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# System prepended metadata

title: How to create great videos
tags: [Module 6]

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tags: Module 6
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# How to create great videos

Recording videos is straightforward. There are a couple of steps involved to make sure they are effective. Will briefly touch each of them.

- Step 1: Build your script
- Step 2: Prepare your setup
- Step 3: Record your video
- Step 4: Send
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## Step 1: Build your own script

Once you know for which use case you want to use video, sit down to create a short script. Let's suppose you want to create a prospecting video, here is the structure that has worked well for us and that we believe in:
* Reason for reaching out (e.g. a certain trigger, recommendation, news etc.)
* Name the problem you help solve
* Your solution (ideally giving a use case example)
* Call to action (include in video OR the accompanying message you send)

Not surprisingly, you may notice a very similar structure to effective cold calls and emails. The other person usually get's hooked by recognizing themselves in the problem you describe and witness in other companies you work with. 

:::warning
**Important:** You don't need to memorize this script! Video is only effective when it's natural. It does not need to be perfect, on the contrary - it's supposed to be conversational and authentic. The script just helps you remember WHAT you want to say in which sequence. 
:::

## Step 2: Prepare your setup

Three things that matter for good videos:
1. Good lightning. Use the best lighting available. If possible, sit near a window for natural light and make sure it's not too dark. 
2. Good voice quality. People can forgive bad video, but they rarely forgive bad audio. Make sure there are no background noises and that you can be heard loud and clear.
3. Good location (background). Avoid distractions in the background.
4. Good video perspective. Place your camera at an angle front and center to you (not from below).
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## Step 3: Record your video

This might feel like the scary part but just remember: it does not and should NOT be perfect. It's the small “imperfections” that make it authentic and turn it into a truly personalized video. Little mmhs and word stumblings are ok.

The more practice you get, the more comfortable you will feel and the more natural it will be. Remember that you can re-record your video as often as you like. However, we encourage you to not spend too much time perfecting your video. 

A few instructional recommendations:
* Tools: There are many video tools out there. We like [Loom](https://www.loom.com/home), [Vidyard](https://www.vidyard.com/) and Tolstoy (we personally work with Loom).
* You can record videos using camera only, screenshare only or camera + screenshare. We recommend camera + screenshare. 
* Prospecting videos: limit to 30-60 seconds. Explainer / content videos: limit to 2-3 minutes. 


Once you are done, review your recording and check for audio quality and the clarity of your message. If both look good, you have your video! If not, re-record as often as needed. 

See an example for a prospecting video we created for out first cold outreach. Not perfect but hopefully you find it authentic (it was the firs and only take). 😉

<div style="position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0;"><iframe src="https://www.loom.com/embed/bf180d2df5c343ebaf2d7cd9f211eb8e" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;"></iframe></div>

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## Step 4: Send your video

Now that you have recorded your video, you can send it to your prospect. Again, a few steps we recommend:

1. Change the name of your video. Apply the same logic as to good email subject lines - make it short, non-salesy, no marketing slogans. You want to make the recipient curious. Note that the video title will be shown in the video preview when embedded in mails / messages. 
2. Copy the video's GIF thumbnail into your LinkedIn message or mail body. See the screenshot for clarification.

![](https://i.imgur.com/y84SEJI.png)

3. Write supporting message. We recommend writing a short message accompanying your video and end with a call-to-action (low friction question like "Is this relevant?" or "Sound interesting?" that make it easy to respond).
4. Send! 

Below is an example of what it can look like on LinkedIn, using the prospecting video we have created above.

![](https://i.imgur.com/cVlk2uN.png)


:::success
**Practical tip:** We know that to many of you recording yourself may be scary. There is the fear of being judged or coming across "intrusive." Because of that we see many sales reps be obsessed with details wanting to perfect their videos. Don't. Imagine you are in a conversation with the other person. Practice videos and send them to friends and colleagues for feedback if it helps you. 
:::
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*Credits: For this lesson we got inspired by Vidyard and Thibaut Souyris at SalesLabs. We also hosted Thibaut for a masterclass on video prospecting that you can watch anytime on [Hyrise+](https://www.notion.so/headstartacademy/Hyrise-c999e576b6b84228a55087fb7373df4c), section "Masterclasses".*


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