Here we bring you the rest of the tips we have for you on what you need to avoid as a beginner videographer
- Shooting at the Wrong Frame Rate
Shooting at different frame rates allows us the ability to capture video and use it for different purposes. For instance, a fast frame rate will produce great footage for slow motion, while a slow frame rate could be used for time lapses.
The frame rate is how many frames (or pictures) the camera is capturing per second. The standard frame rate used in most cinematic instances is 24 fps (frames per second).
This creates the most visually pleasing motion picture because it mimics the human eye’s ability to capture and translate motion. The best frame rate to shoot standard footage is either 24 or 30fps.
If you are capturing b-roll footage, 120fps will create enough frames to display buttery smooth slow motion.
Capturing Shaky Footage
Good footage isn’t shaky. Shaky footage isn’t good.
There are some ways to stabilize your footage in post production if need be, but they aren’t meant to fix really bad shots.
Investing in some inexpensive stabilization gear like tripods and monopods will immediately improve your footage. If you’re capturing handheld footage, use camera handling techniques to eliminate harsh movements.
If you’re looking to create flawless moving footage, you could also invest in a handheld gimbal. Gimbals require tedious calibration, however, they improve moving footage immensely.
Misunderstanding Video SEO
Search engine optimization is changing. This is most certainly the case when it comes to video SEO.
Not long ago, YouTube’s algorithm would have selected and suggested your video simply based on its title, tags, and description. Additionally, there was significantly less video content on the platform, making search a bit less competitive.
Now, off-page optimization is what will determine the fate of those awesome videos you make. Over 400 hours of video content are uploaded to YouTube every minute. That’s a lot of competition. We need viewers to watch our videos in their entirety, engage with them and share them afterward. As YouTube states, “the algorithm follows the audience.”
Instead of just throwing a video together, realize that the way you present your information matters. In fact, the way you tailor your message may be more important than having wicked production skills.
Not Including Calls-to-action
Viewers need a clear path to proceed if you need them to take action after your video. They probably don’t understand the buying process as well as you, so keep it simple.
This mistake takes place for a variety of reasons but most times it’s because the videographer isn’t familiar with where their videos fit into the sales process. Other times, the marketing team straight up just doesn’t know what the call-to-action should be.
But consider this.
If you don’t know what you want the viewer to do, how will they?
With a pre-production checklist, you can identify where video content fits within the buyer’s journey. Based on that information, you can craft relevant calls-to-action and incorporate them into scripts or, at the very least, on-screen text.
Creating Long or Boring Intros
The intro is arguably the most important part of each video you make. It’s during this first 10 seconds that viewers decide whether they’re going to stay or go. Even subconsciously.
The reason we’re so critical during this first impression is because there is enough content to be picky. Even if your message is great, you have to present it properly.
We’ve applied copy-writing intro techniques to video intros and seen viewer retention rates improve almost immediately.
First, the APP method, in which you use three stages to affirm the viewer’s problem and preview the solution.
Next, the bridge model, which is another three stage introduction that breaks down like so:
- The Desired Situation: Let them picture where they want to be.
- The Current Situation: Bring them back down to earth.
- Offer A Bridge: Create a bridge between the two situations, and position your video as the solution.
Improperly Titling Your Videos
There are many ways you could go about writing your titles. You can write for SEO benefits, write for positive clickbait, or a mixture of both.
Examples of good titles:
- “4 Ways to Create Highly Effective Marketing Videos”
- “These 4 Things Will Instantly Make Your Videos Better”
- “How to Make Effective Marketing Videos in 4 Steps”
However, often times we see great content misrepresented by a bad title. You need to include some adjectives, drop your company name, and think about what people are looking for.
Examples of bad titles:
- “Making Marketing Videos | The Sale Lion”
- “4 Video Methods for Marketing”
- “The Sales Lion – How To Make A Marketing Video”
A great title will generate interest by clearly stating the topic and value proposition but also include SEO friendly keywords where it’s necessary.
Avoiding the common mistakes of video marketing
Video marketing is a visual strategy and it’s constantly changing. What’s considered tasteful and professional today, likely won’t be 5 years from now. Similarly, what worked 5 years ago doesn’t work today.
As you begin to create the “culture of video” within your organization, keep in mind that in order to stay on top with video, your team needs to commit to further education. As equipment, programs, platforms, and viewers change over time, so should your approach to video.
Let SeodaPop help you with all the questions you may have, Call Us Today (800) 277-9389 Or send us a message here and we will be able to help you.
