Did you know that viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to just 10% when reading it in text? It’s no surprise that more content is uploaded in 30 days than what major US TV networks produced in 30 years.
Yet many businesses still struggle to produce videos, often because they think it’s expensive, time‑consuming, and effort‑intensive. With a user‑friendly online editor like InVideo, you can create thumb‑stopping videos in under five minutes—even if you have no prior editing experience.
This guide breaks down the exact steps you can follow to launch a video strategy for your business. We also focus on the two most common video types for companies: YouTube videos and instructional videos. You can dive straight into one of these sections or read through the foundational building blocks first.
Here’s the roadmap:
1. Building blocks of a great video
2. How to make a YouTube video?
3. How to make an instructional video?
1. Building blocks of a great video
A. Identify compelling topics
Whether you’re an individual creator or a brand, the goal is to offer something unique that resonates with your audience. Start by answering four key questions:
- What do you want to talk about? Focus on what you’re passionate about and what you know well. The intersection of passion and expertise often yields the most engaging content.
- Who is your audience? Build a persona that captures age, location, profession, and pain points. For example, hobbyist photographers in the U.S. aged 15‑40 might need beginner guides.
- What’s their search intent? Use YouTube’s auto‑suggest feature and keyword tools (Ahrefs, VidIQ) to uncover high‑volume search terms related to your niche.
- What gaps can you fill? Watch top‑ranking videos, read comments, and speak to your audience. Look for unclear sections, unanswered questions, or missing depth.
For instance, if many camera reviews omit a detailed discussion on black‑and‑white photography, you can create a focused video that addresses this gap.
B. Plan your production
Once you have a clear topic, map it into a script and storyboard:
- Script: Turn your idea into a structured narrative. Include details such as location, lighting, wardrobe, and key talking points.
- Storyboard: Sketch rough frames or use simple stick figures. Even a minimal storyboard helps visualise flow and identify potential shot challenges.
- Shoot schedule: Allocate dates, times, and buffer periods. Factor in weather, travel, and break times.
- Recce: Visit your shoot location to assess lighting, framing, and obstacles (permits, traffic, noise). Make a checklist of solutions.
C. Shoot the video
Choose equipment that matches your video type. Below is a quick reference for common formats:
- First‑person videos: Webcam or smartphone, tripod, ring light, shotgun mic.
- Product showcases: Compact camera or DSLR, fluid tripod, LED panels or softbox, shotgun mic.
- Performance art: Mirrorless camera, gimbal, on‑camera LED panel, shotgun mic.
- Vlogs/outdoor: Smartphone or vlog camera, portable tripod, ring light, lavalier mic.
- Live streaming: Logitech Brio or DSLR, tripod or monopod, ring light, podcast mic.
- Screen‑record tutorials: Webcam or laptop mic, external mic, simple lighting.
- Animation/stock footage: PC with 12 GB RAM, InVideo editor, stock libraries.
D. Edit your footage
Editing can be as simple or as advanced as you need. Here are the most accessible options:
- InVideo: $10/month (free tier available). Offers 5,000+ templates, 8M+ royalty‑free assets, intuitive drag‑and‑drop editing, and 24/7 live chat.
- Adobe Premiere Pro / Final Cut Pro: $19.99/month+. Ideal for users who want full creative control and support for 1080p/4K output.
- Adobe After Effects: $20.99/month+. Perfect for motion graphics, visual effects, and advanced compositing.
For audio, use InVideo’s built‑in library or upload your own tracks. Add voice‑over, sound effects, and music to enhance engagement.
2. How to make a YouTube video?
Creating a YouTube video follows the same foundational steps—topic selection, production planning, shooting, and editing—plus platform‑specific SEO tactics.
A. Keyword research for YouTube
Start with YouTube’s search bar to discover high‑volume queries. Refine with Ahrefs or VidIQ: set the platform filter to YouTube, examine search volume, and explore related keyword ideas. Target phrases with high monthly searches and low competition.
B. YouTube SEO essentials
- Title: Include the primary keyword, keep under 60 characters, and craft a benefit‑driven headline.
- Description: Write 200–300 words, embedding the keyword and related terms. Place the most compelling 30–50 words at the top and add timestamps for key sections.
- Thumbnail: High‑resolution image, bright colors, a clear face, minimal text (≤4 words). Custom thumbnails increase click‑through rate.
- Tags: Add 10–15 tags, including the primary keyword, synonyms, and related phrases.
- Cards & End screens: Use cards sparingly at natural engagement points; end screens should promote related videos or playlists.
3. How to make an instructional video?
Instructional videos educate viewers on a concept or process. They are a powerful way to build trust and grow an audience.
A. Video formats
- Micro videos: < 1 min; ideal for social media.
- How‑to videos: 2–10 min; walk viewers through steps.
- Explainer videos: 3–7 min; simplify complex topics.
- Presentation videos: Repurpose slides or audio presentations.
- Screencast videos: Record desktop or mobile with voice‑over.
B. Essential tools
- InVideo: Online editor with templates, stock footage, and built‑in voice‑over.
- Loom: Free screen‑recording software for tutorials.
- Webcam: Logitech C920S or Brio for high‑definition on‑camera footage.
- Microphone: Podcast mic, shotgun mic, or USB mic for clear audio.
C. Five‑step workflow with InVideo
- Define format and purpose.
- Storyboard or script your content.
- Use InVideo’s ‘Text‑to‑Video’ feature to auto‑generate scenes.
- Add visuals, text overlays, and voice‑over.
- Insert music or sound effects and export in the appropriate aspect ratio.
Follow these steps and you’ll have a polished instructional video in under 15 minutes.
Summing it up
This guide gives you a comprehensive roadmap—from idea generation to final export. Start today and begin creating videos that captivate and convert.
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