So remember that time I tried to do some video blogging? To be fair, maybe my quiet meditation month wasn’t the best place to start, but it was hard. Erica Voll, though, makes it look easy. She’s my vlogging idol. Erica is a mom of two who hasn’t slept through the night since 2008. One day she’d like her bed back. Read her blog No Sleep Till College where she takes on all things parenting, fashion, pop culture, things to do with the kiddos, and more. And be sure to follow her on Google +,Facebook and Twitter.
I’ve written about vlogging and using video on your blog a lot, but I rarely discuss why you should incorporate video into your blog.
I pretty much assume everyone just knows it’s a good idea. And it is.
But why?
Here are a few reasons why even the most camera-shy bloggers should really consider video for their blog.
1. Video/YouTube and Search
Behind Google, YouTube is the most widely searched platform. Think about it. How many times have you searched on YouTube? I am on it daily, and now that Google has integrated Google Plus into YouTube and comments and reviews are now “+able”, even more SEO juice is passed.
Of course, tagging your video helps too. Even if you do a quick, 25 second video of a toy, or product, tag it well and the views will come.
Here is a video I did with my daughter of a popular toy. We were at an event, and I did this video on the spot, and tagged it good enough to get a few views on YouTube - for virtually no effort at all.
Let me be clear here, I long for a spokesperson gig. I dream about hosting my own hour on QVC and I wish to be in informercials. When I love a product, it shows, and I want the world to know about it.
Every time I get in front of the camera, I think of it as a time I get to practice my skills. Not that I am a media specialist, but I edit my videos and know the end result. Each one helps me get better.
Here is one of my favorite informercial-type of videos.
There is a reason why YouTube is so popular- people love real reviews and to see products up and close. When I do a video review. I like to demo features I really like and I like to physically show the product to demonstrate what it is like.
You can even do it with teething tablets and gel. Show how it’s put on. Taste the product. Put yourself in the position of that person watching your video and think,”What would someone watching this video want to see?”
What do you think? What will your next video blog be? You should totally click over to No Sleep Till College to see why Erica sent her Elf on the Shelf back to Santa. And if you’ve ever thought of trying a clothing subscription service like Gwinnie Bee, then check out the fab clothes that Erica wears because of it. I heart this dress, hard.
Love the videos and great tips. What editing program do you use for the videos?? They are excellent, easy to follow and entertaining!
Hatton recently posted..Gift Ideas for the Man’s Man.
Hey Hatton-
Thanks for the compliment! I use Final Cut Express. iMovie (or something similar) works too, but I find FCE to be easier to work with.
Erica recently posted..Comment on Win a Case of Happy Tot Morning Pouches! by melissa
Thanks for this. I know I need to incorporate it…..I just feel so silly:)
Laina Turner recently posted..I Need Sunny Beaches And A Good Book
I’m totally sold on the concept.. its the execution that intimidates me. Once I get the video made, I don’t know how to edit it and upload it. I think I need another blog post!
Seana Turner recently posted..Kitchen Clutter Culprits
Adnan says
Few days ago I wanted to upload some video for my blog . But it was so time consuming and costly . At last when I found your article and realize that how fool I was. Now I can easily submit any video for my blog , It’s just like a piece of cake , just like copy the code from YouTube and paste it . Thank you so much for your article ..
I’ve actually been thinking about it. I’ve had several requests from readers but it’s scary. Maybe I’ll do like you suggested and do a trial run next time my daughter’s over and can help me. I don’t have a clue how to do it but she does.
[email protected] recently posted..Closet, Pantry, Drawer Organizing for the Organizing Impaired
Stopping by from SITs. I’ve started incorporating vlogs into my blog and I love it. So much fun. Also - I love your jogger/stroller review. I wish I had seen that when I was shopping for a jogger years ago!
Stephanie @ Hugs, Kisses and Snot recently posted..Courage = Vulnerability = Courage Brene Brown Ted Talk
Good ideas to explore further. Thanks for sharing!
Jodee Weiland recently posted..Delicious Cinnamon Cream Cheese Brownies
I use to do video reviews a couple years ago and now i have actually started again! I miss being on camera and sharing my reviews that way, I feel that I can explain the product better this way anyhow 🙂 I highly suggest trying it out, put your shyness behind you and just do it, be yourself. People will love you for it 🙂
Kristin Sumner recently posted..7 Of Our Favorite Retro Sweets
I am totally inspired to do some vlogging. I really do see a lot of value in providing interesting little clips to readers…
I’m just so shy behind the camera! But you’re right-practice makes perfect. And hopefully my readers can forgive me for stumbling through a few video sessions. Thanks for this!
Charlotte recently posted..Amtrak unveils writing residencies—and I want to get on board
I don’t currently do reviews on my blog, YET…but I wonder what other ways videos can be used to enhance your blog? I write about healthy eating, fitness, etc. Any tips would be appreciated!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday: Top Eats from the Past Two Weeks
Hey there, Nice vids! I’m stopping over from SITS. What I like most about this blog is your decision to make changes in 30 day increments. Love it! That way you can focus fully on each one.
Luci recently posted..Healthy Fast Food 1: Prepare Raw Carrots so they Stay Fresh, Crisp and Delicious
Great post, nice idea to add the video examples. I had slacked off on videos, but have been working on incorporating them again. I wrote an article for a client the end of last year with stats on how much video marketing has grown and it’s amazing! Visual content is definitely where it’s at! I use iMovie, but have had a lot of problems with the video and audio being out of sync. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced that and what program you ladies are using to record. Best of luck vlogging!
Lori Hil recently posted..Visualize Easier, Better, and Faster via Mindful Monday
Laurali Star says
I have been looking for something like this! I have been considering vlogging for sometime now but needed to know how to get started. This was amazing. Thank you so much! The biggest thing that holds me back is that I’m not exactly sure what I should blog about!
Love and luck,
Laurali Star
http://www.thesecretsurprisinista.com
Laurali Star recently posted..Why I Never Gave Up On My Dream
I find the best way to get into vlogging is to just do it! Pick a subject you feel passionately about, something you love and can talk about effortlessly. I can’t wait to see what you come up with, Laurali!
Laurali Star says
Thanks for the advice! You are so sweet and you’re right, I should just get out there and do it 🙂
Love and Luck,
Laurali Star
http://www.thesecretsurprisinista.com
Laurali Star recently posted..Why I Never Gave Up On My Dream
No chance to watch the videos yet but I definitely want to incorporate more videos into my blog because I do notice not a lot of folks are doing it consistently but the time to edit videos has been my pause moment (that will take even MORE time to do). I need an assistant.
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted..H is for Health