I’ve started to use video to sell (and upsell!) my digital downloads and information products. Like most beginners, I’m making mistakes at every step. But I’ve learnt a few tricks this week,  mostly thanks for Christopher Ming Ryan. Here’s what I learnt.

Video Blogging: Mistakes to Avoid

There are three steps involved in making videos:

1. Planning
2. Recording and
3. Editing

Most of us are good at one, but not so hot at the others. For me, it’s editing. No patience. Want to start the next. But I need to slow down. Here’s why:

• Great videos will significantly increase sales on your site, sales pages, squeeze pages – call them what you will but
• Lousy videos will drive potential customers away, screaming, ‘did you see how bad that was – my god!’

Christopher makes these suggestions:

• Start to like editing. It’s part of the process.
• Play with Camtasia or Premiere. Really take it apart and see what it can do.
• Don’t think of yourself as an Editor;  you’re a Director. See the difference?
• Study the best. Watch Rachel here.
• Invest in high-quality transitions. Watch the TV transitions on Rachel’s vids. Cool or what?
• #1 Mistake to avoid: the most interesting thing in the video is the face. Focus on it.

Watch Seth here. Compelling isn’t it?

‘curiosity’ from Nic Askew on Vimeo.

and watch Rachel. Look at how the transitions work.

Ok, that’s me.

What tips do you have for making better videos?