It is important to add videos as part of your online marketing but how do you keep your viewers watching? I’ve shared many tips on making you videos the best they can be, but for some reason the simplest tips are forgotten

In this post I will review the tips that will keep your viewers watching your videos.  Keep these tips in mind and your views will increase and your video marketing will be successful.

Tip #1 – Have a clear message – some videos you will come across are fun to watch but have no clear message.  If your videos are mere entertainment, that may be fine for you. However if you are trying to send a message or perhaps market your products or services, be sure to have a clear message. Your message must be clear from the beginning to the end of the video. Nothing is more confusing that a video that jumps from idea to idea with no clear message, don’t make this mistake.

Tip #2 – Short and sweet – you’ve seen them and have probably made a few yourself.  The videos that seem to never end; a sure way to lose viewers. Remember to keep your audience engaged to keep your videos less than 3 minutes in length. Sure you may find some that have videos that are longer but more often than not, your viewers will not sit, patiently and watch a video longer than 3 minutes.

Tip #3 – Quality – a sure way to have your viewers leave immediately is if your video is of poor quality. It does not have to be professional but the sound must be clear, and the music in the background not too loud or distracting. Try to avoid background noise that is not intended to be on the video, such as buzzing sounds which will surely turn your viewers searching elsewhere. Be sure to watch your surroundings as well. Nothing is more annoying than outdoor noises interfering with your message or a messy room that will detract from you or your message.

Tip #4 – Be passionate – How often will you watch a video where the person shows little to no emotion. Sure, nerves may be the problem, but it’s important to convey your message with passion. Passion does not mean speaking louder or jumping up and down. The viewer will quickly notice if your message is sincere and the passion in your voice, and presence will be evident.

Tip #5 – Be unique – No one will stay and watch your video if they have seen the same message before. There are many videos available and of course they will all tend to blend but you must find a way to make yours unique. It may be your background, your message, your product or service. The point is to keep your viewers watching and coming back for more. Don’t try to be someone or something you are not, because of course, that will be completely evident and something you will be unable to continue doing. Be you, have fun and that will shine through.

Most everyone not only needs to create video content – they need to distribute it as well. This is obvious. That is exactly what online distribution pertains to. The old days of personally and painfully marketing content are gone. Video distribution is not limited to YouTube and Google Video. They both are great choices – but there are other options out there that you will need to utilize as well.

YouTube came out in 2005 and was one of the first to offer an easy option for video embedding. Before this all came about – online video content required a lot of time and patience. Now with high performing flash players being used in the majority of web browsers today – you really cannot be slowed down for the most part. This creates the ease-of-use that your audience is looking for.

Unfortunately YouTube does have its flaws: it can remove content at anytime that it deems copyright inappropriate (if the video somehow violates copyright laws). Also it will remove content that it feels is too controversial if a viewer submits a complaint in relation to the content. Finally, the only way you can upload content that is longer than 10 minutes is if you have opted for their upper end “Director’s Account”.

This is not the only online video distribution site, as mentioned early. There are many sites out there and many ways to manage video content distribution. With a little research you can find which sites and services suit your needs. You don’t have to use YouTube alone, or at all. It is one of the largest viewed video sites out there – but there are others like it.

You can use services like TubeMogul and Traffic Geyser to easily manage and launch video content to every venue you are interested in sending content out to. You will be able to measure and view graphically how your content is performing (analytically). There is so much out there for video producers to explore – you really just have to take the time to “try-out” and explore new products. Don’t be afraid to try a free product that you want to research – it may be the next greatest thing you are looking for.

Blogging was the biggest thing. Now Video blogging and video hosting is. There are many tips and secrets to be aware of when entering this new world of lean-in marketing. No more leaning back and clicking play – the video is now branded, interactive, and so very customizable. Video blogging can be exactly what you need it to be.

A few facts:

• All the barriers that used to restrict video blogging have been removed. Now we can do what we want to do with vlogs and so on.

• Jerky videos and poor quality compression have been corrected.

• Camera equipment is affordable and cutting edge.

• Video hosting sites are also affordable for a large amount of space – it used to be very expensive!

• Software costs used to be high – no more.

• Traffic to your sites and ads are boosted enormously by vlogging

• You can be the first in your niche to blog about your product/service

• The Apple Video iPod has pushed this technology to the edge – videos are demanded.

As you can see there are many reasons to use video in blogs and on your sites. The technology is there and is affordable. This is one way you can really reach your audience. You really do not want to take any risks by passing up this opportunity. Video and interactive video is the modern day interaction you need to be on board with and you won’t be sorry you did.

Share your ideas, your personality, your interests, your concerns, with the whole world. Everyone is out there to listen – why not be involved – why not take part? This is your opportunity to step out in a very affordable and effective way. You don’t have to do the hard work – the video hosting sites have done it for you. Video hosting has made the process so much easier than you could even imagine, all you have to do is sign up.

Remember video blogging is for today and the future. Veeple is a wonderful video hosting site. There are free video hosting sites out there and paid video hosting sites. Create a video blog and vlog away. You will be vlogging in no time.

First decide are you going to be using a script, are you going to be working from notes, are you going to ad-lib etc. Make your choice and decide based on the application. Getting ready to add video to your blog will be easy with the following steps.

Deciding how to approach video:

- Ad-lib: If you are upset, angry, or really moved by something you may want to ad-lib that kind of video because you will have plenty to say off the top of your head.

- Hard to focus: If you have a hard time focusing while talking and hesitate a lot and speak slowly, then ad-libbing may not be the right path for you. A more planned approach will work best.

- Notes: notes work well to prompt you through the video you are recording for your Vlog. In this way you can smoothly move through your video. You can place notes near your camera or at different focal points in the video that you may be able to look at while you are recording – without being noticed too easily. Be creative there are many places to hide notes.

– Ad-lib and Notes combo: You don’t want to forget topics you want to cover but you can ad-lib from launching points. You don’t have to read from your notes constantly – you can just glance at them as a reminder and then ad-lib from there. You will become more comfortable with all of this process and will breeze through in not time. Vlogging is what makes your Vlog.

- Scripts: This is best used when doing product reviews because very specific information needs to be covered. When you want to make sure to address specific key points and information, you will want to use a script.

- Use comedy: Throw in a few jokes and fun comments to keep your audience engaged and entertained. We are human and we love to be entertained.

- Always record more than you need: even if you are not working from a script – always always always record way more than you need – it is so much easier to edit out what you don’t need and virtually impossible to go back and get the lighting and everything just right to be able to paste something important back in.

You’ve probably seen the term Vlog being used.  The term simply is a combination of video and blog and is used by folks that are using more videos on their sites than just simply written content.

Using videos on your sites is a perfect way to connect with your readers and now viewers.  With this age of technology and the fears that main stream media is placing on individuals, the use of videos will place your audience at ease.  The use of videos will show your true intention of your message.  It will show your facial expressions, as well as your mannerisms.  This simple connection is amazing and many will come back for more and more.

So stop making excuses.  Get out that video camera or you can use your handy webcam as well, and start sharing videos on your site.  No fancy equipments are needed to build that instant connection with your visitors.  Remember to use lighting that will be flattering; shadows are distracting.  If you are unsure about the lighting, shoot your video outside with natural lighting.  Be aware of your surroundings, that is extremely important.  No one wants to see laundry in the background or a messy office.  The same goes when shooting outside, be aware of your surroundings.

Whatever you choose, just do it! You’ll see how simply and fun adding videos to your site will be.

You have determined which video camera to use, and you have found the perfect spot to shoot your videos.  The lighting is perfect, and you have everything in place, but now you have no idea what topic to choose for your video.

You are not alone.  Many understand the purpose of video and some may be aware of the benefits it has for their business in the marketing sense, but all will have times that they simply don’t know what to feature in their video.  First off, you must relax, your videos will be unnatural if you are nervous.  Second, share what YOU know.

The biggest mistake folks will make is their attempt to promote something they don’t know much about.  It is important to do your research and simply share your ideas.  Perhaps you know a subject very well, turn that knowledge into a video series that is teaching your audience.  You can make a video showing step by step instructions or simply showcasing your talents.

The ideas are endless if you simply relax and approach the making of the video differently.  You may consider an article you wrote and turning it into a video or perhaps some information shared on an interview that many will benefit from. Videos are great for marketing your business, whether it is a product, or a service it can easily be showcased in a video. Don’t be afraid to think out of the box and share those thoughts on video, it works!