Get Seen: Online Video Secrets to Building Your Business

Get Seen – Or Read trying… no wait…

I recently finished reading over the following book:

Get Seen: Online Video Secrets to Building Your Business
by STEVE GARFIELD
2010 – Wiley – ISBN 978-0470-52546-3

I would rate it as decently entertaining and informative – 8.1 / 14.0 Stars.

It was pretty apparent the intended audience was the more “entry level” crowd simply because I understood most of it. :)

I am by no means an expert (and my videos absolutely stink in comparison to everything referenced in this book), but there were large portions of this book that were very easily “speed read”.  I did grab some useful tidbits and hope to put them to good use.  Check out my personal notes below from this book.

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Choosing a Camera:
– Consider size, video format, sound, tripod mount, expandability, streaming, & price
– The Flip is a great choice for video blogging and MANY have people use it
– KODAK ZI8: $160, removable lion battery, sd card, audio in!, full HD & 720p @ 60fps

Lighting & Sound:
– Very important – should probably get some form of add-on light in addition to making sure available light is utilized
– The Sima LED light looks excellent: http://www.amazon.com/Sima-SL-20LX-Ultra-Bright-Silver/dp/B000WKW69Q
– Consider an external microphone, if possible.  Sound is #1 when it comes to your message
– A decent USB mic, a desk stand, and a pop-screen for ‘studio’ work is plenty
– You can record video & audio separately and sync them later, but post-production efforts could be difficult

Making videos without Video:
– A bunch of options for making videos with still shots / non-recorded input

Recording and Shooting:
– A bunch of ways to record straight to websites (youtube, facebook, twitvid, etc.)
– Tips like the rule of thirds, interview hints (simple, common, advanced), b-roll clips, be mindful of your camera’s minimum focal distance

Editing:
– some basic editing tips using several methods / software packages
– Some music sites:
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/
iodapromonet: http://iodapromonet.com/
CC Mixter: http://ccmixter.org/
Jamendo: http://www.jamendo.com/

Uploading:
– use TubeMogul to upload out to a bunch of sites
– Youtube recommendations:
– Video: 1920 × 1080 (1080p) or 1280 × 720, 640 × 480 (4:3 SD), 30 to 60 fps (no funkiness), H.264 or MPEG-2 preferred
– Audio Settings: MP3 or AAC preferred, 44.1kHz, 2 Channels (stereo)
– get on Blip.tv, viddler, vimeo

Get your format / plan / template down and stick to it!
– intro no more than 5 seconds, credits, similar lengths

Broadcasting Live: you can broadcast live from a cell phone with data plan using Quik / Ustream / etc.

Video Blogging: a listing of different sites to blog on – basics

Interviews: inspiring stories you’ll have to check out for yourself.

Another great resource for YouTube videos is this detailed course on generating more YouTube traffic. Well worth the look. Their awareness video on the link is spot-on eye-opening.