Lights, Camera, Action!

Audio and video products are great because they appeal to a different learning style. They’re also easy to share which gives them a viral quality unparalleled by any other type of information product.

The great thing about these products is that you can package them together and add extra value.

In my previous post I talked about how you can use Powerpoint presentations for your webinar.

Well you can do exactly the same thing for a video product and record the screen with a great piece of software called Camtasia. This also allows you to edit, produce and save the video into different types of format so you then have a choice to submit it to YouTube, upload it onto your blog or website or burn it onto a DVD.

Alternatively you can use a camcorder or web cam and if you're happy talking about your subject then do that as it gives a real personal touch and viewers can put a face to the name. Be warned it can be quite nerve wracking the first few times especially.

If you can, invest in a lapel mic that can be hooked up to the camcorder.

Most camcorders have a built-in microphone that generally does a decent job of recording sound. however  under less than ideal conditions, the on-camera microphone yields less than ideal results for example if you had a whiteboard and were stood next to it, you would be at a distance so your voice wouldn't be as clear as if you were close up. A lapel mic allows you to sound clear even if the camcorder is a little distance away from you. s  from the camcorder, so your voice woulds s for example if you had a whiteboard ffffff 

You could ask a friend to record you while your making your presentation or again if you have the funds, engage the services of film students or a professional company in your area. You can also use this technique to video an expert either being interviewed or going through a procedure such as making fresh pasta.

When I first started doing videos, my mind would go blank and my mouth would dry up and I'd be really nervous.

Weird isn't it?

Just me and a camcorder and I felt like I was in front of a room full of people. Anyway at least I was able to stop and start as many times as I wanted to. Sometimes though, it's just best to go with the flow and not worry about the video being too professionally presented.

One of those Flip camcorder are great for taking out and about with you or if you have an iPhone and you think of something you want to share, then just record yourself in the present surroundings. It just makes things a little bit different from what everybody else is doing.

Moving on to audio products, again all you need is a simple piece of equipment such as headphones with a microphone and free software called Audacity.

This allows you to record live audio, edit it, save the recording in mp3 formatand a whole lot more PLUS it's completely FREE….WhooHoo!!

If you have the spare cash, then I would recommend buying the best microphone in your budget to achieve the best sound quality as you don't want background hiss on your recordings.

Pros

• Easy to create. You can sit down to record a how to or have someone else record it for a quick and easy information product.
  
• Easy to download. One download page or link and you’re done
  
• Easy to share – viral! – YouTube, Vimeo or one of the other video sharing websites
  
• Great for a 'how to' type format. Makes them almost as diverse a format as an ebook or report.
  
• Can be inexpensive to create
  
• Builds likeability, branding and authority because your prospects and visitors get to hear and/or see you.

Cons

• Limited potential for interaction.
  
• Can be costly to create depending on your scope.
  
• A little trickier to create a compelling audio or video than a compelling book. Some people struggle when they’re in front of a camera and it may be more difficult to be yourself.
  

However there is loads of fun to be had especially when it comes to editing and there is seriously good software to help you with this. It's just a case of looking around to see what's in your price budget and remember you can use video and audio on your opt in page to entice your visitors to leave their details.

Any questions or comments then please leave them below and I will answer them personally

Until next time

Doug