The Art of Authenticity: Tips for Online Business Owners on Creating Social Media Videos

Introduction

With video content taking over the social media landscape, it's no longer a question of if you should produce videos, but how. As an online business owner, how do you keep your videos authentic while still having branding in mind? Here are some tips and tricks to strike the perfect balance.

Keep It Real: Authenticity First

People can spot a fake from a mile away, especially on social media. Here are some ways to keep your videos authentic:

Be Yourself

Speak in your natural voice and style. Authenticity shines through when you're not trying to be someone you're not. Don’t hide your personality, there is no point in trying to reach or please everyone. This is not how social media or the Internet works. Try to connect with your niche audience. They will do the word of mouth for you later.

Real Stories, Real People

Include testimonials or stories from real customers. This adds a layer of trust and relatability.

Don't Over-Edit

A little rough-around-the-edges is okay. Over-editing can strip away the humanity and make your video seem too polished.

Branding: More than Just a Logo

While your logo is important, branding extends to the tone, messaging, and overall look and feel of your video. Here's how to keep your branding in mind:

Consistent Color Scheme

Use a consistent color palette that aligns with your brand. This extends from your logo to text overlays and even background colors.

Tone and Messaging

Maintain a consistent tone. Whether it's casual and fun or serious and informative, make sure it aligns with your brand identity.

Music and Sound

If you’re using background music, it should resonate with your brand's "vibe." For example, a yoga brand might use tranquil music, while a sports brand could opt for something more upbeat.

The Power of the Thumbnail: Your First Impression

In the fast-paced world of social media, the thumbnail of your video is your first chance to grab attention. Think of it as a storefront window: it needs to be inviting and give a glimpse of what's inside. A captivating thumbnail can make the difference between someone scrolling past or stopping to watch your video. Here are a few tips to make your thumbnail stand out:

1. Visually Appealing: Use bright colors and clear, engaging images that represent the video content.
2. Emotionally Engaging: Include facial expressions or emotional cues that resonate with your audience.
3. Clear and Readable Text: If you use text, make sure it's easy to read and conveys your message at a glance.
4. Brand Consistency: Your thumbnail should align with your brand's style and color scheme.

Remember, your thumbnail is like a promise of what's to come in the video. Make it compelling enough to pause the scroll, and you've won the first battle in the war for attention on social media.

Do's and Don'ts for Authentic Video Content

Do's:

• Plan Ahead: Scripting doesn't mean you're fake; it ensures you stay on topic.
• Engage with Your Audience: Ask questions or include interactive elements like polls.
• High-Quality Footage: Invest in good lighting and a decent camera.

Don'ts:

• Don't Hard Sell: Social media is about community. Too much selling can turn people off.
• Don't Ignore Comments: If people are engaging with your video, engage back.
• Don't Forget the CTA: Always include a Call-to-Action. What should the viewer do next?

Conclusion

Creating videos for social media is an art form that requires a blend of authenticity and brand awareness. Keep it real, but also keep your brand in mind. Your audience is there for genuine connections; give them content that delivers on that front, and you're set for success. Remember, it is a journey and a dialog with your audience, always experiment, try new things and get as much feedback as you can.