How do I create a video introduction?
Smile. You’re on Camera!
Creating a video introduction for your website can be a powerful tool to set the tone for and act as an introduction of yourself to visitors. As part of the video introduction you should aim to keep your message short and to the point – lest viewers get bored and decide to stop watching. Here are a few tips we recommend to follow when creating your own video introductions:
5 Tips for a Great Introduction Video:
- Tip 1: Keep it short.
Ideally, you should use the first few seconds to introduce yourself and your firm. Quickly follow up with information that is relevant to describe exactly how you provide unique value to the client. Limit your entire introduction video to 45-60 seconds. Focus on the camera and provide it your complete attention for this short period of time. - Tip 2: Go Off Script.
Have a plan for what you are going to say and keep it in your head. Write down bullet points and keep them memorized. This recording should be no more than a minute and doesn’t allow much creativity. Don’t bother reading or memorizing your entire script as you will most likely appear stale and rehearsed. Try to deliver your introduction by following bullet points and project good energy. Prepare and rehearse your introduction and your closing lines only! - Tip 3: What’s in it for me?
This isn’t a classroom and it isn’t a resume. It’s an opportunity to share your personality with the viewer and give them a reason to work with you. The answer to this question is vital when communicating to your audience. Tell them only facts and concepts that are relevant and benefit the viewer. - Tip 4: Make yourself look good. (SMILE)
Not that we’re recommending you hire a professional make-up artist, but take some time to inspect yourself in the mirror and look at your attire. Try not to dress too differently from how you would normally greet new clients. Second, use bright, diffused lighting! It will help shadows from forming on your face and keep everything looking sharp. - Tip 5: Shoot in HD.
Stop posting tiny, low quality videos. Hire a professional or ask a friend who is a video enthusiast. You can post videos that will stream in HD. This is no longer 2004, it’s 2010! Take advantage of the bandwidth that your visitors have and give them a great, big video. Even if you don’t have the ability to shoot with an HD camera, using a regular camera will still give you good resolution, just make sure you keep the video’s screen size big when editing.
Equipment Checklist
So how can you use this information to create your own video introduction? Well, here is a short checklist to get you started on what you’ll need to get the best recording:
- Recording location (controlled environment such as an office)
- Lighting (studio lights or other diffused lighting)
- Camera (HD preferred, but any digital video camera will do)
- Microphone (lapel mic or directional)
- Content (your bullet list / script)
- You (keep fewer people in the room, it will help)
Sample Script
Here is a sample outline for a 45- to 60-second introduction. Notice how quickly the time passes and how little content can fit into that time frame.
Hi, I’m Matthew Leeds and I’d like to welcome you to Whitefrog Design. (5 Sec.)
PAUSE (3 Sec.)
Whitefrog is a creative firm that provides branding, design and marketing services. Our projects are customized to fit your goals, from creating single websites to developing and implementing complex campaigns to build your brand. (14 Sec.)
PAUSE (3 Sec.)
I invite you to look at the portfolio page and get a feel for the quality of work we do. Past Whitefrog clients have ranged from small businesses, celebrities, Fortune 500′s, to professional athletes. (12 Sec.)
PAUSE (3 Sec.)
So if you’re looking to make your business leap, I invite you to share your goals and learn what Whitefrog can do for you… don’t just meet your goals – leap past them. (12 Sec.)
And that’s a wrap! It’s only around 52 seconds, but I feel it’s better to be short than long as it will encourage viewers to watch the entire introduction.
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