In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. With the rise of social media and search engines, potential customers are increasingly turning to the internet to research and discover new products and services.
One of the most effective tools for showcasing your business and attracting new customers is a Google Business Profile. This platform allows you to share important information about your business, such as location, contact information, and hours of operation.
However, simply having a profile is not enough to stand out among the competition. In order to truly make an impact and leave a lasting impression on viewers, it is important to have a visually appealing and informative profile video.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a simple yet impactful Google Business Profile video using Canva.
With its user-friendly interface and wide range of customizable templates, Canva is the perfect tool for beginners looking to elevate the power of design and their online presence. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a powerful video that will help your business stand out in the digital world.
Video Content is Essential
It is becoming increasingly evident that in order to stay relevant in today’s business landscape, incorporating video content is essential. However, not everyone possesses a high-end mobile phone equipped with advanced filming capabilities, and the technical complexities involved in creating a professional video can appear daunting, causing a sense of falling behind.
Today, we aim to alleviate this discomfort by providing a solution. As a local SEO professional, you likely encounter clients who face similar challenges and obtaining video content seems impossible without a touch of magic.
Fortunately, I have stumbled upon that magic wand, courtesy of a tweet by my esteemed colleague Darren Shaw. He revealed that the free design program Canva can be utilized to create visually engaging slideshows, which can then be saved as MP4 video files and uploaded to your Google Business Profile.
This discovery has taken me on an exciting journey. I have now successfully created numerous videos using this method. While they may not secure me a spot on the Hollywood red carpet, I am captivated by the power of assembling a few slides and generating a video that can be shared across various platforms.
Prepare for a substantial enhancement to your Google listing, social profiles, and website! If your business possesses photos, rest assured that you can achieve this too. I will guide you through each step, providing all the necessary details to create your very first Canva video.
Comprehensive Guide for Crafting an Exquisite Canva Slideshow Video
In this exercise, let us envision ourselves marketing a local business catering to the service area, effectively delivering vegan meals across the beautiful vicinity of Marin County, California.
Our primary objective is to create a video that proficiently imparts all the vital details pertaining to our business within a concise duration of approximately one minute, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for our esteemed customers.
Please note that the business being discussed is fictional, and for the purpose of this guide, stock photos have been used. However, it is highly recommended to use your own original images in order to make your Google Business Profile stand out and avoid appearing generic like any other business.
Let us commence:
- Capture or curate a selection of six high-quality photographs that effectively encapsulate the key aspects of your business. Save these images to a designated folder on your computer. Additionally, ensure that your business logo is included in this folder for easy access and uploading.
- Register for a Canva account, which can be done at no cost.
- Once successfully logged in, locate the “Create a design” button situated at the top right corner of the Canva homepage.
- Please enter the keyword “slideshow video” in the search bar and proceed to select the corresponding option from the drop-down menu.
Proceeding to the Canva dashboard awaits you ahead:
An Expansive Area
The workspace is conveniently positioned on the right-hand side, offering an expansive area for your creative endeavors. Amplify your productivity by effortlessly incorporating numerous slides using the “+” button.
On the contrasting left side, an array of sophisticated tools awaits, poised to enhance your workflow and streamline your work experience.
5. Please select the “uploads” button located in the left-hand menu.
This action will prompt the display of a prominent button featuring the label, “Proceed to file upload.”
6. Please proceed to select the designated button and proceed to upload a set of six photographs. Subsequently, the images will be displayed beneath in the following format:
7. Arrange the photos of your local business in a desired sequence by effortlessly dragging them onto each slide. Customizing the narrative has never been easier, as you can freely resize the images by utilizing the dots located at the corners. Achieve the perfect visual harmony on each slide with the ability to magnify or shrink the photo size according to your preferences.
A Conclusion of Disapproval
In the event that you have reached a conclusion of disapproval towards a specific photograph, kindly employ the right-click function, subsequently prompting the appearance of a receptacle symbolizing disposal. By utilizing this feature, you shall successfully eliminate the undesired image and subsequently proceed to replace it with a more suitable alternative on the respective slide.
8. Currently, I am eager to incorporate the uploaded logo into the design. By employing a simple drag-and-drop technique, I have the flexibility to position the logo precisely as per my preference.
9. I aim to incorporate my business’s unique selling proposition (USP) onto the initial slide. Please navigate to the “Text” button located in the menu and proceed to drag the term “body” to the desired location for input. A wide range of fonts is available for your selection, alongside the ability to customize the text size according to your preference.
In this instance, you will observe the incorporation of the Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
10. Please proceed with developing the remaining slides, ensuring that they are concise. It is worth noting that Darren Shaw, an esteemed authority in this domain, has provided valuable insights in a highly informative video, addressing the prevalent uncertainty surrounding Google’s guidelines on video duration. According to the guidelines, videos should adhere to the following specifications:
- Duration: Not exceeding 30 seconds
- File size: Up to a maximum of 75 MB
- Resolution: 720p or higher quality.
As A Requirement
Initially, the local search industry interpreted this as a requirement for videos to be strictly limited to 30 seconds in duration and no more than 75 MB in size. However, it was subsequently discovered that Google is actually accepting longer videos as long as they adhere to the maximum file size of 75 MB.
Should your file exceed this limit, employing a video compression tool such as VEED, which is available free of charge, becomes necessary. Our video, with a mere size of 7.3 MB, meets the requirements effortlessly.
During the creation of your slideshow using Canva, you will have the option to determine the duration of each slide. In my case, I have set each slide to last 6.5 seconds, providing ample time for viewers to absorb the textual content.
Ensure that your video culminates with a compelling call to action (CTA), based on the desired actions you wish the viewer to take subsequent to watching the video.
11. Incorporate dynamic transitional animations amidst slides
Effortlessly Enhance
By utilizing the discreet arrow beneath the plus sign positioned between slides, one can effortlessly enhance the seamless transition of slides through a diverse range of visually captivating effects that will manifest on the left-hand side. Personally, I find the “dissolve” option to be particularly refined and sophisticated.
Moreover, one can conveniently apply the chosen effect to all slides by simply selecting the “apply to all” button, thereby obviating the need for manual insertion of the effect between each slide.
Additionally, I prefer to enhance the initial slide of my videos by incorporating a gradual fade-in effect, thus ensuring a smoother visual experience. This can be effortlessly accomplished by directing your attention to the first slide and subsequently selecting the “animate” button located at the pinnacle of your dashboard.
I have a great admiration for the animation entitled “fade,” and my preference lies in selecting the “on enter” option, which gracefully instills a fading effect to the image upon its entrance.
12. Enhance your video experience with captivating auditory enhancements.
The Captivating Qualities
At this juncture, the slideshow transcends its ordinary form and assumes the captivating qualities of a high-quality video. By incorporating sound, you amplify the level of audience participation that can be anticipated.
While the complimentary edition of Canva offers a diverse range of audio files (although the premium version provides an extensive selection), kindly navigate to the “Elements” section in your left-hand menu and proceed to scroll down until the option of “Audio” becomes visible.
In order to effectively convey the vibrant and positive essence of this business, I shall incorporate the complimentary “Happy Whistling Ukulele” soundtrack into this video. Simply navigate to the lineup of your slides and effortlessly drag the track beneath.
The Ability to Smoothly Transition My Track
Furthermore, the “Audio Effects” button located prominently on the upper section of the interface grants me the ability to smoothly transition my track, mitigating any potential jarring sensations.
One can easily modify the audio track volume by utilizing the diminutive speaker symbol displayed above.
Furthermore, I intend to complement a specific slide portraying a delivery with the resonant sound of a doorbell, while incorporating an additional sound effect of an individual exclaiming “hooray” onto another slide. I shall diligently explore the audio file database to procure these effects and seamlessly position them beneath the respective slides.
One particular aspect that truly amplifies the excellence of Canva is its exceptional ability to incorporate numerous audio tracks, showcasing its unparalleled versatility.
The Option of Incorporating Your Own
I will not be implementing this feature in the given instance; however, you have the option of incorporating your own personalized voice-over into the video. In my personal exploration, I have attempted this using the built-in microphone on my laptop, but unfortunately, the audio quality fell short of expectations.
If you possess a superior microphone and aspire to include voice narration, kindly navigate to the Uploads section and select the “record yourself” button.
I would like to draw attention to a UX issue I encountered with Canva when accessing the recording dashboard. Despite my repeated attempts, the program consistently records audio as a video file.
Must Undergo the Additional Step
Consequently, one must undergo the additional step of extracting the audio track by choosing to edit the video and extracting the soundtrack. This convoluted process is needlessly complex and I sincerely hope that Canva addresses this matter in the future.
Considering the potential benefits it could bring to your business, exploring voiceovers may prove to be a suitable avenue.
13. Please assign an appropriate title to your file. You may do so in the upper right corner, where the term “VEGAN” is displayed in the provided screenshot.
Subsequently, securely store it within the designated Canva directory by accessing the “file” tab located on the left-hand side.
Please thoroughly review your slide show multiple times to ensure it is error-free and meets your satisfaction. Once you have confirmed its accuracy, kindly proceed to select the download link (displayed above) and save it as an MP4 format.
Thus concludes the process. You have successfully generated and acquired your video material!
What have we recently crafted and how should we proceed strategically with this localized corporate video?
It is highly suggest to incorporate a downloads arrow icon adjacent to the URL bar on your computer. By clicking on your file, it will promptly launch your recently generated video utilizing the video player application installed on your computer.
While it may not be acknowledge with any prestigious awards, our team has voluntarily produced a valuable video content that will greatly impact our business. It distinguishes the significant difference between having something substantial to share and having nothing at all.
To proceed, kindly ensure that you are currently logged into the Google account responsible for managing your appropriate Google Business Profile. Conduct a Google search using your business name along with the corresponding city name, leading you to the New Merchant Experience Dashboard.
Please select the “Add Photo” button located in the aforementioned interface, followed by choosing “Photo” from the subsequent popup.
An Enlightening Revelation
At this juncture, you will receive an enlightening revelation that affirms your ability to incorporate videos alongside photographs.
Please proceed to click on the “Select photos or videos” hyperlink and proceed with the uploading of your MP4 file.
We hereby notify you that your upload is currently undergoing processing and this message serves to apprise you of the same.
Subsequently, a Google error message will ensue, necessitating one’s preparedness for its occurrence.
Issue Within Google’s System
The issue within Google’s system has been officially announce as early as 2023 and should not be discern as an indication of video rejection. To ensure the visibility of your video, kindly revisit your profile after a three-day interval following publication.
While awaiting the resolution of this matter, it is advisable to explore alternative platforms such as Instagram for uploading your MP4-based video. Additionally, if you are considering establishing a YouTube account for your local business, this video could serve as an excellent inaugural addition.
Once you have successfully uploaded a video on YouTube, it can be effortlessly shared across various platforms including X (Twitter) and Facebook profiles. Furthermore, embedding the video on your website is also a viable option. Moreover, the integration of videos within Google Updates (previously known as Google posts) is yet another avenue to consider.
By strategically sharing a single video across multiple platforms, the potential returns for just a few minutes of effort are considerable.
Some Concluding Pointers on Crafting Videos with Canva
- For any inquiries or difficulties you may encounter while using Canva, it is important to note that seeking support from the platform itself may not yield satisfactory results. Despite their claim of a 24-hour response time, my personal experience suggests that communication attempts often go unanswered.
- This unfortunate aspect is particularly disappointing considering the excellent quality of the product. Even for those with paid accounts, the level of customer service falls short of expectations. Consequently, when seeking guidance on Canva-related tasks, I recommend exploring alternative resources such as YouTube tutorials, where individuals may have shared video demonstrations of specific processes.
- Additionally, I encourage a proactive approach, utilizing the platform’s user-friendly interface to experiment and discover solutions independently.
- If technological aspects tend to make you apprehensive, it is essential to remind yourself that Canva provides a secure environment where mistakes can be rectified without consequence. Your work remains private until you deem it ready for public display. Take advantage of the freedom to proofread your text, modify your visuals, or select alternative audio at your own pace. Embrace the comfort of knowing that your creative process remains confidential until it reaches the point of being divide with others.
It Is Possible to Create An Initial Video
- In the case of local business clients who may be slow in providing content, it is possible to create an initial video for them without their active involvement. Utilize the existing imagery and unique selling points available on their website to fashion a preliminary slideshow. Once this initial video is publish on their profile, the positive response is likely to motivate them to actively participate in the creation of subsequent videos, incorporating more strategic and tailored imagery.
- The potential for creating a multitude of videos for any business is vast. Consider the various ways in which this medium can be use to showcase your premises, staff, inventory, frequently asked questions, guarantees, special events, promotions, transformations, service area explanations, and more. Given the probability that few of your local competitors are investing significantly in GBP videos, exerting a modest amount of effort can elevate your profile to become the premier choice in your area.
Enjoy the exhilarating experience of witnessing the vibrant manifestation of the local enterprises you diligently promote, as they vividly unfold on the cinematic canvas. Wishing you all the best in this endeavor!
In Conclusion
Canva offers a user-friendly and efficient way to create a professional Google Business Profile video. With customizable templates, easy-to-use editing design tools, and a wide selection of stock images and videos, anyone can create a visually appealing and engaging video in just a few simple steps.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced video creator, Canva is a valuable tool for crafting a high-quality Google Business Profile video that will help your business stand out and attract potential customers. Give it a try and see the positive impact it can have on your online presence.
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