On this week’s Dear Katie, someone asked me: Maybe I’m just lazy, but I hate the long process of actually filming videos. Are they really that important? I enjoy content creating and posting videos, but the filming process is such a drag.
Online video has a worldwide audience reach of 92.3%, so it’s something you want to do if you can.
I’ve seen people be successful online without video content, but let’s be honest: there’s something about video that clicks with people. Text cannot convey the same emotions and convictions in what you say as video does.
Plus, with the rise of AI-generated text, video content is even more important.
Your audience wants to know that you’re a real person with emotions and feelings.
Video helps you connect on a deeper level.
And for the second question, I know a lot of people don’t think they have time to spend on filming, editing and posting videos.
The good news?
You have time; you just lack the right processes.
Luckily, that changes today!
I’m going to share my “lazy person’s guide” to creating videos for social media below.
A dedicated space to record sets you up for success.
You don’t have to scramble looking for your camera, fixing the lighting or any of the other prep work that adds hours to the process. You just need the right recording equipment and a place to call your own.
Being able to record fast is key, but if you just don’t have the space, I’ll share other lazy ways to create content.
B-rolls are perfect videos for your socials.
Create these videos daily by recording what you’ll be doing anyway without speaking. Just set up a camera and grab what’s going on.
All of the below are examples where you can grab broll:
Add in the voiceovers or text overlays later so that you don’t need to talk in real-time.
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel.
Analyze your past content, and make note of which pieces performed well.
Repurpose that content and give it a fresh twist. Try editing it in a new way, or just repost the video if it’s been a while.
Content repurposing is a great way to leverage the power of video without having to invest additional time in the creation process.
It’s easy to assume that the best videos take tons of time to film and edit, but that’s not true.
Simple, authentic videos perform so much better than heavily edited ones.
Keep editing to a minimum. Focus on the message and purpose of your video content. That’s what matters most to your audience.
Going live is a great way to engage with your audience, but that’s not the only benefit it offers.
Live videos require zero editing, and you can repurpose them later.
I always recommend going live and saving the replay, so you can create new pieces of content from clips in the future.
You can use this same strategy for podcasts, webinars and any other live online sessions you host.
I’m a big fan of maximizing your content.
That’s why I recommend posting the same video across multiple platforms: LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube Shorts.
This strategy works, and it saves you from having to create fresh content for every platform.
“But, wait, Katie, don’t platforms “like” different types of content?!”
Yes, some platforms “like” different editing styles, but here’s my take: It’s better to have some content on a platform than zero content. You can always revisit old videos and repurpose them specifically for a platform.
For now, just get it posted.
Finding the time to record content is a big challenge for any business owner or busy professional. Your plate is already full.
But batch-recording your video content can make the whole creation process more feasible.
Set aside just ONE day to record multiple videos at once. I do this once per month, and I never run out of video content.
Pro tip: Change outfits every few takes. This way, no one will know that you’re batch-recording your videos, and your content will look fresh.
If you’re struggling to feel comfortable in front of the camera, be sure to check out my 3 tips for feeling like a pro while recording here.
There you have it. My lazy but efficient and effective way to create video content without spending hours on it.
Which of these tips are you trying first?
And, that’s a wrap on this Dear Katie question.
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Now I want to hear from you. Do you have a question?
Until next time, cheers to your success!
Katie
Video content has a wide reach and helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level. It conveys emotions and authenticity that text alone cannot.
Consider batch recording your videos in one day, using B-roll footage, and keeping editing to a minimum to streamline the process.
B-roll is supplementary footage that you can capture during your daily activities. It allows you to create engaging videos without needing to speak on camera.
Yes, posting the same video on different platforms maximizes your content’s reach. It’s better to have some content on a platform than none at all.
Repurpose existing content by editing it in new ways or reposting older videos that performed well to keep your audience engaged.
Going live requires no editing and allows for real-time engagement with your audience. You can also save the replay for future content use.