Welcome to this two-part online video master class on how to make effective online videos and market them on the Web. Today, we'll cover five key elements of an effective online video.

1. The Simpler the Better

Creating an effective video isn't always simple, but the content within it should be. Though video can help you to explain complex messages, on screen it's best to keep things simple.

The video should have one clear message to get across. To ensure that you do that effectively, you should keep on-screen graphics, props, animations, and lengthy dialogue to a minimum.

If you do, your audience will be able to easily take in the message of the video.

2. Short and Sweet

Differences of opinion abound regarding the optimum length of an online video, but there is one golden rule: Short is sweet.

Ideally, your video should be 2-5 minutes long. If you find it difficult to cut your video down to that time-frame, think of creating separate videos. Doing so will allow you to make your videos simpler. And, in the end, you'll have more video content.