In our last blog, we highlighted four LinkedIn features to try, and first on the list was the Video Cover Story. This exciting new tool can help you share your professional journey, achievements, skills, and personal goals on LinkedIn — the #1 online site for career development and networking. Storytelling is a key component of any good LinkedIn strategy and can help you stand out in a crowd of over 774 million. This week, we are going to teach you how to create your very own LinkedIn Cover Story in five steps:
How To Create Your LinkedIn Video Cover Story
- Determine The Goal Of Your Cover Story
- Write Your Script
- Practice To Make It Perfect
- Lights, Camera, Action
- Upload Your Finished Video To LinkedIn
#1. Determine The Goal Of Your Cover Story
This one is pretty simple. As we already mentioned, LinkedIn is the top social network for career-minded professionals. With this in mind, what is your goal as a member of the LinkedIn community? Are you trying to establish yourself as an industry leader and expert in your field? Are you looking to advance your career or make a change? Are you striving to connect with a larger audience and build your brand? Once you determine your storytelling goal, proceed to step #2.
#2. Write Your Script
A poorly written script (or no script at all) will only make you look unprofessional. On the other hand, a good script helps you to make a great impression. Not only will you appear more confident, but your message will also be clearer and better focused. Start by crafting an outline. This will help to organize your thoughts and may prevent important details from being left out. Next, follow the outline to begin writing your script. Things to talk about could include:
- Your area of expertise.
- Career highlights.
- Services you provide.
- How you help your audience.
Your script does not have to be long, but if you have a hard time remembering lines, upload your script to a teleprompter app like BigVu. You only have 30 seconds, so make them count!
#3. Practice To Make It Perfect
Before recording your Video Cover Story, practice reading your script aloud. Try different angles in front of a mirror, time out your pauses, nail down your delivery, and make any necessary adjustments. If you are using a teleprompter app, do some test shoots to work out any glitches or awkward transitions. Then, it’s showtime!
#4. Lights, Camera, Action
Pick a comfortable setting to shoot your video, and dress appropriately. Make sure the lighting is good and background noise is limited before you begin. When setting up the camera, note that your video should be shot vertically (portrait mode). Using a tripod can help keep things steady and allows you to perfectly frame both you and your background. We also recommend a microphone to achieve the best sound quality. Once done, review your footage and edit if necessary.
#5. Upload Your Finished Video To LinkedIn
When ready, save your video, and upload it to the Cover Story Video feature of your LinkedIn profile. This can easily be accomplished by viewing your profile and clicking on your photo. From there, you will be invited to, “introduce yourself with a 30-second video,” which will play automatically whenever visitors check out your page. Social media storytelling could not be any easier — or more effective. Click here to check out Aliya Hammond’s Video Cover Story on LinkedIn to see for yourself!
Want to shine online? As always, the team at Aliya Hammond Consulting is here to help with all your digital marketing needs, from web design and social media management, to blog writing, training, and coaching sessions.
And if you are looking to take your social media game to the next level, we invite you to join us for our upcoming webinars:
September 15 @ 6PM
7 Types of Instagram Content That Will Create Massive Engagement
Click here to register!
September 28th @ 6pm
5 Ways To Use LinkedIn To Build An Engaged Network
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You’ve probably realized by now that Social Media is no longer an option. In fact, it is a vital and highly successful tool for building a business. Aliya Hammond Consulting is an online Digital Marketing, Training, and Consulting Company headquartered in the greater Philadelphia area. We specialize in Social Media Management and Marketing, Social Media Training, Blog Writing, and Graphic Design Services for small and large businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. If you are looking to improve or increase your online presence, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us. Contact Aliya Hammond Consulting today to find out how we can help your business grow!
