4 Reasons Video Blogging May Not Be 4 Everyone

 

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION...!

In an effort to diversify content, expand readership and increase their online rankings, some bloggers have opted to add videos to their site's offerings.

Theoretically, it seems like a smart, progressive idea. Videos add visual variety, help to establish a more personal connection with readers, and are great for instructional type posts.
But before you take that camera out, be forewarned: just because something is "recommended" doesn't mean that you should necessarily try it or buy it.

Are you with me here?
You should always take into consideration whether it suits you, your goals and your personal strengths.
Of course it goes without saying, I am providing this "public service message" not to be critical, but to be a partner in your blogging success.

Here's a little back story to today's post...

Some time ago, upon visiting one of the blogs I regularly follow, I was surprised to discover that this particular scribe had added YouTube videos for viewing.
I was impressed with her courage to venture into new territory and her desire to try something different.  But a few minutes in, let's just say I was a little less "impressed."
The reasons?
There were a lot of background distractions in the presentation; she looked a bit uncomfortable; and her wording was awkward and poorly paced at times.

This convinced me that perhaps video blogging (a.k.a. Vlogging) is not the best medium of expression for everyone. And that's perfectly fine.

In the book 62 Blog Posts to Overcome Bloggers Block, author Marcie Hill shares: "Although multi-media posts are a great way to diversify your content and engage your readers, they are time consuming to create and editing can eat up loads of time depending on your editing skill level and the type of media you use."

ACCORDINGLY, HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU COMMIT:

• THE "UMM" SYNDROME

Remember the blogger I mentioned earlier in today's post?  I counted about 15 times where she stated "umm" in a 5-minute video. Truth is, most of us use "fillers," personal phrases and casual expressions when we're speaking that we're not always conscious of.  Videos tend to highlight these flaws and can sometimes come across as a little less eloquent. I should also point out that if your blog is recreational in nature, intended to be humorous, or to be shared merely with family and friends, then your strategy and content can be less "formal." Have at it!

• TECHNICAL GLITCHES AND POOR SOUND QUALITY

Good video presentations hinge upon an array of factors: technical ability, comfort in front of a camera, content, sound quality and loading time. At some blogs I've visited, I have experienced long wait times for the post to display, poor audio, and other drawbacks and mishaps. This can be counter-productive.  "Can you hear me now?" :-)

• BACKGROUND DISTRACTIONS AND NOISES

Unless you're in a "controlled space," sometimes it's hard to predict and manage background noises from pets, children, neighbors, phones ringing, etc. This is something to keep in mind moving forward.

• LEVEL OF COMFORT IN FRONT OF A CAMERA

Let's face it: not everyone is "camera confident."  I certainly am not.  How about you?
With textual blogging, conversely,  there's no penalty for bad hair days, shyness, awkward pauses, and brain freezes.

In closing...

There are advantages and disadvantages to video blogging.  The best way to approach it, for optimal success is to practice, start small, and whenever possible, get assistance. Mastery takes time.
For informational purposes, here's an interesting online article that addresses many pros and cons of video blogging:
https://www.atlargeinc.com/insights/pros-and-cons-vlogging-video-blogging

Hopefully today's post will help you to make a more informed decision in the future.
Here's to your success!


Thoughts? Comments?  Any experience here?


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