In a recent study by Cisco, Internet video accounts for 40% of all internet traffic by consumers and it is expected to go higher. Videos are shared more than anything else on social media and they are so popular because they are social media-friendly. Whether you are making a how-to video or a book trailer, if you do it right, a video is a great way to spark people’s interest about your book. You don’t always need a professional to make a video and the following tips can help you to make a great video by yourself.

Tips for making videos

Your main objective in making a video should be to turn people who were otherwise browsing into buying customers.

The video and your book MUST be related.

The video should be a book trailer – you should give viewers something but make sure you leave them wanting more.

You must be brief. The video should be shorter than three minutes. If you want you can make several 60-90-second segments on the main topics discussed in your book.

Less is more. You should not draw out more than two interesting concepts from the book.

Tie all the elements of your video together with music.

The book cover image should be at the beginning and end of your video.

The following are some video ideas that work well with videos created for books.

“How to” videos to give customers practical help with topics

Giving behind-the-scenes information about your plot or characters

Quick Q&A sessions

Telling interesting stories covered in your book

Establishing credibility by giving advice from the book

Before shooting a video

There are several things you should ask yourself before you get to the actual shooting of the video. Some of these questions include:

What do I want to achieve with the video?

Should I talk directly to the camera or should the video be an interview?

Do I have support material like other videos or pictures to refer to?

How long should the video be?

How many videos should I make?

Make some bullet points that summarize the story idea before you start making the video. The location of your video shoot should add to the message of the film. It should be relaxed, quiet, clean, and attractive. You can add some props such as flowers or lamps. Make sure that your clothing is appropriate and don’t wear dangling jewelry. If you use a clip-on microphone, make sure that you wear the clothes for it. Always make sure that your posture is natural and never turn your back to the camera or point at it. Look at the camera as if you are looking at a person you know very well.

Things you should know to make a great video

Get the best quality camera and microphone to capture audio clearly.

The camera should be on a tripod or boom and should be very stable unless you intentionally move it.

Avoid background noises and shoot in a place with little echo.

If you shoot the video over several days, wear the same clothes.

It is virtually impossible to exhaust all the things you should cover when making a video. If you think it is too much for you, you can hire a professional videographer to help you out.