The irony of life, huh? A how-to write up on
how to make a how-to video . It is like a story in a story. Its like the movie Inception.
But this is what this article is going to tackle. You are here to learn how you can create a successful instructional video.
What is a how-to video
Have you experienced buying something but lost the manual, and you do not know what to do? Or only getting new stuff but cannot figure out how it works no matter how many times you read the instructions? Have you experienced trying to troubleshoot broken equipment but do not know how to get started?
These are just some of the instances where a how-to video comes to play. It is an instructional video where you see the step-by-step process of how something is done, used, or created. It can cover a wide range oft asks and ideas. You can make one for baking, gardening, playing an instrument, anything!
It is the versatility of how-to videos that makes it a handy tool in marketing. No matter what your brand or your product is, you can think of ways to present it using an instructional video.
What are the advantages of a how-to video
So, yeah. You know what a how-to video is. So, what? Why would you be enticed to create a tutorial video? There are many forms of media content. Why choose this path?
Awareness is one reason. When you are introducing your product, you want people to be familiar with it. Frequently, stuff bought online gets low ratings because the buyers did not know how to operate it properly. You do not want that to happen to your product.
When you launch a step-by-step video tutorial on operating your item correctly, you are not only making it get more views. You are also making people aware of how to maximize their use. You are not merely marketing but helping others get the most out of your product. It is giving extra service to your market, and this is an effort that will surely get appreciated.
Aside from adding value to your customers, tutorial contents are also attention catchers. You only have to make sure that you get all the elements right. People are usually curious about how things start and finish. So once you got them hooked at the video's onset, they will likely finish it until the end. And if you do it right, you will gain new followers in no time.
The elements of a useful how-to video
Not all how-to videos are created equal. Some will get noticed, while some can get stopped midway because people cannot find its value. The difference lies in the elements found in those videos.
So, what should be in your content to keep your viewers engaged? Here are some tips:
KISS (Keep it short and simple)
People who are looking for instructional videos online are there to get the answer to their questions fast. They do not like wasting time, and you shouldn't too. Get to the point directly. You do not have to make a lengthy introduction and background. Focus on the topic and tackle it head-on.
One important thing that you need to do to achieve this is to make sure you plan. Prepare your content: the script, the flow, the materials. This way, you will not stray away from the topic, and you will be using the time only on the essential things.
Use layman's terms
Do your best to sound as less technical as possible, even if you are discussing, well, technical stuff. Avoid jargons. Look for terms that will communicate what you are pointing at in the most elementary terms; if you can explain it to a five-year-old, the better.
You might think that you look more professional and trustworthy when you can spit out words that seem to impress, but you are wrong. If they do not understand what you are saying, they would most likely scroll down to the next video.
Cover all steps
Never make the mistake of leaving out anything. Even if you think it is a minor step and it is commonsense, you have to include it. Remember that your viewers will be following along. Some would copy even the angle of your hands while you hold a part, or follow your hands' rotation, so be mindful. Do not assume that everyone understands the process as clearly as you do. Cover all steps; they are all necessary. Let the viewers decide which ones they need and which ones are common sense.
Have the right camera focus
Since this is a how-to video, your viewers are most likely more visual than auditory. So, aside from speaking clearly and using simple words, you must also make sure that you show each step. Make that the camera captures what you are doing. Know when to zoom in or zoom out for emphasis.
Choose the right location
Being the best location does not have to be complicated. What is essential is that there is no background noise, both auditory and visually, and it has proper lighting. That will ensure that you will record a how-to video without distractions and with excellent visual output.
If you are shooting small stuff that you can do inside your home, you can devise a make-shift platform or stage to do it. A plain cloth and some flashlights may often do the trick. Just be creative, and you will surely get the effects you are going for in your project.
Have fun
How you feel while doing your video will translate to your output. You have to enjoy doing this like you are having fun bringing this added value to your viewers. It may be instructional content, but it does not have to be dry and dull. Your tone, the lighting, the music (if applicable), and the overall mood can determine the viewers' response to your content. So, do your best to engage them with light but educational content.
Step-by-step of making an instructional video
Now that you know the elements, it is time to create. Tutorial video contents are among the easiest to come up with once you know the steps in making one.
Step 1: Map it out
It would be best if you had a mind map as you begin your video tutorial. How do you visualize it to be? What are the things that you want to tackle? What are the steps you need to discuss in your video? These are among the things that you should already be clear about when you begin.
Write down all your ideas from the script to the visuals, music, props, and all that you will need. If you are working with a team, this is the time to brainstorm. Get all the creative ideas you can put on the table and start to plan all out. The clearer you can picture your output in this first step, the better.
Step 2: Choosing where to shoot
As we discussed above, the location is crucial. Although it may seem fancy to have different backgrounds, often, having only one place is more advantageous. If you can get everything done in just one location, it will be a significant relief to you, logistically.
Source out the area where you can do this. Again, you can be as creative as possible. It does not matter if it is inside the house or out there in the garage. Once you settled this part, you may start setting up the place to begin shooting.
Step 3: Getting everyone ready
If you need actors for your shoot, this is the time to decide who it will be. Not all instructional videos need an actor. Sometimes, you can feature just the hands of the person doing the tutorials. You may even do a stop motion video. However, if you need actors, better have them ready by this time, including the props, the lighting team, and everyone who will take part during the shoot.
Step 4. Begin shooting
Once you finish all of the above steps, you may begin the shoot. Make sure that you will stick to the guide you prepared in step one. It will help you get the proper focus and ensure that you will not skip any crucial part of the video.
Step 5. Process the video
When done shooting, then it is time to process your final output. Video editing may not be an easy task for everyone. If you are not very familiar with this, you may hire someone to do it for you. Also, if you need to include subtitles, this is the time to do so.
During this step, make sure that you got everything that you need for your video. It is the time where you will need people to review the final output. More eyes scrutinizing the final product will guarantee a smoother final work.
Step 6. Upload and share
When you finish doing all of these, you may begin to upload and start sharing your how-to video. There are many places where you can do this. The first is on your page. Although for this, you may need a third-party host so you can embed your tutorial video. There are many free online video hosting available if that is the path you would take.
You may also upload and share via social media platforms that allow you to do this. Sometimes, all you need is the proper hyping, and your content will start trending. Or, you may also go the premium way and pay for exposure. It is really up to you how you like your content to reach people on the web. There are many ways that you can explore and experiment on as you get started.
Should you make a how-to video
Besides being very helpful in marketing your brand, a how-to video adds a lot of value to your customers. Even if you will not see it as a marketing tool, it is an excellent way of showing your market that you care for them enough to guide them in making the most out of their purchase.
So, if you are thinking twice about making an instructional video for your advertising campaign, think about how much you are helping others. You would be surprised at the reception this kind of video content has. Once you see it work, you will keep coming back for more.
If your problem is the challenge of making one on your own, you can also put that aside. Many online agencies do this for a living.
Hire one :)
In no time, you will have your content and soon reap the benefits of using instructional video materials.
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