Videos are easy to make with the new digital technology provided in hand held video cameras. A virtual ocean of editing software can help you take your video and make it look more professional, but if you don’t start with a good product, no amount of editing will help. Here are some tips on how to create a good base video with which you can work.

1. Plan your message. No matter how sure you are, or how confident you feel most of the time, once a camera is on, people tend to get nervous. Knowing that you are doing a promotional video will add to that feeling. By writing out a script you eliminate the hesitations and stuttering that occurs when you feel unprepared.

2. Get a microphone. It doesn’t matter how good your camera is, you need a microphone. The video quality can be excellent, but the pick up mikes on cameras are not exactly top of the line. Pick a mike that works with your camera system from any of the many outlets online, the professional sound quality is worth its weight in gold.

3. Face the audience head on. Any video posted online is inevitably small. The audience wants to see your features as best as possible. It radiates confidence and honesty. Center your head and shoulders in the shot and avoid leaving too much room above your head; that is just a waste of space.

4. Call to action. End your video with a solid call to action. You want your watchers to act immediately and follow up on your advice. Be direct and remind them of what YOU can do for them, if only they act.

Business video marketing isn’t a difficult concept. It can add a great deal of value to your marketing budget, and it presents the appearance of a company on the cutting edge.