How to Use Video Interviews to Promote & Grow Your Business
/Interviews that Reach Your Company’s Audience
The people watching your video have seen a lot of interviews on TV, on the net, and in movies. How can you use interviews to promote your business and increase sales? Here is what our Orlando video production company has learned over the years.
The Interview to Promote Your Business Needs to Be Real
The viewers watching your video are very perceptive. They can tell when something isn't real.
If you want to send the wrong message, write down the responses you want to hear, and have the “interviewee” say those words on camera. You'll get a flat, insincere read. Even if you hire actors, the memorized “interview” won't seem real. Your viewers will know that you're trying to put something over on them.
In our experience, we've found that the best interviews are real interviews, where the interviewee gives spontaneous responses to questions. You won't get the exact wording you want. But viewers will perceive that what is being said is genuine and heartfelt.
How to Professionally Set Up a Video Interview & Make the Interviewee Feel Comfortable
Most people are nervous on camera, and viewers sense that nervousness. So when you're doing an interview, put the interviewee in front of the camera, set up the mic, turn on the lights, and start a conversation. Talk about something that the interviewee is comfortable with, like their family or their last vacation. Once the interviewee is talking comfortably, you can start the real interview.
Don't grill the interviewee. Make the interview a conversation. If you can, get the interviewee to talk about what he or she wants to talk about, in the context of the interview topic. As you listen, ask yourself, “Would I believe this?”
Think on your feet. How persuasive is what you're hearing?
When you set up for the interview, consider the background. It's simplest to set up in a quiet room with a generic background. If that's too stark, and you choose to have a live background behind the interviewee. Be aware that people in the background might be looking into the camera, spoiling a good answer. And consider how noisy your location is. The noise shouldn't be distracting, or so loud that it makes the responses hard to understand.
How to Give a Professional Interview & Ask the Right Questions
Interviewing a business owner or an important team member is the role of the video producer. It’s one of the most important steps in the production process, because the questions asked determine the message. Think about what will resonate with your target audience and formulate your questions accordingly.
Three Important Things the Video Producer Should Know Before Giving the Interview:
Understand all the details of the client's business.
Understand the needs of that business's customer.
Understand the customer's common objections.
As an interviewer, it’s your responsibility to have a firm grasp on the interviews and the conversation you're leading. Guide the conversation, don't force it. Remember that the interview is a collaboration between you and the interviewee. When the interviewee says something you weren't expecting, consider asking follow up questions. You might get some dynamite answers.
Make a List of All the Points You Want to Get from the Interview
Keep in mind what you want from the interview, and mentally check off the points you need. At the end of the interview it's OK to check your notes. “Thank you. We're just about done. Let me check my notes to make sure I have everything.”
Why Hire a Professional Video Production Company for Your Interviews
We at Whitney Media Productions have interviewed many people, and we know how to get believable responses. We're dedicated to you, and to delivering the message you want to get across to your viewers. Find out what we can do for you. Call 407-489-4168 for a free consultation.