The Power of Video: Create Video Gifts People Remember
Sending a video with gift card has the power to create meaningful memories for your recipient.
In this post, we’re going to help you organize and structure a video message to make it really impactful!
Did you know that DONO gives you the ability to customize your digital gift card with video messaging? Imagine the delight on your friend or family’s face when they open their digital gift card and see you! They hear your voice and listen to your words. It becomes more than just a gift–it becomes a memory for them.
We’ve posted before about tips to make your gift giving more personal. Here, we will dive deeper into crafting the perfect video message.
DONO gives you the power to record video greetings and attach it to your digital gift card.
Attaching a video message to your gift makes it more personal, emotional and memorable. At least one study has shown that people retain 95% of a message when watching a video in comparison to 10% of just text alone. Although this was a marketing study, the takeaway is the same: a video greeting is a powerful way to get your message across.
Attaching a Video Message in DONO
After you’ve recorded a video, you’ll be able to access your gallery and choose one to attach to your gift.
DONO wanted to make it easy for you to enhance your gift with video messaging. With the DONO app, the video becomes part of your recipient’s gifting experience and a sentimental keepsake they can rewatch over and over!
To attach a video with a gift card in the DONO App, choose “SEND GIFT” and start the process of sending a gift. Next, you’ll come across the option of choosing a photo or video greeting to attach to your digital gift card. Select “VIDEO” to get started. After you record, it will be saved in your gallery. You have the option to choose the video to attach to your gift card.
But What Should I Say In My Video?
Without a doubt, adding a video message along with your gift is a simple, modern, but meaningful way to say “thank you” or “happy holidays” or “happy birthday”. Adding a video message creates a personal touch that won’t be forgotten. Ready to create a meaningful video message that you can attach to your DONO gift card?
Here are our top tips on how to script a meaningful video.
Tip # 1: Plan Your Message.
To create a meaningful video message, you want to be intentional in what you say and how you say it. Your video recording doesn’t have to be a long documentary! But we do encourage you to keep it concise. To do so, a little planning goes a long way. Give yourself a few minutes to brainstorm a few points. You might find it helpful to st a timer and answer some key questions around your message:
Who is your audience? Think about the tone of your message. Do you need to be formal? informal? Reflective? professional and gracious? Or upbeat and encouraging? Understanding this tone is critical to your delivery.
Why are you sending this message? Are you celebrating someone’s achievement? Are you sending a birthday greeting? Maybe you want to say thanks to a friend.
What are examples of ways this person impacted your life? Think about a special memory that might resonate with them too. You can create a message around that particular detail. In doing so, your message will sound less generic and more sincere.
Finally, what do you want them to know and walk away with when the video ends? Jot down a few points.
While impromptu recordings are an option, writing down a few points beforehand can lead to a more thoughtful video message.
Tip # 2: Create a script
Once you’ve planned some talking points around your message, it’s time to put some structure around that message. Of course, you can also speak from your heart. But to help you stay on track and keep your message impactful, consider organizing it in a specific way.
Here’s a possible way to structure your greeting so you do stay on track:
Start with A Warm Greeting. Begin the message with a warm greeting such as “Hello” “Hi Team” “or Hi [name]” Using someone’s name is powerful: in a greeting it creates a sense of connection and recognition. But knowing your audience is everything! Some close friends may love an opening from you that says “What’s up bro!” or “What’s up sis!”
Your next line should introduce what you’re about to say. For instance, in a message of gratitude, you can say, “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me this year”.
Next, share some details about how this person contributed to your life. Remember our earlier brainstorming exercise? Here is the place to include it. What does this person mean to you? How did they shape your life or experience? Providing a quick example at this point helps make the message meaningful and authentic: “Your amazing support and business advice all these months helped. I feel uplifted and motivated. I wanted to send you a token of my appreciation” or “The extra golf lessons you provided were so generous of you. They’ve inspired me to get back on the course with gusto! I just wanted to say thanks with this gift!”
As an added bonus, state what qualities this person has that are admirable. Are you sending this message to a teacher who believed in you? Tell them you admire their dedication and patience. Are you sending this to a friend who stood by your side? Tell them you admire their loyalty, honesty and acceptance. Are you sending a digital gift card to your grandma who is miles away? Let her know you miss her smile, her homemade cookies and her unconditional love.
End with a heartfelt thank you. A simple “again, thank you” would suffice. Other endings: “Thank you with all my heart”, “From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate you”. If it’s for a loved one, a gripping “Thank you–I love you to the moon and back” is a popular phrase expressing a deep and profound sentiment.
Tip # 3: Prepare to choose a background that supports your message.
Setting up proper lighting in any room will enhance your recording by improving visibility, clarity and overall visual quality.
After you’ve planned and scripted out your message, consider how you can use a compelling background to support this message. Make sure you are in a well-lit place or add a light to set the mood. Bring in any visual props to add some life to your recording. For sentences, if you’re celebrating someone’s achievement, use some pom-poms to cheer them on. If you’re recording a Christmas greeting, sit by some festive ornaments or in front of the Christmas tree.
You can also record in a garden or somewhere outside. Recording outdoors can be visually appealing because there are dynamic and more varied backgrounds. Although you are the focal point, the natural lighting can contribute to a warm and inviting feeling, creating a more pleasant and memorable viewing experience for your recipient.
Be inspired by nature! Going outside and recording your video infuses a sense of authenticity and connection.
If you want to be a bit less casual or festive, a minimalist or office room may be appropriate too.
Even a clean modern office background can be a suitable choice with objects that create interest.
Here are some other good guidelines:
Choose a clean and clutter-free and well-lit background. The background should be appropriate to the tone and message of your video. Choose a minimalist wall, get outside, or stay in and create a festive background! Whatever you choose, remember you are the focus of the video so using an organized and simple (but not plain) background will help you stand out.
Watch your body language. Dress for the occasion and be mindful of how you move in the video. Some people speak using a lot of hand motion. Other people may choose a celebratory dance. Just be mindful of how you come across in the video. We recommend practicing to see what works here so your message sticks. Just be sure to stay in the camera’s frame when you record.
Speak clearly and concisely–but infuse your individuality in it! This is your message after all. Avoid sounding robotic. You may want to loosely memorize the script so you sound natural. Practice a few times. In the end, embrace any emotions as they naturally arise. We still want your personality and feelings to shine through!
Applying these video messaging tips will help you clearly and concisely engage with your gift recipient in a genuine, compelling, and relatable way.
Have fun on creating your next video gift card!
Keep these above guidelines in mind on your next DONO gift card purchase and remember that a video message can really add a fun and personal touch to any gift!
Ready to make someone’s day with a gift card and a video message? Download the DONO app or open it on your phone to get started instantly.