5 Ideas for Video Blogs

We talke a lot about blogging and how a good mix of styles can give your readers lots of variety – keeping them engaged. With almost everyone now owning a video camera – either in their digital camera or phone – video blogging is becoming more popular but it’s often difficult to know what will make a good video post.

Technology and ‘kit’ can be tricky to source and use, so we have listed at the bottom of this post, some examples of easy to use, entry level kit that you could go out and buy.

Content is still King

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing about your content:

How-to videos
People are always searching for step by step guides to help them do things – be it knitting a scarf, changing a tyre, using some software or fixing a washing machine. Film a short video of you doing something, post it on YouTube and link it back to your website. You gain in many ways – by giving away a little of your knowledge in a way that people can use practically, you demonstrate your expertise – and if the person watching the film then struggles to do the task, they’ll know who to ask for help! Either ask a friend to film you doing something physical, or use free screencast software to record your desktop if you’re showing, for example, how to set something up in Excel.

Events
Whether you are organising an event yourself or simply attending one, events are great video blog material. Get some shots of the event itself and then chat to people and ask if you can record them talking about the event and why they are there. Simple editing software like Window Live Movie Maker is useful for pulling together bits of film to make something that looks quite professional.

Reviews
When you buy a new product consider making a quick film where you demonstrate the best features, point out any problems and give a quick summary. Whether it’s the greatest product ever or a gadget #fail your review will be really useful for anyone else considering buying the same thing.

Interviews
Interviews between two people can make very interesting videos. Invite someone you consider to be an expert in their field to have a chat with you about something topical or relevant and film it. Alternatively, simply record yourself talking to camera about something your visitors will find interesting!
Getting the kit to make your videos

Testimonials
One of the easiest videos to make is a testimonial. Simply find a happy customer and film them talking about how great you are! It raises their profile and your blog visitors get the chance to find out a bit more about what you do and how professional you are. Turning the testimonial completely on its head, why not film your own testimonial about one of your suppliers? If you know they are great at what they do then it would be a lovely surprise for them to find you’ve made a testimonial about them, without their asking for it! Click the link on the video at the bottom of this page to see a recent testimonial from our recent workshop.

What about the kit then? Where do you start?

Videos can be really easy to make and there is plenty of free editing software around that can make your finished film look really good – If you are a Mac user, you have iMovie. If you are a PC user, you have Windows Movie Maker.

Here is a selection of some of the kit that we would suggest you take a look at that wont break the bank.

Cameras:

• The Panasonic HMTA2EBW HD Camcorder – Under £90!
• CANON EOS 600D Digital SLR - for a tripod or hand held video
• GOPRO GP1001 HD Helmet Hero Sports Camcorder – to strap to your head if you are on a bike or something more exciting
• Sony HDR-PJ10E – with built in projector!

Tripods:

• MANFROTTO MKC3-HO1 Compact Tripod – for small handheld’s (under £50!)
• CAMLINK Professional Tri-Leg Video Tripod – A bit more money, bit worth it

Lights:

• Entry level 3 soft box lights for video – Under £100
• 2 professional soft box’s lighting kit – A great starter for low budgets