Successful real estate professionals have always been conscious of their professional image, and electronic media and the internet have helped broadcast that image to a much wider audience with an almost unlimited reach. It is no exaggeration to say that most Realtors today are more of a brand to themselves than ever before.
So one can easily make the case that an agent profile video is probably one of the most important branding elements that a Realtor has at his/ her disposal to success in attracting clients and projecting a professional image that matches their skills and target audience.
Agent profile videos are becoming just as essential as business cards- if not more so. So it is of critical importance that Realtors take the opportunity to use video to put their best foot forward, and help them grow their business.
3 basic steps to creating your profile video
Script
The first step to creating an agent profile video is to write your script. Take the time to write down what you want to say, including sketching the order of your shots. Plan out how you want to open up the video, think of some images that you may want to add to illustrate it, and then write the dialogue that will go with it.
As you write the dialogue, keep in mind that you can use any video or image to illustrate what you are saying, or you can make your video by talking directly into the camera. So it is important that you think through what you want to say, how you want to illustrate it, and finally, think on how your images and dialogue can combine to make a memorable video.
Shot selection
Decide the type of shots and images that you will need for your video, and to go out and shoot them. This too is a critical step. Consider that shooting this type of video can be a lot more work than say, a property video (after all a house is not very likely to mess up their lines in front of the camera) and that you will need to talk into a camera during this video. So make the decision early and quick of whether you will simply talk into a camera, or you will try and do something neater, but much more complicated. Once you decided this move on to step three.
Polish
Print your script and read it out loud to yourself or others. Try to be relaxed and natural. Also, remember NOT to sell. A profile video is meant to help you connect on a personal level with the people watching you, so stay away from being pushy or bombastic. Speak naturally, simply, and most importantly, and be yourself.
Once you have read your script and edited it a few times, do it all over again. After you are satisfied that your dialogue is clear, simple, friendly, and inviting, learn your lines. It is also good for you to record some of your practice sessions so you can listen to your cadence and fine-tune what you like best in the tone of how you say things.
Camera, Lights, Action!
Ok, so its time to make your video, here a few tips to recording yourself:
- Camera. Whatever device you have, it is important that you familiarize yourself with all the controls of it for shooting videos. Once you're familiar with that, insure that you have a tripod or some other way to keep your camera steady, and move on to…
- Lights. Photography and videography are all about the use of light. Make sure that your face and background are properly lit. Also, try to make sure to be recording the video under quiet conditions, and
- Have fun. Stand up in front of the camera and pretend that you are Mae West, Brad Pitt, or some other thespian. Feel strong and confident and do the best you can to project that security into the camera. DON’T take it lightly. It is important that you relax and feel comfortable when you record, but it should not stifle your personality and charm. Be relaxed, be natural, and cool.
Finally, select the shots that you like best, and assemble them into your final product. Adding lower thirds and background music can help add polish to your video, so take a few minutes to watch our tutorials on how to add a soundtrack, text, and publish!