You’re not the only one who has palpitations at the mere thought of facing a camera. A lot of small business owners get nervous about using video for marketing. 69 percent of us feel self conscious in front of the camera and 62 percent of us feel posing for a picture. We’ve been indoctrinated to distrust our own abilities and obsess over our appearance and voice on camera. But video marketing is a game-changer for small businesses, therefore it’s time to overcome camera fear and utilize this effective instrument.
I know the challenge, having worked as a small business digital marketing consultant and have been camera shy myself. However, know that you are great in your current state. The worries that are preventing you from acting are self-limiting attitudes that are keeping you from utilizing one of your company’s most potent resources: YOU.
8 steps to overcome camera fear and start using video marketing for your small business.
1. Do not to strive for perfection
Progress is hampered by perfectionism. Don’t strive for perfection; instead, make small, steady improvement. No matter how uncomfortable it makes you, start with making a video. You’ll grow more at ease and self-assured in front of the camera with more practice.
2. Prepare pertinent inquiries
If you don’t want to feel pressured to come up with content on the spot, research some relevant questions ahead of time. Consider the questions your viewers are curious about, then answer them in your videos. A financial literacy coach, for instance, could respond to inquiries such as “How can new parents prepare for their child’s financial security for academics and beyond?” or “How should first-time earners plan for long-term financial freedom?”
3. Ask a reliable friend
Being around by someone who is encouraging can really make a big difference. Ask the person you get along well with to pose the prepared questions to you. In this sense, it feels less like a professional video production and more like a talk with a buddy.
4. Install the necessary hardware
Make sure the space is well-lit and has good audio. As you sit in front of the camera or phone, make sure it’s comfy for you. To put yourself at ease, ask your friend to take a picture with or without them in the frame.
5. Decide where to focus your attention
Choose whether you want to film your friend or yourself looking straight into the camera. Although staring at the lens draws in more viewers, it’s okay to look at your pal if that feels awkward. Remember to try on a smile as well! It gives your videos a more hospitable vibe.
6. Examine virtual alternatives
If recording on location isn’t possible, you can use Zoom or other video conferencing services. As you answer the questions, set up a virtual meeting, pin your screen, and record the video. This enables you to converse with your friend in the same manner even though you are in different places.
7. Make use of editing resources
Forget about trying to get a perfect video in a single take. An unpleasant moment or two can be trimmed with a little editing magic. You may polish your videos before putting them online with a plethora of easily navigable editing options. Recall that your audience values genuineness, so don’t be scared to be yourself.
8. The secret is consistency
Don’t allow fear prevent you from making and sharing films on a regular basis. Your concerns will have less of an impact on you the more you confront them. Gaining confidence and developing your brand require consistency. Your films will establish a closer bond with your viewers as you grow more at ease in front of the camera.
You may begin utilizing video marketing for your small business by implementing these eight practical steps. Overcome camera fear or self-doubt to increase brand awareness and cultivating a relationship of trust with your target market.
Advantages of Video Marketing
For small firms, there are various advantages to video marketing. Let’s examine why it makes sense to overcome camera fear and utilize this effective marketing tool:
1. Greater clarity
Videos are quite popular and easily shared. You may expand your audience and improve your online presence by using videos in your marketing strategy. Videos have a higher chance of being clicked and shared on social media, which increases brand visibility.
2. Increased sincerity and trustworthiness
Videos let you show off your skills, charm, and love for your business. Viewers trust you more if you are honest and helpful in the videos you create. They are more inclined to interact with and make purchases from companies they trust.
3. Greater recognition and awareness of the brand
Regular video marketing builds awareness and establishes your brand’s presence. People who watch your videos over and over again become more familiar with your brand. This makes it more likely that they will remember you and choose your products or services when they need them.
4. Increased interaction and outreach
Compared to other forms of content, videos have the ability to reach a larger audience and produce better levels of interaction. They have a higher probability of being liked, shared, and commented on, which expands your organic reach and puts you in front of potential clients.
5. Higher placement in search results
Video content is given priority in search results by Google and other search engines. You may raise your website’s search engine rankings and online presence by adding videos and optimizing them with pertinent keywords.
Are you prepared to take a risk and use video marketing to your small business’s advantage? I promise the rewards are worthwhile!
Don’t let your fear of the camera stop you from doing video marketing. Never forget that your target audience values your knowledge and enthusiasm and finds you fascinating just the way you are.
So go ahead and pick up your phone or camera, think of some things to ask, call a friend, and begin recording. Take the plunge into video marketing, overcome camera fear, establish your brand, gain self-assurance, and see how your small business prospers in the digital sphere.