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Inside the Issue:
βοΈ How I Create My Videos
β Fill Your Cup: Sit in the Mess
π What I'm Working On
Hi there, Reader,
Thanks for being here. If you're new, welcome:)
I spent 15 years as a digital marketer in the corporate world to walk away and try my hand at freelancing.
Two years later, I'm still doing it and creating content for clients I love.
I waited a little longer than usual to start on my newsletter this week.
There's been some life stuff happening, and as we all know, that can add more complexity to getting work done.
But recently, a subscriber asked about my videos, so I thought this would be a great topic to share with the rest of you.
Get comfy, and let's get to it...
βοΈ My Video Content
If you follow me on LinkedIn, maybe you've seen a video of mine.
Usually, I publish one a week (not always).
And this one gained my highest impressions yet at 90,000+ and 137 interactions (comments/likes/reposts)...
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And here's why I think it did well...
- Timing of the post - This went live right before the Thanksgiving holiday when most people were probably on LinkedIn before taking some time off.
- The hook..."Here's a quick tip and a little gift..." - I think it did its job to spark curiosity.
- Duration of the video - This was less than 60 seconds long, getting to my point about website copy while throwing in a little philosophy about life in general.
Now for my process
(So you can create high-reach videos, too!)
Identify One Day for Writing Mini Scripts/Outlines
Usually, it's towards the end of the week when I like to think through video ideas and write mini-scripts or outlines.
This is because, Monday-Wednesday, I like to prioritize client work.
My ideas usually stem from a client conversation or a topic I know is relevant to the content I like creating for my clients.
I've noticed that Google Docs has a tab feature now, and it's been great for breaking out my video scripts all contained in one document.
I'm also big on prompting ChatGPT to help get an idea flushed out further.
I never use it word for word, but occasionally, they'll include a tip relevant to the video I overlooked.
I highly recommend using AI for brainstorming and helping with outlines. It definitely saves you time.
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Hold a Different Day for Filming
After I have about 3-5 mini scripts or outlines written out, I look ahead on my calendar and identify a day of the week to record.
π I pick a date where I don't have to worry about pressing client deadlines.
If it's a day I'm already getting dressed and ready for another call or in-person meet-up, I like to take about an hour and reserve it for video recording. Because I'll be honest...most days I'm in black joggers and no makeup. Not exactly camera ready, lol.
All I use is my Android phone and a ring light my husband bought off of Amazon when we were doing all those meetings at home with Covid.
That's it!
Typically, the first video can feel clunky as I warm up with talking on camera. But then, once I have the first one done, the others flow easier.
I may not get through all the scripts and outlines, but I typically try to shoot for 3.
And then, before the day ends, I go back through my videos on my phone and delete the ones I don't want to use (there are always multiple).
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Hold Another Time for Editing
I do all of my editing on an app called, PowerDirector. And I rarely edit the same day I record.
I paid close to $30 for the year to use this editing software, and it allows me to edit all my videos from my phone. It's been worth it.
I'll often edit videos while sitting on the couch with my kids or sitting in my car waiting for a sports practice to end.
I've figured out how to...
- Cut out sections
- Add automatic captions
- Add some underlying music
And that's about it π
Once the video is edited, I export it to my drive so it's there to grab and publish to LinkedIn.
I've also tried to stay consistent by adding them to my Youtube channel.
I just launched the channel this year.
Every Friday, I try to make sure the videos I posted from the week on LinkedIn are also uploaded to Youtube.
Since I've already created the videos, I feel like this is yet another channel where others can discover me without a lot of extra work.
I only have 3 followers now, so if you want to see all my video content in one place, be sure to check out my channel. (And subscribe π)
β Fill Your Cup
Are you taking some time to sit in the mess a little longer?
Like I said, this week has felt tougher than normal.
My brain has been distracted by other things happening, and now is that moment where it would be easy to say..."Nope...too hard...too messy...I'm just not gonna."
But...
You can get clarity in the mess.
This week it happened to me with this newsletter. I felt a little lost with things going on...
I had an idea but wasn't feeling it...
Then I decided just to sit here a little longer.
And it came to me.
Why not talk about a topic someone literally just asked me about?
Make it easy.
I have to say...now that I'm rereading this newsletter, I'm just glad I pushed through the hard, figured it out, and did it.
Here's my encouragement and a little hug for you to attempt the same if you're having one of those weeks, too:)
π What I'm Working On
- I'm trying to complete a messaging course that I committed to a while ago by Alex James. I do think it's giving me some clarity on my messaging and the content work I want to do. I find myself wanting focused time to sit with the exercises. Not to mention, these learnings also feed into the client work I'm doing on LinkedIn and websites π
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- I'm finalizing LinkedIn, X, and Facebook posts for a non-profit retainer client of mine π€
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- I'm wrapping up the LinkedIn profile updates and content strategy for a female founder I just love, and I can't wait to show her tomorrow π
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- There are a few edits I need to do on a SEO blog article I wrote focused on wellness motivation tips and insights for a nutrition shake startupπ
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How are you and your business doing?
Send a reply, and I promise I'll respond!
Talk soon,
How I Can Help You:
βFollow me on LinkedIn if you aren't already so you can get daily posts! I love to engage there:)
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