How To Prepare For Your First Online Video
When I started this business, my first coach told me:
“Write a blog a week, and do a video a week, and your business will grow organically.”
I followed his advice for about 9 weeks, but then something shiny came along and I forgot.
(anyone else resonate with shiny object syndrome??)
But I have always been grateful that he pushed me to get over my initial fear of speaking on camera.
I know I’m not alone in this.
Fear of Public Speaking is widely touted as the number 1 fear across the globe.
There’s a saying that most people would rather be the one IN the coffin than the one giving the eulogy.
And speaking on video takes that fear to a whole new level. Not only will an audience SEE you, but it will be recorded, forever, and they can watch it over and over, and share it with other people.
So I get that the fear is real, and it certainly was for me as well.
Even though my guiding principle in life is to SHINE, and I knew I wanted to get good at being on video, I had a HUGE emotional block stopping me from taking the leap.
Thankfully, my coach held the space for me, ignored my tears, and helped me push through.
And now I want to share what I’ve learnt in the hope to inspire you to shine as well.
Firstly, why is video so damn important?
Here’s the thing: “People don’t buy things, they buy people” (Simon Sinek)
In today’s world, where social media is so pervasive, and review sites like tripadvisor and yelp account for the majority of purchase decision-making, TRUST is the biggest factor in why clients choose to buy.
And seeing the REAL PERSON behind the brand, on video, is the best and fastest way to build trust.
Your potential clients can see you, can hear you, can notice your body language, can get a feel for what you’d be like to work with.
Do I need to spend $$$$ on professional video?
There’s a lot to be said for professional videos, and they definitely work well to showcase products and tell the story behind the brand, and when done well, they should evoke a genuine feeling from the watcher.
But do you spend thousands? Absolutely not!
For us Solopreneurs, who not only are doing everything ourselves anyway, but we ARE the brand, sometimes a professionally curated and edited video is overkill.
People want to see the real you behind the business. So all you need, really, is your phone and an internet connection.
The aim of this post is to get you ready to for your first video. To teach you the little hacks that I’ve perfected over time, and that I wish I knew at the start.
- Stick to One Topic
- What’s in it for them?
- Prepare an outline with key points
- Think of your background
- Done is better than perfect
1. Stick To One Topic
Just talk about one thing. That’s pretty simple. Take these blog posts for example. Each one has a specific topic and a few points (such as how to prepare for videos, and 5 pointers).
You might discuss one of your core values.
Perhaps you’ll teach how to write an “about me” page.
Or maybe share 3 ways to exercise your legs.
Or discuss your morning routine.
Pick one idea, and then have a couple of embellishments (3 is perfect).
2. What’s In It For Them?
Always imagine the listener’s point of view. What will they get out of watching your video?
Can you teach something? Share some advice? Be entertaining?
Whatever your topic is, make it relevant to your dream clients (your niche) and aim to give them something valuable to takeaway.
3. Prepare An Outline
You don’t need to wing it! Even on a facebook live, I still plan ahead (usually).
It’s true, you don’t want to sound like you’re reading a script, but you also don’t want to talk for ages and then have to edit the video.
The aim is to talk for 3-10 minutes on one topic, without a script. You should know your content really well!
Remember, no one is expecting (or wanting!) you to be perfect. In fact, the best performing videos (especially when it comes to coaches, personal development and other service industries) are the genuine, amateur videos with a few mistakes in them.
People like to see real humans!
So my advice is to take a pen and paper, and use one page only to jot down
- Your one subject
- Why it’s important
- 3 main points
- Summary or what to do next
And here’s a secret bonus tip for you:
Grab yourself a large whiteboard, write your notes on there and prop it up in eyesight behind the camera, so you can see it as you’re talking.
4. Think Of Your Background
You don’t need a professional studio or fancy décor to create a video. Somewhere in your house or garden or office is fine.
Just take care with what’s behind you.
Best is something that reflects your personality, or symbol of your work. Such as flowers, books, a wall of certificates, the ocean.
Worst is something too cluttered and messy. You don’t want people to be distracted instead of watching you.
I like to mix it up – sometimes I’m in my garden near my green chairs and money tree; other times in my office with my core values on the wall behind me.
But my first videos were against a plain white wall, or a plain brick wall. I know you can do better than that!
[Lighting] And just remember to face the light. You don’t need professional lighting (my favourite is natural light anyway), but if the light is behind you or above you, you’ll get dark shadows on your face and people won’t be able to see your expressions clearly. Try to face a window.
5. Done Is Better Than Perfect
This is especially true with video!
You’re never going to be 100% happy with this, especially when you first start. It’s because you’re just not used to seeing and hearing yourself on camera.
80% is good enough, and you need to be ok with that.
You don’t need to go LIVE on facebook for your first time. Record a video on your phone. You can do as many takes as you like.
My first video (after I dried my tears and put some make-up on) took about 19 takes. It’s quite good but it’s not anywhere near the confidence and standard I have now. (check it out)
BUT… I would not be comfortable and confident and happy with my videos NOW, if I hadn’t started way back then.
BONUS TIP
Now, you don’t need a lot of fancy tech, I think I made that pretty clear, but one thing I did invest in quite soon, and I’m happy to recommend, is getting a tripod.
You can get pretty cheap ones for less than $100 from any electronics store like JB Hifi. I got a free-standing one so I can take it anywhere. It’s lightweight and I just sit my phone in the holder.
It means I can have a variety of backgrounds and get the angle right, without having to try and prop it up or continually holding my phone.
If you’ve seen my videos, you know I talk with gestures, so holding a phone is pretty restrictive for me!
Well that’s it guys.
These are your 5 tips (and a few bonuses) for getting started with video.
If this has inspired you, I would love to see your first video. Tag me online so I can support you!
