Thoughts on my marketing video?

[Gem8]

Hi, I'm wondering if I can ask you all for your general thoughts and comments on a video I have created for marketing my astrology course.

I have many blind spots when it comes to both understanding facial expressions and knowing how to make and use the correct ones that are appropriate for varying social situations, because I'm autistic, so I need feedback on this that is as honest and straightforward as possible (I figured this was a great place to ask).

I've had a lifetime of practice as I'm now in my early 40's, but in the world of business, I feel out of my depth.

What do you think of this?

https://youtu.be/wD_9HC_UYCY

Thanks!

 

[Gem8]

I know the video isn't the greatest sound quality and I need more lighting. I'm still working on these and things in OBS (takes some getting used to).

 

[Ozzy]

You've labelled this as a marketing video, so I'm making the assumption this is to be used to promote your business to drive people to attend the astrology event, and I'm assuming that is to earn you some money.
I make these points because it will emphasise the importance if investing in the video production.

Some key things that jumped out at me are;
The video is too long, as a marketing message you need to be snappier and too the point ideally in less then 60 seconds. Personally I would cut out the parts about what you like about Astrology and why you are into it, and just focus on why someone should attend.

The buzzing noice of what I assume is your computer is very off-putting for me.

I would consider recording somewhere outside or in a studio, you can hire a studio very cheaply. Perhaps also consider standing up and talking to the camera and see if that helps you feel more comfortable with the camera to be expressive (picking up on your comment about when and how to use expression).

 

[Gem8]

You've labelled this as a marketing video, so I'm making the assumption this is to be used to promote your business to drive people to attend the astrology event, and I'm assuming that is to earn you some money.
I make these points because it will emphasise the importance if investing in the video production.

Some key things that jumped out at me are;
The video is too long, as a marketing message you need to be snappier and too the point ideally in less then 60 seconds. Personally I would cut out the parts about what you like about Astrology and why you are into it, and just focus on why someone should attend.

The buzzing noice of what I assume is your computer is very off-putting for me.

I would consider recording somewhere outside or in a studio, you can hire a studio very cheaply. Perhaps also consider standing up and talking to the camera and see if that helps you feel more comfortable with the camera to be expressive (picking up on your comment about when and how to use expression).

Thank you very much for your feedback, all points are very relevant and valid for me. The noise goes away when I plug my microphone in (I forgot to use it). I can try to make it shorter but to be honest, I struggle doing things too sales-y if that makes sense, without sounding like I'm saying, 'Please sign up for my course'. I can re-write though and try to make it shorter.

Re: expressions, the feedback really needs to be as specific and detailed as possible for me to even understand it. Honestly, every expression is consciously made, down to each minute muscle movement in my face and for how long it is presented for. I can only be more expressive (if I need to) when I know exactly how and when to be, if that makes sense. I was actually wondering if I looked too smug when talking about my distinction in my diploma, as I'm trying to get the balance right between looking a little proud but not too into myself about it, if this makes sense. I can't really tell if this balance is right.

Thank you so much!! (ps: I do not get offended easily so you can say what you like).

 

[Ozzy]

My advice, coming from an aspie, be salesy and do try standing. Do a few runs ranging from exaggerating, being over expressive...

Here's something where I needed to do the same;

TikTok - Make Your Day

 

[fisicx]

When I land on the video page you have your eyes closed.

You then stated talking about you. I thought this was a promo for your course? I don't want to hear about you - I want to know about what I get if I sign up.

The noise was so annoying, along with the.......





pauses......


that I soon stopped watching.

You would be far better off getting someone like @Paul FilmMaker to do this for you.

 

[WaveJumper]

I will assume that you have a script so my first suggestion would be read it over and (out loud as though you were talking to an audience in the room) keep making amendments until the words flow easily. This will help you to cut out some of the repetition you have, and as mention above, yes introduce yourself and who you but shorten it down.

Try moving back a little from the camera the odd time i saw your hands helping to express what you was saying was not a bad thing in my book, and when you smiled ...... I actually smiled with you.

Yes the sound needs sorting, a better background, and you must have had a window in front of you as this was reflected back in your glass's (which got me wondering what was outside ) so creating a "better studio" setting would help or even finding one you could use would help.

The subject sounds great having some captions coming up at the bottom of the screen with times, dates and venue would help to enforce the message.

One last thought if your running this at a college etc ........ is there a department / students you could get on board helping with the video, they would probably jump at the chance to help.

All the very best

 

[The Byre]

What do you think of this?

Not much, so here goes -

• Forgot to plug the mic in? Well, do it again and plug the damn thing in this time!
• Do not talk about yourself - that is one of the most fundamental rules of marketing! The punter is ONLY interested in themselves and never in you.
• Use three-point lighting. There are several videos on this subject all over YouTube.
• Your face is shiny, powder it. Even men, before they go in front of a camera have to use powder sometimes.
• As the man said, keep it short. It's a promo, so a big call to action and more than once!

I made a video on this subject over two years ago - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws9ORVYpqgg

 

[ctrlbrk]

@Gem8 my recommendation would be: watch the video that The Byre has posted in the post above this one.

It's a great video about marketing in under 20 mins and covers all the essential steps.

 

[WaveJumper]

And I still like his mixing desk

 

[MBE2017]

@Gem8 my recommendation would be: watch the video that The Byre has posted in the post above this one.

It's a great video about marketing in under 20 mins and covers all the essential steps.

I think you watched the wrong video, The Byre would never make a quick 20 min video when he could make a 55 minute one instead.

On a serious note OP, work on your script, keep it short and brief, keep it all about the customer, what they can expect, what they will gain, what the offer is, click now etc.

You could waffle on about yourself, your love and knowledge of the subject, but no one cares, they want to only know what’s in it for them. There is a reason to adverts are normally 10-30 secs long.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

I would scrap the idea of the marketing video and make regular short content for your channel each week and draw the potential customers to the channel

 

[Bob Morgan]

Apparently, Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are coming free!

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Apparently, Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are coming free!

The OP wants to do some numbers not turn everyone away??

 

[Paul FilmMaker]

Hi, I'm wondering if I can ask you all for your general thoughts and comments on a video I have created for marketing my astrology course.

I have many blind spots when it comes to both understanding facial expressions and knowing how to make and use the correct ones that are appropriate for varying social situations, because I'm autistic, so I need feedback on this that is as honest and straightforward as possible (I figured this was a great place to ask).

I've had a lifetime of practice as I'm now in my early 40's, but in the world of business, I feel out of my depth.

What do you think of this?

https://youtu.be/wD_9HC_UYCY

Thanks!

Professional video production here.

I'm going to start off by giving information that relates to technically improving this and then the presentation of the entire vid.

A. Technical

Here is a vid that shows you how to get much better quality (and especially sound):

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B. Presentation.

1. Overall WPM

Viewers turn off if you are speaking at significantly less than 250 WPM (words per minute). The world's biggest survey by MIT, Harvard and Berkeley with 127,000 viewers demonstrates this beyond doubt.

2. Throwing hands

The 2nd biggest survey in the world of video is by the FBI. They analysed interviewee body language to determine whether they were innocent or guilty with the benefit of hindsight. The biggest, single element is around 'throwing hands.' If the individual is using their hands expressively, they are, on balance, likely to be telling the truth.


3. Length. Too long. 2 minutes max.

Again, viewer studies from MIT etc... indicate viewers drop off initially massively and then stay constant up to 2 minutes if they are interested for this type of vid. After 2 minutes 15 seconds, the drop off is huge.


4. In a marketing video, it should be about what you can achieve for the viewer, not all about yourself.


If you want a comparison, here's mine for my business. I recorded it unscripted, in 1 minute and it definitely helps generate leads:

Sign Up | LinkedIn

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www.linkedin.com

 

[Paul FilmMaker]

My advice, coming from an aspie, be salesy and do try standing. Do a few runs ranging from exaggerating, being over expressive...

Here's something where I needed to do the same;

TikTok - Make Your Day

To keep you aware, 'informal' is key and sitting helps. So in the largest ever survey of video (127,000 people who watched 6.9 million vids), MIT, Harvard and Berkeley discovered 35% more people take a call to action when the video subject is sitting down.

So in general, sitting down equals more people contacting you for your business from a video. And therefore more sales.

Now, overall, the same effect can be made if the person is standing but in a really informal way. E.g. an informal environment which they might be interacting with.

 

[Gem8]

You've labelled this as a marketing video, so I'm making the assumption this is to be used to promote your business to drive people to attend the astrology event, and I'm assuming that is to earn you some money.
I make these points because it will emphasise the importance if investing in the video production.

Some key things that jumped out at me are;
The video is too long, as a marketing message you need to be snappier and too the point ideally in less then 60 seconds. Personally I would cut out the parts about what you like about Astrology and why you are into it, and just focus on why someone should attend.

The buzzing noice of what I assume is your computer is very off-putting for me.

I would consider recording somewhere outside or in a studio, you can hire a studio very cheaply. Perhaps also consider standing up and talking to the camera and see if that helps you feel more comfortable with the camera to be expressive (picking up on your comment about when and how to use expression).

Thank you very much for your help. I can't afford to get help with this, but I will try to improve the quality and try standing up. thank you!!!

 

[Gem8]

My advice, coming from an aspie, be salesy and do try standing. Do a few runs ranging from exaggerating, being over expressive...

Here's something where I needed to do the same;

TikTok - Make Your Day

that's brilliant!

 

[fisicx]

Thank you very much for your help. I can't afford to get help with this, but I will try to improve the quality and try standing up. thank you!!!

But read Paul’s post. Sitting down could be to your advantage.

Key point is: the video isn’t about you, it’s about the benefits to the potential client.

 

[Gem8]

When I land on the video page you have your eyes closed.

You then stated talking about you. I thought this was a promo for your course? I don't want to hear about you - I want to know about what I get if I sign up.

The noise was so annoying, along with the.......





pauses......


that I soon stopped watching.

You would be far better off getting someone like @Paul FilmMaker to do this for you.

thank you. I can't afford the help, but I'll post a new video with improvements. I how it works out.

 

[Gem8]

I will assume that you have a script so my first suggestion would be read it over and (out loud as though you were talking to an audience in the room) keep making amendments until the words flow easily. This will help you to cut out some of the repetition you have, and as mention above, yes introduce yourself and who you but shorten it down.

Try moving back a little from the camera the odd time i saw your hands helping to express what you was saying was not a bad thing in my book, and when you smiled ...... I actually smiled with you.

Yes the sound needs sorting, a better background, and you must have had a window in front of you as this was reflected back in your glass's (which got me wondering what was outside ) so creating a "better studio" setting would help or even finding one you could use would help.

The subject sounds great having some captions coming up at the bottom of the screen with times, dates and venue would help to enforce the message.

One last thought if your running this at a college etc ........ is there a department / students you could get on board helping with the video, they would probably jump at the chance to help.

All the very best

no I didn't have a script, but I do now. I don't have many good backgrounds in this house as I can't afford to decorate and I have the kids, so it's either toys or peeling walls. i guess I could see if they're are any students who would like to help, but I'm not sure if it's that sort of college or if they're are film makers/ marketers there. it's a great idea though, so maybe I could look into it in surrounding colleges.

thank you!!

 

[Gem8]

@Gem8 my recommendation would be: watch the video that The Byre has posted in the post above this one.

It's a great video about marketing in under 20 mins and covers all the essential steps.

thank you, i will as soon as I have the time. maybe tonight.

 

[Gem8]

I think you watched the wrong video, The Byre would never make a quick 20 min video when he could make a 55 minute one instead.

On a serious note OP, work on your script, keep it short and brief, keep it all about the customer, what they can expect, what they will gain, what the offer is, click now etc.

You could waffle on about yourself, your love and knowledge of the subject, but no one cares, they want to only know what’s in it for them. There is a reason to adverts are normally 10-30 secs long.

thank you!!

 

[Gem8]

Professional video production here.

I'm going to start off by giving information that relates to technically improving this and then the presentation of the entire vid.

A. Technical

Here is a vid that shows you how to get much better quality (and especially sound):

Sign Up | LinkedIn

500 million+ members | Manage your professional identity. Build and engage with your professional network. Access knowledge, insights and opportunities.

www.linkedin.com

B. Presentation.

1. Overall WPM

Viewers turn off if you are speaking at significantly less than 250 WPM (words per minute). The world's biggest survey by MIT, Harvard and Berkeley with 127,000 viewers demonstrates this beyond doubt.

2. Throwing hands

The 2nd biggest survey in the world of video is by the FBI. They analysed interviewee body language to determine whether they were innocent or guilty with the benefit of hindsight. The biggest, single element is around 'throwing hands.' If the individual is using their hands expressively, they are, on balance, likely to be telling the truth.


3. Length. Too long. 2 minutes max.

Again, viewer studies from MIT etc... indicate viewers drop off initially massively and then stay constant up to 2 minutes if they are interested for this type of vid. After 2 minutes 15 seconds, the drop off is huge.


4. In a marketing video, it should be about what you can achieve for the viewer, not all about yourself.


If you want a comparison, here's mine for my business. I recorded it unscripted, in 1 minute and it definitely helps generate leads:

Sign Up | LinkedIn

500 million+ members | Manage your professional identity. Build and engage with your professional network. Access knowledge, insights and opportunities.

www.linkedin.com

amazing, thanks for sharing your video. I really didn't know that about wpm, now I'm going to be counting them and looking into that. I'm about to post something else I made and totally not sure about wpm there (I'm not a fast talker .. let me know what you think). really interesting about the timing and drop-offs too. thank you!!

ps: i do talk with my hands a lot.

 

[Gem8]

To keep you aware, 'informal' is key and sitting helps. So in the largest ever survey of video (127,000 people who watched 6.9 million vids), MIT, Harvard and Berkeley discovered 35% more people take a call to action when the video subject is sitting down.

So in general, sitting down equals more people contacting you for your business from a video. And therefore more sales.

Now, overall, the same effect can be made if the person is standing but in a really informal way. E.g. an informal environment which they might be interacting with.

really interesting, thank you!!

 

[Gem8]

apologies for the late reply, my 5-year-old has been off ill for a few days. I've just taken as many comments as I can into account (apart from the wpm, I somehow missed this one) and I created around 16 vids. here are the best 3. Unfortunately, I noticed the lighting wasn't quite the best but I was too busy thinking about everything else, although I did use a face light, ceiling light, lamp, and a huge window. perhaps I should increase the exposure in obs too?

let me know what you think.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

 

[fisicx]

How are you plannng to market these videos? I'm assuming it will be on social media which means anyone clicking on your promotion is already keen to take a course in astrology. Which means they are already interested in the topic. Which means you don't need to ask the initial question.

Can't see your hands.

Can't see the course materials - charts, guides books etc.

You could have a poster on the wall behind you. Everything is a bit bland at the moment - have you got a sparkly top?

Or outside at night under the stars.

But they are a lot better then the first version. So well done so far.

Is it just the planets that influence or everything orbiting the sun? There are millions of things out there.

 

[ctrlbrk]

@Gem8 about the background, I know there are apps that let you put a virtual background in - can be anything you want.

I don't use one myself but I've seen plenty of people using that. Just google it.

 

[Paul FilmMaker]

apologies for the late reply, my 5-year-old has been off ill for a few days. I've just taken as many comments as I can into account (apart from the wpm, I somehow missed this one) and I created around 16 vids. here are the best 3. Unfortunately, I noticed the lighting wasn't quite the best but I was too busy thinking about everything else, although I did use a face light, ceiling light, lamp, and a huge window. perhaps I should increase the exposure in obs too?

let me know what you think.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

For the lighting, you could just face a window. Next thing - build a background and frame yourself a bit better.

Have a look at these vids:

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Paul Walker on LinkedIn: #marketing #branding #contentmarketing | 27 comments

B2B: How to make marketing spectacular? With spectacular results? B2B marketing has a reputation for being a little conservative. However, I've worked at… | 27 comments on LinkedIn

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Copy my framing (how much of your body / face are in shot.

Put nice stuff in the background that looks informal.

 

[JLondon]

Starting with bad quality video/audio is fine.

Just make a start and learn as you go along.

 

[Videoguy]

I know this is a bit late as your course is starting today, but please bear these comments in mind for your next video.

In addition to the comments above I would add:

1. Have front and end titles. The front one needs to be eye-catching to grab a potential viewer's attention; the end one needs to have contact information so people know what to do after they've seen the video.
2. One long shot of you is pretty boring, so break it up with other footage or graphics. Showing animated astrological symbols, tarot cards, people attending your courses etc. will help to break up the monotony. Even cutting between different camera angles – mid-shot, close-up etc. - can make the video more interesting to look at. Edit out the bits where you're looking down to read your notes.
3. Try to stop leaning backwards and forwards as it messes with the auto focus.
4. You need a really strong call to action at the end. Tell people EXACTLY what they need to do after they have finished watching the video – call a number, visit a website, give the address of the college and so on. Emphasize this with on-screen graphics; for example, have a map showing where the college is for the benefit of people who don't know.
5. Your video is slightly out of sync – which I found really distracting. You should be able to correct this in your editing software.
6. Run the audio through the filters on https://auphonic.com to boost the vocal tones and get rid of background noise. It's free.
7. Have your contact information, website URL, phone number for bookings etc. in the description.
8. Give the video a more snappy title. Something like “Come and learn astrology on my new 6 week course” is going to attract more attention than “Course advert 2”.

You've made a start and made a video – that's the important thing. Most people can't be bothered, so you're ahead of the curve there. Practice makes perfect and you'll get better over time.

 

[ethical PR]

no I didn't have a script, but I do now. I don't have many good backgrounds in this house as I can't afford to decorate and I have the kids, so it's either toys or peeling walls. i guess I could see if they're are any students who would like to help, but I'm not sure if it's that sort of college or if they're are film makers/ marketers there. it's a great idea though, so maybe I could look into it in surrounding colleges.

thank you!!

I am sure you have family or friends who have space that can be used as a more professional background