One of the types of posts that I’ve created quite a few of over the last few years here on ProBlogger is the “talking head” video post—like the one you see above.
In this video I talk a little about some of the benefits of using video in this way on your blog.
In a couple of future videos I’ll be giving some tips on how to create these videos (or at least show you how I make mine), plus some ideas about how to talk to camera without feeling completely awkward.
I’d love to hear if and how you use video, particularly talking head videos, on your blogs too.
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I’ve always though of doing videos for several of my own blogs.
Indeed making a video for your blog is powerful, but I agree with you the first impression and the relationship it builds.
Really great stuff!
Darren – Video definitely brings an entirely new perspective to your blog, and as you mentioned, helps readers to better get to know and trust you. I’m certainly guilty of dabbling with these “talking head” videos, but have found it to be somewhat easier to do interview videos on our blog to better educate our readers through the expertise of individuals with far more experience in certain areas of real estate than I have.
Perhaps I need to stop hiding behind the easy path and should take another run at it . . .
Great advice as always, and hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to link up at BlogWorld this week.
Regards, Josh
I create video and I love it; however, I find it takes a lot of time to edit your video and a intro bumper and wait on it to upload to youtube now I have to wait to make my post. Since the last update youtube been moving slow. I also use Vimeo but that take sometime too. Overall it’s work it because I am a big video lover myself.
Very nice video, what kind of camcorder are you using?
Hi Darren
Really enjoyed your video.
I haven’t done any video on my blog yet but I am keen to do a talking head video. I have a question though, is there good free software that can help edit the video, I am sure my first one will be filled with mistakes. I think it would take forever if I tried to get a perfect take all the way through. You probably have this written somewhere on your blog already, so feel free to point me in that general direction.
Just out of curiousity, are they Harry Potter books up on your bookshelf on the right? They definitely look like them but I could be wrong. I have a habit of looking through people’s book collections, even when they are on video.
Cheers
Thea
Hi Darren,
Thanks for the video post. I have been experimenting with Video Posts, and tried a few on my blog http://www.PMChamp.com, and for some I uploaded the video on YouTube, and then embeded it in a blog post.
However, my videos turn out to be quite amateurish… I am using camtasia studio to cleanup as much as I can, but they don’t look that professional. I am eagerly awaiting your follow up post on how you do your videos – what equipment to use, software, and do you do everything on your own, or get a camera on tripod, or someone to shoot your video?
Please look at my videos and suggest how they could be improved…
Thanks a lot Darren.
Best Regards,
Vinai
Darren,
thank you for creating such a wonderful site. My wife and I have been a big fan and we are trying to implement a lot of your techniques as much as we can.
I do really appreciate the video that you produced. I learn well from listening and have more time for that type of learning. The more audio and video that you can produce the better.
Thanks for all the great tips!
Darren,
Thanks, I have been wanting to do videos on my blog, but I have a difficult time in front of the camera. If I am talking to a fellow geek, it is very difficult to get me to be quiet, when the camera is on, I find myself saying “ummmm” and “ya know” a lot and it drives me nuts.
I will give it some more practice, thanks!
I fully agree. We are living in the time of standing in front of the microwave and saying hurry up, if you know what I mean. Implementing video in the blog helps with delivering another level of engagement for targeting the visual client base.
Great idea Darren :) It makes the atmosphere more friendly and inspires confidence to the visitors.
Great video post, can’t wait to see your process from filming to end result on the site explained in another!
How timely! We’ve been recording these all week to be able to offer a video explaining each one of our services. I think they’re going to have *some* of the same personal effect that you get from meeting a client face to face, but on a much more scalable level.
I to am interested in finding out what type of camcorder and software you are using to do this.
Hi darren,
I’m an ex-TV producer and used to make lots of home movies on my Mac. The twins curtailed the dabbling somewhat… four children is too many! But I have done one or two for the blog and will do more. I’m interested to see blogs that people do but often feel they are FAR too long. You can get over so much info in video, it’s much better to be short.
I am aiming to keep mine always under a minute. Just A Minute Productions Inc, is what I will be. So I have to edit a wee video down from 1.45 next… must say the editing is VERY time consuming, so that’s a major reason to keep video short. But even talking heads video can be far too long at more than 2 -3 mins. What do you think?
Hey Darren,
We’re working on gaining a ton more traction on our video blogs and I’m definitely looking forward to your future posts on the topic. Thanks!
-Shaina
I’ve been meaning to do more of these types of videos. Having trouble getting the quality to turn out (visual and sound).
I think we’re likely to see these much more commonly in the next web and search.
I’m not a fan of video on blogs — especially talking head videos. I usually skip them. If there isn’t a text summary along with the video I definitely skip it.
I tried to watch this one (because I felt I should before I posted a comment), and a minute into the video I hadn’t learned anything new, and I skipped ahead trying to find the 3 points you said you were going to make in the video.
In far less than a minute scanning a text post, I know whether there is any information I’m interested in and I can settle in to read more carefully or move on.
Last year Visible Research did a study that found that 20% of people abandon video within 10 seconds, and 44% abandon it within 60 seconds. (http://corp.visiblemeasures.com/news-and-events/blog/bid/14410/Bench marking-Viewer-Abandonment-in-Online-Video)
If that’s true, for a video to be effective I think you need to do 2 things:
* Include a text summary with the post that covers your key points
* Get to the point with meaty info right away, skipping long winded intros
I’m in the middle of writing a series of posts on this topic myself. The first post, “7 Reasons I Hate the Video On Your Blog” can be found here: http://heathersearl.com/?p=286
as the always say, video blogging is an awesome way to not only instantly create a viral buzz, but it also allows people to identify a face along with the voice and a personality. Additionally, video blogging and adding video along with content in any blog post or website automatically converts visitors faster versus “traditional unique content” and photos inside the content.
I loved this post. Vlogs is not something I’ve considered for my blog but I’ve definitely taken notice and it’s something I’d like to incorporate to be more engaging on multiple levels with my readers. Looking forward to your “how tos” so I can get started!
Darren,
the reason why probably haven’t gotten more into creating online video is because you have potentially gotten very comfortable in your passive blogging $ gUaP $ income, and you feel very relaxed now… LOL
it’s okay though… We still love you :-)
Hi Darren,
I am going to take the challenge and start video blog – talking head starting today!!
I have just been afraid of making mistakes!
Tosha
Great content Darren I have been consistent with blog posts and I also do video marketing but I need to integrate my videos into my blog posts. I agree with the fact that there should be text and video together that way you appeal to a bigger audience.
Thanks for sharing this :)
Are you still using your Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1? Or are you using a newer model / different camera, now?
I’ve made a few videos recently and have had had a huge response to them. It’s exactly as you say, Darren, people love to make that personal connection – see and hear the real person behind the screen. One lesson I’ve learnt is to never underestimate how long it takes you to say something. I might think about using a script, or even a few dot points next time. Or not. It’s all trial and error. What really annoys me is how long it takes to upload videos to You Tube or vimeo…
Blogging world has been changing from writing to recording. Video blogging gives reader, the feeling of liveliness. This is one of the best way booming now.
I agree with alot of the comments here.
I’m a professional video producer in New York City and I have to say that video is a tough sell. People don’t really see the huge benefit yet. I’m creating a series to show them how video CAN benefit a business in the long run.
I think it helps people to feel you out.
If you’re the type to do it yourself, you should. Learn how to build your studio on a budget here. http://jalandajames.com/category/video-blog-tips/
But if you’re like others, and lack motivation for setting up the video background, recording the video, and then editing the video, then you may need a professional. Before you know it, you’ve invested 4 hours into a 1 minute video. Whew! [I do this too].
I personally like to have a video PLUS words just incase people aren’t into reading that day.
This is a very interesting idea! Videos have become so popular with Youtube, etc. taking over a good chunk of peoples’ internet time. At my blog we’ve been thinking about how to introduce who we are and show readers a little bit about our world. That idea of having a video on the front page is inspiring. Also since we are a recipe blog there are some techniques that videos would be very conducive to. (i.e. I’ve been procrastinating on writing a post about how to enrobe chocolate truffles because it makes my brain hurt thinking about how I could write out the instructions for such a specific physical act. Ha!)
Thank you,
Silvi