You + Video = Awesome Exposure

Aug 4, 2010 by mandeewidrick

With the way new media is taking off these days, you’ve probably noticed that video is no exception. People are trying to become stars via YouTube and other major video sites, and they’re actually making a decent attempt at it too.

I’ve personally found video to be very effective. Last year, I had a brainstorm to start a YouTube show called “3 Minutes with Mandee”. They were 3 minute clips of me sharing about my day. Then, I decided that “3 Minutes with Mandee” sounded a bit corny and was longer than I liked, so I changed it to “A Minute with Mandee” and added a new twist to the videos: they would be one minute tips about blogging, networking and social media.

Boo yah. When I made the switch, people starting listening to what I had to say. The short clips, paired with the cutsie series name, started to get popular. I wouldn’t say that I’m terribly well known yet, but these videos are definitely being viewed and getting comments on a regularly basis.

So, let’s say that YOU want to start a YouTube series like me. It’s not hard at all. You have a couple options…

1.) Buy a webcam or use the one built into your computer.

My MacBook has a webcam built in, so I record and edit using iMovie. I have to confess, being the Apple fan girl that I am, I’ve never used anything else. So if you’re a PC person and you have questions, I’m probably not going to be of much help. However, I did take the time to find the PC people a good reference site: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314575. If that doesn’t help, try searching “how to make a video on a PC” and see what you can come up with.

2.) Get a small HD camera.

These cost roughly around 200 bucks. I personally have the Kodak Zi8, which is the camera I use for all of my interviews. I recommend going to a place like Best Buy to see what kind of options are available. The Flip Mino HD is a nice cam, but I like my Kodak because it has an external mic jack. As you can see from my interviews, I always use a mic for better sound quality. (Plus interviews are just more fun when there’s a microphone involved…)

3) Use the camera on your smart phone.

I don’t really recommend this one, but it’s surely a start if you can’t afford something else right now. The iPhone 4 features an HD camera that’s pretty sweet, and I’m sure other phones have decent video cams too. However, I’d use this only temporarily until you could get something better, just because it’s hard to hold a phone steady while recording yourself.

So how the heck do I edit the video?

Like I said earlier, being an Apple fan girl, I’ve only ever used iMovie to edit on my MacBook. It’s taken a little bit of practice to get where I’m at today and I’m still not that great at editing footage, but I DID recently learn how to add music (as well as lower or elevate music volume) and add extra slides or subtitles. Not bad. That’s all I’m going to say about editing though, let’s get back to the actual video…

One thing you need to keep in mind when recording is that YouTube only allows 10 minute clips. HOWEVER! Realize that 10 minutes is way too flippin’ long for most viewers! Stay away from super long episodes for the most part. I don’t care if you have awesome things to say…most people just won’t stick around long enough to let you finish. In this day, people want information FAST. You need to provide it quickly and effectively or you’re gonna lose their attention.

How often should I make videos?

This is all going to depend on what you hope to accomplish from video. I’m currently trying to do a new episode of A Minute with Mandee once a day…it doesn’t always happen though because I get busy actually doing real work for real clients. (Believe me, that’s a good thing!) The more you do it, the more your name is going to get out there. Once a week isn’t bad. A couple times a month is okay. Whatever you choose to do, just be consistent about it and offer awesome content.