Have you got a channel trailer? 6 tips

 

 

This is Rue Asher, a hypnotherapist with a specialism in nutrition, weight loss and sugar detox based in Sussex, and she did something really brave...

 

Rue had a go at making her first video, uploaded it to YouTube and asked for honest feedback from her contacts. They were very honest, brutally honest even. But that's pretty brave isn't it? How many of us are brave enough to stick our head above the parapet and make ourselves vulnerable like that? She learnt a lot from making that first video and decided that she was going to have another go and do even better.

 

Which is when we were introduced and went on to make the channel trailer you can watch below:

 

Sometimes running a business is about striding forward with a lion's heart, although the thick skin of a rhinoceros is pretty helpful too. Rue didn't give up when she received criticism about her first video attempt, she used it as constructive input to do even better. So what else can we learn from Rue? Here are some tips for making your channel trailer.

 

Your YouTube trailer needs to be under 2 minutes and if you can convey your message in less time that's even better. Ditch superfluous language, write a script to avoid waffle and test it by reading out loud and timing yourself.

 

What are the most important things to say about your business? Who you are, what you do and why should people care. These things should be in your elevator pitch and your channel trailer is a bit like that except with a leaning towards explaining why someone should subscribe - what value is your channel going to offer them?

 

At some point you need to be telling people exactly what you want them to do. So ask people to subscribe, maybe you want them to visit your website and share your video. Say so.

 

Your clients didn't just buy from you because you're great at what you do - they liked you! So it's time to get this lovely personality of yours across. Part of this is about relaxing but you also need to shake this idea that you are speaking to a lens. It's time to forget you're speaking to a camera and remember you're speaking to a person, the camera just happens to be the interface. When you go networking or meet a new client how do you speak to them? If it helps, have someone stand behind the camera to speak to. And smile!

 

This isn't your regular vlog, it might be one of your most viewed pieces of content so spend a bit more time on this to get it right. Use your better camera and mic, set yourself up nicely, practice a well written script. And then practice again. You don't need to go over the top with a big budget if you are just starting out (maybe once you have proven video is working for you it's time to invest in a more swanky promo video) but it's not a standard vlog where viewers might be more forgiving of a bit of rambling or suchlike.

 

So you've done it, you've made your trailer and uploaded it. Be brave and ask people to watch it and give you some feedback. This could be incredibly useful for informing your future video content. And don't be scared to ask them to share your video, otherwise they might not think to do it.

 

So be brave, like Rue, and give video a go... maybe you won't love your first attempt but it will get better over time. If you are looking for support why not drop me an email. I can help you set up your channel and provide coaching and support for video marketing in Brighton, Sussex and beyond.