How to use short-form video for your business
If you're hearing "It is all about video" more and more frequently, pay attention!
Video is becoming more common when learning about social media and content marketing. For more information on how to use short-form video for your business, this is what you need.
While, yes, this medium is playing a huge role in the online space. This doesn't mean you have to be scared of it, go crazy with it or do it "like everyone else is".
Now is the time to learn how short-form video can help YOUR brand. How you can use it in a way that works for you and your business!
What is short-form video?
Short-form video content is any type of video that is under 3 minutes. Short-form videos are meant to be bite-sized, easily digestible pieces of content that are easy for viewers to scroll through and view several at a time.
Short-form video is most commonly seen on three main platforms, these being TikTok, IG Reels, and YouTube shorts. The types of video content you find on these platforms can be anything from acting or lip-syncing to talking directly to the camera or even voiceovers with visuals.
You can use any of these to engage and attract your audience, but how can you prepare to create short-form video? Let’s take a look!
The 8 tips to help with short-form video for your business
Map out the goal of the channel
No matter what channel you decide to show up on, you need to set goals. When you set goals it keeps you accountable, and inspired to create, gives you direction and most of all, allows you to be consistent.
Find what is comfortable for you to create
Ask yourself what you like to do. Do you like acting? Talking to the camera? Creating videos? Using text and video on your camera roll? Pick what best suits you and what you can have fun with and run with it.
Have a purpose for the short-form video
You need to work out how you will use the platform. When thinking about this, consider if you want to inform or educate and use the content to lead to your blog, podcast etc.? Or do you want to use video to have fun and engage so that you can connect? This is totally up to you and will determine how it is structured and the overall direction of your content.
Lead to a long-form channel
If you have a long-form channel (such as a blog or podcast) this is great to lead people to your short-form video. It intrigues people and pushes them to want more. However, make sure you promote it. At Content Queen, we lead our podcast!
Ask for engagement and promote engagement
Use this new form of content to ask for something from your audience. Give call-to-actions at the end of the short form that can lead people to act, and ask for things like a follow, like or comment. Build that habit with your audience and don’t be afraid to repeat this, they will warm up to it and eventually take these actions. With this, you can also lead to an offer or long-form channel, just get them to take action.
Use all the elements (text, visual, audio)
Make the short time you have in front of the camera count! Use all the elements to your advantage: film in vertical format, think about the text in the video, the visual elements and the audio/sound you will use. This is also where you might want to use a trending sound.
Structure for the audio of a short-form video
Grab attention straight away! It’s always important to start with a good hook to grab attention and then build from this. We have a quick framework that we love to use when creating the scripts for our short-form videos. This includes a hook, build-up, the addition of value and then includes a CTA. This structure will guarantee a solid structure and the most efficiency in your video.
Be consistent
It may feel like this is repeated ALL the time, but that’s because it is so important. If you want to see progress, improvement and growth, you need to be consistent! Keep showing up and give your content a chance to thrive!
Trends vs ‘original content’
What is better? Trending content or original content? Everyone has different successes doing different things which means that opinions can grow and be quite overwhelming to listen to. At the end of the day you need to find your balance, you need to test using trending audio and test using original content. Look at the numbers and see what your audience is liking, this is the best way to tell what is working for you.
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Final thoughts
Short-form video l is growing into such a popular way of consuming content, so why not give it a go? Look over the 8 steps we’ve shared with you and find what works for your business.
You never know, you could find something you love to do that helps your business thrive! And if you’re looking for more guidance on your strategy and overall content, we have exactly that!
Join us on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, for our Content Strategy Workshop! We are here to help you Learn how to create your own content marketing strategy for FREE! So to sign up, make sure to click the button below and find out more.
