video

#contenthacks: Powerful Videos on a Small Budget

by Jessica Smith Posted On September 20th, 2017 | 6:12pm EST

While a million-dollar budget and a cast of A-list actors are both desirable, chances are you have neither at your disposal when creating videos for your content marketing. But that’s okay; you don’t have to be Spielberg to capture an audience and spread your brand’s message.

Here are four things to keep in mind when creating effective videos that won’t break the bank.

Brainstorm a transparent title with chosen keywords.

If you’re making a video to gain consumers, your video needs to be easy to find. Come up with a title ahead of time using keywords that relate to your brand. Ask yourself: What service do you provide? Why should consumers care about your brand? “How to” guides typically perform well. For example, this simple video on YouTube “How to Boil Eggs – Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs” has nearly 700,000 views. (And that’s a pretty easy skill.) For a title that’s sure to gain more attention and engagement, check out our guide to crafting a shareable headline and apply the same rules to your video title.

Get a good camera and microphone.

It might be your most expensive investment, but it will ultimately pay off in the end and still keep you on top of your budget. If you’re using a DSLR camera, a USB microphone is preferable. If the camera has an auxiliary port, you can use a shotgun microphone, which will help eliminate background noise and wind. If you think your brand is better served with a webcam video, go for it—but make sure your final product is a reflection of your brand’s abilities. 

Editing software is a must.

You won’t be able to shoot one take, upload it and call it a day. Simple editing software like iMovie and Filmora Video Editor are great tools for first-time videographers. If you have the skills to use superior software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere, just know these can cost a pretty penny at face value before dishing out the dough. For audio-only purposes, Audacity is also a cheap and user-friendly option.

Have fun!

It might seem corny, but if you’re not jazzed about your video, you can’t expect an audience to engage with it either. Make it funny and interesting; viewers will remember and appreciate the effort. Check out this video from Ojai Valley Taxidermy. Using a low-budget, local sites and actors, this video has garnered 17 million views and counting. Why? Because everyone involved is having fun.

For more information on how City/Studio can help your brand utilize videos in your content marketing strategy, click here.