How do you measure the impact and success of your video projects with free video editing software?

1 Why measure video impact?

Before you start measuring your video impact, you need to define what impact means for you. What is the purpose of your video project? What are the objectives and outcomes that you want to achieve? How do you align your video content with your overall strategy and vision? These questions will help you set clear and realistic goals for your video project, and identify the indicators that will measure your progress and success. For example, if your goal is to raise awareness about a social issue, you might measure the number of views, shares, comments, and likes that your video generates. If your goal is to educate or inform your audience, you might measure the retention rate, watch time, feedback, and quiz results that your video provides.

2 How to use free video editing software

Free video editing software can be a great option for creating professional and engaging video projects, without breaking the bank. However, not all free video editing software is created equal. Some may have limitations on the features, formats, quality, or duration of your videos. Some may have watermarks, ads, or branding that you cannot remove. Some may have steep learning curves, compatibility issues, or security risks. Therefore, you need to do your research and choose the best free video editing software that suits your needs and preferences. Some of the popular and reputable free video editing software options include DaVinci Resolve, Lightworks, Shotcut, OpenShot, and VSDC.

3 How to optimize your video for SEO

SEO, or search engine optimization, is the process of improving your online visibility and ranking on search engines like Google or YouTube. This is especially important for video projects, as it helps you reach more potential viewers who are looking for topics related to your video content. To optimize your video for SEO, you should conduct keyword research and use relevant and descriptive keywords in your video title, description, tags, and captions. Additionally, make sure to create an eye-catching and relevant thumbnail image that attracts attention and curiosity. Write a compelling and informative video description that summarizes your main points and includes a call to action. Also, encourage engagement and interaction by asking questions, inviting feedback, and responding to comments. Finally, promote and share your video on multiple platforms and channels such as social media, blogs, newsletters, and websites.

4 How to track your video metrics

Once you have created and optimized your video project, you should track and analyze your video metrics to measure your impact and success. Video metrics are the data and statistics that show how your video is performing and how your audience is responding to it. These metrics include views, watch time, retention rate, engagement (e.g. likes, dislikes, comments, shares, subscriptions) and conversions (e.g. clicks, newsletter sign-ups, purchases). You can use various tools and platforms to track these metrics, depending on where you host and distribute your video. For instance, YouTube Studio provides comprehensive analytics for YouTube videos, while Google Analytics can measure traffic, bounce rate, and conversions for embedded videos on websites.

5 How to improve your video impact

Tracking and analyzing your video metrics is not enough - you need to use the insights and feedback to improve your video impact and success. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your video project, then make adjustments accordingly. Experiment with different video formats, lengths, styles, and tones to see what works best for your audience and goals. Additionally, test different video titles, descriptions, thumbnails, and keywords to attract more clicks and views. Optimize your video for mobile devices and different screen sizes to ensure a smooth viewing experience. Additionally, update and refresh your content regularly to keep it relevant. Learn from successful video creators in your niche or industry to see what you can emulate or adapt. By following these steps, you can measure the impact and success of your video projects with free software and enhance your media production skills.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?