How to Start Creating Video Content for Chickens

Does the thought of appearing on camera makes your knees knock and stomach churn? Here are my top 5 tips for creating video content – from one chicken to another. You might assume that because I’ve been a trainer for 18 years that this comes naturally to me, but you’d be wrong. Yes, I’m confident speaking in front of an audience – but turn a camera on me and my mind goes blank. Creating content videos is something I’ve been studying and practising for a few years, but it’s only recently that I’ve really stepped up and made a serious commitment to video marketing.  I don’t class myself as an expert on this subject. The fact I’m not a professional is the very reason I believe I can help you. I know what you’re going through, because I’m on the same journey myself.   Here are a few of the things I’ve learned from publishing a weekly video consistently over the last few months. Tip #1. Choose a Topic Your Audience Actually Cares About  One of the biggest questions/concerns recruiters have about creating video content is “I don’t know what to make a video about.”  The easiest way to approach this is a Q and A. What are the most frequently asked questions from either clients or from candidates? Just answer those questions!  If you create one video for each question,that will give you lots of content to get started with.  Tip #2. Do Plan Your Content, But Don’t Write a Speech When you’re preparing your content, think of just three main points that you want to make.  Don’t write out your whole presentation because it won’t come across as authentic and as natural. It’s okay not to be perfect and if you say “um” and “uh” a little bit people will forgive that. It’s not important. It’s better to be yourself and just speak as exactly as you would to a real client or real candidate. Therefore, don’t write out a speech. Just have some bullet points. Although it does help to have some notes – in this video I’m “cheating” because I’ve got a flip chart with my bullet points on the wall in front of me!  And if I glance at those bullet points, it’s not going to really show up. And if it does look too obvious, it can be edited out in post-production.  Tip #3. If Possible, Speak to a Live Audience – Even If It’s Just One Person!  It really helps to have an audience.  From my own experience, if you’re just looking at the camera and trying to get your point across it feels quite strange to just talk to a camera.  You will get used to it – I’m finding it is getting easier over time – but it’s definitely much better if you’re talking to real human beings. Even if it’s your spouse who is shooting the video for you! It helps to have somebody to present your content to.  Tip #4. Keep it Short In terms of length, for the type of video that we want to produce, try and keep it to two to five minutes.  Because all we’re trying to do is get people’s attention and let them get to know us a little bit and give a bit of value.  We want them to think “hey, that person really knows what they’re talking about.” We want them to start to know, like and trust you so they’re inclined to work with you instead of your competition.  So that’s why most of my little videos are about two minutes. But if it’s three, four or five minutes that’s fine. Just try to keep them relatively short for the type of video that we’re we’re doing.  Tip #5. Just Do It! Just do it!  Go for it! You’re going to screw up a lot. You’re not going to be satisfied with your videos.  But just record get them and get them out there. You will get better as you go along. But even your early videos that aren’t brilliant are going to start building your audience and increase your visibility.  Content marketing is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to business development and marketing for recruitment agencies. It’s one of the 6 pillars of my IMPACT Method for escaping the feast/famine roller coaster and creating consistent, predictable placements.  If you want my help to create an inbound marketing strategy for your recruitment business, please apply for a free 30-min Strategy Session here.

Resources for Creating Videos More Easily  

Ambitious Video Planner What if you knew exactly which videos to create that would get the attention of your potential clients? And you knew exactly what to say without a script or teleprompter? With the Ambitious Video Planner, I’m never stuck for ideas. Get Your FREE Video Planner Now (Just Pay S&H). Virtual Video Producer 2.0 Let Emmy® award-winning producer Greg Rollet help you create “Snackable Videos.” Virtual Video Producer is a ‘Done With You’ media & marketing system that positions you as the Celebrity Expert® in your field. I use and recommend Greg’s service because it takes the pain out of producing videos. Get full details and pricing here.