Videos are here to stay. In the years before, so many markets have predicted the future of the Internet and websites will lie in video production. And now that it’s here, there’s only more improvements to come.

If you are new to the video film production business or just want to get a website, a YouTube channel or a chance to improve your Instagram stories, learning about some of the best practices and trends in video production or editing could go a long way to helping you out. Here are some of the best practices you could adopt for yourself.

1. Start with a Primary Goal

Sure, saying “I want to create a video or film” is a good start but it’s not good enough. It’s too general and too vague for you to act on. What you want to do is sit down and include the specifics and the deadline. For Instance, say, “I want to create a travel video about my trip to Korea by April 18, 2019. Then publish it on my YouTube channel to serve as a portfolio piece.” Note, with the second one, there’s a specific goal (video about Korea tip) and a deadline (by April 18, 2018.) Then the next sentence is the “why” and the “where” (publish on YouTube channel to serve as a portfolio piece.”)

Once you have a primary goal that’s clear, actionable and with a set of deadlines, you have a good chance of hitting that target and measuring whether you succeeded or not.

2. Figure Out Who Your Target Audience Will Be

You can create videos for pleasure or for business, but you always have to know who your target audience will be. Even big studios in LA or New York to small video production companies need to know who their market or potential audience is before they even create anything.

Keep in mind, your video or movie will only be as good or as successful if it’s actually seen by an audience. If nobody sees it, then nobody will appreciate it and know that it even exists. Understanding which demographic, you are targeting is essential if you want to make sure someone sees your video or film. Once you know your target market or demographic, find out what motivates them to make the decision to click or watch something.

Understanding the mindset of your target audience can go a long way to actually getting them to watch what you’ve created.

3. Create Quality and Interesting Content

You can aim low and release a video for the sake of it. While people might watch it, they won’t remember you and instead, you’ve become just another creator lost in the online world.

Don’t worry about not being the “first” or the “best” in the type of video you are creating. Just make it the best as you can make it to be. All good videos add some form of value to the audience watching. It’s not there just to be a filler and then be forgotten afterwards. Create something you yourself would take the time to watch instead of something you would gloss over.

4. Measure and Make Use of Video Analytics

The Internet has grown powerful over the years so if you intend to be a video creator, it’s important to know which of your videos work and which ones don’t. Powerful video players like Wistia, Vidyard and even BrightCove offer video analytics that will tell you what happens behind the scenes of your video. Which parts do viewers drop off? Which videos they even clicked on? And who clicked your call to action.

5. Always Include a Call to Action

Of course, this would depend on the type of video you are creating. If you’re creating a film, then the call to action might not be necessary. But for product or business videos, it’s a good idea to include them. Don’t leave your audience hanging, especially if they enjoyed your content. Ask them to subscribe to your videos or mailing list, download a piece of content, click to buy or watch another video.

There should be a place where you can direct your viewers on what to do next instead of leaving them hanging.

Creating a piece of a video whether you’re an accomplished video production company or not means paying attention to how you approach everything as well. If you’re serious about creating videos and making it your livelihood or at least a central portion of your business, adopting these best practices will do you good.