Vlogging – High-Impact Video Blogging
Are you a reader or a watcher?
If, like millions of you out there, you absolutely love it when people present information and opinions through video. You can do the same thing by running your video blog… vlog.
There are some video blogs out there that are exclusively video. Every single blog post is a video with a short description of what is being shown. Many people like this format, but you do need to be careful that you do not alienate any visitors who prefer to read instead. It might be a better idea for you to intersperse written content with video content.
There are certain topics and niches that are more suited to video than others. For instance, if you’re doing a product review or demonstration, then you may want to use video to do so. This will help give your readers a clear view of the things you have to say.
You may also want to do some “talking head” videos. These are great because your readers will feel like they are sitting right across from you listening to what you have to say. It can help your readers connect with you. If you come across as likable, then your readership might increase as people will come back time and time again, and tell their friends and family members about you.
You’ll need a of couple tools before you get started video blogging. First and foremost, you will at least need a WebCam. Thankfully, these come pre-installed in many computers. These are great for making talking head videos where you want to speak directly to your audience.
If you want to do product demonstrations, then you might consider getting a video camera, such as one from Creative Vado or Flip Video, sin
ce they are so small and portable.
One of the great things about doing a video blog is that you can simply upload your content to YouTube. Then, you can use your own YouTube channel as a way to draw in even more visitors to your blog! It becomes a traffic generation method all on its own. Also, keep in mind that YouTube is the second-most used search engine in the world (second to Google itself). When people are able to find your video content (which is why you want to use keywords in titles and descriptions) through YouTube, the chances of them finding your blog are very good.
In addition to these video blogs being posted on YouTube, you can embed the code within your blog posts themselves. That way, the people who are regular readers of your blog will have the benefit of being able to watch the videos right there while they are also on YouTube drawing in even more viewers and readers to your blog.
Video blogging is a must since more and more people love learning through video. Creating videos allows you to display your personality and expand your reach online.
Don't forget screen capture as a way to create video content. Some of the programs that allow people to do it are expensive, like Camtasia Studios, but then there are also free programs, like CamStudio.
I really like creating screen capture videos because I don't have to be on camera myself. I can do demonstrations directly on my screen and record everything from what I'm doing with a particular software program to something I'm doing on the internet, or a power point presentation.
I do like video cameras, but I hope other people will try creating screen capture videos too.
Great post, thanks, this could be the way to increased traffic as well.
Ditto – I also do screen capture video tutorial sessions. While not “vlogging” in the sense of video journaling, it relates similarly to how “blogging” is also not only about journaling these days. Blogging is a great way for marketing and setting up ecourses. Vlogging is a great way for marketing and setting up video courses.
Fantastic post about vlogging!