Make Art Work: a podcast for creative small businesses

Episode 17: Using video in your small business

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Today we are going to be starting a series on all things video: how to plan your video content along with some ideas to, how to capture video and how to share it.

I have to be honest with you - I’m not an expert on video, but I have learned some things the last couple of years, taught myself via youtube and asked my video savvy friends. But the silver lining of not being a full blown expert is that I still have a beginner’s mindset, and know that there are different ways to achieve great video results and everything I am going to share with you is not going to be super technical.

First, I wanted to go over the two main ways that I use video in my creative small business: social media and teaching platforms. And with Instagram’s recent announcement of moving away from being known as a photo sharing app, and  leaning into entertainment and video, more like competitors TikTok and YouTube.

I know that announcement has ruffled some feathers and instagram users are speaking out about their feelings (whether positive or negative). But the half glass full person I am, thinks it’s a great time to really dive into video.

So, back to how I use video: first social media. And when I talk about social media, I’m going to be talking about Instagram today: it’s the platform that I have the most experience with. I do have a TikTok account, but haven’t really been super active in putting content on that platform, and the same goes for YouTube.

But all of these strategies that I’ll share today, as well as the equipment I’ll link to can help you with video on all platforms.

So let’s start with planning and strategy, because all of the fancy tools and software won’t help you much if you don’t get started with it!

And you might be saying, Maizie, I don’t want to be on camera. And I get it, but I really think video is going to be a great way for your audience to get to know you. Once you start gaining new followers and subscribers, most likely, you’re not going to be able to introduce yourself in-peron, but video is a great substitute.

And it’s like a lot of new things, it gets easier the more you do it. So I’m urging you to have a good attitude and an open mind.

So let’s start brainstorming about ways you can use video on your social media; here are some great ways to start:

  • What are your top 3-5 most asked questions that you get? Answer those, either facing the camera or pointing it towards your product or workspace.
  • What is your favorite part of your business? Did you grow up baking cookies with your aunts and grandmother and that love of connecting people through baking inspired you to start your custom cookie business. Or maybe you were the layout pro on your high school yearbook committee and now you love helping brands layout their marketing material. Tell people about your story.
  • What is your favorite project? OR What was your first project? Maybe it was the one that inspired you to start the business?
  • Video is a great way to hear from your audience, maybe you’re a virtual assistant and you want to ask your followers what questions they have about starting their own VA business. It’s a great conversation starter, pretend you’re talking to your best friend on Facetime.

    • Virginia Kerr 

    Skillshare

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    Make Art Work: a podcast for creative small businessesBy Maizie Clarke
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