fbpx

Video creation made easy with the LATTE formula

2021-02-23T10:17:08+00:00 By |Content Marketing|

Did I ever tell you that I used to work in a movie theatre?

When I was in high school, I worked for my local, six-cinema theatre. I was the one behind the concession stand selling you the popcorn, getting your nachos and your drinks. I wanted that job because I love watching movies.

Today I get to make little movies myself because video is a form of content marketing.

Here’s how you can create professional videos for your business without spending 1000s of dollars to get a professional video created.

Why Video?

In marketing, video is important because it can engage people longer. People are more likely to sit and watch a five or a 10-minute video than to sit down and read something for five or 10-minutes. Some people also learn better watching a video, than reading text on a page.

54% of people want to see video from your business this year – HUBSPOT

One of the easiest ways to get started with videos is by doing Facebook Lives. It doesn’t take any software and you can do it from your phone or computer. Use a Facebook Live to share company news or share information.

Facebook Lives are also a great way to show behind the scenes videos, demos of your product interviews, Q&A sessions, and to share your opinion about something in your industry or niche.

Planning your video

When you’re planning your video, whether that’s a Facebook Live a pre-recorded video, your first step is to figure out what your goal for creating the video. Is your goal to make a sale, showcase your expertise, or build your recognition and awareness.

Just create a simple plan (using the LATTE formula I share below) and follow it as you record your content.

The LATTE formula for videos

I’ve created the LATTE formula to help you plan your video content. It’s an outline of what you should include in every video. For each section, write point form notes about what you want to say. I like to caution against writing out your script word for word and reading it. People will see your eyes dart back and forth on camera and it looks less genuine.

Here is what the LATTE formula stands for:

  • L (Lure): Use a hook or something to pique their intrigue and make them want to keep watching
  • A (A Summary): Briefly share what people will learn in the video (or the benefits)
  • T (T Tell a story): Share some narrative or a story related to your topic (people like stories)
  • T (Teach): Share some value or give a lesson (this will be the longest part of your video)
  • E (Enroll): Have a call to action asking the viewer to something.

Filming Tips (without expensive equipment)

Here are more tips for filming using equipment you already have or can buy relatively affordably:

  • The Scene: Make sure your background is brand-appropriate and not messy (unless “messy” is part of your brand)
  • Use Light: Make sure your face is in full light (a window is often enough, or you can buy small ring lights or film cameras for under $100)
  • Outdoor Filming: When filming outdoors, don’t do it on a bright sunny day (you’ll get squinty). Choose a cloudy day, or around sunset or sunrise for the most flattering light.
  • Camera Position: Have your camera at eye-level or just above (we don’t need to see your double chin!
  • Talk to someone: I have a sticky note or small stuffed animal right behind my camera to simulate talking to someone….and not talking to a camera dot.
  • Get a microphone: If you only make one investment, buy a good microphone. I use a Yeti Blue mic and it was about $100 on Amazon
  • Quiet: Find a quiet place away from washing machines, doorbells, children, and street noise.

Speaking Tips

How you speak can make a huge difference. Here are some general speaking tips (you can use it when you’re presenting too):

  • Act excited and you will speak excited (people want to listen to a happy person rather than a monotone speaker)
  • Vary your tone and voice
  • Enunciate your words
  • Don’t apologize (when mistakes or unexpected things happen on a live video, just roll with it or ignore it)

Anyone can make valuable videos for their business without expensive equipment and videographers. Just remember to be brief and concise, have fun, and have that call-to-action at the end to lead them to the next piece of content or a purchase.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to have your videos transcribed (I like Otter.ai) and clean it up to turn it into a blog post or get some tidbits to use in your social media. Repurpose your videos into other types of content. This blog post, for example, started with a 10-minute mini-workshop I recently gave, I turned it into a podcast episode (to be released tomorrow), and now this blog post.

If you want help to repurpose your videos into blog posts and other content, give me a shout and the team at WriterGal Marketing can help you!

About the Author:

I'm WriterGal of WriterGal Marketing Services and I help small-medium sized businesses execute writing and online marketing projects so they can focus on other ways of growing their business. I'm also the mother of 2 munchkins and 1 Jack Russell Terrier, love baking and cooking, and enjoy travelling the world (when I have time) with my family. I'm also passionate about organization and time management (a must for busy moms and business owners). I enjoy sharing my business and organization tips and processes with others.