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Birdseed

Posted on February 10, 2022 in Marketing Thoughts

Why have video?

Watching a video provides both visual and audio stimulation. Using both of these areas of the brain means your audience is more engaged and will develop a stronger connection with your content. If you are a business that is working to build a loyal consumer base and stronger brand recognition, video content is a must.

The second largest search engine in the world is Google’s YouTube, (and the first of course is Google’s search engine).  Adding video to your website can dramatically increase your Google search rankings. Plus, adding the word video to your email distribution list can increase your click-through rate by an average of 10%.

What Do You Need?

The barrier to entry in the video market can be high, however, there are methods you can use and a few pieces of equipment you can purchase to greatly reduce that barrier if you are a do-it-yourself kinda person.   Truly, with the right lighting,  and a decent 1080p camera phone, you can make a video.  Most computers come with basic video editing software, and phones are now even offering apps that you can use to edit movies on the fly!

However, if you want to up your game a little, and showcase your professional chops, here are a few pieces of equipment and tools that will make your video creation more successful.

4 Items to Help You Make Videos More Successful

Starting with a good webcam, lighting, background removal, and finally screen capturing software, you can create professional-looking videos from your office or home easily. In this blog, we will cover 4 areas that I think are all vital to making a great video: the best webcam, affordable lighting solutions, background removal, and my favorite recording tool – Loom.

  1. WebCam

Most computers nowadays have built-in video cameras and microphones.  While the quality may be good enough for what you need, consider upgrading your camera to one that offers higher resolution, and better capabilities for handling low light conditions. I really like the Logitech mentioned below, but there are tons of great ones.

Logitech C922 Pro Stream

Main Features:

  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Background removal
  • Low-light correction
  • Stereo audio
  • Autofocus
  • Auto light correction

Overview: Logitech’s newest webcam, the Logitech G922 Pro Stream has excellent 1080p video quality when it comes to hosting video calls, and its automatic low-light correction makes it a great cam for streaming with the lights off. It also supports background removal, making it ideal for budding YouTubers. the 78-degree field of view accommodates up to two people. Equipped with HD autofocus and light correction, the C922 fine-tunes to the lighting conditions to produce razor-sharp high-def images even if you’re in a dim setting.

Pricing: $99.99

C922 Pro Stream Webcam

  1. Lighting

Lighting makes all the difference to a video.  It not only sets the correct mood, but it can also direct the viewer’s eye towards the subject you want.  That way, you will capture all the details you want. If you are using your phone for video, consider a kit like this with a tripod and mounted light.

8″ Selfie Ring Light with Tripod

Main Features:

  • Dimmable Light
  • Adjustable Tripod Stand
  • Bluetooth Remote
  • Color Temperature: 3000K-6000K

Overview: Using a design that combines a phone holder and a selfie ring light, this light with tripod turns your phone camera into a mounted camera with light.  It features three different lighting modes, with 11 levels of brightness to choose from.

Pricing: 34.19

Ring Light with Stand and Phone Holder

If you are using your computer to record, dimmable stand lighting is best. You will get very professional-looking results.

Neewer 2 Pack Light and Stand Lighting Kit

Main Features:

  • Adjustable angles
  • 480 LEDs
  • Dimmable
  • Includes Stands
  • Color Temperature; 3200-5600K

Overview: Outstanding value for the price.  These are great for lighting in limited spaces and give a nice light on your background.  It would be a no-brainer to build a bracket holding 2 or 4 of these supported between the two light stands.

Pricing:$135.99

Neewer 2 Pack Light and Stand Lighting Kit

  1. Background removal

Removing a background or replacing it is what gives weathermen and Marvel characters the professional edge.

ChromaCam

Overview: ChromaCam is a Windows desktop application that works with a standard webcam and video chat apps such as Skype.  Mainly used for live video, you can make your video and then publish it to your YouTube channel, Facebook page, and/or website afterward.

Pricing: Free or $19.99 for an upgraded version

ChromaCam Website

  1. Screen Capture

Loom

Overview: If you just want to try a video or two before making a big investment, give Loom a try. it is one of the best screen-capturing software with a free starting trial, and then a low monthly fee for Pro.  At the Pro level, you can also record your screen in high def, making use of your great computer monitor. This is a tool we at BirdSeed use often to send short messages to each other when trying to show an issue or have a quick thought that is easier to express in video than in text or email.

Pricing: Free to try, $10 a month thereafter.

Loom Pricing

Last Tips:

When you have your set up just the way you want it, run several tests to make sure you have the right color, and that your video and sound work well.   To set up your color, you need to perform a white balance.  Hold up a piece of paper, and find the white balance setting on your camera.   The camera will automatically adjust the color temperatures, and balance for you.

Summary:

Creating videos is exciting, and I’m sure you will have a hundred, if not a thousand, ideas for different videos.  Keep in mind that content is far more important than how it looks.  If you are making a product explainer video, make sure you clearly point out the problems in the market, and how you and your company have solved them.

We have mentioned client testimonials as being vitally important to your website in other blogs.  A testimonial video is better than a few sentences written on your website. Ultimately, your clients will feel much more confident in your business when they see others are.

Whatever your use case for video, these tips and tools should make them easier to create. Video is important because it facilitates a personal connection.  Best of luck- We look forward to seeing some of your incredible creations. If you have any other tips or tools, I would love to hear them.

Until Next Time,

Robert Urban – CMO of BirdSeed 

robert urbanCurrent CMO of BirdSeed and best-selling author, Marine veteran and PhD.  Offers expert-level strategy and execution for SAAS and technology business through relationship driven marketing, content and sales while leading and managing people from all different backgrounds. BirdSeed is headquartered in Orlando, Florida.

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