How to make better videos

 

 

Download a full .pdf explaining everything a backdrop can do for your videos.

 

So you have decided to use Video in your business.

 

Congrats! It is a smart decision as by 2020, Cisco has estimated that video content will make 80-90% of all content online, this is huge and in order to be successful, you definitely need to embrace it as soon as possible.

If you are already using Video, you need to make sure you are doing it right or else, it could be doing nothing for you, or what´s even worse, it could be harming your brand and message *more on this below.

 

 

 

 

Here is what usually happens right after you decide to create Videos for your business:

 

 

1.- What type of videos should I create?

 

 

You start thinking about what type of content you would like to create , if you want a tip, don´t create the type of content you think your audience will like but ask them, do some research into what they are asking, what they need, what their struggles are…

This is a much more effective approach to content creation and will save you months, if not more of creating content for crickets…

Find a good balance of educational/inspiring videos as well as some behind the scenes (your viewers will love those!), entertaining content…it really comes down to what your audience wants to watch, so when you make it a habit to ask them, they will be an infinite source of ideas!

 

The best help on this topic (on how to structure and be consistent) I have found in all my years as an online entrepreneur has been this class by Desislava Dobreva   ,  a 3-hour masterclass that will help you destroy any confusion and overwhelm you have about positioning your business online with a powerful content strategy. After this, you’ll be able to create your entire social media strategy from scratch and become a content creation machine. I tell you, it is gold!

Now, if you would like to plan all your content like a PRO and even create each type of video and practice them before you go live, check out my VIDEOS that SELL Programme.

 

 

2.- What platform/s should I use?

 

 

Now, after you decide your Content plan, you need to start thinking on what platforms you will be using. Not every platform works the same way, and they each have their peculiarities when it comes to backdrops (more on that later) but to make it easy for you to decide, ask yourself this question:

                                                                                 

Where is my Ideal client?

 

That´s it, you now have an answer to where you should be streaming from. Start small, on one or two platforms at the most. It takes time to get the grasp of how each platform works.

 

If you are going to be using Written Visuals in your videos (words, taglines, etc), you need to know the characteristics of each platform. I offer a free cheat sheet for people who join my facebook group (apart from other awesome trainings, and free content, oh, and a weekly giveaway). If you want to join and get my free cheat sheet, just click on the image below.

 

Click on image to join.

 

3.- How do I structure my videos?

Ok, so this, takes time to master, but the best script and outline, without doubt  I have found and I use as so do all my #peri10k peeps (It is a community of change makers and thought leaders) is this one by Katya Varbanova. At first, simply look at it while you are livestreaming, the more you use it , the more familiar you will become with the structure and it will soon be second nature. It really helped me with managing my nerves and making me feel more confident on camera. It is a way of seeming more professional, like you know what you are doing, lol! It also helps when you get nervous, and I know a thing or two about that…camera-shy was my second name, petrified was my first name!

In my new programme, you will be able to create your own script, completely adapted to your business and strategy and, yes, you guessed, you will be able to Practice before using it live. Learn more here.

 

 

 

4.- What equipment do I need?

 

Let´s be honest, when you are first starting out you have plenty enough equipment with your phone , a backdrop* , an affordable light and tripod (UK link) affordable light and tripod  (US link) and in some cases a mic . With this same equipment I recommend to all my clients, you can easily make videos until you are making big sales.

Remember you are trying to provide the best viewer experience, so you should eventually level up your video gear, although don´t let that stop you, you need to start doing video today, your can always up-level bit by bit.

I am going to break down this section and tell you exactly what you need when:

 

1. Starting out and until you are making money:

 

You just need a smartphone and a video backdrop*.

Optional: a tripod will make things easier but you can also use a stack of books, some sturdy box or candle…you should see how I did my first videos! Some of them are still up on my Facebook page , some people may argue I should take them down,(some are even blurry…) but you what, I keep them there as a reminder of how far I have come since I started livestreaming (but that is a whole other story!).

 

About the *backdrop:

As you saw in the video at the top of this page,

 

a backdrop is what your viewers can see behind you when you are on screen.

 

 

 

 

BUT it is NOT (or it should not be) that generic fabric screen some people are using (there is nothing wrong with the format, the power of a backdrop is in the Visuals you are using, not in the format). If you want to know why those screens are harming your brand, watch this super short video. 

or read this article.

 

When you are on camera, there is always something behind you, it is merely a physical fact, so why not make it work in your favour instead of against you? 

 

A backdrop is not only your physical support when you are doing videos , it acts as an emotional support too.

 

 

 

Your backdrop is your Visual Communication, it is the first impression your viewers will have of you. And you know what? It is the best selling machine for your business.

 

In a saturated feed, you need to make it easy for people to decide they want to “Stop & Watch” you.

 

Your Video Backdrop has the power (when designed right) to:

 

• Amplify your message
• Make your videos recognisable in a saturated feed.
• Brand all your videos.
• Tell your story.
• Show your expertise.
• Build the trust factor fast.
• Show your clients what results you ca get for them.
• Attract your Ideal client easily.
• Communicate your message visually.
• Market your offers subtly (using seller psychology).
• Use effective CTAs in your videos that will help you get subscribers, sales or whatever outcome you are aiming at.

Download my Free Checklist to know what key 3 elements you need to have in place.

Download to get the full Checklist.

 

Can you see how POWERFUL it is?

The terrible thing is, hardly anyone is using their backdrop to their full potential, moreover, most people are using the wrong backdrop (because they are not even aware they have one) or using the wrong solution, such as a generic fabric screen that is doing nothing to make their videos recognisable and unique.

 

Using the wrong backdrop is actually harming your branding, your message and your credibility.

 

It is confusing your viewers because what you say (your message) and what they see (your backdrop) doesn´t match.

 

A fully Optimised backdrop will have every key element in place, depending on your needs, your goals, your aspiration and your current surroundings.

 

I do not believe in invasive solutions such as big poles and screens unless you have a video studio, a dedicated space you can use solely for video creation. If that is not your situation, which, most likely isn´t, you need to make the living/video/working combo work for you and for the inhabitants of your home. I like creating the Perfect Backdrop for each client, the one that will act as a marketing, branding and communication tool but that will also enhance your surroundings and not be an obstacle in your space.

 

If you want to know whether you are using the right backdrop for your videos, check this article out.

 

If you are ready to start rocking your videos, let´s chat. Book an Initial Consultation with me in which I will see what the best solution would be for your needs and situation.

 

 

 

1. You are already making money in our business and/or creating Courses or Video ads:

I do recommend you invest in all or some of these if you are creating Courses or Video ads , or if you are a regular live streamer; at this stage you really should be delivering high quality videos, viewers will expect it.

I am listing a number of items I use myself and I recommend my clients, there are several options, at different price points.

 

• Although you can still use a smartphone (the higher range in Apple or Samsung, for instance, not quoting others as I have no experience with them), below you will find some cameras that are great for creating courses and webinars.

 

• Video Backdrop: this is a MUST. No video should be done without a proper, optimised backdrop as you have learnt in the point above. However, you might have started with a more simple video backdrop (Backdrop Quick-Fix) and now you are ready for the full version.
• I have created a System, that turns your backdrop into your best selling tool. I am an award winning designer and for years, I have designed commercial retail spaces and events, making millions for my clients, I now apply the same commercial design and psychology principles to your VIDEOS , so that you can easily grow your business to 6-figures by using video.

 

• A tripod, people get very nervous when a video is shaky, you don´t want that. I am sharing my two favourites at two different price points. You can start with the more affordable option and upgrade later on. It also depends on your needs, will you just use it from a desk? Or will you be taking it with you, even outdoors? In this case, I do recommend the Gorilla tripod as it is incredibly versatile, you can place it on the most extreme surfaces and it will remain steadily gripped.

 

 

• One of the main reasons not to follow someone´s videos is  bad SOUND. It is a top reason also for your course to be rejected on Udemy or other teaching platforms.  I highly recommend the Rode Smart Lav. This is definitely a sound investment (pun intended).

 

 

 

 

• Next piece of equipment would be lighting. If you need help finding the best spot for your video backdrops and making the most of natural lighting, book an Initial Consultation with me, sometimes you don´t even need any other type of lighting or other times, you will benefit more from other options. It all depends on the style of video you are going to shoot, your Ideal audience, your brand style…I can give you honest feedback on what features you should invest in and which you don´t need. However, if you already know that you do require lighting equipment, here are my go to recommendations; lightboxes only if you have a space you can use as a video set or studio, if not, this handy and super affordable option is my go to favourite to use with a mobile phone.

 

This is a similar option:

 

 

• If you are planning on creating high quality videos, courses or You Tube videos, you will eventually need to invest in a camera that works well both for video and photos.I love my Canon! They are easy to use (they even come with a free course) and photos and video are really professional looking. Of course, you can later go really professional with other cameras and lenses but wait until you start making money from your videos. On my list, the Canon EOS C100  below.
• If you are looking for an affordable option to use with your computer, this webcam does the trick at a reasonable price.

 

 

 

 

5.- You have it all sorted…but who is going to watch? How to find your audience.

 

The best way to grow an audience today is definitely via video, no question about that.

Luckily building a tribe just needs commitment, consistency and a proven system ……. I´ve got you covered!

The best training ever is ACE  , it gives you all the steps you need to take to go from 0 viewers to 1000 easily. After that, numbers (apparently) start piling up really fast! Ask me again in a couple of months, combining my different platforms I am way over that first thousand (remember I started livestreaming recently) but on the same platform, I am still not there). ACE has given me the step-by-step instructions (easy to implement, by the way), so it is just a question of being consistent.

And, once more, your Backdrop is the easiest and fastest way of attracting your Ideal tribe. If you want to know the exact visulas you should be using and where they need to be placed, check this out, my new programme covers every single element you need to have in place so that your videos SELL.

 

I really do hope this post will help you get started or uplevel your video game.

You simply cannot afford to wait any longer to hit that Go live button and start getting clients!

Let me know how else I can help you.

 

Remember:

A video backdrop and a smartphone is all you need to share your message and start getting clients from video!

But if you really want to do it fast and easily, join the VIDEOS that SELL Programme, right now, you can get in at a fraction of the price, while we run our BETA. In September, price will double.