Have you been wanting to create an information product, but struggling with the decision about which media platform you should use? There are three basic ones to choose from – text, video and audio – and almost unlimited combinations and variations of those formats.
So which is best? The best media choice when you are creating a product is the one your audience likes best. Are they readers? Do they like to listen to audio while they work out? Does video help them best absorb information?
The topic will also influence your choice of media. Video is often best when you are showing how to do something. Other topics may do well in any of the three formats.
But here’s the thing: You might immediately bristle at the thought of using one or two of those forms of media. For you, maybe writing is a struggle. Or you might hate the sound of your voice – or worry about how you will look on camera. Maybe you are uncomfortable with the technical aspects of audio and video and think they may be “too hard” for you to do.
These are common fears. We all have our preferences and for your initial product creation, it’s perfectly fine to test the waters with a format that appeals to you more than others. Taking the plunge and creating your first product is a big accomplishment. Make it as easy as you can by choosing a topic you know well and a format that is comfortable for you.
Don’t stop there, though. Make a commitment to yourself that you’ll increase your familiarity with the two other formats.
Take measures to become better at what you do. Find training, both paid and free, and go through each one – one at a time – to learn how to be a better writer, better video producer, or better podcaster.
If its fear that holds you back, then work on getting past that. Create a YouTube channel and don’t advertise it until you’re comfortable – or just practice making a library of videos that you don’t even post yet.
Upgrade your tools, too. If you hate your video because it’s grainy and unprofessional looking, then save up for and invest in a nicer webcam that helps you create something a step above what you are now.
Just as you are more comfortable creating certain types of media, your audience members have their preferences for what they like to consume. Each of us may learn best in different ways, or have preferences in when and where we like to use media. For example, I almost always prefer written content. However, there are times when I like to learn visually (e.g., learning new software) and I listen to audio when I am traveling.
It’s great to have a mixture of product formats for your audience so they can use the content you create in the way they prefer. That doesn’t mean that every product you create should use all of these formats, but using a variety of formats across your product line will make your products more accessible to more people.
Pair a text-based PDF guide with how-to video tutorials. Give them a podcast to listen to – supply a wide range of formats to whet their appetite with your products, just as you should do on your blog and social networking sites.
Understand that you don’t have to be a perfectionist. Video doesn’t have to be made with a professional green screen, equipment worth thousands of dollars, and professional microphones. Use your smart phone, record what you need to, and upload it!
Don’t be afraid to outsource certain formats. Hire someone to edit your video and upload it to YouTube. Get someone to transcribe your audio files, such as teleseminars and podcasts. You can edit them (or have them edited) and turn them into blog posts or ebooks. If there is something you are struggling with, a freelance provider might be able to help create it – or spiff up what you’ve made yourself.
You don’t have to wait until you know everything or you have the perfect equipment or whatever you are waiting for. Start today, and create your first or your next product. Then get it out there and let it start earning money for you.
Don’t know what to do to create your product? Get the answers to your questions in my DVD, Creating and Selling Information Products. It will get you past the indecision and fear, and on your way to making money with what you know.
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