How-to videos are everywhere on the internet. It is almost impossible to miss them when you scroll through your favorite social media timeline, and they keep getting more popular because of the high demand people have for effective learning materials.
E-books and audio resources are readily available for learning, but according to recent findings, over 75 percent of customers prefer videos to learn about products and services. This is why you should take advantage of the guidelines you will find in this article.
Here, you will get a step-by-step guide on the best method you can use to create how-to videos that will attract the attention of your target market. So, if you are planning to start making how-to videos for professional, business, or personal reasons, you are in the right place!
What are how-to videos?
As the name implies, a how-to video is any video content that is aimed at teaching people how to do something. The content of these videos can range from complicated processes like “how to solve calculus problems” to simple ones like “how to change your phone wallpaper.”
There are even YouTube videos that teach people how to boil water. So don’t feel there isn’t a need for your video. As long as it teaches something, you will get viewers. You just have to make it the right way—which is why you are here.
How-to videos are usually short. They are straight to the point, catchy, and, more than anything else, helpful to the viewers. So when looking for how-to video ideas, make sure you keep these factors in mind because they will determine your success.
Why Are how-to videos so popular?
Do you recall how often you’ve consulted Google for a method to do something? Your answer is definitely no. The same also applies to everyone who can access the internet.
We have become so dependent on the internet for many things, so how-to videos are always in high demand. And because they are so easy to understand, people will keep asking for more how-to content in video form. No wonder these videos are getting even more popular!
According to Google, over 80% of viewers on the internet say they regularly watch YouTube videos to learn new things. And this fact has been maximized by different business owners to grab the attention of their target market online. Most firms even employ the services of video production companies to create how-to videos for them.
One important thing you also need to know about how-to videos is the reason people look for them. Yes, everyone wants to learn new things, but viewers also use these videos to make important decisions. Which include shopping and other forms of subscription.
For example, people who shop for beauty products use how-to videos with content related to skincare and cosmetics. After watching videos that teach how certain products are used, viewers will use that information to make buying decisions. The same applies to other products and services—including the ones you may have for sale.
So, if you have products for sale, a how-to video may just be the boost you need to increase your sales. These and other multiple benefits for both the makers and consumers of how-to videos are obvious reasons why they will keep getting more popular.
Five Steps on How you can create great how-to videos
Now that you know how important how-to videos can be for your different needs, it’s time to start creating! For video marketing reasons, it is always good to consult experts to carry out the project for you. But you can use these steps to do it on your own—especially if you are on a budget.
1. Select an Exclusive Topic
What will your how-to video teach people? You must figure this out before picking up a camera to record any video. A good place to start with how-to video ideas would be with the needs of your target market or customers.
This is why it is good to always have a relationship with your customers. And you can improve that relationship by having a well-trained customer service team. When you speak with your customer service representatives, ask them what customers always complain about.
Even if customers don’t outrightly complain about your products, you will notice a pattern in how they ask questions. And this pattern will give you the best how-to video ideas. Make a video that answers their frequently asked questions and simplifies complicated processes.
If you are targeting people who are not yet your customers, make how-to videos that will promote your brand. Some people may not be buying your product because they don’t know how to use it. So, making a video that shows how the product works could be what convinces them to buy it.
After you use these tips to develop the best how-to video ideas, select a topic and stay focused on it. It is easy to start doing too much at the same time, which is wrong. So make a list of all your ideas and make short videos one at a time.
2. Select the best type of videos
After choosing the right topic, you need to figure out the kind of video you will make. With respect to the kind of products you have and how they work, this step should be easy. For example, a demo video demonstrating how it works would be ideal if you created a new software feature.
If you just want to connect with your customers or subscribers, you can record yourself speaking to them. A live-action video can also serve the same purpose. It also works better if you use actors who can represent your target market.
An animation is also a good option for these kinds of videos. Especially if you have great how-to video ideas and want to bring them to life without breaking the bank. If you have products or services for children or young people, the ideas will fit very well into animation videos.
3. Write an Extraordinary script
You are all set to start writing your script with a great how-to topic and a video type to match. And one thing about writing is that it will always take more time than you assume it will take. There are just different complicated stages that you need to take your time and curate.
Get all the information you need to cover in the how-to video. For example, if you want to teach people how to sew, get all the details from start to finish. From the materials needed to the last step of sewing the dress—all the details should be covered.
After you gather all the details, start editing out the parts that are not necessary. Remember that people have a short attention span, so you have to go straight to the point. Viewers will leave your website if they don’t find what they are looking for quickly.
If you want to write a clear and powerful script, start by listing all your key points. Then start expanding on them one after the other. This will help you plan the teaching steps properly and quickly pass the message to your viewers.
When you have finished writing your script, try reading it aloud to one or two people. This will help you see it from another point of view so that you can adjust the script accordingly. Never underestimate the usefulness of a second opinion!
4. Shoot your videos
It is now time to start using the cameras to bring your perfect script to life. In step 2, you pick a video type, which will affect the method you use to make the video. For example, if you choose a live-action video, you’ll need lights, a microphone, a camera, and other related items.
If it is an animated how-to video you want to make, the requirements will be different. First of all, you will need to hire an animator. Then, you will need to do voice-overs. You can use your voice if you want, but inviting a voice-over artist is also a very good option.
For demo videos, you will need to record how your product works in the simplest way that people can understand. If it is software, you have to screen-record how people should use it. Use a dummy account, and don’t forget to utilize data that will make your product stand out.
After shooting your video, get the opinion of other people before you publish it. If possible, meet experts that have made how-to videos that turned out successful. They will know the best advice to give you, and you can make reasonable adjustments as you did with scriptwriting.
5. Go ahead and publish your beautiful video
After you have put effort into making your how-to video, it’s finally time to show it to the whole world. And as you are posting it on relevant platforms, make sure you focus on your target market. The how-to video will be more useful to people who are already looking for it.
Start by sending the video out to your email list (if you have one). Social media platforms are also good for promoting your how-to videos. If you have a good number of followers on social media platforms, the video will encourage engagement.
If you don’t have a lot of followers yet, you can promote the video on Twitter for a small fee. You can also show more people by running targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram. Ads are equally useful even if you have a large following on social media—you can never run out of prospects.
YouTube is a great place to showcase your videos. If you don’t already have a channel, create one as soon as possible. This will help you make a name for yourself among the best how-to video creators in the world. Don’t forget to answer questions and engage viewers when they comment on your work.
After you publish your video, you also need to know how well people accept it. So, use your preferred video hosting platform to track the performance of your how-to video. The results will help you make the right adjustments to get more viewers and better engagement in the future.
Amazing Tips About How-to Videos
Here are three tips that will make your how-to video even more interesting:
Use fascinating visuals
When you are teaching people something, things can easily get boring. And you really don’t want to remind your viewers of those boring classes they had in school. Make your videos visually interesting!
You can achieve this by using a beautiful background and using a high-quality camera. You can also add funny but relatable emojis from time to time throughout the video.
Make the video short and simple
Your viewers will get bored and stop watching if it is too long. Don’t give a long introduction and go straight to the steps people have come to learn. People have a short attention span on the internet. They can become impatient if they search for a solution and don’t get it immediately they start watching how-to videos.
Use the text on the screen
Not everyone wants to watch a video with the sound on, so think of them and use on-screen text features. Even with sound, there are people who still want to read text instructions because it helps them assimilate better. It also lays emphasis on the points you are making.
Remember that you have competition on the internet, and people can easily get distracted when they are online. So apply every tool that can keep their focus on you.
Final thoughts
It’s a wrap. This is pretty much all the information you need to create an excellent how-to video. You can gain much from this knowledge, especially if you apply the additional tips listed above.
Even if there is a lot of competition in this genre, you can still stand out with your unique ideas. So get creative, and invest in the best gear if you have the means. This will increase the quality of your videos and bring respect to your brand.
