How to Create a Video for your Orientation

Including Video in your online orientation creates and engaging and fun way to communicate with your students.  Here are some tips to

1. Develop a strategy

Before deciding the content of your video, you will want to establish the strategy and purpose of your piece. You should be able to answer:

• Who is my audience?
• What message am I trying to convey?
• What results would I like to see from the video?
• What distribution channels should I use?
• How will I measure the effectiveness of the video?

2. Plan the content

Once you decide on your strategy, now is the time to map out the storyline of your video. Be sure to include a call to action that will lead viewers to the purpose of the video.           Keep in mind that younger audiences tend to prefer shorter videos.

3. Produce the video

Finding a videographer may be easier than you think. Often time’s schools have their own film, video or cinematography departments and find willing students who are looking to expand their skills and need some job experience.  If you don’t have access to a videographer on staff and are plan to create a video on your own, there are a few free tools available to assist you:

• Powtoon – allows you to create animated videos that can serve as demos or explain a service or process. Watermark-free versions start at $18 per export
• Wideo – editable templates that allow you to import your logo and graphics for a customized message. A light version is available free for up to 45 second videos
• Screenr – free software that records your screen and provides a corresponding link. This is great for demonstrating software, service or process instructions.

If you’re interested in hiring a video professional, there are also some great resources online that are designed to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

• Videopixie – allows you to describe the video you’d like then professionals bid on your project. You can then choose based on the bidder’s portfolio and costs.
• Gigsalad – allows you to browse through video professionals and get a free quote on your project

4. Distribute your video.

Whether creating a fun introduction video to your campus or an informational video, you’ll want to make sure you reach as much of your audience as possible. This means not only including your video in your orientation or training, but also showcasing it on social media and your website. When uploading your video to a sharing site like YouTube, be sure to include a call to action in the description.

5. Track your results.