What can you learn from the blockbuster movie “Jurassic Park” about whether or not you should film your own online videos for your business? Find out in this week’s episode of “Let’s Talk Video!”
Today’s viewer question comes from Katie in Austin, TX. She writes:
Dear Jaime & Steve,
I’m getting ready to do videos for my website and I was planning to film them myself. I have the newest iPhone, which I know has a pretty good camera, and my husband knows the basics of how to edit videos on the computer. My business coach told me to look into having my website videos professionally filmed and edited, but I don’t really get the point of spending all that extra money when I feel confident that I can do a decent enough job on my own. What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks Katie…this is one of our favorite questions to answer and it’s something we get asked ALL the time!
Watch the full episode below to see our answer:
As entrepreneurs ourselves, we know that especially when you’re first starting out, it can be very tempting to try to do everything yourself. However, as we’ve learned the hard way, that’s not always the most effective way to go about building a successful business.
Katie, one thing you mentioned is that you can do a “decent enough job” on your own. While that may get you by, ask yourself: Is “getting by” going to get you the results you really want in your business? Doing videos that are “decent enough” may not reflect the quality of work you do, or the quality of customer you want. Especially if you offer a high-ticket item or service that you’re asking customers to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for.
Key Videos Every Business Should Have
Whether or not you SHOULD film your own online videos depends on certain factors. One factor is the type of video you are planning to produce. What the purpose is for that video? There are certain KEY VIDEOS that are used on your website to establish your credibility, such as:
1) A Website Welcome & Opt-In Video: typically used on the Home page of your website to introduce yourself to website visitors and ask people to opt-in to your mailing list.
2) A Brand Story Video. This is typically used on your About Me page. It allows people to connect emotionally with you and tell your story.
3) Opt-In Video Series: a free series of training videos that people get when they subscribe or “opt-in” to your mailing list. These videos are typically packed with great take-away value so viewers can get to know your teaching style and begin to develop trust in you.
You should definitely make the investment in hiring professionals to produce, film and edit these 3 types of videos for you – people who know all the technical details about lighting, sound, etc. Making this investment will greatly increase your ability to attract the kind of clients and customers you want.
Try To Be Practical
There are certain types of videos that you can learn to do on your own. If you are planning to do a weekly blog show, for example. It may not be feasible for you to hire a team of professionals to film and edit your weekly show for you. Especially when you’re first starting out.
Educate Yourself
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should just turn on your web cam and start talking. If you do want to create videos by yourself, you need to educate yourself in filming and editing techniques. This way, your videos are able to give you the results you want. When you have poor-quality videos it can hurt you just as much as having high-quality videos can help you.
Katie, thanks again for your question. We really hope this advice helped you get a little bit clearer about hiring professionals. Or at least getting professional training to learn how to create your own online videos.
If you enjoyed this video, please leave a comment below. Tell us: What are YOUR thoughts about producing your own online videos?
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If you have a question that you’d like answered on an upcoming show, please email it to us at: LetsTalkVideo@GeffnerProductions.com