When you’re able to show consumers that you care about providing accurate and detailed learning, they tend to trust you more. It’s just another way to get in front of people and show who you are as a person – instead of typing things out behind a screen ( like I am right now). Out of all the types of video content to choose from, finding a way to teach people your knowledge is a gamechanger.
9 . Informative Videography.
Unlike educational content, an informative approach has more to do with the specific knowledge and experience of people within the culture. Think of it this way: instead of teaching, you’re invested in learning. This is where interviews with team members, management staff, directors, leadership (in general) and even partners comes in handy. Speaking on the industry, different trends and how ideal customers can improve their lives or better use their products and services is a good way to build trust.
Many companies do this by hosting a video blog or podcast. When an array of topics or subjects are tossed around, a ton of information is processed and shared. You can host special guests to attract more viewers or venture out of the office for random conversations with the general public. Participating in stuff like this often creates an endless supply of original ideas for blogs or social media posts.
10. Interview Videography Sessions.
Even though I’ve mentioned this a few times already, a true interview is a lot different than sporadic, question-and-answer sessions. In reality, this can be one of the more complex types of video content to produce. In most cases, you’re going to want to have questions planned out ahead of time – and even approved. In my opinion, the best interviews are always off-the-cuff; but they are very uncommon for major business. They just don’t like the vulnerability.
Nonetheless, interviewing every level of an organization and its customers is a great way to curate some quality, unique content. If you can avoid approaching it like a media session, any form of authentic conversation can really generate some buzz online. Although some look for a reason to hate, most people want to hear what a business and its people have to say. Keeping things simple, relevant and safe can make for an intriguing production.
11. TV Commercials or Video Ads.
Advertising is the last of my types of video content worth mentioning. In 2023, you cannot discuss the sales cycle without media drive sales pitches. I mean, they’re everywhere. I won’t go into too much detail on this here, but a lot goes into this form of production. Not only do you have to consider the neurological insight required, but also perception and remembrance. Many ads are focused on repetition or humor, but the best are always rooted in quality an value.
With that said, be purposeful with everything you do guys – and always remember to Prefocus!
Apr 26, 2022 | blog, Content, strategy |
Let me start off this article by saying this: blogging is not an easy task. It’s even more grueling when passion, knowledge and/or skill is lacking. No offense; but consumers deserve better. Any ethical venture requires a consistent foundation. If you disagree, you don’t have to keep reading. The fact of the matter is, most people underestimate the concept of high value content and quality readership. It’s easier to cover popular culture and collect affirmation than think outside the box. But it’s so wasteful. Coming up with unique blog ideas and developing original content is far more rewarding.
Choosing Between Qualitative & Quantitative Marketing.
If you’ve been blinded by this, be honest. Believe it or not, you’re not alone. Some of the most genuine, creative voices are never heard because they try to stand out in a crowd that’s wearing the same thing. There’s no reason you have to follow suit. Three quality pieces of content will easily outperform fifteen trendy topics every single time. When the value is higher and the competition is lower; it’s a lot easier to be found. Focusing on high volume keywords or publishing a high volume of blogs (quantitative) won’t get you much traction.
Not many “marketing” (sales) agencies will tell you this, but modern content strategies are rarely original. Despite premium pricing, cheap contractors are usually hired to duplicate popular articles. This eliminates the need for a creative process (most important element of writing) and keeps costs low. Paying for unique blog ideas is risky if you’re the expert. So I thought I’d highlight the DIY industry to better explain the benefits of originality.
Why DIY Pros Could Use a HQ Content Boost.
Those of you that are passionate about teaching people how to do something have to be willing and able to stand out in a valuable-sort-of-way. Even with knowledge and skill, you’re not going to captivate anyone by doing what’s already been done – especially if you’re just getting started. Even with a market share, discussing trends and news stories that have nothing to do with your value is obsolete. This is selfishness disguised as information in order to stay in front of your followers (which defeats the purpose of your influence).
When you have consumer attention, it’s imperative you buckle down and find where the real opportunities lie. Many of you just need a little help getting in front of the right audience. Studying who you might serve best is a great way to kindle momentum. Give yourself some credit and set aside time to think. There are tons of things you know or see differently that are worth putting into perspective. Jumping on the bandwagon of popular (high volume) search phrases only distracts you from your element of appreciation.
How High Value Content Aids DIY Bloggers.
Unique blog ideas generate far more awareness, build confidence and elicit trust while improving search engine rankings. High value content like this may not immediately place you in front of thousands of searches, but it’ll grab the attention of ideal viewers that want to share your stuff. This is a lot more difficult when you’re an option. A quality first impression also makes it easier to keep people engaged and supportive. Wide-net approaches only lengthen your journey.
Understanding this will help you become more than common and intentional with other areas of your life. It’ll also help you formulate a sensible brand identity.
Take this topic for example. At first glance, it may seem like I’m targeting bloggers and influencers with ambition. I might come off as a “rah rah” kind of guy. But the fact of the matter is, they’re not my ideal audience. Truth be told, I don’t think many of them would hire me anyways. DIY stuff is normally produced by hobbyists with a FT job and minimal budget. Earnings tend to be reinvested. Helping this group find their footing is a great way to explain my value and potentially change someone’s life!
This is also a topic lazy marketers wouldn’t dare copy haha.
Examples of Unique Content for DIY Influencers.
In case you haven’t yet picked up on what I’m laying down – content marketing efforts don’t always have to be about the “ask”. Investing in quality will breed certainty that grows over time. To many of you, the long game will be worth it because it’ll better equip you. So ignore the finger-crossing-activities that place you into a bucket of options and start building a foundation of high value content. In the meantime, here are some unique blog ideas that should spark your creative juices.
1. Content Ideas for Gardening Blogs.
When it comes to planting and growing things, there are so many different approaches and methods. Even though you’ll never cover them all, it’s good to be open minded. You never know what you might discover and be able to share. For example: Those of you with no-till gardens could try tilling a patch of soil and comparing the results. You could plant a few fruit trees, try something tropical, or talk about prep for a Christmas Tree lot. Even ideas can be valuable. A few hours a week on something new will give you tons of content. Just make sure you write it all down!
Some of the simplest of things, like how you start seedlings, can elicit tons of unique blog ideas. Where do you buy seeds? What has failed in the past? What type of lighting do you use? Do you start all of your seeds indoors? Are they under lights, in a greenhouse or straight in the ground? Do you have a different process for each plant or are they all nurtured the same? If you don’t use fertilizers, explain why. People love a story that means something. Have you tried natural remedies on any plants? Do you treat the soil? Why do you do what you do or what have you done that gives you confidence in your methods?
Every Gardening Task is Worth Explaining.
No matter what topic you focus on, do your best to maximize every inch of detail. From the soil composition to post harvest activities. Make an outline of everything you do and brainstorm with people who know gardening – and those that do not. Get feedback and organize questions so you can answer them in story form. Be vulnerable and talk about stereotypes, misconceptions or common failures. Be willing to learn about terrains and climates outside of your region to reach new audiences and educate your current one. Even the discussion of environmental factors, like flooding, will improve your credibility.
Last but not least, find ways to talk about yourself. Why do you enjoy gardening and what sparked the interest. How did a passion for it transpire? How has it been beneficial in your life and who have you been able to help or vice versa. Personalizing your channel or blogspot is the best way to establish trust and a relationship with viewers. Most will be able to relate to something you share – so don’t be shy!
2. Unique Homeschooling Blog Ideas.
This is something that I’ve seen explode over the past few years. Since many parents are partaking in homeschool for the first time, information is in high demand. But after researching quite a few channels, there aren’t many influencers talking about the psychological side of things. A majority of the chatter surrounds program reviews, the entertainment of kids, organization and finding “mom time”. Anybody that’s willing to cover tension in-the-home, personality testing (to assess learning capacity), discipline and progress reports (for parents and kids).
I think it’s safe to assume there are millions of parents overwhelmed right now. If they’re reaching a breaking point or their marriage is suffering, they don’t need to know how to be more fun and engaging. They need to learn how to manage the transition and the set of emotions that come with it. While it’s tempting to focus on what the student needs, most parents are not trained teachers. They have to put the oxygen mask on first – so to speak.
You Never Know the Real Impact You May Have.
Daring to bring up real things that people are avoiding will most certainly draw dialogue. It’ll also encourage families to talk about problems and know they’re not flawed for having them. All it takes is one person shedding light on a shadow. Doing so will open up new conversations, giving you plenty of unique ideas for your DIY blog.
Reminding parents that every child is unique by exploring personality traits and learning styles is also a good place to start. There are tons of ways to At the end of the day, you only know what you know. So if you’re going to be helping people with homeschooling, you better have vast knowledge of the whole spectrum. Education is far more than choice curriculum, personal planning and home decor.
3. Unique Topics for DIY Home Decor.
This is another space of content explosion over the past couple of years. With so many people banking on real estate and remodeling, everyone wants a piece of the pie. While some DIYers have plenty of experience and skill to warrant quality readership – others simply know how to captivate an audience. Either way, the competition is extra thick in every category. So I’m going to tailor these unique blog ideas to the hobbyist that has a decent social media following. Interior design is a whole different art.
First and foremost, with so much information out there already, you need to pay attention to what’s been written as well as the author. Working hard on an article you’ll never rank for is ignorant. This is why creativity and thought matters. (Ie: ‘DIY decorating vs Interior Design’ hasn’t been written but ‘Interior Design vs Interior Decorator’ is very competitive by major sources) Looking for opportunities instead of inspiration will help you come up with unique blog ideas and avoid duplicating high value content.
The Value of Creating Homes Spaces on Your Own.
After my wife showed me a few DIY decorators the other night, I couldn’t help but notice many of them were simply trying something for the first time – like floating shelves for example. These accounts are popular because they show women they can do things themselves. So if you’re looking for unique ways to generate a audience, be vulnerable with your achievements. Shed more light on the process. It’s the whole purpose of DIY, right?
The little wins you’ve accumulated over the years have obviously given you enough confidence to start blogging about it. How has it affected you? Have you overcome anything? Did you struggle with anything before? Did decor give you an outlet? What are some of the benefits of decorating your own home? Organize your thoughts and garner feedback to help you establish a definitive list that can dominate the search category. Be detailed about the different reasons homeowners try DIY. What are some of the tools, apps, guides, plans, materials, finishes or simple tips that make home decorating easier?
Differentiating Yourself With Thoughtful Insight.
Don’t just talk about colors and shades and design. Obviously these things are important – but is it really your forte? Is the goal to inspire people to create their own space or to duplicate your inspiration? (I’d say that’s a major difference between designers and DIYers) Either way, topics (with questions) that help homeowners determine the look and feel of every room would definitely help you stand out. There are endless personalities, behaviors, interests and preferences in the home worth talking about.
Watching you hang a floating shelf for the first time is definitely inspiring – but don’t simply settle for the kudos. Explain how the shelf can be used and modified. Find out who likes this style the best and talk about why. Maximizing your content helps you take a proud moment and add a little value.
4. DIY Workout Content Topics.
Since I rambled a lot in the first three categories, I’m going to keep this one simple. When it comes to high quality fitness content, consumers want to follow someone with a personal fitness journey and loads of education (or personal evidence). These two things are pretty much a prerequisite. From here, you’re going to want to figure out some sort of specialty that has to do with your experience and strengths. For example, if you’re more quick than fast, stick to agility over speed training.
What types of muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons and bones play a role in one’s agility, burst and acceleration. How important of a role does the core play? What kind of cardio, maintenance (stretching, treatment, recovery, etc) and weight training exercises will benefit every component? There’s 30-40 unique blog ideas right there. Taking the time to detail one area of the body (as much as your education allows) only adds value to your ability to plan workouts. Keep it simple. One little fact every day will draw people in.
5. DIY Epoxy Table Blog Ideas.
This is another little hobby that a lot of people are trying. The thing is, it’s really expensive – and not a lot of table makers (or woodworkers) are being transparent about it. Although it is a fairly simple process (with the right tools), educating people on the risks, potential problems and consequences would be a good idea. I know it can be difficult to promote mistakes, but this actually builds trust. Everybody knows craftsman make mistakes time to time. Teaching people how to avoid what you did is the definition of selfless consideration.
Influencers that have had a lot of success building epoxy tables usually produce content that’s creative. It shows their work and how they did it. I think I’ve seen every which way these things are put together now. But very few talk about the little details of the project. What types of frames are you using and why? Is your decision based on price, stability, convenience or trial and error? How might the average joe go about making a decision that’s best for him? Do certain materials work better for bigger tables? What are some of the issues or advantages of each material?
Prove The Handiwork Takes Knowledge and Skill.
What are the misconceptions of the project and what have you learned personally? Have you tried anything new that’s worked better than something you used to believe in? What should enthusiasts know about working with epoxy? Why is it so expensive and what dangers does it pose? How important is the mixing process and how much time do you have to make the pour? Is it OK to “eyeball” measurements? If you overfill the slabs, is it that big of a deal? Are there any tips or tricks for cleanup or to make things less messy? How long should you really let it cure and how can you go about cutting it?
Although it’s tempting to generate a following that gawks at your skill, don’t be afraid to prove your worth. Even if you have to give away a few secrets, you have to know that most people aren’t able to do what you do. There are tons of questions surrounding epoxy tables just waiting to be answered. Jump on Quora and see for yourself. I’m going to go ahead and assume you’ve spent a lot of time trying, failing and trying again. So use some of your experience and certainty so you can stand by the price of your tables.
6. Unique Blog Topics for DIY Photography.
This form of art is nothing new and there’s advice all over the internet for both amateur and professional photographers. From styles, to shades, equipment and lighting – opinions are certainly not lacking. But no matter the amount of information available, creativity cannot be bound. It’s why I’ve always enjoyed helping my wife build her photography business. There are so many elements that go into a quality product. Every single time you freeze the frame, there is an opportunity to learn something new. So talk about it! It’s that simple.
Personalize Your Vantage Point and Build Off Ideas.
Explaining how your style or approach has evolved and who has influenced you over the years is another great place to start. Let your passion, reasoning and drive shine through. At the end of the day, every experience you have as a photographer is different than another’s. Discussing sessions, placements, obstacles, interactions, locations and sporadic ideas will showcase your attention to detail and build rapport. What you do when there’s cloud cover, direct sunlight, rain, or the wind blows a certain way is always worth sharing.
Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time developing unique blog ideas for Danielle. We’ve talked about our top spots in different sub-cities, DIY lighting, managing events, taking photos for your business and even creating recipes. Helping people take good pictures isn’t just about the camera, subject and settings. Knowing how to work with people, get them to smile and feel comfortable is just as important. It’s easy to publish your work and talk about it – but it becomes valuable when people are able to take something away.
