Video: Think Beyond Marketing

It’s common knowledge that video marketing is HOT right now. 86% of businesses are using video as a marketing tool in 2021, compared to just 63% three years ago. It has great ROI, provides a vehicle for authenticity, and keeps us entertained for hours while scrolling on TikTok.

But, we need to start thinking BEYOND marketing when it comes to video. According to Insivia, people retain 95% of a message from a video, and only 10% from written text. Yet, we are still relying on e-mail to relay information, onboard new hires, look for new business, and educate our staff.

man records himself on a smartphone set up on a tripod

5 Ways You Can Use Video in 2022

(That don’t involve marketing.)

1. Onboarding: Why waste time explaining how to do a timesheet, over and over? Do it once, record it, and upload it so your new employees can watch it. (Hey, some of your old employees may even need the reminder)

2. Company Updates: E-mails that are multiple paragraphs get lost in the shuffle…if you’re the boss, or director of your department, consider writing down 3 bullet points, and making your message into a video that is less than a minute long. Short and sweet is the key!

3. Troubleshooting Videos: Is there a common problem or hiccup with a program you use? Is there a fix that only ONE person in the company seems to know? Record them helping next time, that way, if they’re sick (or if they move on to a different job), you aren’t stuck without a solution.

4. New Hire Intros: If you are still working from home, have your new hire make a video introducing themself. Make sure to give them a few quick questions as prompts, so they know what to say, and remind them to keep it under 2 minutes for watchability.

5. Project Updates: each project should have a point person who knows where all of the updates stand. Encourage project managers to send out a monthly message with timeline updates for important projects. This gives them facetime with others in the company, and also gives the opportunity to rally the troops and excite them about what is to come.

6. (Bonus) Don’t forget the GIFS: overly corporate lingo is shown to alienate employees, consider engaging in slack, e-mails, etc…with the occasional (work appropriate) GIF.

As always, if you have any questions about how to set up any of these type of videos, my inbox is open! I teach Smartphone Video Bootcamps, and classes on: storytelling, on camera performance, how to be more relatable via zoom, and more!

Keep puking rainbows, and remember to subscribe to my newsletter if you want more tips (I promise, I’m lazy with it…and you’ll be lucky to get one a month).

Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows

Smartphone Gear Recommendations for 2021

One of the most common questions I get is, “What is the best camera for me to buy?” My response usually is, “What kind of camera do you feel comfortable using?”

Because the reality is, in our busy world today - you need to work with something you feel comfy with, in order to stick to a new video making schedule. So, why not use your smartphone? Seriously! Most of them have amazing picture, and great capabilities. But, there is gear that will help you get the best out of the phone’s capabilities - without breaking the bank. So, here goes - my recommendations for gear!

1. Gorillapod Universal Smartphone Tripod

I’ve had this tripod for YEARS, and ya know what? It it’s not broke, don’t fix it….right? I love it because it’s so easy to use, and if you’re outside you can bend it around a tree branch, signpost, railing, etc…Incredibly handy!

2. Rode Smartlav+ Omnidirectional Microphone

This is such a workhorse of a mic, I love it. Yes, I understand…it’s not wireless, so that can be a hassle. BUT, ya know what’s good about a wired mic? You don’t need BATTERIES for it - so, it’s one less thing to go wrong on your shoot. The cord isn’t all that long, so I do suggest getting a cord extension and if you have an iphone you’ll need a lightning port adapter.

3. Dimmable Ring Light With Various Color Temperatures

I think ring lights sometimes get a bad wrap for being “cheesy”. But, the honest truth is…they work! They are an easy way to flip on a light, and be camera ready in minutes. I like this one because it also has a stand for your phone, and various color temperatures. Tip: It also has an adjustable head, so if you want to use it to light up your entire room, put it on full blast - and point it at the ceiling!

4. DJI Osmo Mobile Gimbal

Do you capture video on the go? This is the tool for you! It will help you keep things smooth and fluid. It may take a little practice at first, so keep that in mind when you’re planning on using it.

5. Lens Kit

This lens kit is such a great way to vary your video and photos. Plus, it has a telephoto lens - which, we’ll all want to use while social distancing!

6. Softbox Light Kit

So, what’s the difference between a softbox light kit, and a ring light? When you have a kit, you have more flexibility because you can light yourself, and something else in the room at the same time. This could be food, or something in the background of your talking head shot, or just giving the room a more even feel. Also, if you have glasses and are getting a lot of glare from your ringlight- try two softboxes! Simply position them on each side of you, instead of directly in front - and that should solve your glare problem.

7. Sand Bags

Safety is SO important when you are using any kind of lighting. So, if you’re buying a ring light, or a softbox set - you REALLY should be getting sandbags. It’s because lighting equipment is incredibly top heavy - so it’s important to balance things out so your lights don’t tip over.

8. Light Reflector

Doing a lot of shooting outside? A light reflector is your friend! Basically, it helps you take the sun…and make it your lighting assistant! Keep in mind, you will need an extra set of hands to hold it - but, it’s a cheap alternative when you need a little light on your product, or someone’s face when you’re shooting a close up.

9. Daylight Bulbs

Are you noticing that the lamps in the background of your shot are a weird orange color? That’s because the camera sees sunlight, and lightbulbs as different color temperatures, basically. One way to make your shot less distracting, is to change the bulbs where you are usually shooting with your phone, to daylight - so they match the light streaming in front the window!

10. Cleaning Cloths

The number one thing you can do to make a difference in your shots…? CLEAN YOUR LENS. Every single time you’re going to use your phone - because that thing gets realllllly nasty, quick. It may seem like a simple thing, but everyone seems to forget when they are in a rush!

I hope this has been helpful! If you or your team needs help getting up and running with video, I’d be happy to help. I teach many different workshops, including one about using your Smartphone for Professional looking video. Also, these are amazon affiliate links - but, I don’t recommend things that I haven’t already used myself (or have my eye on, if the exact model wasn’t available online). Thanks for visiting, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions about professional video projects, workshops I offer, or using your smartphone to create badass content! Keep puking rainbows, everyone.

Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows
6 Time Emmy Award Winning Video Director

6 Video Tips for Realtors

After working in video for 15 years with folks like Prince, Ellen DeGeneres, and fortune 500 companies - it’s become second nature to observe different industries and business verticals, and to see the trends in video. So many realtors are embracing video and that pumps me up! But, I’ve been noticing a few things that realtors could do to improve their authenticity and trust level, so I figured - hey, it’s time to write up a quick blog!

I also recently produced some fun micro-content videos with Katrina DeWit - after her national debut on House Hunters. So, I’ve featured a few of those videos at the end of this post, for some fun examples and inspiration!

1. Talk with your hands!

   Having your hands in front of you actually builds trust. It dates back to the caveman days, so it’s in our DNA to subconsciously recognize this. Have you ever trusted someone with their hands behind their back? Think about it. It’s because our ancestors associated that with their enemy attacking them with a rock or weapon! So, keep those hands out front - and use them to reiterate your points. No more of this “hold your hands in a diamond” thing…because it looks so unnatural - basically, why would you stand with your hands that way, if you’d never do that outside of filming a video?

2. Put some personality into it!
   People can tell if you are reading a script, or if it’s memorized - because it sounds much different in tone, than if you’re telling a story. So, instead of using a prompter or memorizing lines, print out your main points onto post it notes, and put them up right next to the camera - that way you have something to fall back on, but you’re not memorizing stuff word for word.
   ”Your clients know you as you already, so you should feel comfy putting that into the world!” - Katrina DeWit

3. You will always be your own worst critic

   There is something about working with realtors that I’ve really noticed: you nitpick yourselves, soooo much. Be yourself. Laugh. Smile. Be silly. Set yourself apart by being confident and empowered in who you are as a person! The key to getting over this, is practice. The more you see yourself on camera, the more you’ll get used to it and won’t pick yourself apart anymore.

4. Time is money - outsource when warranted
   Of course, your daily videos you want to learn how to do - so you’re saving money, I get that! But, if you are going to be looking at producing videos that are more “high end” looking, think about the amount of time you’d be spending learning all of these new techniques, and whether or not it’s worth it - or, if your time is better spent prospecting.

   “Sometimes it’s more cost effective to just hire someone to do it, so you can spend that time actually calling clients. Instead of watching tutorials on YouTube about editing, lighting, audio, and techniques.” - Katrina DeWit, Engel and Volkers

5. Be Vulnerable and Share Stories
   Sharing stories about an experience actually will engage a different part of the brain of your viewer. Personalize the experience, the tour, and what it’s like to work with you. Are you in Minnesota like I am? I want to hear about how the room will stand up to Minnesota winters - and even your funny stories about surviving winter! In addition to personalizing the video during a tour - you may want to consider sending personal messages to your clients via video, too. That way they can see the excitement in your face!

6. Get Personal
   Are you sensing a theme here? The biggest mistake I’m seeing realtors make, is forgetting to set themselves apart. Tell me about WHY you do what you do. What do you do in your spare time? Let me get to know you, so I trust you! There is such a thing as appearing so polished that you seem robotic - avoid this by sharing, joking, and being considerate by listening, as well.

Here are a few examples of some videos with a higher production video than just your smartphone - for some context, we booked a half day of shooting with Katrina - and ended up with 6 pieces of micro-content, due to great planning! A mixture of tips, stories, and honest advice.

I hope this gave you some ideas for how you can tackle video in the future! Please know that you have the power to do it, and do it well - you’ve got this! If you’re looking for any help, I offer one-on-one coaching and critiques of self made videos, so you’re able to improve your video game without breaking the bank!

Also, I just finished brainstorming a list of 50 CREATIVE VIDEO IDEAS - so feel free to take any of my ideas and run with them - I can’t wait to see what you create! Keep puking rainbows, you’ve got this :)

Erica Hanna
Owner, Puke Rainbows
Producer/Director/Speaker/Online Course Creator

How to "Konmari" Your Videos in 2019

Happy New Year! Everywhere you look, people are jumping on board the Konmari method, and simplifying their homes. Less clutter equals a more fulfilling life, right? If you’re not sure what that is, it’s a new show on Neflix based on Marie Kondo’s book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” She helps people get rid of unnecessary things, basically curating their homes and closets. But…what does that have to do with video? More than you might think!

Marie Kondo via Flickr

As I was watching her show the other night (guilty), I realized so much of what she was talking about, applies to what I do every day! And with so many people jumping into DIY smartphone video, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by a mountain of bells and whistles. Apps, graphics, fancy transitions, a million cameras to choose from, ahhhhhhh!!!! It’s sooooooo much!


So first, let’s take a minute to breathe and take a queue from Marie Kondo. How? It’s simple. Here we go:

How to Konmari Your Videos in 2019

1. Be Intentional
   When Marie Kondo walks into a house, prior to tidying, she take a moment to greet the house. Now…do you need to talk to your video, and thank your smartphone? Not…exactly. But, all too often I see people rushing into creating, without thinking about who they are talking to. For her, each house is different, and for YOU your audience is different than the audience of another video. So, ask yourself these three questions as you a breathing: a. Who am I trying to reach? b. What do you want them to take away from your video? c. Is there a call to action that has to happen?

2. Have a Process
   On each episode of Marie’s show, she walks people through the Konmari Method of tidying up. She has very specific steps to take, and an order to go in. She has folks start with clothes, then books, and so on… You will be able to maximize how much content you make, by also having a process! Remember to: a. spend time on pre-production: use this time to plan your video, write your script, or interview questions, to scout locations, and figure out what you’ll use for audio and tripod. b. Production Day! If you can, shooting more than one video at a time is SOOOOO time effective. We all know that the setup is what takes the longest, so if you’re all set up - feel free to bring a few different changes of clothing, and make multiple videos. c. Post Production: make sure your graphics are clean (like that tidying up pun?), you may not even need graphics - don’t overthink!

3. Does Your Video Spark Joy?
   Of course this is going to be included, c’mon now…ha! But, it’s not what you think. I’m not talking about if your video sparks joy for your audience…yes, that’s important. But, Marie’s key phrase she asks everyone on her show, applies to how YOU feel about what you’re creating. Are you compelled by your message? Then it’s awesome! I don’t necessarily mean it’s flawless when it comes to production. What I DO I mean, is does what you’re saying speak to you, motivate you, fill you up? If it doesn’t move YOU, the #1 fan of what you’re doing, who WILL it help? Be confident in what you do, and put it out into the world with confidence. Share it with your audience, and love it!
   
   

   Thanks for reading, rainbow pukers - did any of these tips clarify anything for you? As always, feel free to send me a note with any questions or drop me a line in the comments! And, if you dig this post and want more video tips, I’d love to have you on my email list!

Hi, it's Erica :)

If you dig this post, and aren't offended by occasional swearing - sign up to help your inbox puke rainbows with new content tips, trends, and posts!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Email Address

Subscribe I hate spam. You hate spam. No spam allowed. (plus it tastes gross) Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

2018 Video Marketing Trends To Watch For

Every year for the past 3 years I've heard from marketers, "This is the year for video!" And, well...they've been right. And right, again. And again. And well, you get the idea. Owning a video production company has been incredibly rewarding, but - this year I could feel a shift in what clients were asking for. Based on the asks, some emerging research, and well...plain old gut instinct, here are the 5 video trends you should be on the lookout for, in 2018! 

 

1.  Live video becomes not just something to dabble in – but crucial. 
Both, as a way to make good content, in a cheap way – and repurpose it., and as a way to continue the conversation with consumers. Places most popular to repurpose to will be: youtube,  instagram, blogs, emails, and twitter.  Trendwatch: The mevo camera has stepped into the space, which – I’m using this week, and will review next week. But, it looks like it’s gonna be a game changer.  See amazon ad below (affiliate link): 
 

2.   Facebook Watch becomes a big player!  
Get ready for a spot to put long form talk show style videos, on the most popular social platform. Does your brand have something that should be a TV show? Make it. Do it. Especially with younger folks consuming 47% less television – evergreen content is here to stay, so why not be a player? Just like nobody could imagine original movies coming out of a streaming service years ago...and it happened, evergreen content/appointment "TV" will become a thing for live video. Much like how blogtv was about 10 years ago, but...this time it's here to stay! 

3. Re-allocation of budget to “smarter” video. 
We saw a lot of brands jump in feet first with video in 2017 – but, it seemed like a lot of folks just put TV ads, on social – which, is not what social is for. Look for internal marketing teams to be tapped, or even combine forces WITH production agencies to keep things going out consistently and smarter. This could mean you see more retainers, consultants in house to help with efficiencies, or on site trainings – I’m seeing a lot of demand for all 3.

4. Internal video communication.
Sick of the boring newsletters from your CEO? With people making the corporate jump and folks in fortune 500 looking to make company culture more appealing for great workers, folks in the C suite will be getting training on how to be more approachable on camera, especially in bigger organizations, in order to bond with employees and to help them feel heard/valued. It's time to make the big cheese in the corner office more approachable, and the best way to do that is NOT by sending a stuffy newsletter. 

5. Immersive, really personal experience.
Look for brands to section off into individualized facebook groups or email lists to target more effectively with video. Also, with youtube – you’ll see more companies doing “choose your own adventure” type of storytelling.
 

BONUS: 
Lastly, 360 video is something to start brainstorming for – but I'm not seeing most companies being able to invest in this quite yet. Be smart about this. Consumer cameras aren’t great yet, and since 85% of big corps have INTERNAL video teams - I just don't think it's realistic at this time....IF you rely on an internal team, because it's easy to become very overwhelmed, and they'll be pumping out the above mentioned items. But, as technology develops and comes down in price, this will be more and more relevant for internal teams, for sure! Areas I see using this more and more will be: real estate, higher ed, and concert/event spaces. For those looking for more info about 360 video and VR, I recommend talking to my buddy Chuck Olsen over at Visual

*The above link to the mevo camera is an amazon affiliate link. If you're thinking about buying the product anyway, feel free to use my link at no additional cost to you. If not, that's cool too!