Vlogging is a huge trend worldwide. It’s a great marketing tool as it puts a face to the product/service and shows that there is a real-life, breathing human behind the brand. The right set up and structure can ensure you attract a dedicated audience and potentially bring in a new stream of revenue if you can get a good flow of views.

#1 – Know what you want to talk about?

There are thousands of vloggers around the world, so how are you going to stand out? Figure out what you’re going to talk about in your vlogs and what exactly you want to bring to the table? Do you have a specialized skill that you can communicate effectively about? Do you have a unique life experience to share? Consider all the aspects of your life and what you want to share. The more niche your topic is, the better your chances of building a dedicated audience.

#2 –  Who’s your audience?

Now that you’ve figured out what you want to talk about, we need to think about who are you going to talk to? When you know your audience, it makes it easier to tailor your content to these individuals. If you decide to invest in paid promotions, knowing your audience means you can target your advertisements to these specific groups to generate new subscribers or to encourage some other call to action. Your audience contributes to your growth. One person sees your contact, shares it with their friends, and you end up with more subscribers.

#3 –  Storytelling

Storytelling is an art in itself. When telling a story, its important to set the scene. Make sure that you tell the information in a way that those listening to the story care about what they are listening to. Use tension to engage your audience. You could also pose some questions so that they feel invested in the story like you are. Enjoy telling the story. The camera picks up every little emotion and nuance, so make sure you’re enjoying the process and telling the story in a way you find engaging. If you’re not interested in what you’re talking about, the audience will not be either.

#4 – Filming

Now we get into the more technical side of vlogging, which is the filming. Finding the right camera for your needs can be difficult, but you also don’t need to break the bank to get a quality camera. Once you get comfortable with the camera, you can get creative and think of other ways you can film content. If you don’t have a fancy camera, most smartphones come equipped to shoot HD video. The quality of the content is much more important than the quality of the video.

#5 –  Editing

This is the part that can get overwhelming and time consuming for some, especially if you’re new to the realm of editing. Good thing, user-friendly apps are abundant, so you don’t have to break the bank on learning how to use the software. If you decide to vlog from your phone, there are mobile video editing apps that you can use to edit as well. If you want to take your editing up another level, remember there are plenty of online courses you can take to develop your skills.

Now that you’re equipped with some tools to start vlogging go out there and film! The best way to get better at doing something is to practice, so pick up your camera and start shooting.