Starting a small business seems easier these days because of the advent of the internet and all the different applications that you can use to promote your company. In this day and age, all businesses regardless of size should have an online presence. But what happens if you do not have knowledge when it comes to creating and editing videos? Here are 15 DIY video editing tips for promoting small businesses that you might want to look into.
1. Find the Right Software or Application
The first thing that you need to do is to find the right software or application to use to edit your videos. There are several options out there and you might just chance upon a free video maker. Of course, the budget shouldn’t just be your main concern. You also need to find easy-to-use software that’s perfect for beginners.
2. Think of Your Target Audience
Before creating a video or even a script, you first need to figure out who your target audience is. You also need to decide what your chosen demographic is to ensure that the video that you will create will be suited for your target audience.
3. Conceptualise and Write a Script
Before using a free video maker, you need to come up with ideas first. You can use a storyboard to plot the videos and clips that you want to include in your promotional material. After which, you need to write a script that you can use as a guide when recording your clips.
4. Focus On the Content
The most effective small business ads are short and concise. Make sure that when creating promotional material, you focus on the content and get your message across immediately. Remember, not everyone has the patience to watch lengthy content.
5. Include Sound Effects and Music
When creating and editing videos to promote your small business, you also need to include catchy sound effects and music. Some YouTube and TikTok videos become trending online because of their sound effects and music. If you want your small business to go viral, this is something that you need to consider.
6. More Colours, More Variations
Do you remember the videos for small businesses that you’ve seen that were pale and didn’t have variations? Chances are you don’t because they didn’t leave a mark on you. Another important DIY video editing tip is to include variations in your shots and images, as well as colours. The more variations the better!
7. Choose the Right Video Type
Always remember that there are different video types for specific purposes. An animated promotional video that you can make using a free video maker may work well to promote your business. However, the same cannot be said about a whiteboard recording. So, choose wisely.
8. Use a High-Quality Camera
A high-end camera is also necessary if you want to get the best editing results. Even though video editing software can help you, the best quality camera can make your life easier because it’s already great in itself.
9. Choose the Best Audio Equipment
Other than a high-end camera, you also need to take into consideration the kind of audio equipment that you will use. This doesn’t have to be expensive, but you need to choose the one that will give you the best sound.
10. To Book a Location or Not?
Creating videos to promote your small business can be done online or on location. If you need to do the latter, you also need to think of the location of your shoot.
11. To Buy or Not to Buy?
There are so many other things needed when creating promotional materials for a small business other than a camera and audio equipment. There are lights, props, and more that you need to take into account. If you are tight on budget, you can opt for a simpler video that you can create using a free video maker.
12. Avoid Shaky Footage
When recording a video on location, make sure to use a tripod to avoid shaky footage. Can you imagine having to re-shoot your clips just because they are shaky? Bear in mind that if you won’t watch a shaky promotional material, chances are other people wouldn’t as well. If you don’t have a tripod, you can ask someone with steady hands to shoot for you.
13. Improve Video Composition
Improving video composition is also a must. Always remember the rule of thirds, which divides the frame into a 3×3 grid. You can find more options while using the free video maker of your choice.
14. Maximise the Features
Since different video makers have different features, you need to familiarise yourself with each one first. Some video makers have exclusive features that you might need when creating your promotional videos. There are also others that offer more features because you also need to pay for them. So, ask yourself what your priority is. Do you need more features or do you need to save on your expenses?
15. Dry Run
Before uploading your promotional materials for your small business, do a dry run first. Review and watch the video that you created and see if you were able to apply all these tips. Check the sound of your video, review the shots and the images, ensure that there are variations and colours, and most importantly check that the video is working.
If you find some issues with your promotional video, do the necessary changes and improvements using your free video maker. After which, check the video again to ensure that there are no more problems.
Creating and editing promotional videos for small businesses doesn’t have to be tiring or time-consuming. You just need to familiarise yourself with these tips because they will surely make your life easier. And once you’ve become accustomed to it, you can easily create more promotional videos even for your future businesses big or small.