Plan and create a video ad

1. Write down the goal and what you want to achieve with the video ad, such as a specific number of subscriptions or sales.

One video should equal one goal, so you need to be clear on what the one thing you are focusing on is. For example, advertising a course or selling a product.

2. Design a video ad strategy with your creative team, deciding on the format, platforms where it will be distributed, and your key marketing messages.

Brainstorm with your team ways in which you can differentiate yourself from your competitors’ video ads, in terms of style or messaging.

3. Decide whether the advert will be produced in-house or outsourced to an agency or production company.

For example, if you have the resources and skills in-house, you won’t need to outsource, but if part of your strategy involved skill or technique you don’t have, you might need to outsource some or all of the production of your video.

4. Choose footage that is high-quality and impactful to make a first impression and acquire the footage.

This might be existing or new original content from your business. You can also acquire footage from stock footage sites like Pexels or Pixabay. If you are filming new footage yourself, keep in mind the mood of the ad you want to create. For example, if it’s meant to look informal, a shaky mobile camera is perfect, but if you want your products to look pristine and professional, you should build or invest in a lightbox and hire or acquire a good quality camera.

5. Use your preferred video editing software such as Premiere Pro or iMovie to edit your footage into a short video, making sure your call to action is clear.

Depending on where your ad appears, your ideal length will vary, but it’s a good idea to keep it under 1 minute.

6. Download your video and upload it to the relevant network.

For example, if it’s a Facebook video, go to your Business Suite to set up a promotion campaign.