Vlogging, or video blogging, has become a popular and engaging way for people to share their experiences, opinions, and interests with a global audience. Whether you're looking to start a vlog for fun, as a creative outlet, or as a business venture, there are a number of tips and techniques that can help you get started and achieve success.
How to start vlogging
Vlogging has become a popular form of content creation in recent years, and for good reason. Not only is it a fun hobby, but it also allows you to share your experiences, thoughts, and interests with the world. Whether you're looking to document your daily life, share your passion for a specific topic, or start a new creative outlet, vlogging is a great option
Read our guide on how to start a vlog. This included tips on establishing what type of vlogger you’d like to be and the best type of equipment to set you up right.
Tips to build your vlogging audience
A great way to make a name for yourself is to produce quality content. Here are some tips to help your vlog:
1. Make your video compelling in the first 15 seconds
We as humans are known for our short attention spans. Studies have shown that many of your viewers won’t watch past the first 15 seconds. As a result, it’s crucial you pack your video with intrigue and excitement at the start, with a hook that will keep your viewers interested.
An effective hook builds curiosity so tease the best bits of your vlog episode at the start. Personality also plays a huge role. Try to inject your own style and appeal into your vlogs. Viewers often gravitate to vlogs that are funny, or vlogs with people they can relate to.
2. Tell a story in your video
Before you record your vlog, take a moment to consider the structure and flow. The fact is, having a narrative is far superior to a random bunch of clips. This could be as simple as adding in some snazzy transitions or a few video overlays to make it really stand out.
3. Creative editing Vlogs
Another way you can stand out is through creative editing. Colourful text overlays or visual overlays can add value to your vlog and help tell your story at the same time.
Music can also add a creative touch as well as atmosphere to your vlogs. Just remember to be careful with copyrighted music. Even if you tag it in your description, YouTube may remove it if it finds you to be in breach of their code. To be on the safe side, err towards royalty free music.
If you’re not into any of these gimmicks, just take the time to edit your videos crisply.
4. Frequency of posting
There’s no right formula when it comes to how often you should upload videos. However, it’s better to be fairly consistent. Post videos regularly and at consistent times to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more. If you vlog daily for the first month then once the following month, your followers will get confused.
How often you vlog also depends on what your niche is. A food or movie vlog, say, might benefit more from regular posts than a labour-intensive vlog about travel.
5. Stay on top of trends
You can build a considerable audience by producing vlogs on topical content. If you are early to a trend, your video is more likely to have an instant uptake, which will stand it in good stead even after other people follow suit (YouTube’s algorithm favours popular and timely videos).
6. Interact with your audience
Interacting with your audience is a critical aspect of building a successful vlogging channel. It helps you create a more personal connection with your viewers, encourages engagement and interaction, and provides valuable feedback and insights that can help you improve your content.
Tips to promote your vlogs
Quality and timely content is great. But it’s not great if no one knows it’s there. This is why outreach is so important. Here are three ways to get your name out there:
1. Utilise social media
You should definitely promote your vlog using social media channels. Share your vlogs on your personal and business social media accounts, and encourage your followers to share and comment.
If you have funds to play with, consider boosting the posts to targeted audiences. But the potential of social media doesn’t stop there. Be active on Facebook groups and forums too.
2. Collaborate with bloggers
Getting in touch with bloggers is an effective way to build your audience. They’ve done it themselves so you may just wish to ask them for some tips. Or ask them to view your content and provide feedback or ask them to share it if they like it.
Commenting on relevant blogs is another way to boost your reach. Chances are, a percentage of their audience will read your comment and click the link to your video.
3. Optimise your videos for search engines
Optimizing your videos for search engines is an important step in promoting your vlogging channel and reaching a wider audience. When you optimize your videos for search engines, such as Google or YouTube, you make it easier for people to discover your content and engage with your vlogs.
To optimise your videos for search engines, you need to use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags. This helps search engines understand what your videos are about and makes it easier for users to find your content when searching for related topics.
4. Participate in online communities
The internet is full of places you can promote your vlog to. Reddit is one example. Question and answer websites like Quora are another. Popular news publications with comments sections can work too. The trick at first is to try different avenues and see what works.
Tips to choose equipment for Vlogging
Choosing the right equipment for vlogging can have a big impact on the quality and appeal of your videos. Here are some tips to help you choose the right equipment for your vlogging needs:
- Camera: A high-quality camera is essential for vlogging. Look for cameras with good image and video quality, good autofocus, and a flip-out screen. Read our guide on The Best Cameras for Vlogging.
- Microphone: A good microphone is important for improving audio quality in your vlogs. Consider options like lapel microphones or shotgun microphones for improved audio quality.
- Tripod: A tripod can help you stabilise your camera and reduce camera shake, making your vlogs look more professional.
- Lighting: Good lighting can make a big difference in the quality and appeal of your vlogs. Consider purchasing a portable lighting kit or using natural light to illuminate your shots.
- Editing software: A good editing software can help you create professional-looking vlogs by allowing you to edit and enhance your videos.
- Accessories: Consider accessories like extra batteries, memory cards, and camera bags to help you capture and store your vlogs.
Your equipment choices will depend on your budget and your vlogging goals. Start with the basics and gradually upgrade your equipment as you grow your vlogging channel and your budget allows. At Camera House, you can find quality cameras and equipment for all your vlogging needs.
