In an ever-expanding digital world, words may not be enough!
One tool provided by some self-publishing platforms is the ability to upload video on to your author page. As an author, you can embed a YouTube video on your author profile to entice the viewer to sample and learn more about you and your eBook.
Google also includes videos in their search results so you can leverage their power to get your video out to your targeted audience.
YouTube is the most popular and biggest of all the online video sharing sites. This should be your first stop for distributing your video or eBook trailer.
The great thing about YouTube is that they will reprint your URL as a live link if you include ‘http://' in front of it.
Therefore you will want to include this link in the description of your video so that you will get a live link back to your website. As with other strategies in this guide the same benefit applies here in that you are providing your viewers with a means to click onto your author page or website.
As a member of Youtube.com you can upload videos, create playlists, subscribe to other members' videos, comment on other videos, and much more! YouTube allows you to tag your videos so that others can find them. You can join or create groups around your specific niche topic and create a following.
A video is a great way to connect on a personal level with your fans. It could be a book trailer, an interview or a discussion about your eBook.
People are visual creatures and want to see your face. They also want to hear your voice. If they like what they see and hear then they will be more likely to buy your eBook. Phone calls have now gone from just hearing someone's voice to seeing their image via video. Social media sites have gone from just forums and postings to adding video. And so on.
When it comes to authors the most popular ones are also known by their face. They have their photos on books on promotional posters in bookstores. This is for the purpose of allowing them to build a bond with their audience and using their "brand" to sell.
When you create a great book trailer you then increase the likelihood of that viewer visiting your author profile page to learn more about you and your eBook. At several points in your video and also at the end be sure to provide a link to your author profile page or eBook page. It's often curiosity that leads people to your site so add some "teaser" or entice them to visit your site at the end of your video with the offer of a free eBook or eCourse.
Every time you increase traffic to your site you are increasing the chances of selling your eBook!
Soon videos will be searchable through text as Google are working hard on voice recognition. This puts more emphasis on video and if you are able to create a video that is of high quality and targets a specific market then you will soon see the power of this new way to market your eBook.
Be sure to use quality recording equipment, a professional setting or backdrop and quality audio. Plan your video or interview but also try to keep it real and natural.
There is increasing demand by internet surfers to retrieve their desired information in the form of video. If you are able to build up a nice library of informative videos on your author profile page or website then you will find that your viewers will have a reason to continually return.
So How Do You Make a Video?
1. Video Filming
There are many ways to record a video and then upload it to sites such as YouTube.
For example, you could use the camera on your mobile or cell phone, a video camera, your iPod nano or via the webcam on your computer. Just be sure to check out the recording quality of each device. You will do yourself more harm if you upload a video that is of poor quality.
2. Video Creation
One piece of software suited for making informative and instructional videos is Camtasia. This software is not free but if you plan on creating a lot of instructional videos it may just be worth it. You can learn more about Camtasia at www.camtasia.com
3. Editing
If you need to do some editing, which you will, you can use a piece of software such as Sony Vegas software. Also look into Vegas Movie Studio HD for PC's and ScreenFlow for Mac users. For those on the search for free software check out Windows Movie Maker (PC) or iMovie (Mac users).
4. Video Footage
What about some quality video footage for your trailer? I am not a movie or film expert but I do know that quality professional footage can go a long way in making a great video. Check out www.iStockVideo.com where you can purchase this video footage.
5. Sound Effects
To add sound effects and music use "Sound Scores."
Don't just upload your videos to YouTube. There are many other video sites out there and some may be more specific to your niche topic. Some of these other sites will convert a lot better than YouTube even though they don't necessarily bring as many video views. Make sure that you also consider using the free "TubeMogul" uploading and tracking service.
6. Video Length
Try to keep your video under three minutes as people prefer to watch short videos. Anything longer than five minutes will start to lose your viewer and therefore they will miss out on your final delivery and call to action. Make sure you include your website address in all promotional videos.
7. YouTube Background
You will want to have a great looking background for your video so here are some resources that will help you:
1. Free professional looking channels - www.backgroundtube.com
2. Professional custom made channel design - www.99designs.com
What Can You Make a Video About as an Author?
1. Create a book or eBook trailer
2. Create instructional videos on your topic
3. Interview someone of relevance in your niche
4. Record conferences or seminars that you present at
5. Your author bio. Personalise yourself with your readers
6. You need to tell a great story! Your story plus a demonstration will help produce an interesting video that will help you to sell more eBooks.
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