A lot of people decided to make an online video in 2011. Were you one of them?
There are three major things that hold people back or stop them from making a video blog.
One – They don’t think they look or sound good enough.
I hear this very often. I usually think, “Have you browsed YouTube lately? Have you seen some of the people that get lots of views?” There is no rule that you have to be model ready with a perfectly modulated voice. And remember that everybody has an accent to someone else – just travel a bit and you’ll find that out. Your readers/followers want to connect with you not a superstar.
Two – They don’t know what to say or do.
If it’s a video blog you can start by talking; you don’t have to do anything but look at the camera. Here are some topic ideas that might help:
- Make an about video or welcome video for your site.
- Read a blog post.
- Pick your favorite topic or niche. Go through the alphabet and think of a related word for each letter.
- Visit SimpleVloggingTips.com and sign up for the mailing list to get a free ebook full of topic ideas.
Three – They don’t have the right equipment.
Often people think they need to have just the right camera, lights, software, etc. All you really need is an Internet connection and a way to record digital video. There are successful video bloggers that use their phone or a webcam. I’d be surprised if you have absolutely nothing that records video. If you can’t beg, borrow, or win one you can buy a small digital camcorder
An online video can quickly boost your online presence by confirming your expertise, make you more trustworthy, and reach a wider audience. What is stopping you from making a vlog?
Photo copyright David Fant
Jendi Pagano quickly became addicted to online video in 2008 and now pursues it with a passion. She actively video blogs on lots of topics, as well as creates more formal videos with and without chroma key, records live events, and creates & markets videos for clients that are local or around the world. In 2009 she launched the Simple Vlogging Tips site and live show through MomTV to encourage others to just vlog it. She has learned how to create an online video presence that got her content to the front page of Google and YouTube. Online video did more for her online presence in 6 months than regular blogging did in a year; and she believes that online video can help any website or business. She formed Scenes and Cinema, LLC. for her work as video marketerand creator. She'd love to connect with you on Twitter @vloggingtips. It all started in 2007 when Jendi started her daily life blog, Jendi's Journal. In 2010 she started speaking at conferences, teleseminars, and webinars. She lives in PA with her husband, stays busy homeschooling her 3 children, and tries to make sure the dog, bird, and rabbit get fed. You can follow her daily life tweets@jendisjournal.
Vlogging isn’t new to me, but I *did* make a resolution to put more effort into building my YouTube channel. Slowly but surely, I’ll get there! One vlog I did that was great fun was asking each of my kids for three things they thought my readers might not know about me. Then I read the answers live on my video. It was SO funny to see what they wrote (and how often the fact that I love to nap was mentioned!).
So in addition to your awesome tips, I would suggest that you let your family help pick some topics for your first or next video. And I *totally* agree with you – more bloggers should just GO FOR IT! 
I think I remember that video! You have some great vlogs. I really liked the “silent” one.
Do you know about the link that takes people right to your subscribe area on YouTube? if you use http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=vloggingtips [with your user name] for your YouTube button it will take people right to the subscribe area.
Good luck growing your channel!
This is totally what I have promised myself. I told myself that this year I was going to be bold and make 2-3 videos a week. I don’t think I have done a single one.
. mostly because I don’t think I look presentable enough or there is too much going on in my home. However, I don’t think it will ever calm down here in the near future and I should just do it!
Thanks Jendi, for a great post.
Linda – you have gotten much better – and braver with your vlogging this past year. I’m excited to see what you do this year.
Happy Vlogging!
Oh, I’d definitely like do more vlogging and now that my kids EACH have a Flip cam that I can borrow, I don’t have any excuse not to. My main challenge is coming up with topics.
I think some sort of prompt would be great, initially……hmmm.
Have you checked out the Monday Mingle at EightyMPHMom.com? Three questions each monday for you to answer in a video. Link up and have fun visiting the other minglers – they’re great!
great tips and encouragement!
i have done a couple, but i just can’t seem to “go for it”!
i vow to vlog tomorrow…for sure!
Some people take to it more than others, and a couple is better than none.
I didn’t make a resolution about it, but I DO plan to do it and already have a series planned for it. I am waiting, however, until I get the right camera and also a few pieces of equipment. The series will be filmed partially indoors and partially outdoors. I plan on having fun with it!
One thing that is making it easier is LiveStream.
Cheers,
Tia