10 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Videos: Tips for Making Videos Like a Pro

Today's top businesses know that effectively communicating any message starts with an impactful video. Videos are incredibly engaging compared with other types of content and quality videos can be both informative and entertaining. In fact, videos are shown to boost conversion rates and 54% of consumers want to see more video content from their preferred brands.

Stock videos are a thing of the past and not just any quality of the video will have an impact on your audience. Make sure you opt for high-quality YouTube video production to get the most out of your investment. YouTube has become the hub for all types of videos that consumers enjoy. Gillespie Productions is passionate about video production and marketing. Keep reading to find out how to make videos for your target audience like a pro.

1. Not Planning Ahead for the Video

Not only do your videos need to look good, but the content in them needs to be impactful and thought-out. Make sure to plan your video production content. For example, if you're putting together a video to promote a sporting event, you won't want to use the same approach that you would promote a retail store.

A successful social media video production approach starts by outlining your goals. Do you want to educate your audience, drive traffic to your website or promote a particular product? Once you've established your goals, determine who your target audience is to help drive the script direction. Don't rush the script as it is one of the most important parts of a strong video.

2. Neglecting the Background

Once you've done your planning, consider the background used for visual interest when you are trying to create pro-quality videos. This will have a significant impact on the quality of your video and helps you communicate a particular message. Plus, your video background can coincide with your brand image.

Choose your background based on the type of video, who the audience is, and the overall purpose of the video. The two major background categories are real and fake. Real backgrounds are often outdoor locations with natural light, an office space, or a living room.

Always make sure that your real background is clean with minimal distractions. Fake backgrounds include backdrop paper, curtains, and green screens and they allow you to fill the background with nearly anything you'd like in your video editor.

3. Not Choosing the Right Camera

Another professional video tip is using the right camera. The camera that you choose will undoubtedly impact the quality of your videos. Make sure that you have access to a good camera when shooting your videos, however, this doesn't mean you need to invest in professional-grade camera equipment. Consider purchasing a camera such as a Canon G7X as it is affordable yet still yields high-quality results.

Many bloggers and musicians are also utilizing their smartphones to shoot video content. This can result in shaky footage, but if you do go this route for your video, our experts recommend that you don't use your phone for audio recordings. Instead, purchase a quality microphone separately to ensure less background noise and clearer audio.

4. Not Setting Up the Lighting Equipment Properly

Lighting is another filming basic to keep in mind. When your video is too dark or too bright, it will detract from the quality of your video and could cause your audience to skip over the content altogether, no matter how much editing time you put in.

There are two primary light sources to consider: natural lighting and studio lighting. Natural light is an ideal option for beginners as it is free and will make your video look great. Always shoot outdoors on a cloudy day to get the best footage as this means there is natural light but nothing too harsh on the subjects.

Studio lighting requires additional equipment but gives you more control over the lighting in the video. If you are hoping to scale your video production, consider purchasing the best equipment, including:

• Key light
• Reflectors
• Rim light
• Triggers and flashes
• Softbox or shaper

5. Not Enhancing the Audio Quality During the Shoot and in Post-Production

Make professional videos that much better by enhancing the quality of your audio. If you have low-quality audio and plenty of background noise, it will impact the video's overall integrity and detract from the message. The ideal way to capture audio from your subject is by using a microphone with a pop filter other than a built-in mic on your camera. Even your camera's built-in mic is not enough to replace the quality of an external audio recorder.

There are three types of microphones to consider: condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, and lavalier microphones. Each has different use cases so make sure to do your research based on the goals of your professional videos.

6. Forgetting About the Music for the Video

Adding music to the background is a standard part of the professional video production process. It helps to set the mood and increase the storytelling power of your videos. Music can also elevate the emotional impact that you have on your users. Before you choose your favorite song to use in the background, make sure that you have permission to use the music. In other words, make sure that it is royalty-free.

The music should complement the message of your professional videos. For example, in the case that your video has someone talking to the camera, before posting your video online, make sure that the music is quiet enough to hear the person talking.

7. Not Stabilizing Your Footage for More Professional Looking Videos

Stabilized video footage is a video-making basic. Without it, your videos could have shaky footage that looks unprofessional and could distract the audience. If possible, opt for a camera that has built-in image stabilization. If not, you can purchase a tripod to avoid shaky footage.

Keep in mind that tripods typically work when the subject is still. For example, if you are creating vlog-type videos, you are likely walking from place to place. In this case, a tripod won't be effective. Video editing software, like Adobe Premiere Pro, often has built-in stabilization features but they are not a way to guarantee perfect results.

8. Not Paying Attention to the Video Composition

Composition, or how you choose to frame the subject in the video, is an incredibly important consideration when you're shooting a video. One of the most classic composition techniques for filmmaking is to always pay attention to the composition and strive to follow the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds means that, while using landscape mode, the frame is divided into a 3×3 grid and within the intersections is the ideal area to place your subject.

Aim to frame the subject at one of the top intersections of your viewfinder. While you can always place your subject in the middle of the frame, this leaves space in the top third of the frame. Finally, never cut off a subject's head- your video editor will thank you.

9. Not Working on Your On-Camera Confidence

Perhaps one of the lesser-discussed video tips is making sure that the person being shot is comfortable on camera. How one appears will impact the quality and overall effectiveness of your video marketing. For example, if the subject has a camera presence, is smiling, wearing nice clothes, and seems confident overall, the audience will be more interested in what the individual has to say.

Camera presence comes naturally to some people while others need to focus more on controlling their emotions. One easy way to improve your camera presence is to sit or stand with your shoulders back, helping you look professional and relaxed.

Always make sure to speak slowly and clearly so it's easy to understand the messaging in the professional video. This camera confidence will grow over time, keep practicing!

10. Forgetting About Filming in Segments

Don't feel like you have to shoot your professional video content for hours at a time. By shooting in smaller segments, you can stay focused on the topic that you're discussing. Smaller shooting segments make the post-production editing process that much easier as well.

If you're making marketing videos that talk about the 5 great tips to become a better public speaker, you can hit “record”, talk about one talking point, and then hit the stop button. Repeat the process for each point to keep your thoughts and focus clear. When you're video editing, you'll be happy you approached it in this way! This way can also help you collect some great B roll footage.

Let's Get Started on Your Professional Video!

At Gillespie Productions, our Wisconsin video production team is passionate about crafting the highest-quality professional videos for our clients. We implement a robust video production process that allows us to act as an extension of your team. We pride ourselves on getting to know your company from the inside out, working to deliver consistent and engaging videos that drive a strong ROI for your company.

Contact our team today to get started on your video creation. We're excited to work with you!