Tag Archives: st louis film production

Teleprompters, Without the Tells: A Pro’s Guide to Looking Natural on Camera

Teleprompters are invaluable for executive messages, product launches, compliance-sensitive statements, and any on-camera moment where words matter. Used well, they preserve accuracy and timing without sacrificing authenticity. Used poorly, they create the giveaway “prompter stare,” robotic cadence, and darting eyes. This guide distills practical, production-proven methods for decision makers who expect broadcast-quality results on tight timelines.

When a Teleprompter Is the Right Tool

  • Precision matters: regulatory, legal, or investor-facing language must be exact.
  • Time is fixed: conferences, media windows, and paid slots demand scripted efficiency.
  • Many voices, one message: consistency across executives, markets, or languages.
  • High volume shoots: multiple scripted segments in one day benefit from repeatable flow.

The Right Teleprompter for the Job

  • Through-the-lens (TTL) beam-splitter: Sits in front of the lens so talent looks straight “into the audience.” Best for direct-to-camera messaging.
  • Presidential (off-axis) pair: Two glass wings flanking the podium for live events; ideal when recording stage presentations.
  • Confidence monitors: Downstage or off-camera displays for talk-show, panels, or walk-and-talks where a hard eye-line isn’t required.
  • Remote/virtual options: Mirror-flipped overlays near the webcam, or small beam-splitters for laptops when executives present from a home office.

Lens & distance tips

  • Favor 50–85 mm (full-frame) for flattering, compressed perspective that also softens micro eye-movements.
  • Place TTL glass close to lens and keep talent 5–10 feet from the prompter; adjust font size so eyes don’t need to “scan.”
  • For outdoors, use high-brightness monitors and flags/hoods to control reflections.

Write “Ear-First” Copy (So It Sounds Like You)

  • Target pace: 100–130 words per minute for natural corporate delivery.
  • One thought per line: 12–18 words; short, declarative sentences.
  • Mark the music: add cues like [PAUSE], (smile), [EMPHASIS], [B-ROLL CUT].
  • Numbers & names: spell out tough pronunciations (e.g., EE-lee-uh), round numbers when possible, and avoid dense data stacks.
  • Punctuation is your friend: it drives breathing and rhythm; avoid ALL CAPS.
  • Estimate length: words ≈ minutes × target WPM (e.g., 2 minutes at 120 WPM ≈ 240 words).

Coaching On-Camera Talent

  • Follow, don’t force: the operator matches the reader’s pace—not vice versa.
  • Eyes: keep copy centered vertically; scrolling too near the top/bottom triggers visible saccades.
  • Breath & cadence: read in phrases; micro-pauses land meaning and reset facial energy.
  • Body setup: light stool for stability, feet planted, shoulders relaxed, lens at or just below eye level.
  • Glasses & glare: tilt prompter glass a few degrees, raise key light slightly, and use matte frames/AR coatings when available.
  • Smile with the eyes: subtle expression reads as confidence; “neutral face” often photographs as stern.

Operator Best Practices (The Secret Sauce)

  • Rehearse speeds: start slow, then ramp to the talent’s natural cadence.
  • Version control: lock naming (e.g., CEO_TownHall_v7_APPROVED) and keep a visible change log.
  • Chunk by beats: section headers and white space reduce cognitive load.
  • Live editing: designate one owner to accept last-minute tweaks; no dueling cursors.
  • Redundancy: second prompter system on standby; UPS on the monitor/computer.

Multi-Camera & Editorial Strategy

  • A/B cameras: keep identical prompter sizes and distances to maintain eye-line fidelity across angles.
  • B-roll cover: plan intentional cutaways so micro-stumbles never appear; slate pickup lines as full phrases for easier edits.
  • Captioning & transcripts: prompter scripts accelerate accurate captions, translations, and accessibility.

Remote & Hybrid Workflows

  • Webcam-level eye-line: place the overlay within 1–2 inches of the lens axis.
  • Latency management: wired peripherals and local scroll control reduce hiccups on live webinars.
  • Background discipline: maintain production lighting and sound standards—even for remote execs.

Day-Of Teleprompter Checklist

Gear & Prep

  • TTL prompter with proper hood, high-nit monitor, backup unit, mirror-flip enabled
  • Dedicated laptop with clean user profile, wired controller, and font packages
  • Lens kit (50–85 mm), matte box/flags, anti-glare wipes, UPS/power distribution

Script & Run-of-Show

  • Final script in large, high-legibility font (≥48–72 pt at typical distances)
  • Marked beats, pronunciations, and B-roll cues
  • Time targets per segment; slate takes consistently

On-Set Flow

  • 10-second eye-line test recording for each setup
  • Speed calibration pass; note WPM sweet spot
  • Glasses/glare check, wardrobe lint roll, lav placement away from jewelry

Teleprompter-Ready Script Template (Copy/Paste)

Title: Product Update – Q4 Customers
Speaker: [Name, Title]
Target Length: 2:00 (≈ 220–260 words)

[OPEN – SMILE]
Good morning. I’m [Name], [Title]. [PAUSE]
Today we’re announcing three updates that make your team faster and more secure. [PAUSE]

[SECTION 1 – BENEFIT]
First, [feature] reduces manual steps by [simple claim]. (show demo) [PAUSE]

[SECTION 2 – PROOF]
Second, customers like [Client] saw results in weeks, not months. [PAUSE]

[SECTION 3 – CTA]
Finally, if you’re on [plan], you’ll get these automatically on [date]. [SMILE]

[CLOSE – GRATITUDE]
Thanks for being with us. For details, visit your account portal. [PAUSE]
We’re excited to help you do more with less. [HOLD SMILE]


Why This Matters for Decision Makers

A strong teleprompter workflow protects message integrity, increases shoot throughput, lowers retake fatigue, and speeds post-production. It also elevates executive confidence. In other words: fewer surprises, tighter timelines, and results that persuade.


Work With a Crew That Makes Prompters Invisible

St Louis Commercial Video Production is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew service experience for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production and licensed drone pilots. St Louis Commercial Video Production can customize your productions for diverse types of media requirements. Repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction is another specialty. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of media and accompanying software. We use the latest in Artificial Intelligence for all our media services. Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes. Our studio is large enough to incorporate props to round out your set. We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful. We can fly our specialized drones indoors. As a full-service video and photography production corporation, since 1982, St Louis Commercial Video Production has worked with many businesses, marketing firms and creative agencies in the St. Louis area for their marketing photography and video.

 314-913-5626 stlouisvideos@gmail.com

Common Mistakes in Video Interviews and How to Fix Them

Video interviews are a powerful tool for corporate communication, marketing, and brand storytelling. They offer a direct way to connect with audiences, whether it’s through internal communications, customer testimonials, or executive interviews. However, even experienced teams can fall prey to common mistakes during video interviews that can negatively impact the final product. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most frequent issues that arise during video interviews and how to fix them, ensuring your video achieves the professional quality it deserves.

Before filming, test your lighting by viewing the subject on a monitor to see how it translates on camera. Small adjustments to the light positioning can make a significant difference in the final image.

1. Poor Lighting

One of the most common mistakes in video interviews is improper lighting. Insufficient or poorly placed lighting can cause harsh shadows, overexposed areas, or make the interviewee appear flat and unprofessional.

How to Fix It:

  • Use Soft, Diffused Lighting: Ideally, use three-point lighting: key light, fill light, and backlight. The key light should be positioned at a 45-degree angle from the subject, with the fill light placed on the opposite side to soften shadows. A backlight, or hair light, should be placed above and behind the subject to separate them from the background.
  • Control Ambient Light: Natural light can be unpredictable. If you’re shooting near a window, control the sunlight with curtains or reflectors to ensure the lighting remains consistent throughout the interview.
  • Test the Setup: Before filming, test your lighting by viewing the subject on a monitor to see how it translates on camera. Small adjustments to the light positioning can make a significant difference in the final image.

2. Background Distractions

Another frequent issue is a distracting background. Whether it’s cluttered, poorly lit, or too busy, a background that competes with the interviewee can divert attention from the subject and reduce the impact of the interview.

How to Fix It:

  • Simplify the Background: Choose a background that complements the subject but doesn’t distract from them. If you’re filming in a studio, opt for a clean, neutral backdrop. For on-location interviews, select a background that adds context but doesn’t overwhelm the shot.
  • Use a Shallow Depth of Field: By adjusting the camera settings to create a blurred background, you can keep the focus on the subject while still maintaining the context of the location.
  • Manage the Environment: In studio settings, make sure any background props are relevant to the interview and arranged neatly. In on-location settings, ensure the environment is clean and free of clutter or anything that could distract the viewer.

3. Unflattering Camera Angles

Improper camera angles can create unflattering shots that diminish the professional quality of the interview. Too low or too high an angle can distort the subject’s appearance or create unnecessary tension in the shot.

How to Fix It:

  • Eye-Level Angles: Always aim to position the camera at the subject’s eye level to maintain a natural and engaging perspective. This ensures the subject appears more approachable and professional.
  • Consider the Framing: Use the “rule of thirds” to frame your subject. Position them slightly off-center to create a more dynamic and visually pleasing composition. Be mindful of headroom (the space above the subject’s head) and make sure there’s enough space to avoid making the subject feel cramped in the frame.

4. Uncontrolled Audio

Audio issues are another major concern in video interviews. Background noise, poor sound quality, or inconsistent audio levels can make it difficult for viewers to focus on the message.

How to Fix It:

  • Use Lavalier Microphones: Clip-on lapel microphones are ideal for interviews because they provide clear, consistent sound while minimizing background noise. Ensure the mic is positioned correctly to capture the subject’s voice clearly.
  • Check the Sound Levels: Always monitor sound levels before and during the interview. Use headphones to listen to the audio feed and adjust the gain to avoid distortion or overly quiet audio.
  • Control the Environment: Close windows, doors, and any other sources of external noise. If filming in a public space, request that nearby activities be minimized or pause while you record.

5. Lack of Preparation for the Interviewee

Many times, interviews fail to capture the best responses simply because the interviewee is not prepared. Without proper guidance or clear expectations, the interviewee may fumble, appear nervous, or provide unclear answers.

How to Fix It:

  • Pre-Interview Briefing: Before the interview, brief the subject on the format, questions, and expectations. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident.
  • Warm-Up Session: Conduct a short warm-up conversation to put the interviewee at ease before the actual interview begins. This helps build rapport and reduces nervousness.
  • Clear Questions: Ensure that questions are clear and concise. Avoid long-winded or complex questions that could confuse the interviewee and lead to awkward pauses.

6. Overloading the Interview with Jargon or Scripted Responses

Using industry-specific jargon or scripted responses can make an interview feel stiff and less authentic. Audiences want to connect with the real, human side of the interviewee, not just hear rehearsed lines.

How to Fix It:

  • Keep It Conversational: Encourage the interviewee to speak naturally. While it’s important to stick to key points, let the conversation flow organically to capture a more authentic tone.
  • Use Open-Ended Questions: Ask questions that allow for thoughtful, expansive responses. Open-ended questions (e.g., “Can you tell me about a time when…”) encourage the interviewee to share stories and experiences, making the content more relatable.
  • Avoid Over-Scripting: Allow the subject to speak from the heart. If needed, provide bullet points or guidelines but let the conversation develop organically.

7. Inconsistent Branding

When creating video content for a brand, it’s crucial that the video aligns with the company’s branding guidelines. Failure to do so can result in videos that feel disconnected from the company’s identity, diminishing their effectiveness.

How to Fix It:

  • Incorporate Consistent Branding Elements: Ensure that the video’s colors, fonts, and style match your brand’s visual identity. This includes everything from the background design to the on-screen text and lower thirds.
  • Branding in the Environment: If filming on-location, ensure the environment aligns with your brand. For example, having company signage or relevant products subtly incorporated into the background can reinforce your brand message.
  • Post-Production Branding: Use editing techniques to add consistent branding elements, such as logo animations, branded transitions, and colors that are aligned with your brand’s identity.

St. Louis Commercial Video Production: The Expert Team for Flawless Video Interviews

At St. Louis Commercial Video Production, we understand that every video interview is unique, and we have the expertise to help you avoid common mistakes and create high-quality content that resonates with your audience. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we bring decades of experience and the right equipment to every project. Our creative crew ensures a smooth production process from start to finish.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, along with editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our private studio is equipped with customizable lighting setups that are perfect for small productions and interview scenes. The space is large enough to incorporate props and create a tailored, professional set for your production.

Whether you need a custom interview studio setup, sound and camera operators, or specialized drone footage, we provide everything you need to ensure your video production is a success. Our team is well-versed in all types of media formats and software, and we specialize in repurposing your video and photography branding to give your content greater impact and traction.

Choose St. Louis Commercial Video Production for your next interview-based video, and let us help you create compelling, high-quality content that perfectly captures your message.

314-913-5626 stlouisvideos@gmail.com

Working with Non-Professional Talent for Your Business Video Content

In today’s digital landscape, video content has emerged as a crucial tool for businesses seeking to engage their audience and convey their brand message. While many companies may turn to professional actors or high-profile spokespeople for their video projects, leveraging non-professional talent can often yield equally compelling results at a fraction of the cost. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of working with non-professional talent and offer strategies to ensure that your business video content is engaging, authentic, and effective.

Consider holding training sessions or rehearsals to help non-professional talent become comfortable in front of the camera.

The Advantages of Non-Professional Talent

1. Authenticity and Relatability

One of the most significant advantages of using non-professional talent is the authenticity they bring to your video content. Audiences tend to relate more to real people rather than polished actors, especially in a corporate context. This relatability can foster a deeper connection between your brand and its audience, making your message resonate more effectively.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

Hiring professional actors can significantly increase the budget for your video production. In contrast, using non-professional talent can be a cost-effective alternative that allows you to allocate more resources to other critical aspects of your production, such as high-quality equipment or post-production editing.

3. Diverse Perspectives

Non-professional talent can bring diverse perspectives and experiences to your video content. This diversity not only enriches the narrative but also reflects the varied backgrounds of your target audience, making your content more inclusive and representative.

4. Fresh Energy

Non-professional talent often brings a fresh, enthusiastic energy to their performances. Their genuine passion for your project can translate into more engaging and dynamic video content, enhancing the overall production quality.

Strategies for Success

1. Clear Direction and Guidance

When working with non-professional talent, providing clear direction is essential. Conduct thorough pre-production meetings to outline the objectives of the video and the specific roles of each participant. This ensures that everyone understands their responsibilities and the overall vision for the project.

2. Effective Training and Rehearsals

Consider holding training sessions or rehearsals to help non-professional talent become comfortable in front of the camera. This can include basic acting techniques, understanding camera angles, and practicing their lines. The more prepared they feel, the better their performance will be.

3. Create a Comfortable Environment

Creating a relaxed and comfortable environment is crucial for eliciting genuine performances from non-professional talent. Ensure they feel welcomed and valued throughout the production process. This not only boosts their confidence but also encourages more natural interactions on camera.

4. Utilize Engaging Interview Techniques

When using non-professional talent for testimonial or interview-style videos, employ engaging interview techniques. Ask open-ended questions that allow them to express their thoughts and experiences candidly. This approach often results in more compelling and authentic content.

5. Invest in Quality Production

Even when using non-professional talent, the production quality of your video should never be compromised. Investing in high-quality equipment, professional lighting, and skilled sound operators is essential to ensure that your final product meets industry standards. This is where a full-service company like St Louis Commercial Video Production can make a significant difference.

Why Choose St Louis Commercial Video Production

At St Louis Commercial Video Production, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by working with non-professional talent. Our experienced crew is well-versed in the nuances of production, ensuring that every element comes together seamlessly. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we have built a reputation for excellence, providing businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area with top-notch photography and video production services.

Our company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. We can customize your productions to meet diverse media requirements, ensuring that your unique vision is realized. Our expertise in repurposing photography and video branding allows us to maximize the impact of your content, helping you gain more traction in the marketplace.

Our private studio is equipped with professional lighting and visual setups, perfect for small productions and interview scenes. We can incorporate props to enhance your set, providing a tailored experience that aligns with your brand identity. From custom interview studio setups to providing sound and camera operators, we have everything needed to make your next video production perfect.

Since 1982, St Louis Commercial Video Production has been dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and service, making us a trusted partner for your business’s video content needs. Let us help you bring your vision to life and create compelling videos that resonate with your audience.

314-913-5626 stlouisvideos@gmail.com

What are the Best Practices for Creating a Great Promotional Video Production?

In today’s digital age, video marketing has become one of the most effective ways to reach and engage with your audience. Promotional videos can be a powerful tool for businesses to showcase their products, services, or brand. However, creating a great promotional video production requires more than just recording footage and throwing it together. In this article, we will discuss the best practices for creating a great promotional video production that will help you achieve your marketing goals.

Creating a great promotional video production can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it’s worth the effort. A well-crafted video can help you reach and engage with your target audience and achieve your marketing goals.

Define Your Goals and Target Audience

Before you start the video production process, it is essential to define your goals and target audience. Your goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will help you determine what kind of video you need to create and what message you want to convey. Understanding your target audience is equally important. You need to know who they are, what they care about, and what motivates them. This will help you tailor your video to their interests and preferences.

Craft a Compelling Story

Once you have defined your goals and target audience, it’s time to craft a compelling story. A good promotional video should tell a story that captures your audience’s attention and makes them want to learn more about your product or service. A story can be a powerful tool to convey your message and make an emotional connection with your audience. Your story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and should be structured in a way that keeps your audience engaged.

Keep it Short and Sweet

In today’s fast-paced world, attention spans are shorter than ever. Your promotional video should be short and sweet, ideally between 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The goal is to capture your audience’s attention and deliver your message in a concise and impactful way. If your video is too long, you risk losing your audience’s attention and missing the opportunity to convey your message effectively.

Plan Your Shots and Visuals

The visuals in your promotional video are just as important as the message you are trying to convey. Plan your shots and visuals carefully to create a visually appealing and engaging video. Think about the colors, lighting, and camera angles you want to use to tell your story. It’s also essential to choose the right music and sound effects to create the right mood and atmosphere.

Invest in Quality Equipment and Editing

Quality equipment and editing can make a significant difference in the final product of your promotional video. Invest in high-quality equipment such as cameras, lighting, and sound recording devices to capture the best footage possible. It’s also crucial to have a skilled video editor who can bring your footage to life and create a polished final product that meets your goals.

Incorporate a Call-to-Action

A call-to-action (CTA) is a crucial part of any promotional video. It’s the part of the video that tells your audience what to do next, whether it’s to visit your website, sign up for a newsletter, or make a purchase. Your CTA should be clear, concise, and easy to follow. It’s also essential to place your CTA strategically in your video to ensure maximum visibility and impact.

Optimize for Search Engines and Social Media

Creating a great promotional video is only half the battle. You also need to optimize your video for search engines and social media to reach your target audience. Use keywords and hashtags relevant to your industry or niche in your video’s title, description, and tags. Share your video on social media channels and encourage your audience to share it with their networks. You can also use paid advertising to reach a wider audience.

Test and Measure Your Results

Once your promotional video is live, it’s essential to track and measure your results to determine its effectiveness. Use analytics tools

to monitor metrics such as views, engagement, and conversions to see how your video is performing. Use this data to refine your video marketing strategy and create even more effective videos in the future.

Conclusion

Creating a great promotional video production requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a focus on your goals and audience. By following these best practices, you can create a video that effectively showcases your brand, product, or service and engages your target audience. Remember to craft a compelling story, keep it short and sweet, plan your shots and visuals, invest in quality equipment and editing, incorporate a call-to-action, optimize for search engines and social media, and test and measure your results. With these tips, you can create a promotional video that stands out and helps you achieve your marketing goals.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips that can help you create an even better promotional video production:

1. Know Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Your unique selling proposition is what sets you apart from your competitors. It’s what makes your product or service unique and valuable. Incorporating your USP into your promotional video can help you stand out and attract more customers.

2. Use Emotion to Connect with Your Audience

Emotion is a powerful tool in video marketing. By incorporating emotion into your promotional video, you can make a deeper connection with your audience and create a lasting impression. Whether it’s humor, inspiration, or empathy, using emotion can help your audience remember your brand and message.

3. Tell a Story with Your Customer Testimonials

Customer testimonials are an excellent way to showcase the value and effectiveness of your product or service. By telling a story with your customer testimonials, you can create a more compelling and engaging video. Use your customer testimonials to highlight the benefits of your product or service and how it has helped others.

4. Show, Don’t Tell

In video marketing, showing is often more effective than telling. Instead of telling your audience about the benefits of your product or service, show them. Use visuals and demonstrations to showcase how your product or service works and how it can help your audience.

5. Keep Your Branding Consistent

Consistency is key in branding. Make sure your promotional video production is consistent with your brand’s style, tone, and messaging. Use your brand colors, fonts, and logo throughout your video to reinforce your brand’s identity and make it more memorable.

Final Thoughts

Creating a great promotional video production can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it’s worth the effort. A well-crafted video can help you reach and engage with your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. By following the best practices outlined in this article and incorporating additional tips, you can create a video that effectively showcases your brand, product, or service and sets you apart from your competitors. Remember to tell a compelling story, keep it short and sweet, plan your shots and visuals, invest in quality equipment and editing, incorporate a call-to-action, optimize for search engines and social media, test and measure your results, and above all, be creative and have fun!

314-913-5626  stlouisvideos@gmail.com

Tutorial and instructional videos provide customers with the best possible experience by getting in front of any questions or confusion.

Leveraging tutorial and instructional videos, businesses can create a more seamless customer experience and provide a valuable resource to their customers.

Tutorial and instructional videos are powerful tools for businesses to use to provide an enhanced customer experience. With the help of these videos, businesses can ensure that customers have an easier time understanding and utilizing their services or products. By leveraging tutorial and instructional videos, businesses can create a more seamless customer experience and provide a valuable resource to their customers. This can result in higher customer satisfaction, increased product usage, and improved customer loyalty. Furthermore, tutorials and instructional videos can help businesses save time and money by reducing the need for customer service and support. By creating engaging and informative videos, businesses can ensure that their customers have the ultimate experience with their products and services.

What are tutorial and instructional videos?

Tutorial and instructional videos are short videos that show customers how to properly use a product or service, or how to accomplish a task. These videos can be used to provide instructions for any number of business functions, including product usage, onboarding, sales and marketing, and more. Additionally, tutorial and instructional videos can be used to help customers troubleshoot issues they may be experiencing with a product or service. Tutorial and instructional videos can be live action or animated, and can be hosted on a business’s website or a third-party video platform, such as YouTube. Tutorial and instructional videos can be used to provide a wealth of information to customers, including behind-the-scenes looks at company operations, assembly and construction processes, repair and maintenance tips, and more. Tutorial and instructional videos can vary in length and complexity and can include voiceover, graphics, and animations to help customers better understand a product or service and how to use it.

Benefits of leveraging tutorial and instructional videos

By leveraging tutorial and instructional videos, businesses can provide customers with the information they need and the resources they require to successfully use their products or services. With these videos, customers can gain a better understanding of how to use a product or service, and can have an easier time troubleshooting any issues they may be experiencing. Tutorial and instructional videos can also help businesses improve their sales and conversion rates by providing potential customers with a better understanding of what they are purchasing, and why they would want it. Tutorial and instructional videos can help reduce the need for customer support by providing customers with the information and resources they need to correctly use a product or service. By providing customers with the information and resources they need, businesses can cut down on the amount of time they spend on customer support calls and inquiries, which can save them time and money. By leveraging tutorial and instructional videos, businesses can deliver a more seamless customer experience and provide valuable resources to their customers, making the overall experience more enjoyable.

Tutorial and instructional video statistics

According to a study conducted by Animoto, 76% of consumers want more video content from businesses, and 78% of consumers view video as the best way to learn about a product or service. Additionally, the same study found that more than 70% of consumers say they have watched a tutorial or instructional video to learn how to use a product or service. Furthermore, customers are more likely to purchase from businesses that provide video content, with 80% saying they prefer to purchase from brands that use video. Furthermore, the same study found that consumers prefer video content that is between 30 and 60 seconds long, with 59% of consumers saying 30-seconds is the ideal length for a video. Another study found that video length is not the only important factor when creating video content. Rather, the study found that visual content is eight times more likely to be remembered than audio-only content. With this in mind, businesses can create visually appealing and engaging tutorial and instructional videos to help customers better understand their products or services and increase brand awareness.

St Louis Video Crew recording an instructional video for social media and the client's websites
St Louis Video Crew recording an instructional video for social media and the client’s websites

Strategies for creating tutorial and instructional videos

When creating tutorial and instructional videos, businesses should first determine what information or resources they want to provide to customers through videos. Once businesses have a list of topics, they can start brainstorming ideas for their videos. Some businesses may choose to create videos from start to finish in-house with their own employees, while others may opt to outsource video creation to a video production company. If a company chooses to outsource video creation, they should make sure that the video production company they hire understands their brand and target audience, and can create videos that meet their needs and align with their brand image. Once a business has determined how they want their videos to look, businesses can begin creating content. At this point, businesses can work with their marketing team or other relevant team members to brainstorm ideas for videos. Once ideas have been gathered, businesses can create storyboards for the videos to determine how long the videos will be, what visuals they will feature, and how they will be structured. After storyboards have been created, businesses can begin to create the videos.

Developing an effective tutorial and instructional video plan

Before businesses create any tutorial and instructional videos, they should create an overall video plan. A video plan can help businesses determine what types of videos they want to create, why they are creating the videos, and who they need to involve in the creation of the videos. When creating a video plan, businesses should consider their target audience and the demographic they are trying to reach. Additionally, businesses should consider what type of video content would be most beneficial for their customers, and whether tutorial and instructional videos would be helpful resources for their customers. Businesses can also consider what platform they want to host their videos on, as well as how they want their videos to look and sound. With a video plan in place, businesses can create effective tutorial and instructional videos that deliver the information customers need to better utilize a product or service.

Tips for creating effective tutorial and instructional videos

When creating tutorial and instructional videos, businesses should make sure that their videos are as engaging and informative as possible. To ensure that customers get the most out of their videos, businesses should consider a few key factors when creating these videos. First, businesses should keep their videos brief, keeping them under two minutes. Additionally, businesses should make sure that their videos are visually appealing, using appropriate graphics and visuals to help customers better understand the content being presented. Businesses can also incorporate humor, sound effects, and music into their videos to keep them engaging, and add variety to their videos to keep them fresh. Furthermore, businesses should make sure that their tutorial and instructional videos are catered to their target audience, making sure to use language your customers will understand, while also remaining authentic and genuine. By keeping these factors in mind when creating their videos, businesses can ensure that their videos are engaging, informative, and appealing to their customers. This will help ensure that customers get the most out of their resources, and have an easier time utilizing a product or service.

Best practices for delivering tutorial and instructional videos

Once businesses have created their tutorial and instructional videos, they should make sure that customers are able to easily find these videos. This can be done by hosting videos on a business’s website, as well as on a third-party video hosting platform. Additionally, businesses can create a video library page on their website to house all of their videos, making them easy to find and access. Hosting videos on third-party video platforms, such as YouTube, can also provide businesses with the added benefit of Google Authorship, which can help businesses build their brand. Furthermore, businesses can create playlists of their videos to help customers find videos more easily. This can be done by using keywords in the video title and description to ensure that customers can easily find videos that are relevant to them. Additionally, businesses can upload videos to relevant and popular video channels, such as YouTube. By creating and hosting tutorial and instructional videos, businesses can provide customers with valuable information and resources, while also helping themselves rank higher in search results.

Conclusion

Leveraging tutorial and instructional videos can be a great way for businesses to provide an enhanced customer experience, and deliver a seamless brand experience. With the help of these videos, businesses can ensure that customers have an easier time understanding and utilizing their products or services, which can result in higher customer satisfaction, increased product usage, and improved customer loyalty. Furthermore, tutorial and instructional videos can help businesses save time and money by reducing the need for customer service and support. By creating engaging and informative videos, businesses can ensure that their customers have the ultimate experience with their products and services.

314-913-5626
Shari Haller
St Louis Video Producer

Video is Critical for Quality Content Marketing

Content marketing was the buzzword of 2013, resulting in marketers scrambling to create engaging guides, e-books, white papers, infographics, and blog posts to attract and retain customers. This year the trend continues, but something has changed – we’re seeing the power of video take hold and dominate the content marketing space. It seems to be the new black!
The reason behind this trend is video’s potential to reach and connect with millions of viewers worldwide. With video, the message is immediate, interactive and influential – something that a page of text is not.

Video is often the preferred method of communication for consumers, with video accounting for 78% of online traffic. This number continues to rise, with Cisco predicting that video will account for 84% of all Internet traffic by 2018.  If this prediction isn’t convincing enough, here are 4 more reasons why any business, regardless of size and budget, should use video in their content marketing strategy:

Video content is faster to produce than an online guide or e-book.
There’s this perception out there that producing a video is difficult and time-consuming. Speaking from experience, I can tell you that it’s easier to create a 30 second piece of video content than it is to outline, research, write, edit, design and publish a decent e-book, and less expensive at the end of the day. Imagine a video for every landing page, email or campaign. It’s possible.

Video production is totally scalable.
Innovations in scalable video production methods have made it quick and easy for businesses to order professionally shot and produced video content, in any style, for any location, in any volume – and not pay through the roof! The days of contracting large agencies (and incurring large agency fees) to produce video content in volume are gone for good.

Video is great as a content amplifier.
Written content isn’t going anywhere but the way that it’s promoted is starting to change. Try using a short, 15-30 second video to promote your next guide, white paper or e-book. Include the video in emails, on your guide’s landing page and in your social channels. You’ll see higher CTRs in your email campaigns—Zapier saw a 300% increase after including a video—and higher conversion rates for your guide as well.

Producing video content and integrating into campaigns has never been easier. Marketing automation platforms like Marketo have made it easy for marketers to incorporate video into content marketing and lead nurturing efforts. But until recently, the video production piece has always been left out of these platforms because traditional video providers face challenges of volume and reach – meaning they would be unable to service a large and geographically-distributed customer base. By adding video production apps like Scalable Video to their platforms, marketing automation companies can now enable businesses to order the production of video ads and custom video content shot anywhere in North America, efficiently add these videos to email and landing pages, track their results, and feed lead nurturing efforts.

Video: The Future is Now
No longer is video reserved for when viewers have the time to sit down, download and relax. Now over 9 in 10 consumers are watching online video on their mobiles, tablets, laptops and desktops, with 40% of 18-24 year olds watching video more than 10 times per week. Because of this, businesses need to make sure their marketing strategy falls in line with what consumers want – and it is clear that consumers want video! With video being a clear winner in generating responses and shares, it’s time to consider how you can include video in your content marketing tactics. Could your next blog post be conveyed as a video instead of written words? Or maybe a case study?
If your business hasn’t already begun implementing its video marketing strategy, you’re falling behind. So sit down, start planning, find your video production partner and start filming, because now is the time to start!

314-892-1233
Rob Haller, St Louis Video Producer
St Louis Video Producer
robh@hallerconcepts.com

Corporate Video Production Company

Video production for specific industries requires a special type of production. Unlike most products which are being sold to the general public, industry specific services, devices and equipment are generally being marketed to highly target audiences. The producer must focus more on functionality and feature details than other product lines which may wish to focus more on the aesthetic or emotional components.

Your video producer will log all of your footage that was captured. Creating this paper edit to follow the approved script or shot list is important to do before editing in the studio. From there, your producer will work to edit your video adding necessary graphics, animation or type on screen. Upon completion your video will be uploaded to a video repository for your review.

314-892-1233
Rob Haller, St Louis Video Producer
St Louis Video Producer
robh@hallerconcepts.com

Corporate Video Production | Saint Louis Producers

We produce all type of videos about awards recognitions, demonstrations, professional lectures, non-profit events, music videos to raise funds and awareness, photo slideshows of retirees and recognizing excellent staff members, and training of standardized procedures.

St Louis Video Production Services, Rob Haller, St Louis Video Producer and Photographer, 314-892-1233. robh@hallerconcepts.com Saint Louis, Missouri, USA