Since I added video to my blogs & websites 2 years ago, I’ve learned by experience (and from making tons of mistakes) how to plan, shoot, edit & promote video-blog-style videos that get the two most important results: bonding with my tribe & communicating my authentic voice.

Now I’m able to sign up clients for my group & one-on-one programs without even speaking with them live or on the phone, in many cases, because they feel so connected with me from my videos (and other social media marketing efforts).

And let me tell you the big secret … video is not hard! It is not complicated! Once you get over the learning curve, anyone with passion & a message can create videos to engage your community and speak your truth.

Why Add Video to Your Blog or Website?

Videos speak one-on-one with your viewers. Video feels like a one-on-one, intimate communication between you and the person watching. They are alone, and as they watch you speak, they have the experience of being alone with you. There is no other communication that is both leveraged AND intimate.

Most businesses & blogs don’t have video. It’s an easy way to differentiate you from the other people in your field.

People LOVE video. Here’s a quote from mashable.com: “online video is surging as 8.9 billion videos were viewed by 120.3 million U.S. citizens in July. That’s over 1/3 of the entire U.S. population.” Unlike podcasts, twitter, and other technology popular among tech-geeks (like me), a large percentage of your audience already uses videos. And with high speed internet access quickly becoming the norm, they are able to easily access video.

Video is visual. Many of your readers are visual learners, like me. While we can read text or listen to audio, we learn best by video … and your auditory learners will of course also learn from the auditory portion of your videos.

Video tells a story. Of course, we have all heard the cliche of “a picture shows a thousand words.” Well, the reason it is a cliche is because it is true. Your body language, the setting of the video, and a thousand other non-verbal communications are passed as you speak in just a 3-5 minute video.

Videos are fun to make. Once you get over the learning curve, video is surprisingly straightforward to create. I can quickly make exponentially more video content than content via articles or special reports.

Video engages and bonds with your viewers more than any other method (except in real life, face to face communication). There is nothing that bonds with your viewers more than video — with the sole exception of meeting them one-on-one, in real life (IRL). And obviously, you can’t meet with each of your clients/customers/readers/prospects on a daily basis!

Who Should Consider The 4 Weeks to Video Program?

• If you want to add video-blog style video to your (new or current) blog, website, or sales pages.
  
• If you need to communicate with people who you cannot meet with regularly in real life.
• If many of your clients & community live outside of your local area.
• If you want to build a personal and/or global brand, without traveling 360 days a year.
• If you want to develop your own personal video style.
• If you want to learn both the technical AND the strategy of making videos.
• If you want to learn the step-by-step process for planning, filming, editing, and promoting your video.
• If you want a quick-step process for getting your first video asap.
• If you want to do live streaming video classes, shows, interviews, or question-and-answer sessions.
• If you want to bond with your clients, readers, and tribe.
• If you want to engage your viewers in an intimate, one-on-one way, without having to see them in person.
• If you want to keep intimacy in your communications but need to leverage your time.
• If you want to learn how to speak your truth & create authentic, warm videos that bond with your audience.

Who Should NOT Consider This Program?

• If you only want to do “viral” videos. In that case, contact my friend Scott Stratten at Un-Marketing.com.
• If you want to do high-production, fancy, or corporate videos.
• If you only want to learn from someone who has degrees or certifications in film/video, or who has experience in commercial/broadcast television or film.
• If you want me to promise you will get millions of views/traffic/clients or make millions of dollars. It all depends upon your implementation, work, business, model, and situation.
• If you are looking for “corporate” branding (this program is targeted for those building a more “personal” brand).
• If you want a full do-it-for you solution. Both levels of this program assume you want to learn how to do video yourself, with proper training & guidance.

What Does the 4 Weeks to Video Program Cover?

Quickstart – One Day to Video:

The basic bare minimums you need to get a video up on your website asap. You will learn the fastest way to plan, setup, shoot, edit (or not edit, actually), upload, and post a video that will convey your message and get you rolling on your video adventure.

Week 1 – Planning Your Video (5 tutorial videos)

• should the video be live or recorded?
• what’s the difference between videos for promotional purposes, in a video blog, or in a paid class?
• what’s the secrets to good lighting in a video (without professional lighting)?
• how do I pick a location?
• does the location matter?
• what decisions do I need to make before I shoot my video?
• how long should my video be?
• should I script the video or just work off an outline?
• do I actually need to rehearse?
• how much planning does it really take to create a video?
• do I need to buy a new camera?
• should I shoot in HD or just regular video?
• do I need special audio equipment?

Week 2 – Filming Your Video (6 tutorial videos)

• how do I prepare myself to be on camera?
• how do I look my best on camera?
• do I need to use multiple takes?
• how much video should I shoot?
• how do I look natural & comfortable on camera?
• what about when I flub up or misspeak myself?
• what if something happens in the location (leaf blower, person appearing in the frame, unexplained noise)?

Week 3 – Editing Your Video (11 tutorial videos)

Tutorials for both Mac (iMovie 09 & iMovieHD) AND PC (Windows Movie Maker)

• how do I get the video off my camera and into the computer?
• what software do I need to edit?
• what steps do I use to edit the video?
• how much do I need to cut?
• what should I cut out of the video?
• what about all my flub ups & misspeaks, do I need to edit those out?
• should I add music, voiceovers, transitions, titles?
• what special effects should I avoid?
• how do I create a video that’s interesting to watch?
• how long should my video be?
• what format should I save the video as?
• should I save the video in more than one format?

Week 4 – Promoting Your Video (7 tutorial videos)

• where should I post the video?
• should I post the video in more than one place?
• how do I get the video up on my website?
• should I also upload to Facebook, or just link to my blog/website/youtube?
• how do I drive traffic to my video?
• do I need to have text on the post, or just the video?
• how do I make sure everyone can watch it?
• how do I get people to pass my video along to others?
• how do I promote my video on twitter?
• how do I get comments on my video?
• should I respond to the comments?

Extra Class – Live Streaming Video (4 tutorial videos)

• why would I want to do live streaming video?
• is live streaming video right for my audience?
• what content works on live streaming video, and what doesn’t work?
• should I use ustream, livestream, or another streaming service?
• how do I balance making the video with managing the chat & questions?
• how do I get people to watch live?
• how should I promote the show?
• what’s the difference between streaming for a scheduled show, a one-time event, or a spontaneous chat?
• what technical requirements do I need to do live streaming video?
• how do I record, edit, and post the recorded video?

How Does This Program Work?

Classes: Each day (5 days a week) for 4 weeks you will receive an email from me with the day’s lesson (delivered by online video tutorials, of course). All lessons are pre-recorded, so you can listen to them on your own schedule.

Case Studies: Each week I will provide at least 2 case studies critiquing online videos from both those enrolled in the class as well as prominent online video creators (a total of 8 case studies!).

Private Website: All course materials, including video tutorials, case studies, checklists, and other resources will be archived on a private website.

Support: On the private website you will have an opportunity to ask questions to me, post your work, and mastermind with other class students.

Access: You can email me at any time with questions, but I prefer you post your questions to the private website so everyone can see the answers … and because some of the other amazing students may have better feedback than I can offer (more minds are better than one!).