From Chris:

Go for Quality
Recording someone on a Flip camera from eight feet away doesn’t work. Get closer, and frame them from their chest to the top of their head. Keep the camera facing the speakers. Models like the Kodak Zi8 allow for an external lavaliere microphone. Use it.

You can find inexpensive LED lights that attach to most cameras at Amazon.com. Practice simple lighting. Don’t spotlight people like you want them to confess.

If you can, edit. I use really inexpensive software, or I make sure that my recordings are very brief. People don’t want to wade through garbage, so learn to cut stuff out.

Here are a few thought starters on ideas for a YouTube video to build your brand:

* what can you educate the market on, and how can that knowledge be used to solve a problem for your prospective customers?

* what do you do that’s different from your competition, and does it translate well to video? (i.e. a video showcasing the extra special process used to create your best tasting pizza in town)

* can you capture a typical client experience and share it with the world to help break down some myths? (i.e. a laser eye surgery clinic tracking a patient’s experience from beginning to end to help alleviate the fear that comes with the procedure)

Making online videos can be a great way to build credibility because it goes beyond what an ad can do for you.

Most ads screams “look at me!”

A good online video says “look at this…”

And of course, if you need help with creating your cool videos, you can always call me

Get yourself a small video camera and start asking your clients if they’ll record a short testimonial for you.  Or better yet, call me.  I’d be happy to shoot and edit your testimonials for you, then upload them to the web or produce a tv or radio commercial with them.

5. Don’t Just Re-purpose Old Content

You should post your television commercials online, but don’t let that be the only content on the channel. Remember that television commercials are designed for a one-way medium, and that while audiences may want the ability to see your commercials on-demand, if that’s all you have to offer, they will never visit your channel again.

And don’t just post your commercial and 15 derivative videos about the making of it, or “director’s cuts” of the same, unless they have legitimate value as content in their own right. YouTube is an opportunity for your brand to go beyond traditional “push” marketing tactics and to create videos that address multiple audiences and a variety of consumer needs.

Intel uses their popular television campaigns as the feature reel on their channel, but they also offer a wide variety of other content, including a look at what it’s like to work at Intel, and video from a game developers conference.

Here’s a little montage of the MS Society’s day:

1. Put a “welcome” video on your website
2. Record and post client video testimonials
3. Produce a “Quick Tips” series for YouTube
4. Create video tutorials to demonstrate your products or services
5. Place a “pitch” video on your sales web page
6. Launch a live webcast with Ustream.tv or TinyChat.com
7. Tape your event or speaking engagement
8. Start Vlogging
9. Send a Video Press Release
10. Create an “instant” photo/video montage

Whatever way you choose to use online video, the important thing is to get started. It’s never been easier and – if you want to stay top of mind with your customers – it’s never been more important!