When a new idea graces my brain, I'm tempted to get on it as soon as possible. Last month I conceived of a crazy idea for a marketing video, then realized I hadn't made a video since college-- and even then I was just screwing around. I didn't even know how to make a simple slideshow.
Sure, I can write a blog post with my hands tied behind my back (I think), but before last month, there was no way I could create and edit an online video.
But instead of saying 'nevermind,' I started researching online video for beginners. The process resulted in this list of the absolute finest video blog posts on the web.
And don't worry-- I'll let you know when my video project hits the 'net.
1. How to Create Your Own Promo Video for Under $100 by Andrew Follett
On a tight budget? I sure am! That's why I love this post about how to create videos on the cheap. Andrew explains how to create inexpensive videos in 6 detailed steps--from writing a script to promoting the video.
Try writing your script in Google docs, and then sharing it with a select group of people that have your business’ best interests at heart. By asking them for input and ideas, you’ll have the advantage of a focus group—something many large companies pay thousands for.
This post won't leave you hanging-- it not only provides the steps, but gives you tons of tools and resources along the way.
Read this if you're on a really tight budget but want an effective promotional video.
2. Webinar On-Demand: Beginner's Guide to Video Marketing by HubSpot
Yes, I'm sorry, watching this webinar does require you to fork over your info to HubSpot, and it's not technically a blog post, but it's well worth it. This hour-long webinar details what video tools to use, how to optimize your videos for marketing purposes, where to publish and how to promote your videos, and how to measure the success of your campaign.
Jay Wilder of myBrainshark, Yelena Kadeykina of Pixability, and Jim Kukral, a video marketing expert, come together to discuss what works. I'm not really into webinars, but I found this one really compelling!
_Watch this if _you're dying to know how to connect video to marketing efforts.
3. Beginner's Guide to Online Video Marketing: Making a Video by DemoDuck
You already know that video marketing is important--now you want to get the job done. This post, filled with tools and sites (you'll learn where to find royalty free music, what microphone to buy, and more) will help you get off the ground. Sometimes the best resources are short and sweet-- definitely true for this post by DemoDuck.
If you’re going to sink some cash into one thing, make it a good quality microphone. Viewers will overlook choppy video edits and minimal animation. Poor sound quality will make them click away.
Read this if you're crunched for time and are looking for awesome tools.
4. Teaching with Video by Alyce Currier
Why do I watch so many tutorials on how to use hot rollers and blow dry my hair? Well, it's because video is really effective for learning a physical skill. In this post, Alyce of Wistia, explains how you can start teaching with video.
She suggests keeping video content concise, knowing your audience, having a plan, and a ton of other stuff. This is one of the best posts out there about how to make your video effective.
Keep it concise: Cut the fluff from your videos to keep the length manageable, and break down long content into digestible chunks so that viewers can self-navigate.
Read this if you can teach your audience something (everyone can) and want to be effective at doing it.
5. Can Product Videos Increase Conversion Rates? by Sherice Jacob
If you're creating an online video, you want to make sure that it gives results, especially if you're sinking significant cash into the endeavor. In this post, Sherice gathers creative uses of online marketing and a number of useful statistics to explain why videos convert so well. It's an awesome post, chock-full of real-world examples,
Even car parts retailer Advance Auto Parts has found that including instructional and how-to videos both on its site and Facebook has led to some surprising findings. Visitors who watch video stay on the site twice as long and visit twice as many pages versus those who don’t see video.
Read this if you want to make awesome product videos that dramatically impact conversions.
6. The Advanced Guide to Online Video: Setting an Explainer Video Budget by Salma Jafri
If you run a startup or small business, budget is on your mind. Salma knows that and explains how to set a budget for an explainer video. She not only goes over budget, but details timeline. And sure, it's called 'The Advanced Guide,' but beginners can certainly benefit, too.
In order to understand why a video costs what it does, and why different production companies charge different rates, it’s helpful to understand what typically goes into the production process and how long each stage can take.
Read this if you want to understand how video production companies work-- where the money goes and how much time it takes.
7. 30 Video Editing Software and Online Tools by Kay Tan
Once you have a strategy in place, you're more concerned with how you're going to edit your video than what's going to be in it. Sometimes you just want to know what tools will help you out.That's why I love Kay Tan's post of video editing software and online tools! The comprehensive list details all types of tools-- a worthwhile read if you're looking to get going.
YouTube Remixer lets you add effects and graphics, text and audio, overlays and transitions to your YouTube Video, directly in your browser.
Read this if you want to get a handle on the tools that are out there!
8. Video Toolbox: 150+ Online Video Tools and Resources by Mashable
If the 30 tools in number 7 just aren't enough for you, then I highly recommend this list of 150+ online video tools and resources. It's a really comprehensive list, divided into sections. These sections include Live Video Communications, Online Video How-tos, Online Video Converters, and much, much more.
Read this if you want a comprehensive list of all the online video tools and resources out there (it helps if you have an afternoon!).
9. Can't Miss Resources on Video Marketing & Video SEO by Sharon Hurley Hall
What's the deal with video marketing? Does it really work? Sharon comes to the rescue with answers in this post. Using various studies, this statistics-laden article will help you understand why video is so important. As usual, a post on Crazy Egg's blog steals the show!
Quicksprout has recent data on the market for online video, delivered via an extremely informative infographic. Some 100 million web users watch online video daily, and videos boost people’s understanding of what you are offering by 74%.
Read this if you're dying to understand how much of an impact video really has on your customers.
10. 4 Examples of Viral Video Marketing that Small Businesses Can Do by Sherice Jacob[
](https://grasshopper.com/blog/how-to-create-knock-your-socks-off-online-videos-right-now/)
Ok, this is a shameless plug, but Sherice's tips on how to appropriate successful video strategies for your small business are super helpful. In this post, Sherice gives examples of four awesome videos and then explains how you can create them for yourself.
Not only does Sherice explain how to make the videos, but she also details why each one works. If you're feeling like you can't compete with large companies, this post is for you.
Read this if you're a small business owner looking to make a big impact.
Lights, Camera...READ!
When I was researching online video and learning how to create one, these resources were super helpful.
With some reading, a bit of elbow grease, and a lot of spirit, you can create video marketing that showcases your business in the best possible light. Get to it!
Your Turn: What are your favorite resources on video marketing? Any special tools that help you with your campaigns?