Animal Health Solutions

Q3 2019 | Animal Health Solutions | 37 More at: northamerica.covetrus.com/publications Why video? It's what your clients enjoy most. Statistics show that people are more likely to engage with videos than photos or text-only posts. • 82 percent of Twitter users watch video content. • Over 500 million (half a BILLION) people are watching video on Facebook every day. • Social videos generates 12 times more shares than text and images combined. Overcoming stage fright to create and share videos with pet owners will help them feel a personal connection to you and your practice. Videos can be made to introduce your team, share patients' stories (with permission, of course), or educate clients about pet health and proper home care – from ears to nails! These tips and recommendations will help you make high quality, shareable videos your clients will love. Prepare and practice Before you jump right in and begin the recording process, make sure you have all of the tools you will need, including supplies and medications, reference posters or models, and of course a technician, a patient, and perhaps a treat to offer your four- legged helper. Although you may feel you can easily take out your smartphone and begin the recording right away, it will make a great difference in the professional nature of the video if you take the time to script out what you plan to cover. As you sit and write this out, you may come to realize that you had forgotten to introduce the people and pets that are helping you! Set the stage Take the time to build your "set". It can be simple to film on an exam table in your practice, but before you get started, take a moment to clear off any additional clutter on countertops, trays or cabinets. If you are able to remove extra posters or signs, this is also helpful. The less there is in the room to distract the viewer, the easier it will be for them to focus on the subject. Low level noise will be picked up on the recording and can be distracting. Take a moment to listen very carefully for any additional background noise. Is the vent blowing for the heat or air conditioner? Is ambient music playing in the background? If so, you may want to turn it off during the recording. Take a moment to look at your lighting in the room. Most exam rooms have simple overhead tube lights which can potentially cast shadows on faces. Consider adding an additional "soft" light source at a 45º angle to the camera, at eye level. This will remove any risk of shadows and brighten the image for the recording. If there is a window in the room, make sure it is in front of you or out of the image off to the side. You don't want to record a video of your reflection in the window. Same goes for glass cabinets. Consider investing a small amount for a tripod for the camera. This will eliminate shaking and vastly improve the video quality. Sound recording is just as critical. Inexpensive lapel microphones are available for as little as $17 online. Just verify the one you purchase is compatible with your smartphone. Press record – and be yourself! Now you are ready to get the ball rolling. You don't need a long introduction. The goal here is to have the video run between 1-3 minutes. Once you introduce the subject matter and your helpers (human and canine), jump right in and begin the demonstration. It's OK to have fun with it! If you are relaxed and enjoying yourself, it will come across on the recording. Since you wrote out a script and practiced it a few times, take your time and speak clearly and at a normal, conversational pace. Don't rush your comments as they may come across with less clarity on the recording. Stating important concepts more than once is perfectly acceptable. For example, you may want to repeat any symptoms that pet owners should watch for, and encourage them to contact you for an exam if their pet shows those warning signs. Encourage your viewers to call you if they have any questions related to the video. For videos that share DIY care tips, you may want to offer an in-person demonstration during their next office visit. Edit and share Now that your video is completed, there are dozens of video editing apps available. Whichever you use, keep it simple. Use the noise cancelling feature to clean up background noise, while editing out pauses or silence and adjusting the lighting if needed. Congratulations! You are ready to share your video with your clients via your website, and your social media channels. Encourage pet owners to share their stories and thoughts with you online. Having these virtual conversations can build a stronger, more personal bond between you and your clients. REFERENCES https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/03/08/video-marketing-statistics https://wave.video/blog/12-simple-tips-for-making-your-videos-look-more-professional/ https://wistia.com/learn/production/making-how-to-videos https://mashable.com/2010/06/03/how-to-make-how-to-video/

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