Money-Maker Memo #9: 

Creating Quality Content

Content is everywhere and only the cream of the crop will rise to the top!  The Internet is saturated with content, so we all have to make sure we are constantly striving to improve quality.  The following  tips have been broken into content types, since RedGage includes photographs, blogs, videos, links, and documents.

PHOTOS:

1)  Increase Resolution and File Size-

Upload the largest file size possible to guarantee quality.  Small photos can be grainy looking or too small to view.  

2)  Improve Lighting and Glare- 

If you are photographing a piece of art, make sure you have the item in the proper lighting to avoid glare.  If you don't have a powerful flash, use outdoor lighting

3)  Spend Time Editing- 

Most computers or printers come with software to perform simple photo edits.  You can also search for free photo editing websites to improve photos online.  Crop out that strangers head or zoom in on the main subject of your photo.  Often, fixing the color saturation or the exposure of a photo can make a huge difference.  Add borders, effects, designs, or make a black and white or sepia version of your photo! 

4)  Add a Watermark or a Signature- 

RedGage has warnings that do not allow users to steal images from the website, but any images online (on any website) can be stolen.  It is always recommended to add a design, logo, signature, or watermark to your photos to document authenticity.  Better safe than sorry!  

5)  Use Creative Captions-  

Engage the viewers with a quick, simple, and accurate title.  A photo with a unique title will receive more views than 'DSC0001'.

BLOGS/DOCUMENTS:

1)  Pay Attention to Topics- 

Research the topics that are the most popular within each community.  Pay close attention to which topics will find a niche audience or will be interesting to the general community. 

2)  Spelling and Grammar- 

If you expect users to read your content, make it easy to understand.  Don't forget to use your 'Spell Check' and scan for grammar errors.  If your intention is to inform your audience, try to keep your writing professional so that your readers will take you seriously. 

3)  Format Your Text-

Viewers respond well to blogs and documents that are 'easy on the eye'.  Utilize fonts, bold headings, and break up your text.  A few paragraphs with titles and indentations is more inviting than one large chunk of writing.  Use the formatting buttons in the RedGage blog upload bar.  The text edit box provides you with tools, so use them to organize your content. 

4)  Add Images-

Photos, charts, and other images make a blog or document more attractive.  Use them to break up your text or to tell a story.  Images can help demonstrate your idea (food recipes) or support a debate (charts of statistics). 

5)  Tell a story-

The same rules for storytelling apply to your personal blogs!  Introduce characters, use descriptive phrases, and include dialogue or action. 

VIDEOS:

1)  Have a Purpose-

Whether your intention is to entertain, to inform, to demonstrate, or to be artistic- make sure your video has direction.  Use video posts to capture things that other content types can't do as well, like action! 

2)  Research Camera Techniques-

Get creative with your point of view and various camera techniques.  Use long shots to show an environment or setting.  Zoom in with close ups or medium shots to show emotion and to focus on a subject.  Use different perspectives and angles to create movement in your scenes. 

3)  Check the Format-

Maximum length: 10 minutes

Maximum file size: 1 GB

Video Format: H.264, MPEG-2 or MPEG-4

Resolution: 640x360 (16:9) or 480x360 (4:3)

4)  Use Quality Equipment-

The quality of videos is often dependent on the equipment used to record the footage.  If you have a special project in mind, considering borrowing or renting professional equipment.  Make sure that you are recording on the highest quality setting.  Make a homemade tri-pod if you don't have one!  If you are using a webcam, research 'do it yourself' tips on improving lighting and sound. 

5) Have Fun Editing-

Use editing to remove unnecessary footage, create special effects, and add additional audio.  The opportunities are endless- Split Screen, Green Screen, Time- Lapsing, etc. 

LINKS:

1)  Use a Detailed Description-

Make sure to include a detailed description and title, because it is your only place to type during the link upload!  Use this space to let people know what the link is about and why you want them to check it out. 

2)  Personal Bookmarking-

Post any link that you would bookmark for yourself and would like to return too.  Since you can always post your own content directly to the site, you can use the links to bring attention to work that is not your own. 

3)  Pick a Bright Thumbnail-

Choose the thumbnail that does the best