This last weekend we all had a blast talking all about Webcasting! Everyone had amazing answers, thoughts, and ideas about how to make not just a good video but awesome videos! We just couldn’t wait to share this recap for all of you that couldn’t make it this month and those who may want catch back up on all the goods. We hope you enjoy! Thank you to all of you that participated. Many new faces and we love that. 

Q1: The Producer Hat: What’s step 1 to webcasting, how do you initiate the idea, and how do you organize concept and production?

Livingforpretty: It has to be a concept that lends itself to the medium. An outfit post may not be ideal – but a tutorial is perfect.

HitchDesign: Think big, and then narrow it down to the best idea. Sleep on the idea and let it cultivate itself.

ParkerEtc: Brainstorm how you’d portray what you want to say in a visual form. Outline the shots, write out a script & stay on topic

Mspinkandblue: Knowing what you’re capable of, if u have a great idea but you’re not able to execute (bc of budget etc.) – consider adjusting

TheCuisinerd: webcasting is like a thesis paper. Make a script to outline topics, order and key phrases.

Chelsea_Costa: For me, a storyboard outline is important. Old-fashioned pen & paper helps get my projects going. 

nessabirdie: sometimes I just start shooting and edit later. 

ParkerEtc: Choose a topic you’re knowledgeable on. Keep your audience in mind as you create content.Balance entertaining & informative.

Livingforpretty: Determine the scope of the project. Some projects need planning more than others and extra help and hands. 

Jaclynkilfoyle: @ParkerEtc Like the idea of writing out a script and staying organized. Might help ease you into a new medium 

HitchDesign: Coordinate everything by finding all the pieces you need to make your idea come together. 

poppylindsay: I think that creating notecards is an excellent way to stay on track if you aren’t comfortable reading from a script.

HitchDesign: You should spend more time in production than actual execution. Good planning is key.

TheCuisinerd: Create a camera angle shot list so you cover all the details especially for DIY 

Theyellowtable: Remember you are the expert. Your video should be on a topic you are very comfortable with so you can have room for spontaneity. 

Somekindofstyle: Perhaps ask good friend to assist you on your 1st #Webcast! 

livingforpretty: Location is key – be sure to pay attention to the background and extraneous sound like water or wind. 

Ladyandthefox: Make sure to have plenty of eye contact! Engage your viewers into what you are trying to convey! 

poppylindsay: Everyone should take time to plan it out. Being over-prepared is better than being not prepared at all. 

sister_mag: Also good to see how outfit looks on camera and how you can move in it.

theyellowtable: I’m a big fan of collab efforts. Help your friends and they’ll help you! I cook for my photog friends/they shoot for me :) 

HitchDesign: Do trades with people. Talk about how the whole thing will pan out in your relationship and make sure it is good to both.

Q2: Is it worth going viral? How much should you budget for your projects, and how do you track/know your return on investment? 

sister_mag: Depends very much on the external help you need, i.e. if you have to pay for stylists etc. 

ParkerEtc: Think format. Assess if what you’re trying to share fits into an interview, instructional or just a dialogue video.

mspinkandblue: If its something ur trying out–get what u can w/trade (editors, props) if it works increase budget, costs, & level of ideas.

mspinkandblue: Also if you see a higher demand for your brand after you broadcast your projects; something’s working - create more. 

TheCuisinerd: A2: you can’t make a viral video. But You can make a video that goes viral. 

monicaleeart: I use my office studio. If you over complicate it-you will stop before you start!

Ladyandthefox: If you put your heart and soul into, that is what matters most. It’s only worth going viral if its a result of that!

sister_mag: If you put a lot of effort, time and money in it, you should also plan some activities to get it out.

jaclynkilfoyle: To go viral try sharing it on video sites like Vimeo and @Chill to get feedback. 

ladyandthefox: iMovie has always been the easiest for me, being a Mac user! 

TheCuisinerd: Always keep a video under 3 minutes, you want to keep engagement. 

Livingforpretty: imovie is great for beginners – very easy to use and can turn out a great product. 

Chelsea_Costa: The idea of “going viral” depends on quality. If it’s amazing, it will get shared, and the rewards will come. 

sister_mag: If you have blog, integrate it. If you do video about topic, identify opinion leaders in field & contact them.

poppylindsay: Sometimes you don’t have to invest at all! Find someone you want to collaborate with and borrow each other’s talents for free!

Monicaleeart: Don’t worry about length; if you have something great to say, people will stick around. My interviews are 30 -50 mins! Yikes!

Mclarkedesign: You should spend just as much time communicating and promoting your work as you do in preparing for it! 

Mstetsondesign: do you prefer YouTube or Vimeo? I know YouTube has more users/visitors, but I prefer Vimeo’s interface; prob the designer in me.

monicaleeart: I host my bandwidth myself on @wistia It is worth it. I have ownership of everything.

HitchDesign: I always feel like Vimeo has higher quality videos.

monicaleeart: You can purchase music (cheap) at @Pond5.

Ladyandthefox: I almost started using Vimeo, but like that more people utilize YouTube and view it! 

Q3: Knowing your “voice”: how do you insure your brand or personality translates into the video or podcasts you’re creating?

Livingforpretty: It is hard when exploring a new medium. The key is to always be yourself and to make sure your content fits.

Sister_mag: Choose a topic that relates to your brand and core topic.

HitchDesign: Realizing you are your brand is key. Make sure whatever you do reinforces your reader’s brand perception.

Monicaleeart: That comes along with knowing yourself!  relax and don’t worry about being anything but you!

Chelsea_Costa: Just as with blogging, stay true to your sensibilities! People want to see you, not an altered version of you

NessaBirdie: Stay authentic; may have YouTube role models, but stick to my own voice!

HitchDesign:  just remember it isn’t a diary… well unless that is your brand

ParkerEtc: Talk as you normally do, like having a conversation with a friend. Your writing voice should transition into your video voice.

JaclynKilfoyle: Setting shots up like you do with your photos & possibly similar graphics for intros and endings.

Monicaleeart: it is OK to shine! It is OK to have a big personality. Come across brightly and you will stand out more.

HitchDesign:  Make sure how you dress and present yourself feels like what you talk about on a day-to-day basis

DBSweet: I think if you take an existing post series you already use and make that a video, your readers will identify with that.

PunkyandtheCity: I think if you’re trying to be something you’re not, it shows. It doesn’t come off as natural and people don’t connect.

ParkerEtc: Video is another way for readers to get to know you, so be YOU. Practice your dialogue and let your personality show thru.

Poppylindsay: It is important to always use a topic that you discuss on your blog. Think of it as talking about it versus writing about it.

Monicaleeart: PS humor is ALWAYS a good thing. It is also ok to laugh at yourself!

Mspinkandblue: try different things- get input from people who r familiar w/ur brand & love it before u publish (don’t do it just to do it)

ParkerEtc: All video components (your tone, grammar, visual elements, backdrop, music, styling) should all point back to your brand.

ArtfulDesperado: when doing it you should feel like you’re talking to a friend – that way it’ll flow naturally.

Ladyandthefox: note what to look forward to in upcoming videos so that your viewers will keep coming back and get a sense of your niche!

Theyellowtable: Remember, keep it CLASSY!! Even if your personality/brand is edgy, keep in mind future employers or in-laws can watch…

Mstetsondesign: I think asking friends/viewers for keywords of how they’d describe your brand/blog would be great; might help give direction.

ArtfulDesperado: Also you should add some bloopers once in a while, people wanna see the person deal behind the cam! It makes you more… real!

PunkyandtheCity: Vloggers present an extended level of vulnerability. Readers become viewers. Stay true to yourself & that is very commendable!

Q4: What standards or key ingredients keep you tuned into a podcast, video or series? (What makes something worth watching?)

Sister_mag: interviews!

HitchDesign:  Keep it short and sweet and to the point.

TheCuisinerd: Focused content = focused audience

Mspinkandblue: honesty, unique topics & STORYTELLING! Simple things can be story worthy its all about the delivery – make us root 4 ur story

Ladyandthefox: Pure honesty. Be yourself, laugh a little, and say what you mean. Establishing a bond with your viewer is foundational.

ParkerEtc: Visual Variety. Bring in editing tools, music and varying shots to add contrast to the video in order to keep viewers attention.

HitchDesign:  Get the information out and make it fun and entertaining.

Chelsea_Costa: A quick, steady stream of awesome information and an engaging person giving it to me!

JaclynKilfoyle: A video with bright lighting, sweet simple music and great visuals always keeps me interested.

HitchDesign:  Think of what keeps you interested and take notes from there

Theyellowtable: It should be fun, relatable, informative, & a dose of humor helps. But quality (of sound, editing, and image) is key.

ParkerEtc: Think about what keeps you tuned into a video. Take notes on those and learn how to incorporate skills in your own way.

ArtfulDesperado: idea: I once saw a dude with a travel blog vlogging with his iphone! It was cool, you felt like you were his adventure buddy!

ArtfulDesperado: Have a theme! Don’t post random videos with no sequence or actual goal, mayb make a lil’ story board to help u keep track.

ParkerEtc: Have a tripod or steady handed helper. No one wants to watch a ‘Blair Witch Project’ version of your hair tutorial video

HitchDesign:  Don’t over style. Keep makeup and dress simple and real.

Q5: Do you see webcasting in your future, and do you think this medium will be seen more in the blogging community?

Ladyandthefox:  A5: Hoping to integrate it more with my blog. It helps us virtually connect/understand each other better if we can’t physically!