10 tips all beauty Vloggers need to know

Article by BR Natalie

We're always keeping our eyes out for new video bloggers (Vloggers) to work with.  Why?  Because videos have become the media of choice for people wanting to learn new looks and find out about new products.  From unboxings of beauty subscription boxes or makeup hauls to tutorials on everything from a braided hair do to a complicated Hallowe'en look, if you want to learn something beauty, chances are you'll watch a video or two.

And maybe you've been inspired to set up your own YouTube channel?

But vlogging isn't as simply as hitting record and uploading a video - so many videos on YouTube go unwatched, unnoticed or worse, are stopped just a few seconds in.

Here's our Top Ten Tips to making beauty vlogging work for you.

1.  Relax.

You want to chat to the camera like you're sitting across the table from your bestie.  A natural and easy conversation.  You're going to want to have an idea what to say - you don't need to script it, but people don't want to see you just reading the back of a product and umming and ahhing your way through.  The power of stop is a wonderful thing.  If it's not going well, stop and start again!

2.  Equipment.

Use the best quality equipment you can afford, and practise using it.  The same goes for editing software.  There are literally thousands of tutorials online - so research and relish in learning a new skill.

3.  Quality.

Check your lighting and sound quality - take  the hint from Mr Natalie, who, when having a YouTube session will immediately click back if the video quality is rubbish.  We want to see and hear you clearly, else what's the point?

4.  Mise-en-scene.

That's Film Studies speak for - what we can see in the shot.  Check the background - do you want the world seeing your knickers on the airer, your rubbish bag or unmade bed?  A plain background is best, even if this means setting up in an area of your house with a blank wall.  Have a chair you can confortably sit on and ensure you can easily reach the products you're going to be talking about.  Do not sit legs akimbo on your unmade bed!

5.  Don't do a Janet.

Check your outfit for JJs (Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunctions).  Bra straps, gaping buttons, stains.  That sort of thing.  And unless you're doing a tutorial - look presentable from the off, brush your hair and touch up your makeup.

6. Vlog regularly and consistently. 

Maybe start out with just once a week - filming and editing can be time consuming to start and a hobby should not feel like a choice.  As someone who has to create content everyday, here's a tip - have a few videos in reserve!  If you're ill, or suddenly life happens and you're too busy at least all you have to do is find a couple of seconds to hit 'publish'.  

7.  Be professional.

If you are hoping for people outside of your circle of friends to see your videos, start as you mean to go on - by being professional.  Ditch the sexybum84@... email address and set up an account for your channel.  If people take the time to comment or email you, reply in a timely manner.

8.  It's not about the money, money, money.

Creating a successful space on the internet is a labour of love - this is equally true of a YouTube channel. You might only have 30 followers at the end of the first year.  Creating a revenue stream from your channel might seem like the ultimate reward but consider how you do it.  There are lots of 'pay per click' advertising schemes, but quite often you do not have complete control over what is being advertised.  Nothing annoys me more than YouTube videos covered in ads - how about you?

9.  Always let your conscience be your guide.

If a product has been supplied to you, say so.  The element of trust in a review is formed in knowing the answer to one question - did they spend their own money on this product?  If you link to a site be upfront if it's an affiliated link.  For example if you shared your unique BR referral link, let your readers know that you will earn points if they use your link.

If you don't like a product that's been supplied, is it really ethical to mislead your viewers` by writing a rave review?  You really have two viable options; share a well rounded review encompassing the good and bad points of the product or choose not to talk about it at all.  But be sure to let the company providing the products know why they won't see their product in your video.

Just don't be that blogger, finding your 'holy grail mascara', only to find 'the best mascara in the world' the following week.

10.  Give your vlog the best chance.

Once you've uploaded your video you can sit back and enjoy a cuppa.  NOT.  You need to give your vlog the best shot at being seen - and there are a few ways to do this.

You can't search videos - you search text.  So make sure your video descriptions are detailed and check you're using keywords people are likely to search for.  Tag your videos in all applicable catergories.

Share your videos on all of your social media channels, and again - have a look at the top hashtags for the catergory.  

Giveaways can be a great way to raise interest in your blog, but you're going to want to give away something people want.  Make entering easy, don't require they like and share every social media avenue you have.  

Are you interested in beauty vlogging?  Or maybe you have a vlog and have some tips to share?  Get chatting below!