Published on 31 July 2023 6 min read

Plan your video content
Use good lighting
Focus on audio quality
Apply the rule of thirds
Edit for engagement

With the rise of the digital age, it's no secret that video content is a powerful tool that can take your personal blog to the next level. But, knowing how to use videography for a personal blog is a game-changer. If you're looking for ways to bring your blog to life, boost engagement, and keep your readers coming back for more, these five videography tips are just what you need.

Plan your video content

Before you take the plunge into the world of videography, it's important to plan your video content with intention and purpose. Think about it this way: you wouldn't start writing a blog post without a clear idea of what you want to say, right? The same idea applies to creating video content.

Understand your audience

Identify who your audience is: What are their interests? What kind of content do they enjoy? You need to tailor your video content to meet their needs and preferences.
Consider what type of video content would appeal to your audience: Is it tutorials, reviews, interviews, or behind-the-scenes footage? The possibilities are endless, but always keep your audience in mind.

Define your goals

It's important to define what you want to achieve with your video content. Are you trying to drive more traffic to your blog, increase engagement, or perhaps establish yourself as an expert in a certain field? Once you've defined your goals, you'll have a clear direction for your video content.

Create a storyboard

Creating a storyboard can be a fun and helpful way to plan your video content. Think of it as a visual representation of your video, where you can map out different scenes, decide what you want to say, and plan how you want to say it. This will ensure you stay focused and on-topic when it's time to shoot.

Remember, learning how to use videography for a personal blog isn't just about pressing the record button. It's about planning, understanding your audience, setting goals, and creating compelling content that keeps your readers engaged. You're off to a great start, and the next step is to make sure your video looks as good as it sounds. Stay tuned for the upcoming tips!

Use good lighting

Lighting plays a key role in videography. It can set the mood, create an atmosphere, and make a huge difference in the quality of your video. But how do you achieve good lighting when using videography for a personal blog? Let's shed some light on that.

Make the most of natural light

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to videography. It's free, readily available, and can create stunning visual effects. Here's how you can make the most of it:

Shoot during the golden hours: This is the time just after sunrise and before sunset, when the light is warm, diffused, and just downright beautiful. It's perfect for creating a natural, soft, and glowing look.
Use windows: If you're shooting indoors, position yourself near a window for maximum natural light. However, avoid direct sunlight as it can create harsh shadows.

Invest in a basic lighting kit

While natural light is great, it's not always reliable. That's where a basic lighting kit can come in handy. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it can make a world of difference to the quality of your videos. A typical kit includes:

A key light: This is your main light, usually positioned in front of the subject to illuminate their face.
A fill light: This light is placed on the opposite side of the key light to fill in shadows and create a more three-dimensional look.
A back light: Positioned behind the subject, a back light helps to separate them from the background for a more professional appearance.

Remember, good lighting isn't just about brightness. It's about creating depth, enhancing the mood, and ensuring your subject looks their best. Once you've got the lighting down, you're ready to move on to the next important aspect of videography for a personal blog—audio quality. Keep reading to find out more!

Focus on audio quality

When it comes to making a video for your personal blog, good audio quality is just as important as visually appealing content. Have you ever tried watching a video with poor sound? It's not a pleasant experience, right? Let's ensure your audience doesn't have to deal with that.

Minimize Background Noise

Background noise can be a major distraction in your videos. It can take away from the message you're trying to convey and make it hard for viewers to focus. Here are some tips to minimize it:

Choose a quiet location: If possible, try to shoot in a location that's free from noisy distractions like traffic, machinery, or chatty people.
Use a microphone: Built-in microphones on cameras or phones can pick up a lot of unnecessary noise. Instead, consider using a lavalier (clip-on) microphone for clear and focused audio.
Edit the noise out: If you still end up with some unwanted noise, you can use editing software to help reduce it.

Balance Your Audio Levels

There's nothing more jarring than a video where the audio levels are all over the place. One moment it's too quiet, the next it's deafeningly loud. To avoid this, make sure you:

Monitor your levels: Keep an eye on your audio levels while recording. They should be consistent and not peaking (too loud) or too low.
Use compression: Compression can help balance out your audio by making the quieter parts louder and the louder parts quieter.
Test the audio: Before publishing, watch your video with headphones on. This will give you a better idea of how your audience will hear it.

Remember, good audio brings your video to life. It can be the difference between a viewer sticking around or clicking away. Now that we've got audio and lighting covered, it's time to discuss another vital element in how to use videography for a personal blog — the rule of thirds. Read on to find out more!

Apply the rule of thirds

Now, let's turn to a fundamental principle in videography — the rule of thirds. This tried and tested technique can dramatically improve the composition and visual interest of your videos. So how does it work, and how can you apply it to your blog videos?

Understanding the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a simple yet powerful concept. Picture your video frame divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. The idea is to place the most important elements of your video along these lines or at their intersections.

Why does this work? Well, it's all about guiding your viewer's eyes. Using the rule of thirds helps create balance and allows for a more natural reading and viewing experience.

Applying the Rule of Thirds

Applying the rule of thirds in your videography is as easy as pie. Here's how:

Align your subjects: If you're filming a person, try to align them with one of the vertical lines. Their eyes should be around the top horizontal line.
Use it for landscapes: When filming landscapes, align the horizon with one of the horizontal lines. This adds depth and interest to your shot.
Experiment: Remember, the rule of thirds is more of a guideline than a hard rule. Feel free to experiment with it and see what works best for your content.

By using the rule of thirds, you can create visually pleasing videos for your blog that keep your viewers engaged and coming back for more. But keep in mind, the story doesn't end here. Your video needs some final touches before it's ready to charm your audience. Let's move on to our next tip — editing for engagement.

Edit for engagement

Editing is more than just polishing your video; it's an opportunity to maximize viewer engagement. So how do you edit your blog videos to ensure they don't just inform, but also engage?

Keep it Snappy

Online viewers typically have a short attention span. To keep them engaged, you need to get to the point quickly. Here's how:

Trim the fat: Cut out any unnecessary footage. If a scene doesn't add value, it's just eating up your viewer's time.
Use jump cuts: Jump cuts help you skip from one part of the scene to another, making your video feel faster and more dynamic. They're perfect for vlogs and tutorial videos.

Add Visual Interest

Visuals can make or break your video's engagement. Here are some tips:

Text overlays: Use text overlays to emphasize key points, add context, or share additional information. They can also help viewers follow along if they're watching without sound.
Transitions: Smooth transitions can keep your viewer's eye moving and hold their attention. But use them sparingly – too many can be distracting.

End with a Call to Action

Before wrapping up your video, consider adding a call to action. This could be asking viewers to comment, share your video, subscribe to your blog, or check out other content. A call to action encourages viewers to engage with your content beyond just watching it.

By editing for engagement, you can turn your blog videos from good to great. Remember, a well-edited video isn't just pleasing to the eye — it's more likely to engage your audience, earn shares, and boost the visibility of your blog. So there you have it: how to use videography for a personal blog. Now it's your turn to put these tips into action and see the results for yourself!

If you're looking to elevate your videography skills and boost your blog even further, don't miss the workshop 'Level Up Your Videos on Social Media' by Carolyn Edge. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to enhance your video content and engage your audience on social media platforms.