Video content is quickly becoming the most preferred and consumed form of media, and there's data to prove it. Even if you aren't creating video content for your ongoing private practice, a short, concise, and personable introduction video can be a great way to introduce yourself to prospective clients.
Creating your video may seem daunting initially, but this personal touch offers a unique opportunity to establish trust and initial connection where still images might fall short. Once you finalize your video, you can use it cross-functionally for your website, social media business pages, and directories such as Psychology Today.
Best practices before you begin
There are several things to consider before recording your introduction video. First, it is highly recommended that you use the same lighting and wardrobe considerations you used for your provider headshots. Doing so promotes a professional and polished finished product, even if you choose to DIY.
You may spend more time preparing for your video than the actual recording, but the goal is to do as minimal editing or processing afterward as possible.
The following considerations will help you feel fully prepared to hit record:
Final format 🎥 - Where do you plan for your final video to live? Most platforms or social media sites require file size, orientation (landscape or portrait), or aspect ratios for media files. Consider recording in a format that allows you to reuse your video across multiple platforms. Recording in landscape orientation can often be cropped to portrait, but seldom vice versa.
Audio 🔊 - Do you have a quiet, sound-stable place to record your video? Consider recording your video where you conduct telehealth sessions to reduce the likelihood of echoes or other external noises.
Background and lighting💡 - It's best to record your video in a space with even natural lighting whenever possible. Plain backgrounds work very well and are the least distracting. Alternatively, a well-organized or decorated office background can offer a glimpse into who you are as a practitioner.
Script 📋 - Before recording your video, consider your ideal client profile. This brainstorming session can help you draft a script or talking points. What do you want them to know? Put yourself in their shoes and go from there.
What makes for excellent intro video content?
You only have a short timeframe to capture a potential client's attention, so it's best to be concise, informative, and specific. Watching several provider examples and taking notes on what you enjoyed beforehand is also highly beneficial.
Identify your niche and build confidence
Potential clients want to know you can confidently help them with their unique pain points and understand their specific reasons for seeking care. Identifying your niche and concisely explaining how you achieve results using various specialties and treatment modalities informs the client's decision and encourages you to get specific.
Include a Call to Action
Ensure you conclude your intro video with a Call to Action (or CTA). This way, your potential client will know precisely how to reach out directly or book with you.
Video editing platforms
If you are self-recording and editing, you may want to trim your video or add your contact information using a graphic. Luckily, there are free tools for this.
Canva
Canva can be a vital tool to jump-start any visual marketing efforts. The free version allows you to create multiple forms of media for your business, including video editing capabilities. Several social media platform formatting sizes are conveniently loaded into their templates, and uploading your video is as easy as dragging and dropping.
Apple's iMovie
If you're an Apple owner and plan to record and edit your video from your smartphone or tablet, you're in luck. User-friendly apps like iMovie are installed on your iPhone by default and can be used to edit your introduction video.
Additional resources
How video can Grow your Practice by Private Practice Skills.
Psychotherapist intro video example by Lauren Johnson on YouTube.
Psychology Today intro video example: Masha Shapiro.