Online business you can start during covid-19 lockdown – Video blogging (Vlogging)

The term “BLOG” comes from “weblog”. At inception blogs were sort of like online journals. Writer’s would decide on their preferred niche’s and begin uploading content based on this. Insightful content had readers coming back, and in the process, getting converted from just readers into buyers. Companies also leveraged on this blog traffic in promoting their brands and paid bloggers to advertise for them. This is how bloggers generate revenue.

Today, there are a number of prominent bloggers making 6 figure revenue monthly. Calling this business lucrative is a bit of an understatement. This fact has resulted in saturation in the “blogosphere” though, so bear in mind that if you’re an aspiring blogger, you will have to stand out inorder to gain, keep and grow a loyal audience.

In recent times, attention is shifting from your usual “1000 or more”words. People are reading less, video is gradually becomimg the preferred choice.  Easy to consume, plus more information could be passed in a one minute video than a 500-word article. A 2018 article by forbes put video content at the top of every marketing list, for a few reasons – technological demand, engagement, online visibility and versatlity, were amongst those reasons.

So yes blogging was a thing, its fast taking the backseat where video is  involved though. Platforms like Youtube, Instagram(with the new IGTV concept which allows you record and post videos over a minute long), facebook, have made video blogging really easy to get into. Lets look at how to jump in on the action..

Pick a niche

Determine what niche you want to start vlogging in. I’d always advise you pick niches you are more passionate about and knowledgable. This way the content you deliver will come naturally. Remember, its a long game and so passion will keep you going even when those paychecks aren’t yet coming in.

Register

Open accounts on all social media handles relevant to this your new business. Depending on your niche, you want to focus on those plaforms where your target audience are. If you’re going to be vlogging about business/career opportunities, you would want LinkedIn as one of your top “playgrounds”.

Content

In the information age, content is KING. You will build a good followership or subscriber base if you’re putting out valuable content. The public has an insatiable desire for information. To stay relevant, one must spend time on quality. There is always the tendency to put out too much, and most times this can make you swap quality for quantity.

Pace yourself, give time to developing the best content, establish a publishing schedule and stick to it. Continue to increase your knowledge in the business and ensure you are able to adapt to the market.

Promote

Promote your vlog using all your social media platforms. This part is extremely important.    Good    products/services    have    gone    to    waste    due    to     a lack in proper and adequate awareness. Join groups, invest in ads, have friends and family members publicise your new business.

SELL!!!

And finally, the last thing…this forms the basis of any business venture, selling. There’s a statement i heard once, it goes; A salesman can never be out of  work. Wouldn’t you agree???

Its one of the worlds oldest professions, and as long as you can sell, you will always be in the game. After your vlog has been able to garner a healthy followership, its left to you to convert these followers into buyers, by running ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing and more. You have to sell.

Vlog start up requirements

What do you require to start your own vlog? Nothing more than a camera(you can use a phone, if it has a clear camera), a tripod and/or car stand, and a whole lot of creativity! Viewers are always ready to consume content, the question however is, how good is yours. If you deliver fantastic content, you have their attention and then conversion follows.

A blog or A Vlog

A constant question people ask is – should i start a blog or a vlog. This will depend greatly on your skill set. Some people are better writing, while others do well in front of camera’s. Or you can just do what i do – blog and vlog at the same time on the same website. Below is a screen capture of the vlog section (Tucalot Ng) of my website.

With this i can create content based on how i’m feeling, or the subject matter. Some topics cannot fit into a single blog post. The readers would probably get bored before the message can be passed, purpose defeated. So feel free to capitalise on them both.