15 comments

Should You Create an “About Me” Video for Your Blog?

cinematographer set action
Last year, my tiny living room was transformed into a makeshift studio with two cameramen, lights and a director who actually said “action.” I was being interviewed for a documentary about fashion blogging, and I was nervous. Not exactly nervous about what I would say, but because (deep breath), I really really hate how I look when I'm speaking on film. But, I love watching fashion films (I was a media studies major in college) and company about videos. Good ones, that is.

Having worked with tons of fashion and consumer brands, I also know that all the carefully composed, high-end photo shoots, casual jumping shots and daily style pics in the world cannot compare to having multiple senses engaged through branded video with 3D motion graphics. However, many of us don't exactly love being recorded, and if you, like me, have some strange hangup about being captured that way, it might just take a bit of courage and self-love.

The good news is that it’s never been easier (trust me – I learned to edit video a machine with two dials, not a computer), to take advantage of the power of video to create a branded welcome video about you, your blog and your message. Not only is it a fun creative exercise, but having the ability to create video is a boon to brands you may want to work with. In fact, online video production will account for more than one-third of all online advertising spending within the next five years, and Social Media Examiner reported that 76 percent of marketers plan to add video to their sites, making it a higher priority than Facebook, Twitter and blog integration.

Convinced? Here are 5 Things To Consider When Making an “About Me” Video for Your Blog

Keep it short, gorgeous! Aim for a video that is 2 minutes or less, emphasis on the less. In a study by Wistia, they found that “The average 30-second video was viewed 85% of the way through, while the average 2-minute video was viewed on average 50% of the way through.”

Much like a fairytale, ensure your video has, if not a moral, a delicious morsel for those who watch to remember about you. Make sure your video is on-brand, and showcases you, your blog and your point of view verbally as well as through imagery.

All tunes are not fair game. Licensed music is the way to go. If you don’t want to purchase the rights or use the free options, ask a musician friend to write you a ditty, or a songwriter BFF to allow you to use her ukulele jam.

Plan for heaps of time spent editing. Director, scmirector. When it comes to the final product, the editor is the master of puppets. And puppet? It takes a long, long time. Sure you could do it all as a headshot in one take, or try and edit that thing quickly on your iPhone, but you’re a style blogger – this thing is going to need panache. To create an end product you are super proud of, consider taking a DIY course, like 6-week video course one by Show and Tell Stories, or take advantage of the free video tutorials from Vimeo.

Pretty is pretty, but what is the point? The biggest mistake I see with branded videos is a lack of a call to action. What do you want them to do after they watch your video. Subscribe to your newsletter? Pass it along to a friend? Visit a special page on your blog just for those who made it through to the end. Don’t forget to include your website, social links and a strong call to action at the end of your piece.

What’s keeping you from making a video?

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15 Responses

  1. Danielle Bentley

    I’ve been wanting to start making blog/youtube videos for a long time, I just don’t seem to have the confidence and I absolutely hate the sound of my voice/how I look on every video I to make.
    I made a Keek and posted a few videos on there of me thinking that it would help my confidence but they all got deleted later on in the day..
    Any tips?
    Danielle xo

    Reply
  2. Xiomara Rosa-Tedla

    I actually created an ‘About Me’ video for my blog last year. I wanted something better than a simple paragraph to give visitors more background about myself and where my blogging perspective derives from. I’m so grateful that one of my director friends actually volunteered to produce and edit it for me!

    Xiomara

    Reply
    • The Glamorous Housewife

      Loved it! Now I totally want to make an about me video! Thanks for the inspiration!

      Thanks doll,
      The Glamorous Housewife

      Reply
      • Hey There, Stylish!

        I totally agree. I loved your video. How did you do it?

      • Xiomara Rosa-Tedla

        Thank you for checking out my video! Over the course of a weekend, I selected several looks and locations to shoot, wrote a copy and literally rode around San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley and shot scenes. I really give the most credit to my friend for shooting and editing the entire video. All I did was tell her what I wanted to do and gave her complete creative control.

        Hope this helps!

        Xiomara

      • Xiomara Rosa-Tedla

        Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed! 🙂

        Xiomara

    • Xiomara Rosa-Tedla

      Thanks so much! I appreciate the feedback 🙂

      Xiomara

      Reply
  3. Justine

    I would like to make an “About Me” video, and I think the process would be fun and create a closer relationship between the blogger and reader. However, I’m concerned about readers who are on my website in a quiet place such as a library or work area. I would not want the video to play automatically. For me, it would probably be a good idea to post my “About Me” video on YouTube and put a link in a good, clear, space on my blog. Thanks for this great article! The idea of videoing is not as daunting anymore!

    Reply
    • Crosby Noricks

      Absolutely – you never want a video to play automatically. It should be something your reader elects to view. I hope you make one and then share it with all of us on IFB!

      Reply
    • Sanam / A Chic Lifestyle

      I really agree @justine, auto play music and videos are SO annoying. I’d much rather see a youtube video/link that I can check out myself 🙂

      Reply
  4. Brieanna

    I think this is a great idea. As someone who has a fashion blog and loves to read them, whenever a fashion blogger posts a video with them talking I get more of an idea of the person behind the pictures and words on a page. It helps you to get to know them better. On that note I still haven’t plucked up the courage myself to make a video.
    x

    Reply
  5. Miss City Chic

    wow such great tips!!! i may have to consider making one 🙂

    Reply
  6. Kenneth Jacobs

    I never thought about making a video “about me”, but it’s definitely a great idea! I also want to do YouTube videos also. Anyone already have Youtube and want to give some advice on how to start?

    Reply
  7. Sanam / A Chic Lifestyle

    Great advice Crosby!

    I actually considered creating a video for my blog launch, but it never really got done!

    I think you’re right though, it does showcase your skills and creativity so much better than a post, so I would definitely create one later down the line.

    The only big issue that I have at the moment though is editing videos, I have Photoshop Premier Elements, but it never seems to work for me?

    A Chic Lifestyle

    Reply
  8. Jhalisa

    This is a really great idea as it gives your readers a realistic hint about who you actually are. I personally like the way I look on video but I can’t really stand my voice. I sound like an airhead or something lol. But this is definitely something to consider.

    Reply