Do you know how to Vlog?

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell

Continuing on with the A-Z Challenge:

V=Vlogging

I’ve always prided myself on having an open mind. Always ready to learn something new. But for the love of all that is holy! I just don’t know if my brain can hold much more.

Our family used to have a running joke, don’t ask Mom – she doesn’t remember. To which I would respond, “I remember the important stuff. Unimportant stuff, I delete from my mind to make room for new stuff. A person only has so much gray matter.”

Okay, enough ranting. Deep breath and back to the subject at hand.

Vlogging? What the hell is Vlogging?

I’m still struggling with Instagram and Facebook.

And don’t get me started on learning about formatting a book for IngramSpark and CreateSpace. Geeze, bleed area. Picky, picky. Understanding the terms and applying them are two different things.

Now a writer should know how to produce an infomercial about writing or what people are saying about writing or about books or….

A Vlog is, a short, entertaining commercial, that doesn’t look like a commercial. Click to tweet.

It’s all about subtle product placement.

What do you do on a Vlog for 1 to 3 minutes? Anything you want.

Talk, dance, read, go about your day, or write as if no one was watching. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you don’t bore people to death.

In this instant, YouTube generation, they will click on to the next video before you can shout, “Wait.”

Yes, this year, I made room in my ever shrinking brain for something new called a Vlog.

Here’s what I learned.

  1. Vlogs are located on Youtube.
  2. Make your Vlog easy to find. Link it to your blog.
  3. A Vlog should last 1 – 3 minutes.
  4. You and your books are the product in a Vlog.
  5. A Vlog, above all else, must be entertaining.
  6. It is another media to introduce you to your readers.
  7. Like a blog, you must update your Vlogs and post consistently.
  8. Make it fun. If you don’t enjoy watching your video, no one else will. 
  9. Last but not least, I learned I’m not ready for Vlogging.

Have you jumped onto the Vlogging social media train?

Do you think Vlogging is a good platform for writers?

Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.

You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

Great information dead ahead!

Vlogging Anyone? By Jennifer Wilkov

Vlogging For Writers By LEENA NORMINGTON

What’s a Book Vlogger? By Shari Stauch

Why Authors Should Be YouTubers – Vlogging Advice From Lindsay Mead

21 thoughts on “Do you know how to Vlog?”

  1. Yes I vlog and love doing it. It should be longer than 1-3 minutes starting out around 10 mins and as you build a fan base than around 20 to 30 mins. Its super fun connecting with other people.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Try doing them but don’t post them until you start to feel confident about it. You have to start somewhere. Keep pushing and testing yourself. Good luck!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Ha! I have barely figured out to blog, I can’t imagine me vlogging. At least when blogging, I can sit in my bathrobe, on the patio, and no one knows. Besides, I avoid all cameras. Super post!!! I really enjoyed it!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for stopping by. Seems the terms are never ending. I’m at the point of giving up with keeping up. Time to just keep writing and let the younger generation chase the latest “thing.” LOL

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Thank you Jean, I think personally even though I’m in my late twenties, reading your blog and allowing me to use my own imagination sometimes is much preferable than videos.
    Videos can be fun, but sometimes watching videos can be a lengthy procedure, whereby if you were to write the same content down, I’d prefer the latter than former 👍

    So keep writing Jean, just as I will continue to love reading your posts.

    Liked by 1 person

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