This is a guest post by Lisa Corduff. Lisa spoke at ProBlogger Event this year and we were so impressed with the results she achieved with video we’re supporting her Keeping Video Real Course as an affiliate partner.
Us bloggers, we know what it’s like.
We can spend hours writing. Hours editing. We can hit PUBLISH and feel like the whole world will explode with excitement or emotion over the information we have shared. It’s powerful stuff, of course.
But then…. crickets. What happened? Why is no one resonating with the magic of our words? Hmm…. Give the post a little FB boost, but still nothing. DON’T THEY KNOW HOW GOOD THIS IS!?
There is nothing more heart-breaking than feeling our blog or business is getting no traction through social media. The blood, sweat and TEARS OF IT!! The struggle is real.
We all know that blogging is an awesome way to share valuable information, stories and our passion with a community of like-minded people. It has established many a successful business and brand. And the act of writing cannot be underestimated as an intrinsically useful tool for life.
That said, the times are changing. The audience is changing. The social media landscape is changing BIG TIME. And those that have recognised it are reaping the benefits – I’m talking about video. Online video. Video to sell programs, videos to engage your community, videos to build trust, videos to chat.
By far the quickest and easiest way to build momentum online is to SHOW YOURSELF! For a brand, blog or business, one of the most powerful ways to amplify their online presence is to appear on video for their community or customers. “I like this chick” – BANG “I never knew how to DO that” – BANG “I’ve always wondered what he looked like and I dig the moustache” – BANG and WINNING!
Whether it’s to teach, engage or sell – creating video online will help in spades. There’s usually just one problem – appearing on video scares the pants off most people. And doing it LIVE – WHAAAAAT?? It’s up there with presenting to a room full of people. That’s normal. But you’re going to need to find a way to move through the fear and take some action if you’d love to amplify your presence online.
Here’s the best part – it’s not particularly hard or technical and it costs nothing to create if you have a phone. Ever recorded a video on your phone of something interesting and sent it to your best mate or your mum? Well, you can record video online. Ever held a Skype meeting with a potential client? You can create video online. Ever sat on your couch with your bestie and a glass of wine and shared a story about your day? Yep, you guessed it, you can create video.
At the ProBlogger Training Event this year most experts were touting the power of online video for building your blog and business. You couldn’t walk away from that event without having it smashed into your head that video is the future of social media.
Brian Fanzo was bringing us up to speed with where Australia will be in the coming years. Americans have grabbed video and are running with it – using it powerfully and effectively to create authentic connection with their audience.
It’s not fancy stuff. It’s just real. And therefore engaging. It was inspiring to someone like me, who has built her business on the back of video. A humble wholefoods blog has turned into a successful online business because I showed up and connected with my community via video.
Here’s the truth – I’m under no illusions – wholefoods blogs are a dime a dozen. I love helping people go back to basics and feed their families real food. But so do many, many other bloggers! My point of difference?
- I held webinars
- I interviewed experts via Skype and put them online and into courses
- I use video for FB ads (which ALWAYS convert better than images)
- I show up on FB live
- I experiment with InstaStories
I give my community access to me and the ability to get to know me. That’s it. That’s the point of difference.
But I’ve been practicing for a few years now. A background in TV presenting and producing (BC – as in – Before Children) meant I had a really good understanding of the power of video and story telling and when I had the chance to do that online – I jumped at it. But my background didn’t save me from sucking! No way – I was awkward and messed up and got embarrassed about things I said – but I’ve been learning every. single. time. And you should too.
Jump onto Facebook right now and introduce yourself to your community (if you haven’t already). You’ll be shocked with the response! At the end of the day – we are social creatures and video is a powerful connector. The smart phone has made it so easy for us to connect in a bigger, more authentic way than writing ever could.
Not only that – you can jump online any time and ask your community a question and get immediate feedback. Ask them what they’d love to hear from you – what your next blog series should be about. Ask them what they had for dinner! Whatever you talk about, online video will elevate your presence and build trust and connection with your community.
Try it. I dare you.
Lisa Corduff is a wholefoods blogger with multiple online program cutting through the BS and helping real people eat more real food – in the real world! With a background in TV and Video Production she has been at the forefront of social media video marketing. Keeping Video Real launches on November 21, 2016. For $297 you’ll break through the procrastination, excuses and fear!
