Today is truly the age of social media. More people than ever are taking advantage of that fact in their professional lives. Linkedin and similar sites provide a way to search for jobs and clients and maintain a professional profile. Social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, blogs, vlogs, Pinterest, Tumbler and Vine provide instant social connections with friends and family but they are more than simply “social” media. They have turned into powerful advertising tools. It is very backward and ill-informed business that isn’t taking advantage of that. Indeed people are now making their living from social media sites, blogs, and video blogs.

It can seem deceptively simple to make a living online. All you need is a computer or other device, an internet connection, and an obsession with hanging out on social media sites, right? Wrong. If you are really serious about making online pursuits like video blogging (or vlogging) your livelihood you need to have a plan. The technology may be new but the need to have a sound business plan for generating income, paying for overhead and taxes, growing your business, and supporting yourself is the same as ever. Video blogging can be a fun way to make a living but making a living always requires hard work and business savvy as well.

The Right Way to Begin Video Blogging

When you are video blogging you don’t want to seem stiff or overly rehearsed. You also want a natural enthusiasm for you subjects to shine through. If feel uncomfortable for a lot of people to sit in front of their camera and deliver a prepared lesson or speech about their topic. That is why you should consider the alternative of using your smart phone. You most likely will have it right in your pocket when inspiration strikes or the right moment presents itself. Speaking right to the camera at that moment of inspiration will enable your enthusiasm to show and that will rouse the interest of your audience.

Mistakes to Avoid When Video Blogging

There are some common mistakes that you can avoid to have a better presentation on your video blogs. You will want to start on the right foot. You don’t need an elaborate green screen background. Keep it simple and natural. Don’t spend too much time introducing the video. You aren’t going to capture the interest of your viewers if you take too long getting to the point. Many people begin with their name, title, business, a title sequence and the reason for the video. All of that is not necessary and can cause viewers to lose interest before you begin. If you start with a simple greeting that shows your personality and follow it with a two-second title sequence that is all you need. Then you can tell your viewers what the hook is; what you want to talk about.

What Tech Do You Need to Video Blog

There are some great tools available to help you shoot quality video. Smartphones are a great tool for making a spontaneous and interesting video for your blog. Chances are that your smartphone is right in your pocket. Take care when using a smartphone outside because the sound can be impacted by wind. You should have no trouble making a good quality video indoors in just a few minutes. A tripod can be quite useful but don’t underestimate the arm. Also be sure the make sure you get an attachment for your tripod that will hold your smartphone. Monopods are also extremely handy for selfies, if you film someone, and for crowd shots. For you external audio you should consider investing in iRig. Also consider using Facebook’s new organic video feature when posting on Facebook rather than linking to YouTube.

Should You Script Your Videos

There are several ways that you can approach scripting your video blogs. You can go unscripted but that is not a good idea. You want to have a structured approach. You can have a formal, verbatim script but reading from cue cards is not recommended. It is too stiff for a platform like YouTube. A list of bullet points is a better way to go. It will keep you on track but it will also give you room for a natural delivery that will let your personality shine through.

Use Your Production Time Efficiently

You should use your time efficiently so that can produce a steady output of videos for your blog without it taking up too much of the time you need for other things. For example, say you want to post three videos per week. You can pick the days you want to post them. Then record all three videos on the day before you post the first one. You should be able to record all three in just an hour, including time to change your clothes between takes.

If you dream of being the next YouTube star you now have a blueprint for success. Follow the steps outlined above and you will have high-quality and interesting videos for you blog that allow your personality to draw in your viewers.

Sharon Callix

Award Winning Social Media Expert, UK

Platinum Expert Author

Speaker of The Year Finalist 2015