The benefits of creating quality short-form videos for your brand

filming short-form videos

Have you been thinking about creating short-form videos for your brand, but don’t know if it’s worth your time?

If so, then you haven’t heard of the fantastic benefits of producing quality videos that are sure to bring value to your business.

This article will help you understand why creating quality, short-form videos can be the right move for your brand. We will go over why it’s important and provide helpful tips on how to create quality, shareable video content.

We will also cover how to make the most of what you’ve produced and help you get the most out of your videos. So let’s get started! Here are all the great things about creating short-form videos for your business.

Why you should consider creating short-form videos

Are you looking for a way to drive engagement and lead generation?

Short-form videos could be the answer you’re looking for. This type of content ranks #1 for both lead generation and engagement, as it offers a way to reach and engage with audiences in an organic, consumable, and easily shareable format.

Moreover, short-form videos provide higher engagement with targeted audiences, particularly the younger generations. This is due to the bite-sized nature of the content—videos that are concisely packaged yet contain messages with emotional resonance have been proven to have higher shareability and viewing rates than longer-form pieces.

Marketers have invested more in short-form videos than any other content format in 2022—a trend that’s only likely to grow in popularity this year. Ultimately, if your goal is to grab attention quickly, then shorter videos can be more effective than longer ones. By considering creating quality short-form videos for your brand, you can increase leads and create more meaningful engagements with your target audience.

Ways to brainstorm for video ideas
woman filming herself

Image Credits: kristinkornblog.com

Here are a few tips to get your creative juices flowing:

  • Shoot video tutorials or do a product demonstration.
  • Produce teasers of where you’re going, what you’re filming, and how you set up.
  • Get behind-the-scenes visuals of your team in action or of the process of you creating your product.
  • If you have customers or clients, consider interviewing them about their experience with your brand or product.
  • Think about creating short videos of customer success stories, interviews with experts in the field, and webinars.
  • Ask your audience what they want to see from you and engage them in the video creation process.
How to produce a quality video on a budget

If you’re interested in giving short-form videos a try, but don’t have the budget, don’t worry! You can still make quality videos without breaking the bank.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Invest in the basics

Putting money into getting the basics right is essential to creating quality videos. Investing in a decent camera, microphone, and tripod will go a long way in ensuring that your video looks and sounds great. You should also include lighting equipment and other accessories if your budget allows it.

  • Understand the purpose of your video

Once you have the right basics, understand why you are creating your short-form video. Ask yourself what you want viewers to take away from your video. Being clear about why you are making this video will help guide you in making sure it follows through on its purpose.

  • Editing software

You don’t need expensive editing software to produce a decent-looking video if your basics are already covered. There are plenty of free or inexpensive editing options available that can help you get the job done well.

Tips to promote your videos and maximize reach
a hashtag

Image Credits: chatdesk.com

Creating quality and engaging short-form videos can be just the thing to boost your brand’s reach, but you also need to apply best practices when it comes to promoting them.

Try these top tips:

  • Share it across your brand’s social media channels

Make sure you post your video on all the relevant social media channels that you’re active on. Cross-promote among your different channels and make sure to tag anyone featured in the video.

  • Boost it

Consider boosting or advertising your video on social media, so even more people see it beyond just those who follow you. You can target a set budget that won’t break the bank, depending on how popular you want it to be.

  • Optimize for search engines

When creating the content of the video and its title, don’t forget to include keywords that could make your videos easier to find when people search for terms related to them. This way, people who haven’t heard about you before still might come across them.

From informational videos to interviews and customer testimonials, short-form videos allow you to communicate with your audience in a whole new way. You can also maximize the ROI of your videos with the creative use of music and animation. Short-form videos offer brands a unique way to make an impression, get your brand’s message out there, and show off your personality. With a bit of practice, you can become a pro at creating quality short-form videos that will engage and bring in sales. Keep at it!

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The link between your inner state of being and your external reality

woman holding a red flower

You are the creator of your reality.

This may sound like a grandiose statement, but it’s true. Your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions profoundly shape the world around you.

Have you ever noticed how one negative thought can ripple outward and influence everything in your life? Or that a positive outlook can bring more opportunities your way?

This is because your inner state of being is intimately connected to the external reality you experience. Your internal state doesn’t just affect the way others perceive you; it affects the way reality is presented to you.

Defining your inner state of being and external reality

You are an epistemological subject, which means you’re capable of understanding and constructing your reality.

Your external identity is how others see you; it’s the person they talk to, the face they recognize, and the behavior they observe.

Your external reality is composed of a physical environment, your body, and your place in it. All of these aspects are influenced by your inner state of being—how you perceive and think about the world.

Your inner world—what lies within you—is a projection of that state. It isn’t something we can change by physically rearranging things; instead, it comes from within us, often in the form of emotions or feeling states.

Your internal state affects how you interact with the outside world—the way you communicate with people, respond to changes in environment or life circumstances and ultimately shape your external reality according to that perception.

If we focus on our well-being—our thoughts and emotions—we can create an internal state that fosters a positive connection with our external reality. So next time you think about how “life happens” to you, remember that it may be happening because of you.

The relationship between your internal and external worlds
a mirror reflection

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So what do they have to do with each other?

Well, think of it this way: life is a mirror that reflects your inner world—where you are on the inside directly influences your external conditions.

That means if you’re feeling low on motivation and enthusiasm for life, it will be hard to achieve something great externally; and if you’re feeling happy and content internally, chances are you will discover a lot of joy in life!

By taking care of your inner state first—bringing yourself into balance through self-care like regular exercise or meditation—you will start to see real changes in your outer world too.

Understanding the power of your thoughts and beliefs

Do you want to create a more positive and meaningful external reality?

The first step is understanding the power of your thoughts and beliefs. Think of your thoughts as seeds, they are the foundation of everything you do and shape the direction of your life.

Positive thoughts create hope, joy, and optimism, while negative thoughts lead to fear, doubt, and sadness. You must take control of your thinking so you can create a life that brings greater fulfillment and satisfaction.

Here are ways to start:

  • Become aware of your current thoughts.

Observe what ideas come up when you’re faced with a challenge. Take time to be mindful of what is going on in your head and notice if it is helping or hindering progress toward your goals.

  • Challenge unproductive beliefs.

Identify any negative or overly pessimistic thoughts that don’t serve you, such as “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never be successful”. Replace these with more empowering messages such as “I can achieve this” or “I am capable of great things”.

  •  Be intentional with self-talk.

Practice encouragingly talking to yourself so that it helps build confidence and faith in yourself instead of creating doubts and anxieties.

Your ‘inner state of being’ has great influence over what happens on the outside, so take some time to align it with your desired outcomes.

Strengthening body-mind connection
topless man meditating

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You can start to take steps towards improving your body-mind connection by practicing mindfulness and being conscious of the connection between your inner world and your external world.

Meditation is a great way to achieve this because it helps to keep you grounded while also helping to bring out positive feelings. With consistent practice, you can start to become aware of how your inner state of being is linked to external reality. This awareness can be incredibly powerful and can transform your life in many ways.

By strengthening your body-mind connection, you will begin to experience more contentment and improved well-being. Practicing meditation and mindfulness can help you develop a better understanding of yourself, which leads to more confidence in who you are and what you do—and how that is reflected in the reality around you.

Ultimately, it’s good to understand that our inner state of being, our thoughts, and our emotions all have a powerful effect on our external reality. The way we think, feel, and treat ourselves influences the way we show up in our relationships and our career. Our inner world is the foundation of our outer world, and we must take the time to nurture and care for our inner selves. When we do, we create a strong foundation for creating our dream life and living with true joy, peace, and purpose.

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6 Must-Have Beauty Products Under S$50

Despite the influx of new products that hit the beauty market each week, there are certain products that will go down in history as truly the best, complete with their devout followings. Many of these products start at affordable prices which fall under the S$20, S$30, and S$50 mark. Intrigued yet?

Although it’s easy to get carried away and drop by the nearest makeup store to spend the bulk of your paycheck, save your money on these cult-loved products that are worth every dollar!

#1: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CLEAR BROW GEL, S$18 MINI-SIZE & S$42 FULL-SIZE

This pocket-friendly Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel is lightweight and long-lasting. If you are waiting for a sign to grab it, this is it! Like a clear topcoat for brows, this brush-on gel sets the product and keeps the hair in place. You can achieve clean and polished arches in no time!

#2: TARTE SHAPE TAPE ULTRA CREAMY CONCEALER, S$22

Tarte’s iconic shape tape concealer gives your face the instant life it needs. The creamy formula helps create definition all over the face with ease, thanks to its applicator. It is also crafted with ingredients such as antioxidants, salicylic acid, and vitamins.

#3: RARE BEAUTY STAY VULNERABLE GLOSSY LIP BALM, S$33

Glosses by Rare Beauty come in gorgeous neutral shades and feel as hydrating as your favorite lip balm. Be sure to reap the effects of its lotus, gardenia, and white waterlily. The balm’s beautiful packaging is a plus too!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: BENEFIT COSMETICS 24-HR BROW SETTER INVISIBLE BROW GEL, S$26 MINI-SIZE & S$47 FULL-SIZE

The Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter Invisible Brow Gel blows its competitors out of the water with its comb-like wand that achieves the lamination-like effect. One tube can take you a few months even with near-daily wear.

#5: SUPERGOOP! PLAY 100% MINERAL SUNSCREEN LOTION SPF 50, S$24

To ensure that you minimize your skin damage, do not forget to bring sunscreen lotion, or stick with you wherever you go. Supergoop! Play 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion can be reapplied every two hours or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Best of all? It’s fragrance-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, and sulphate-free.

#6: FENTY BEAUTY MATCH STIX MATTE CONTOUR SKINSTICK, S$49

Yet another Fenty Beauty best-selling product, the Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick comes with its light-as-air formula to help contour, conceal, and correct parts of your face. This buildable, creamy-to-powder stick has blendable finish that does not crease. Moreover, it comes with many shades to ensure that you use the ideal stick for your skin tone.

 

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How to Save Money to Grow Your KPop Merch Collection

Fangirls and fanboys show their love for their idols in different ways. While some fans show their loyalty by attending every concert, others show their appreciation by purchasing KPop merchandise. Buying albums is one of the best ways to support their idols as it will help the singers or bands to hit top spots in the physical and digital music charts.

To help you get started in buying and saving for KPop merchandise (merch), here is an easy guide:

CHOOSE EITHER OFFICIAL OR UNOFFICIAL MERCH

There are two types of KPop merch – official and unofficial goods. The former is released by the KPop star’s entertainment company. Official merch includes albums, photo books, lightsticks, concert items, and DVDs. A percentage of the sales will go straight to your idols. The latter is usually cheaper than the former. The unofficial goods are fan made and will support the fans’ small businesses. Unofficial goods include fanarts printed on shirts, mugs, stationery items, and keychains.

SCOUT FOR DISCOUNTS

Always keep a lookout for discounts on shops that offer KPop merchandise. Start by scanning online to see whether these stores have posted their recent promotions and events on their websites and social media pages. You can also inquire locally by asking physical merchants whether they have an upcoming promotion. Compare their rates to Singapore marketplaces to ensure that you get the best deals.

KNOW WHERE TO SHOP

KPop merchandise is available on international websites such as Amazon and YesAsia. Items are also available in physical stores such as Infinity Kpop (City Gate) and House of Kpop (Orchard Road). You must first identify the merchandise that you are looking for. Then, do your research on the prices offered by the physical and online stores. Choosing the cheapest places to purchase your desired items will help you save a considerable amount of cash.

MANAGE YOUR CASH

If you are planning to purchase the newest album by ENHYPEN or NewJeans, allot a specific budget by planning ahead. To avoid using your credit cards or borrowing money that is not yet in your hands, you can save up for the coveted item.

For instance, you are expecting that you’ll be getting your salary in a few days, so you decided to pre-order the merchandise and pay for it later. Once you receive your salary, you may experience cash shortage because of your fixed expenses. Having a plan helps avoid overspending and debts.

RESIST THE MARKETING TRAPS

Marketers want you to spend money by targeting their ads to the people who are able to shell out their cash in Kpop merchandise. They have this mentality of: “Don’t go broke but also buy, buy, buy.” It is the marketing department’s job to sell you items, even if you do not need them. So, do your best to resist the marketing traps.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If your savings are not enough to fund your attendance at all the concerts or your eagerness to collect all your idol’s albums, do not let the marketers sway you. Find price-comparison websites to get the best deals before purchasing goods featuring BTS, Jessi, BLANKPINK, and so on.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Undeniable Reasons Why You Should Buy Luxury Makeup

Over the last decade, the beauty industry has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Dermatologists, beauty experts, and celebrities alike are launching their own high-end beauty brands. Not to mention, drugstore makeup widened their range of beauty products. You have probably once thought why do some makeup products, which all appear to be similar at first glance, carry different price tags?

Well, some products may seem like an investment, but the benefits are vast. If you are considering investing in luxury or high-end makeup, here are some reasons why it is beneficial to spend more on the products that you apply to your face.

#1: PRODUCTS ARE LONGER LASTING

You will keep reaping the rewards for much longer when you invest in luxury facial serum, body oil, or fragrances. Luxury brands offer richer, deeper, and more premium kind of beauty experience that comes with longer lasting results. When you invest in high-end beauty, you pay for ingredients that are meant to last.

#2: BETTER INGREDIENTS WERE USED

Drugstore beauty brands may have active ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. However, the amount can be negligible compared to luxury brands. Luxury brands offer pure, authentic ingredients, which may be harder to source. While both high-priced and low-priced products can have the same ingredients, the former tend to have more potent ingredients.

Karen Kagha, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist, shared that she “like for the ingredients and studies/results to inform my opinion about a product’s performance.” She highlighted that many luxury brand names have combined effective ingredients and great branding over the years.

#3: QUALIFIED CONSULTANTS ARE READY TO HELP

When purchasing luxury makeup, there is always somebody qualified to help you both before and after the sale. Whether you are in the physical store or purchasing online, you can chat or live chat with the beauty consultant to help you find a product that suits your skin best. Apart from the premium ingredients, you are investing in the expertise of these beauty consultants too.

Some of the typical queries of customers are finding the right color to purchase the right foundation and finding the correct style of lipstick to suit one’s lips. Brands that offer beauty products at a cheaper rate are generally self-serving and provide no aftercare if you need further help afterwards.

#4: PRODUCTS COME WITH QUALITY PACKAGING AND APPLICATORS

Luxury makeup looks more pleasing when you pull them out of your bag. Apart from its attractive exterior, it is unlikely that high-end makeup will come with a smashed palette, product faults, and broken mechanism. These products come with quality brushes or appropriate applicators instead of the standard widely produced sponges. These applicators make a dramatic difference in how your face will look and how well you apply the products.

#5: LUXURY CAN MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD

Strategic marketing is a big part of luxury brands. Luxury brands spend a chunk of their budget to entice customers all over the world. The packaging or how the product dispenses can make the consumer feel good about their makeup. The feeling of exclusivity and value should not be discounted as it can help boost someone’s overall confidence!

#6: WE ALL DESERVE A BIT OF LUXURY

Whether you have been saving up for a luxury makeup item or have extra money to spend, you deserve a bit of luxury. With the mask mandate slowly easing, our face is the first thing that people see when we meet them. Take care of your face by putting quality products that will last long. Do not be shy to walk inside the luxury beauty stores at The Shoppes Marina Bay Sands and simply enjoy the experience. If you have enough money saved up and you are not hurting your credit score, you can treat yourself to luxury beauty items every once in a while.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Start and end your day feeling beautiful – because you are!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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