10 Video Myths Dispelled, Debunked, and Derailed.

Myth 1. Video has to be perfect.

As I have often quoted, "Good enough is good enough." While perfection is an admirable goal, do not let that stop you from putting up a video. It's not going to be perfect - nothing ever is.

Myth 2. Video has to be exensive.

The majority of the videos that we at KeyThing produce are done with a $150 digital camera and an $18 monopod. If you want to include our "sets", then tack on another $50. Anyone who says you need expensive gear is just trying to make themselves feel better about their foolish purchase.

Myth 3. Video has to be long.

There's a reason the best commericals ever last about 30-45 seconds. Those stick in our short term memory. We can easily replay them in our minds and get the benefit of what we saw again and again. Adopt the same model for your videos.

Myth 4. Video has to be all emcompassing.

As soon as your video is online, you'll say, "I wish I had thought of saying this or that.". So what? What you said is great! Write down what else you wanted to say, and save it for a follow up video.

Myth 5. Video has to be professional.

I've seen pleanty of $1,000 to $3,000 videos shot in some big fancy studio, and can easily think of 87 other things the person should have spent their money on. Do not fall prey to the idea that you have to spend the big bucks to produce a simple video!

Myth 6. Video has to be difficult.

My daughter, who is 8 years old, makes her own videos (when she's not playing soccer, doing ballet, or playing with her Webkiz)... if she can do it, so can you!

Myth 7. Video has to be constantly updated.

The only time this holds true is if you're doing a timed video segment where you tell your audience when the next "espisode" will be online. Other that that, no need. We have pleanty of videos online now that have been with us for almost two years!

Myth 8. Video has to be viral in nature.

While viral videos are great, not all of them will do well as a viral video. I can see the value in showing someone what they'll get in a package they're ordering, but I just can't see myself forwarding that to a bunch of my friends. The video itself is great, as it should be - don't miss making a video because you can't find a "hook" for it.

Myth 9. Video has to be the center point.

Look at this Tips & Tricks section. Not many videos, and we sell a video product! You don't always have to have a video. They're great for enhancing your website, but unless you're running a video blog, then they don't need to be the focal point of your site.

Myth 10. Video has to be relevant.

Absolutely not! Some of the best videos I have seen have to do with the human side of someone that I just know "online". To see them interact with society, to catch a glimpse of them being "normal". It adds a human perspective to the online relationship, and increases trust and likeability (which translates into more sales, by the way).

Bonus Myth! Video has to be time consuming.

With VideoPaste.com, you can have your video uploaded, encoded, and ready to be on your website in about 87 seconds. No need to call a techie, a web guy, a video person, or anyone else. Just point, click, upload. You're done!