If you’re a working copywriter, you’re likely to have seen a big increase in the number of customers requesting video scripts. But, if you haven’t written one before, they can be daunting. In this week’s podcast, Kate and Belinda will give you the top tips and advice you need to get started.
Want to know more?
Tune in to learn:
- Some interesting statistics about videos and why they work so well
- The different types of video scripts you can write
- Kate’s top 8 tips on writing great video scripts
- The common mistake make copywriters make when writing video scripts
- How SEO works with video scripts
Listen to the podcast below
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Show notes
- How to optimise your videos for SEO
- How to make an Explainer video for next to nothing
- Are you attractive enough to star in your own business video
Video software
- ScreenFlow: Great for screen capture videos
- Camtasia: Another screen capture and editing tool
- IMovie: Good for editing
- Powtoon: A neat little tool for DIY Explain video creation
- EasyPrompter: Free autocue software
Video xamples
- Link to Belinda’s Master Class – FAQ video
- Check out Kate’s SEO course sales video
- Check out some of Kate’s client videos
Top notch podcast! One question as someone who’s dangled their toes in video scripting… I know there’s a lot of other stuff that goes into a video. Animations, video etc. Does the copywriter usually take the lead with defining those, or would they work to a brief? I’m guessing it’s probably an ‘it depends’ scenario, but any thoughts on fleshing out the other creative elements would be great.
Thanks Matthew! Kate might be able to confirm this I think this would be quite similar to projects like brochures. If the visuals haven’t been done, the copywriter can make suggestions but then it’s up to the designer to take them or leave them.
If you can’t liaise directly with the graphic designer/animator/videographer, you can suggest leaving one round of revisions until the images have been designed. So then you can do further editing (rather than leaving it to someone to hack your copy!).
– Belinda
Makes sense. Cheers!
HI @mat@matthewmorganfenwick:disqus thanks so much for your kind feedback.
When writing a video script I think that yes, it’s up to the copywriter to conceptualise the videos. I usually have a column for the script, define what’s voice over, what’s to camera, etc. As well as a column for visuals. You can’t think of the script in isolation as often the visual is strong enough not to need any words.
Then yes of course, the videographer or animator can take the comments and interpret them.
Much like with website copy, my copy decks are pretty specific about what goes where, but obviously I let the designer make a few (minor) decisions.
Thanks for listening Kate.
Loved it! Well clearly I am loving all things copywriting and #IloveSEO as well Kate Toon! I think people like me who have been writing facilitator guides for training for many years also have a unique skill in writing video scripts as we are used to preparing what can be spoken aloud, and also used to rehearsing whilst driving (hoping others think I am on a very important handsfree phone call and not just talking to myself. I also like Matthews question re the other elements of video and the copywriter’s role in that
Great stuff Jennifer! Sounds like you are very well placed. As Kate mentioned, you definitely have to write copy to be spoked aloud. It sounds obvious but when it’s a new skill, it’s something to make sure you remember! — Belinda
Ah Jenny – Love you right back> Thanks for listening. Like you I love writing video scripts one of my fave things to do.