Comprehensive Live Streaming Checklist: A DIY Solution for a Low Budget Situation

Live streaming has become an essential tool for content creators, businesses, and event organizers. Whether you're live streaming a corporate event, a product launch, or a personal vlog, having a solid plan and understanding the technical requirements can make your stream a success. Here’s a comprehensive checklist focusing on the technical aspects, especially for those on a tight budget.

1. Planning Your Live Stream

Before diving into the technical setup, outline your goals and target audience. Define the type of content, duration, and platform (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.).

2. Technical Requirements

A. Using a Smartphone for Live Streaming

1. Smartphone Setup:

   • Phone Mount/Tripod: Ensure your phone is stable using a tripod or a phone mount. A stable shot is crucial for a professional look.

   • Lighting: Good lighting is key. Utilize natural light or invest in a ring light or softbox.

   • Audio: Use an external microphone (like a lavalier or shotgun mic) connected to your phone for better audio quality.

2. Software:

   • Streamlabs Mobile App: Free and user-friendly, perfect for beginners. (iOS & Android)

   • Prism Live Studio: Another great option for multi-platform streaming. (iOS & Android)

B. Using a Camera for Live Streaming

1. Directly from Camera to Computer:

   • DSLR/Mirrorless Camera: Use models with clean HDMI output like Canon EOS M50 or Sony Alpha series.

   • HDMI to USB Capture Card: Connect your camera to your computer using an HDMI to USB capture card like Elgato Cam Link 4K or a more budget-friendly option like the AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini.

2. Using Older Cameras:

   • HDMI Output: Ensure your camera has an HDMI output.

   • Capture Card: Use an HDMI to USB capture card to connect to your computer.

   • Software: OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) – Free and powerful software for live streaming.

C. Audio Setup:

1. External Microphone:

   • Lavalier Mic: Affordable and provides clear audio, ideal for personal vlogs or interviews.

   • Shotgun Mic: Great for directional audio, suitable for event streaming.

   • USB Microphone: Easy to use and connects directly to your computer, good for streaming from a desktop setup.

2. Audio Interface:

   • Budget Option: Focusrite Scarlett Solo – A reliable choice for connecting XLR microphones to your computer.

   • Mixer: Behringer Xenyx Q502USB – Small and affordable, perfect for basic audio mixing needs.

3. Renting Equipment

If you prefer to rent equipment, here's what you need:

1. Camera and Lens:

   • DSLR/Mirrorless Camera: Rent models like the Canon EOS M50 or Sony A6400.

   • Lens: Standard zoom lens (e.g., 18-55mm) for versatility.

2. Audio Equipment:

   • Microphones: Rent a good quality lavalier mic or shotgun mic.

   • Audio Interface: Ensure you have an audio interface compatible with the rented microphones.

3. Lighting:

   • Ring Light or Softbox Kit: Essential for proper lighting.

Cost-Effective Rental Options:

• Local Camera Shops: Check for rental options in your area.

• Online Rental Services: Websites like Lensrentals or BorrowLenses.

4. Post-Event Follow-Up

1. Recording: Ensure your live stream is recorded for future use.

2. Engagement: Follow up with your audience through comments and additional content.

3. Analytics: Review the streaming analytics to understand your audience better and improve future streams.

Links to Software:

• Streamlabs Mobile App: iOS | Android

• Prism Live Studio: iOS | Android

• OBS Studio: Download

Conclusion

Setting up a live stream on a budget is entirely possible with the right planning and equipment. By utilizing your smartphone, affordable cameras, or rented equipment, you can achieve a professional-looking stream without breaking the bank. Focus on stable video, clear audio, and good lighting to ensure your live stream is engaging and of high quality.

Client Testimonial: My Content Cafe Partners with Visual Entity Video Production

At Visual Entity Video Production, we are committed to delivering exceptional results through collaboration and creativity. Recently, we had the pleasure of working with Eetisha Jain and Vedant Singh from My Content Cafe, who shared their experience with us. Their insights highlight our dedication to excellence in video production and client satisfaction.

Client Background: My Content Cafe, led by Eetisha Jain and Vedant Singh Thakur, specializes in helping businesses grow through effective marketing strategies. They approached us with a unique project, seeking our expertise in video production to bring their vision to life.

Project Overview: Our collaboration began with a detailed discussion led by Rahul, our dedicated project manager. From conceptualization to execution, we ensured every step aligned with My Content Cafe’s goals and vision. Aithisha and Vedant Singh appreciated our meticulous approach and attention to detail throughout the process.

Key Highlights:

• Concept Development: Despite initial uncertainties, our team provided steadfast support and creative input, ensuring a smooth workflow.

• Execution Excellence: We maintained a high level of professionalism and enthusiasm, contributing to a productive and enjoyable working environment.

• Quality Assurance: Every detail, no matter how minute, was carefully considered, resulting in a project that surpassed expectations.

Client Feedback: "Eetisha Jain and Vedant Singh Thakur of My Content Cafe expressed their satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing our proactive approach and the quality of our work. This project marked a successful pilot for them, reinforcing their confidence in our capabilities."

Conclusion: At Visual Entity Video Production, client satisfaction is paramount. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with My Content Cafe and contribute to their success. Interested in elevating your brand through compelling video content? Contact us today and discover why we’re recognized as a top video production company in Bangalore.

Ready to enhance your brand’s visual storytelling? Reach out to Visual Entity Video Production today and let’s create something extraordinary together.

Choosing a Corporate Video Production Company in 2024: Why Visual Entity Stands Out

In a world where visual content drives engagement and brand recognition, having high-quality videos is essential for businesses aiming to make an impact. Corporate videos, in particular, play a pivotal role in conveying your brand's message, showcasing your products, and building trust with your audience. As the demand for professional video content grows, so does the need for a reliable and experienced video production partner.

Experience You Can Trust

With over eight years of experience in the industry, Visual Entity has honed its craft to perfection. Our team specializes in corporate, industrial, and product videos, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project. We’ve had the privilege of working with renowned brands like Intuit, Indeed, Tesco, Infosys, Wipro, Decathlon, Titan, Bosch, and Britannia. This extensive experience means we understand the nuances of different industries and can tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.

Global Reach with Local Expertise

Our portfolio includes projects with brands from across the globe. This diverse experience has equipped us with a deep understanding of various market dynamics and cultural sensitivities. Whether you’re a local business or a global enterprise, we bring a unique perspective that combines global standards with local insights, ensuring your video resonates with your target audience.

Seamless and Hassle-Free Process

At Visual Entity, we pride ourselves on being incredibly easy to work with. Our dedicated team guides you through every step of the production process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. We excel at simplifying complex ideas and transforming them into engaging, presentable stories. From the initial concept to the final cut, we handle everything, allowing you to focus on what you do best – running your business.

Cutting-Edge Technology

We believe that high-quality content requires high-quality tools. That’s why we use modern 4K capable cameras, employ a dedicated sound recordist, and utilize industry-leading post-production tools. This commitment to technology ensures that our videos not only look stunning but also sound impeccable, providing you with a polished, professional product that stands out.

Transparent and Affordable Pricing

We understand that budgeting for video production can be a daunting task. At Visual Entity, we strive to make it easier by offering clear and affordable pricing. Our pricing structure is published on our website, so you always know what to expect. No hidden fees, no surprises – just straightforward, transparent pricing that helps you plan your projects effectively.

Why Choose Visual Entity?

Choosing a corporate video production company is a significant decision, and we believe Visual Entity is the right choice for several reasons:

• Experienced Team: With over eight years in the industry, our seasoned crew brings unmatched expertise.

• Global and Local Reach: We’ve worked with leading brands globally, bringing a broad perspective to our projects.

• Ease of Collaboration: Our dedicated team ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

• Advanced Technology: We use the latest equipment, latest video editor and tools to deliver high-quality videos.

• Transparent Pricing: Our clear and affordable pricing structure helps you plan without financial surprises.

If you’re looking to elevate your brand with professional, engaging video content, look no further than Visual Entity. Visit our website to explore our pricing and learn more about how we can help you tell your story.

Choosing the right video production partner can transform your business. Let Visual Entity be that partner and help you shine in 2024 and beyond.

How Visual Storytelling Can Enhance Your Brand Visibility and Awareness

Unleashing the Power of Visuals in the Corporate World

By Visual Entity Video Production House, Bangalore, India

In an era where digital content reigns supreme, Visual Entity, a distinguished video production house in Bangalore, India, underscores the transformative power of visual storytelling in elevating brand visibility and awareness. Specializing in corporate videos, product showcases, and industrial films, we understand the art and science behind compelling visual narratives that resonate with audiences.

The Essence of Visual Storytelling in Brand Building

Visual storytelling is not just about creating content; it's about crafting experiences that leave a lasting impact. In a world brimming with information overload, a well-told visual story cuts through the noise, engaging and inspiring viewers.

• Emotional Connection: Visual stories evoke emotions, creating a deeper connection with your audience. This emotional bond fosters brand loyalty and recognition.

• Simplified Communication: Complex ideas can be simplified through visuals. Corporate and industrial videos turn intricate concepts into understandable and relatable content.

• Enhanced Recall: Humans are visual creatures. Visual content is more likely to be remembered than text alone, making it a powerful tool for brand recall.

Visual Entity's Approach to Maximizing Your Brand's Impact

At Visual Entity, we don't just create videos; we weave narratives that align with your brand's ethos and objectives.

1. Tailored Content: Understanding your brand's unique story, we craft tailored content that highlights your strengths and values.

2. High-Quality Production: With state-of-the-art equipment and a keen eye for detail, our production quality ensures that your brand stands out.

3. Engaging Narratives: We focus on creating engaging and relatable stories that resonate with your target audience, ensuring higher engagement rates.

Success Stories: Transforming Brands through Visuals

Our portfolio speaks volumes of our expertise. From captivating corporate videos that showcase company culture to dynamic product videos that highlight unique features, our work has significantly boosted our clients' market presence.

The Future of Branding: Embrace the Visual Revolution

As digital platforms evolve, so does the need for innovative branding strategies. Visual storytelling is not just a trend; it's the future. Embrace it with Visual Entity, where your vision meets our creativity to create a lasting impact.

Contact Us:

🌐 VisualEntity.in

📧 info@visualentity.in

📍 Bangalore, India

Join the visual revolution. Enhance your brand's visibility and awareness with Visual Entity.

Ekayana After school program Explainer video

Recent work for Ekayana 

Get creative with a recruitment video. Hire the right people.

In an industry where talent acquisition is competitive, companies are finding it hard to attract the right talents to fill the key roles. Recruiters need to come up with creative solutions to reach and attract the prospective candidates. recruitment videos can be an intelligent solution, It’s an easy way to showcase your organisation's  employees, office space, and culture, and get applicants involved in your organisation before they even apply.

Here are some good examples to follow 

Life at Shopify

This really engaging video succeeds in showing flexible, fun and casual office culture at shopify. By highlighting their small and dedicated teams for various needs the audience get a real time experience of the work culture. A video with all the right ingredients  made to invoke an instant connection.

Early in Career at Starbucks

We often tell clients how important it is to focus on their  target audience when it comes to creating videos, and Starbucks adheres this same principle to their recruiting video. Focusing on people early in their careers, they were able to narrow the focus of their video to better relate to their target audience.

Inside HubSpot

A straightforward video,  It is simple, shot well and to the point. if you are looking forward to create something straight and simple  this is the benchmark for you 

BambooHR Careers and Culture Video

Again a straight hit with an important message of work life balance.  this  recruiting video focuses on the antithesis of the typical startup work-life mentality of 70 hour weeks and manages glorify the message with engaging and inspiring visuals 

Explore what it takes to create a recruitment video with us

CouponDunia Youtube Ad Case study

CouponDunia wanted an innovative marketing solution that would engage existing customers as well as reach new audiences. Traditional TV advertising offers reach, but the CouponDunia team realised that the interactive nature of video could engage its audience more effectively. Let's find out how this coupon aggregator reached and engaged their audience, and built some brand love along the way.

THE GOALS

• Increase brand awareness amongst their target audience
• Create an innovative digital campaign that stands out in a competitive market

THE APPROACH

• Researched the target audience to determine the most popular YouTube channels by subscriber and inventory growth
• Created 50 unique, hyper-targeted skippable ads that engaged viewers with humour and were relevant to the YouTube content they were about to watch
• Used cards to enable visits directly from their videos

THE RESULTS

• A 13% increase in visitors to the website over an eight-week period
• 32% of viewers watched the entire 30 second ad (nearly double the usual rate)
• An 8% month-on-month rise in revenue

Read full article : https://apac.thinkwithgoogle.com/case-studies/how-coupondunia-reached-and-engaged-its-most-relevant-audience-with-youtube.html

Turn Employees Into Brand Advocates With Case Study videos

Your content marketing mission? Turn your employees into brand advocates with well-developed case study videos . Share with employees the kind of impact your brand has – they have – on people and companies. Share with job candidates the impact they could have once they start working with you.

Also known as success stories, case studies are a proven way to convince prospects to make a purchase. After all, they feature your customers describing how your product helped them. Excerpts from one case study can be used across your content marketing channels – from YouTube Channel  to blog posts,LinkedIn and landing pages.

But many companies neglect to share those success stories with the people who made them possible, thus ignoring their No. 1 growth resource – their own employees. Here’s how to use case studies as a critical tool for your new brand advocates, from HR and finance to production and distribution.

Recruit the best people

Increasingly, people want to work for companies that make a difference, and the youngest generation is leading that revolution. Ensure that your recruiting team has success stories to share at job fairs and interviews:

• Create content focusing on what the new employees would be accomplishing and the incredible feeling of helping customers achieve their goals.

• Talk about specific employees who came to do just another job and ended up feeling fulfilled because they received a thank-you letter from a customer who shared how her life or business was better because of their work.

• Incorporate thank-you letters, emails, etc., into your video marketing for candidates to watch. You could create a video of customer stories. Or create a video of employees sharing what it’s like to work for a company that cares about the value it delivers, each one detailing a customer success story.

• Focus your stories on detailing the benefits and results, and mention features (like comfortable working hours) later.

You want to help your colleagues get people excited to work with your brand. When they understand the impact they could have, they’re more likely to invest in their job and become your newest brand advocates.

Train employees better

Continue to showcase your success stories during orientation. Work with your HR team to incorporate the case study videos in training materials and presentations.

When training employees who will come in close contact with customers – like customer service and social media agents – you might want to build simulations of customer interactions. In this case, share real-life examples of how the brand dealt with the situation to make sure your new recruits are better equipped to succeed – but stay open. They might just come up with better solutions.

Incorporate in office culture

While you integrate case studies throughout your brand’s YouTube Channels and social media platforms , you should do the same at the office. Videos are a great tool to share your office work culture environment to the prospective employees  

• Make your success visual – Create a customer success videos display in your pantry or conference room so employees can see it. Add quotes from case studies in the video. Consider installing screens and displaying case-study videos.

Improve customer retention

Develop case studies specifically to prove that your product or service not only works, but is the go-to solution for your customers’ challenges:

• Make a special effort to share them with your customer service representatives who are the face of your company, the ones capable of bringing preservation rates up and turnover rates down.

• Help your salespeople by giving them the content in a format that they can use to prove your product works. Diversify your case study content to ensure that it addresses the diverse objections that your sales team hears.

Grow your new brand ambassadors

While you have access to potential success story sources through social media discussions, don’t underestimate the value of your employees’ input, particularly those who work at the point of sale. To encourage your employees-turned-brand-ambassadors to help in this process:

• Ask them to make the introductions, strengthening their involvement in the content creation process.

• Feature employees in the stories, interview them for your videos.

• Ask employees for their input such as suggesting challenges to address in the case studies, analyzing drafts of the success stories, etc.

• Show your appreciation for their assistance. Read case studies in team meetings and praise those who were involved. Write generous recommendations on their LinkedIn profiles. Recognize them and their contributions on Twitter (include a link to the case study video).

• Share how the case study videos  are being used by your company and are contributing to content marketing ROI. Show how they support the company’s growth and customers’ success.

This article was originally posted on Content Marketing Institute:  http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/2016/02/employees-brand-advocates/

Case Study Videos How and Why

Before someone purchase a product or service there is one question they almost always ask themselves.

Will it give me the result that I want?

That’s why almost 9 out of 10 consumers read online reviews in order to determine the quality of a local business before buying from them.

Making sure that you are collecting customer reviews and testimonials can certainly help with this. But equally powerful is the use of case study videos.

Case study videos combine engaging visuals and a powerful soundtrack with the authenticity of a real customer's experience of your product or service. Case study videos can quickly deliver a large amount of information building trust and confidence that you can deliver on your marketing promises.

Below we will look in detail at how to create a highly effective case study videos for your business. 

Why Create Case Study Videos?

Case study videos are effective because they give a prospective customer the information that they need to feel comfortable making a purchase decision. This is achieved in a way which doesn’t feel forced or phony. In fact the success of case study video is because of their authenticity. They feature real people talking in a natural way about their experiences with a product or service.

If the subject has been properly selected then they should closely align with the typical buyer for that product. Because of this prospective customers can relate to the problems that the person in the video has experienced, and will be looking for a similar solution to the one that is presented.

Case study interviews are also perfect for identifying features of the product or service which were most important to them and are also likely to be important to future customers as well. These features may actually differ from what the seller of the product believes to be the most compelling.

How To Plan Your Case Study Video

A great place to start is by looking at other people’s case study videos to find relevant examples to show your video production agency. This is useful even if the videos are not a 100% match to what you want to achieve with your own video.

Why? Because a good video production agency will be able to look at the example videos that your provide and determine how they were shot, which camera’s were used and what kind of crew members may have been employed. All of these elements will play a role in determining the budget for the creating a similar type of video.

Providing example videos also helps to clarify for your video production agency the look for your video. If you are appealing to a younger audience a fast paced, brightly colored video with rapid cuts may work well. With older and luxury target markets then a better approach might be to use a slower paced edit with very high quality cinematography. Conveying your intentions is typically best achieved by providing example videos with a similar aesthetic.

How To Shoot Case Study Videos

Bosch Eye Care Solutions Case Study Video 

Case study videos have been around for a number of years now. This means that the standard setup for case study videos has been well established. The traditional way of shooting a case study is to feature a straight to camera interview where the customer explains the background to their problem and how the product provided a solution. This talking head interview will typically also use cutaways to add interest and context to what the subject is talking about.

This default standard is certainly effective (there are good reasons why it is popular) but it also means that it is possible to innovate and create something which will stand out in the market. Below we will look at some of the ways to have your case study video stand out in a sometimes crowded market.

Standing Out On Social Media

There are additional techniques that you can use to really make your video on social media where people’s attention span tends to be extremely limited. On social media people are searching for top level content. They may not be aware of your product or even have fully clarified the nature of their problem. As a consequence you need to be able to quickly grab someone’s attention and hold it throughout the case study.

One of the things that can really help is fast paced editing. Each time a video cuts between shots the viewer’s attention is drawn back to the video. This editing “trick” is something that Hollywood has used to keep people constantly. Since the 1930’s the average shot length has decreased from 8 – 11 seconds to 4.3 – 4.9 seconds. These faster cuts are known as“Post-classical” or “MTV style” editing.

The use of bright colors can also be very effective. This can be combined with the brand’s own colors in the video. People’s visual memory is extremely strong, so while they may not remember the full contents of your video by having a certain color it will provide a visual cue to trigger memories of that video later on. For example, they might remember it as the green or pink video that that they saw.

Sound design is another element that is often overlooked. Good sound design can be used to heighten emotion and excitement. Ambient noise, such as the sound of the wind rustling through blades of grass or the sound of a crowd cheering, can be recorded and mixed to created a certain auditory effect.

Time is scarce commodity on social media. One way that you can maximize the time that you have available is to use sound to present narrative elements. So for example, rather than showing a drill on the screen, you could use the noise from the drill which would suggest it to the audience. While the audience may not recall all of the contents of the video at this top level the positive associations created by sound design can help if that prospect is subsequently exposed to more of the company’s marketing.

The Ideal Length Of A Case Study Video

There has been significant research into the ideal length for online video. But, really is no one right length for a case study video. The two components which should determine the length for you video is how long you can hold the attention of the audience and how much time is needed to convey your message. This might be possible to achieve in as little as fifteen seconds. With a more complex product it may take five minutes or even longer to present a compelling arguement. Shorter is not always better. Provided that the video is highly relevant to the target market then they will watch a longer video.

To make sure that you are maximising your audiences scarce attention it is important that you are leveraging all of the elements that video offers and they these are working cohesively together. This means presenting high quality visuals which reinforce the primary features of the video. There should also be a great music track which really drives along the narrative of the video and gives the people a reason to keep listening. The voice over or interview from the subject should not be repetitive while delivering all of the relevant information. When all of these elements are working together you have a powerful and compelling sales tool that can achieve a lot in a short amount of time.

Shooting Your Case Study On Location vs. In Studio

The benefits of shooting in studio is that the environment is completely under your control. This completely eliminates the issue of ambient noise. Unfortunately, the downside to this is that the sound environment can also sometime come across as quite sterile. This is something that can be addressed later in post production.

On location, whether that’s going into someone’s home or workplace or an exotic outdoor location, provides a more interesting visual background and a sense of authenticity. The disadvantages is that you don’t have the same level of control over the environment. This means that you may have to stop production every time that a plane goes overhead or bus drives by.

Another factor that you can’t control if you shoot outdoors is the weather.  lighting is much easier to control in a studio than outdoors. Of course, shooting outdoors does allow you to take advantage of natural light which can be great for imbuing your video with authenticity.

Overall, it could be said that a studio setup tends to result in a video which looks more commercial. This can undermine the sense of authenticity which is so central to producing a compelling case study video.

Interested in learning more about our case study video services? Get in touch below. 

How Can You Tell if a Video Production Company is Legitimate?

When choosing a company to produce your next video project you may wonder,’how can you tell if a video production company is legitimate?’

There are a few ways to determine the professionalism of a video production company when checking them out online.

First, when looking at their website do you feel that it is professional. Do the values that they say they provide resonate with you? The level of design and aesthetic that they have put into their site is a good way to determine if they have what it takes to represent you. The way they represent themselves is a reflection of how they will be able to help you represent your company.

Another way to determine if they are legitimate is to look through their client list. If they don’t have a client list that is a major red flag. They are either novice or don’t feel comfortable sharing their past client work. Both factors will do not give you confidence in their abilities. Their client list should have clients that are of a size, a level of professionalism, a region, or in an industry that is relatable to your business. If they have testimonials, watch/read them and see if they seem genuine and if they highlight things that are important to you like detailed outlines, or never missing a deadline.

Next, you should look through their portfolio and see if their work resonates with you and is the caliber you are looking for. You also want to make sure that their work is consistent from project to project. If one of their videos is amazing and some of the others are awful, that is a red flag. You don’t know what you will be getting from the company. If they are willing to share the information, it doesn’t hurt to ask if they produce all their work alone or sometimes work with an agency. This will give you a good idea of whether or not you can expect the high quality work you are seeing in their portfolio. If they are not open enough to share this information, you could also Google the name of their work or project and make sure no other agency, company, or vendors claims to have produced it.

You should visit their contact page. If their contact page is just a form and they don’t tell you where they are located, that could be a red flag. If they do have a location, you can find out if it’s a home, an office, in a good part of town. This can give you more insight into what type of company they are and how they operate.

Lastly, when you contact them their response and response time can tell you a lot about them as a company. If they are looking for more information rather than just trying to make a sale, they are likely a more legitimate company.

You need to vet a video production company like any other type of company. The big things to look for would be that their client list and portfolio seem transparent and honest and that their work speaks to you.

This article was originally posted on Phanata media:   http://blog.phantamedia.com/how-can-you-tell-if-a-video-production-company-is-legitimate/

5 Essential Elements of a Successful Marketing Video

Video is the most lucrative marketing material around, promising higher engagement, more conversions and bigger profits. Pretty compelling stuff – at least it had better be, because the expense of video production leaves little room for error once the cameras start rolling.

However, the success of your marketing video is largely decided before the production process even begins. Tick the right boxes in the planning stages and you should have yourself a concept, storyboard and a bag full of confidence that your video will be a hit – and here are the five elements that make the difference.

#1: Emotional appeal

Whether you leave your audience weeping, crying with laughter or stunned into silence, your video needs to make an emotional impact if you want to provoke a reaction. This is nothing new to video though, even in the digital age, because TV has been perfecting this art for decades.

#2: Relevance

Reaching your audience on an emotional level starts with creating a relevant message to them. We say it so often, but this is why you need to understand your audience, down to the finest detail. Appeal to their pains, needs, desires, fears and you can use these emotional connections to bring them that extra step closer to your brand.

#3: Benefits, not features

A large part of this is understanding how to sell the benefits of your products or services. Benefits are not the features of your products, or even what you think people love about them most. The benefits you need to capture are the ones that show your audience how you’re going to improve their lives, whether by fixing an everyday problem, saving them money or making their wildest dreams come true.

#4: A narrative

To capture the benefits of your brand, make them relevant and appeal to your audience on an emotional level, you’re going to need a strong narrative. The art of storytelling is at the core of every marketing message, and it starts with a character your audience can relate to. This is the emotional bridge between your viewers and the marketing message at the heart of your video.

Every good story needs a point of conflict too, a problem that puts your main character in jeopardy and your viewers on the edge of their seats. Bang! There you have your emotional appeal and now it’s time to show your audience the beauty of resolution.

#5: Call to action

With the hero in your story facing impending doom (or something less dramatic) and your viewers full of empathy, it’s time to introduce your brand. That’s right, you’re the answer to all their problems and, if your video hits your audience on an emotional level, all that’s left is a strong call to action to seal the deal.

Always keep your goal in mind – even if you’re using humor, fear or whatever emotion to engage people, your goal isn’t to make them laugh or scare them. Your goal is to inspire action and compel your audience to buy into your services and your call to action is the final prompt – so use it wisely.

This article was originally posted on Matinee Multilingual:
http://www.matinee.co.uk/blog/5-essential-elements-of-a-successful-marketing-video/