What grabs attention on social media?
Odds are good an image is what catches the eye. Tons of text is boring, but it’s practically impossible to scroll past a puppy without taking a good look.
Statistics say videos are even more appealing. It’s no wonder they’ve become a preferred medium for advertisers. From food to clothing to movie trailers, people are mesmerized by videos. And if it’s good enough, people can’t help but watch…watch again…and share.
Even authors have ventured into the realm of creating a book trailer. Some pay big bucks to have a trailer made. Me, not so much. I prefer the less costly (and much more fun) do-it-yourself process. Now this may mean my videos aren’t the fanciest entries on the block, but hey, I enjoy doing them.
Here’s my latest trailer for On a City Street. I’d love for you to take a look and critique. It hasn’t been posted anywhere except YouTube, and is easy to edit, so give me your best shot. What should I keep? What should I change? Is a lighthearted approach a good one…or not?
Put on your director beret and have a seat. Leave your reaction in the comment section so I can decide what to tweak, and thanks for your input!
By the way, making videos isn’t only for marketing. If you’ve ever thought about doing a slide show with family photos and pairing with music, not a problem. While I’m sure there are a number of programs available online, I use the free version of Lumen 5. You can create a fun video with photos/GIFS and add music straight from their site, or upload your own photos and choose from Lumen 5’s selection of background music.
It’s entertaining to come up with something cool to share with family and friends or on social media.
WARNING: Playing around with videos is a tiny bit addictive.
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Pat Wahler is an award-winning author. Her newest release, On a City Street, is first in a series of lighthearted contemporary romance novels featuring the Becker Family. Her other books include I am Mrs. Jesse James, Let Your Heart Be Light: A Celebration of Christmas, and Midnight, the One-Eyed Cat.
To order, click on the right-hand sidebar book cover image.
6 Responses
Pat–Perhaps on a follow-up video, you could give a little plot teaser? Otherwise, I like the inclusion of quotes–that’s a great idea.
Good luck with sales. I guess I will have to get a copy soon. If it’s half as engaging as “I am Mrs. Jesse James,” it’s a definite winner.
Hi Sioux! Just having a little fun, but I love the idea of hearing what people feel makes a solid video.
Thanks for the suggestions. A plot teaser is a good idea. 🙂
Pat, I like your video. Was at first confused if the lead in was an ad, but soon saw it was a hook. Could you give a brief one or two sentence overview? I will have to check out Lumen 5. Can’t wait to read, On a City Street. You are amazing!
Thanks for the suggestions, Linda! This video may never see the light of day (other than here, of course). I got a little cutesy with it, but thought it would be fun to let people dissect. 🙂
I agree with Sioux–I like the reviews added to it, but would like to know a bit about the plot through the video. Hey, you can make a few now! 🙂
Hi Margo! Thanks for letting me know what you think. Yes, it’s time to come up with something worthy of an Academy Award. Do you think Meryl Street is available? 🙂