Move Over James Cameron: Creating Social Media Video

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Social media videos are a great tool used by many companies to advertise, while creating content that viewers enjoy. In my last post, I spotlighted an apparel company that created entertaining YouTube videos to advertise their business. This is the next natural step in visual storytelling, and thanks to Social Media Examiner, here are 8 tips to help you get started.

1. Post stories from your customers.
This goes along the lines of connecting with your viewers. Showing the real people that use your products creates a personal connection with potential customers.

2. Create a fictional series.
A sure way to keep you viewers coming back, create an entertaining series of videos that tell compelling stories, or just make your viewers laugh. You don't have to be a professional film maker. Video recording devices and editing tools are more accessible than ever, so creating quality videos is well within your grasp.

3. Tell personal stories.
As I've mentioned in another post, when you are on social media, your business is personified. Telling personal stories about your company, its roots, or the people involved is a great way to grow the connection between you and your customers, building brand awareness and loyalty.

4. Shoot documentary style videos.
This can tie in to the other tips on this list. Feel free to experiment with different genres and formats. Also, analyze your customers and find out what type of videos they prefer to see.

5. Interview guests.
This is a budget friendly way to expose your viewers to real world encounters with your product or service. This can be a great way for you post stories from your customers.

6. Take viewers behind the scenes.
Personally, I love seeing the way products are made. This is a growing trend for companies who post social media videos. I get especially excited when I see small businesses, who place a lot of quality and pride in their work, show their manufacturing processes.

7. Create animated stories.
Disney is not the only one who can bring talking animals to life through animation. This is another fun way to create social media videos. Like other methods, tools for creating simple animated videos have become more popular and easier to access than ever.

8. Show viewers how to do something.
Another personal favorite of mine. YouTube is the go-to place for how to videos. From how to replace a radiator, to how to kick box, YouTube has a wealth of knowledge. Teach your viewers how to do something that relates to the product or service you provide. This will ensure your viewers will think of your business when they brag to their friends about what you've just taught them.
(Source: How to Use Video Storytelling in Your Social Media Marketing)

Train Like an Athlete: Athlean-X

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Athlean-X is a fitness training program created by professional trainer Jeff Cavaliere, which has developed into its own brand. In addition to the fitness program, Athlean-X has a mobile app, workout supplements, a blog, and most notably, a YouTube channel. Here is an example of one of his recent videos:

Athlean-X is a channel I personally subscribe to, as it provides a wealth of knowledge concerning all things health and fitness. Cavaliere's videos are produced very professionally, regularly, and all free of charge. There is not doubt that he is trying to use these videos to sell his products, but they do not feel like commercials. To the viewers, the videos are useful and entertaining whether they plan on purchasing from Athlean-X or not. To me, this is using social media video as a marketing tool at its finest.