Online Videos: The Key to Getting Noticed and Booked as a Speaker

Video has become an even more crucial element in driving engagement and building a solid online presence. With videos now accounting for over 80% of all online traffic, it’s clear that they’re an indispensable part of any professional strategy—especially for speakers. If you haven’t yet integrated video content into your website and social media platforms, it’s time to start.

Why Videos Matter for Speakers (More than ever in 2025)

Video has proven to be one of the most powerful tools for connecting with your audience and building trust. Here’s why having videos on your website and social media platforms is essential:

• Higher Ranking on Google: Google owns YouTube, so when your website includes relevant YouTube videos, it can significantly improve your search rankings. The more video content you have, the higher your site ranks both on YouTube and Google.
• Audience Preference: The demand for video content has skyrocketed, especially after the pandemic. People prefer watching videos over reading text, which means if you have video content, you’re more likely to hold their attention.
• Multiple Video Examples Increase Bookings: When booking agents and event planners research potential speakers, they want to get a real sense of your stage presence and delivery. Having multiple video examples from different speaking events increases your chances of standing out.

How Videos Can Get You Booked as a Speaker

Videos are more than just a great way to introduce yourself—they’re essential for establishing your credibility and personality, which is why event planners and booking agents prioritize them when considering speakers. Here's how videos can help you get noticed:

• Showcase Your Stage Presence: Event organizers rely on videos to gauge your speaking abilities. When they see your engaging presence on stage, they’re more likely to consider you for their event.
• Provide Multiple Examples: While a speaker’s preview reel is standard, it only shows your best moments. Organizers prefer to see full-length speeches or multiple video segments to get a better understanding of your speaking style and content range.
• First Impressions Matter: The first impression you make online can be the deciding factor for booking. Ask yourself, “Does my video content portray me in the best light and highlight my skills as a speaker?”

Creating Your Own Video Content

If you’re just starting out or don’t have any dynamic stage videos yet, don’t worry! You can easily start creating your own videos to help build your online presence. Here are a few ideas for creating video content that works for you:

1. Video Blogs (Vlogs): Start recording video blogs on topics relevant to your audience. Not only will this boost your SEO, but transcriptions from these videos (automatically generated by YouTube) can be repurposed as written blog posts.

2. Introduction Videos: Create a short video introducing yourself and your business. This can go on your homepage, and studies show that people are more likely to stay on a page that features video, improving your rankings in search results.

3. Tell Your Story: A powerful "About Me" video can connect emotionally with your audience. Share why you do what you do and how your journey has shaped your passion for speaking and helping others.

4. Speaking Clips/Demonstrations: Use shorter clips of your presentation to show what you can do. Create a commercial demo videos that demonstrate the benefits of your products or services. These videos can explain your offerings in a more engaging way than text alone.

5. Client Testimonials: Nothing builds credibility faster than testimonials from your clients. Request video testimonials from happy customers who can speak to the impact of your services. These videos serve as powerful social proof for potential clients.

6. Event Promotionals: If you’re booked to speak at an event, create promotional videos that introduce yourself to the attendees. This can build excitement about your appearance, allowing the audience to connect with you even before you step on stage.

Updated Strategies for 2025: Video Content

As we continue to embrace the digital landscape in 2025, there are a few strategies that speakers must focus on when creating video content:

• Live Streaming and Webinars: Virtual events and live streaming have remained popular since the pandemic. Hosting webinars or live sessions is a great way to reach a wide audience. Live videos also add an element of real-time engagement, which can make your content feel more personal and authentic.

• Short-Form Videos: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have gained immense popularity. These shorter, bite-sized videos allow you to deliver quick, valuable insights and reach new audiences who may prefer short-form content.

• Interactive Videos: Consider creating videos that encourage audience interaction, such as Q&A sessions, polls, or challenges. Interactive content increases engagement and fosters a deeper connection with your audience.

• SEO-Optimized Videos: Don’t forget to optimize your video content for search engines. Use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags. Adding a transcript to your videos helps with SEO and makes your content accessible to a wider audience.

Videos Are a Game-Changer for Speakers

Video content is more important than ever for speakers. It provides a way to connect with your audience, showcase your skills, and build your brand online. By integrating videos into your website and social media platforms, you can increase engagement, improve your SEO rankings, and ultimately book more speaking engagements.

If you’re new to creating video content or want to improve your current strategy, start small with a few key video types and build from there. Whether you’re recording a quick intro video or an in-depth keynote, video has the power to elevate your speaking career and get you noticed. Start creating today and let your audience see you in action!

See Elizabeth's video recording set up below: