Troubleshooting

By now, you should be convinced that video is not only critical, but doable! (If not, go back through this series until you are convinced.)

Along the way, though, you may run into a few problems. Here are some of the most common issues you might encounter and how to address them:

1. Your sound is lousy (mine was!). If your sound is picking up too much background noise, or if your voice simply isn’t loud enough, you’ll need to make some changes. First, check the settings on your camera. Sometimes you can change the microphone/audio setting to make it more sensitive. If that doesn’t work, try moving closer to the microphone, or purchasing an external mic that will sit on the table or attach to your lapel.

2. Your video is shaky. One word: Tripod! There are fabulous, low-cost tripods out there, from simple table-top options, to crazy bendy-legged ones, to ones that will stick on the side of a wall or building. And, they aren’t nearly as expensive as you’re probably thinking. There is no longer an excuse for giving your viewers seasickness!

3. You look like a robot. If you seem very stilted and unnatural, I also have one word for you – practice. Head back up to the section, “Practice Makes Perfect,” and try some of the tips there. While practice will definitely help your comfort level, don’t practice so much you take out the spontaneity and naturalness.

4. You feel boring. Technically, you seem to be doing everything right – but you feel like you’re so boring! If this is your issue, you are not conveying your enthusiasm for your topic. Even accounting and semiconductors can be exciting if you share your excitement. You don’t have to be a Joan Rivers if that’s not your natural personality; just turn up your personality volume a bit! (Note: If you’re not passionate about the subject matter, take another look at your business niche. You might have chosen the wrong one.)

5. The information isn’t compelling. There are some people whose charisma and presence makes them so interesting that they could read the phone book, and listeners would be enthralled. But for most of us, content still matters. If what you’re presenting isn’t of interest to your audience, you’re going to lose them. Start with keyword research in your niche to see what people are looking for already, and give them what they’re already searching for.

The key with all these issues is, you won’t know what’s hanging you up until you take a stab at this whole video thing! You need something to work with, so bite the proverbial bullet and start filming now.

So, are you convinced that you should start making videos? If not, what is that’s holding you back? In the last video we mentioned how video is 6 times more effective when it comes to marketing, and the statistics back that  up.  We also talked about how, at this point in time, only about 3% of marketers are taking advantage of video.  So, why not get on board and ahead of the game?

Tell me your thoughts below…

Related posts:

  1. 4 -Video Scripting
  2. 10 – Why Video? It’s 6 Times As Effective!
  3. 2 – Don’t Fear the Video Camera
  4. 5 – Mashing It Up On Video (and Other Vlog Strategies)