Showing up on video for your business can feel really scary, but I promise it doesn’t have to be! If you have been asking what the secret to getting higher engagement and a deeper connection with your audience on social media, well, guess what? Video is it.
Across major social media platforms, showing up on video can supercharge your social media presence. Video helps your audience know you, like you, and trust you! Most buyers value brand transparency pretty darn highly, so when you show up on video and prove you aren’t a robot you are scoring points in their book. And those points are redeemable for nifty things like trust, which translates to dollars when you eventually offer your sales pitch.
“Cool Carolyn, I know all that. I still don’t want to be on video.”
Okay BUT. Let me dissect this for a second with you.
Do you not want to be on video because you are scared of how you will look/sound/what people will say? Okay…do you feel the same way pitching your brand in person? Are you super freaked out about talking about your business to prospective clients in person? No? Yes?
If talking about your business is what’s holding you back (and trust me, that has been what’s held me back before) there is some self reflection that needs to happen. Get proud! Stand tall! Your business rocks and you rock at talking about it.
So get on video already!!! The public awaits you.
TIP 1: Write it Down
What is the goal of the video you are about to make? Write it down. What do you need to say to reach that goal? Write it down. Keep your notes in your lap while you record. If you need to look at them, stop talking and look down at them. You can edit that part out!
TIP 2: Breathe and Smile
I forget this one most often. Before you hit record, take a couple deep breaths and smile REAL BIG. It sounds cheesy, but it actually triggers your brain to amp up your excitement and positivity.
TIP 3: One Shot
I prefer to record video all in one shot, and edit any wonky bits out later. That helps me stay organized when editing time arrives. It’s way easier to chop up one long clip, rather than try and remember which parts I liked of which separate clips.
Pro Tip: All you need to edit amazing videos is your phone. InShot is a free app that is a game changer for editing on your smartphone. It’s FREE, boo! Thank me later, download it now.
TIP 4: Slow and Steady
Talk slow, pause between sentences (gaps and pauses can always be chopped out), and take a deep breath after you mess up. It gets easier every time you do it!
TIP 5: Roll with It
If you goof up in a Live video, keep rolling. Most people have not noticed. Keep the enthusiasm and information flowing and they will not have time to fixate on your minor trip up.
TIP 6: Nobody is Thinking About You
Wow that sounds harsh. But it’s true! Nobody is thinking about you when they tune in to your video, they are thinking about themselves! They want to know how your content serves them, so tell them!
TIP 7: Mirror Mirror
Practice what you want to talk about in the mirror. Look at your face and love it! It’s not vanity, it’s confidence. I hear from a lot of people who don’t want to be on video because they hate how they look/sound/etc. I feel you, I see you. But I gotta tell you, dump that negative self talk right now. It’s holding you back.
TIP 8: Lookie Here
Film a few practice clips looking at different parts of your phone or camera. See what version of eye contact looks best when you play it back.
TIP 9: Tripod = Your Friend
If you want your videos to feel more natural and comfortable, get a small tripod to hold your phone steady while you record your videos! When you don’t have to worry about how to hold the camera or if it’s going to fall off that weird stack of books you made to hold your phone up (BEEN THERE) you will be able to focus fully on the content of your video.
TIP 10: Facetime
This one works wonders for me: pretend you are on Facetime with a dear friend. This helps unlock the casual, conversational vibe I want to have in my videos. Your audience will feel like you are talking directly to them, like you know them and their needs!
Want more video tips and 10 prompts for showing up on Instagram Reels and Stories? I’ve got you covered. Be sure you sign up for the Bad Axe Newsletter in Oct 2020 for your free download!
Which tip is your favorite? Have one I missed? Let’s chat in the comments!
Stay Bad Axe!
-Carolyn
New Bad Axe Blog posts get published on Mondays weekly. I explore all things digital marketing: from websites to social media, graphic design to branding and so much more. Become a site member and never miss a post!
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