So many people are doing videos in front of the wrong backdrop.

This is terrible!

Honestly, I have lost count of how many videos I see using the wrong; a.k.a. harmful backdrop.

This is completely ruining their CREDIBILITY , AUTHORITY and, SALES.

Here´s why:

First of all, a backdrop is the area your viewers can see behind you when you are on screen. And, no, it is NOT one of those fabric screens people are using! That is one format only, but a backdrop can take many shapes and it should be completely personalised to your needs, your type of video and your surroundings. A non-invasive solution that will enhance your surroundings and double up as a video backdrop when required. If you would like to know what the problem is with those fabric screens you see around, watch this short video.

Now, you always have a backdrop whether you are aware of it or not…it is simply a physical fact.

Now, given that you always have a backdrop, why not make it do something for your videos?

I will explain how you can create a backdrop that actually helps you communicate better in this article, so read on.

A Video backdrop is a hugely powerful tool when used correctly, on the other hand, it can be hugely harming your brand and your message if you are not using it right.

The problem with not using an optimised backdrop (explained below) is that it will do more harm to your message and branding than anything else. *Optimised is the term I use to explain a Backdrop that Sells (my unique system that combines all the different elements a backdrop should have in order for it to become a powerful tool).

Your message , You and your Backdrop need to be perfectly cohesive to :

 

• Amplify your message.
• Build Trust and Credibility with your viewers.
• Sell your products or services.

An optimised backdrop should be able to do the following: (Watch this short video, if you prefer.)

• Be on brand , every time you are online, your viewers should know it is you and your business, a backdrop needs to be branded cohesively throughout all your online activities. And that doesn´t necessarily mean you just need one backdrop, there are ways you can brand different backdrops for different activities.

• Show your field of expertise.

• Make you look trustworthy in front of viewers. Only when what you say and what you show matches perfectly, will your audience trust you. And TRUST is key in being able to make SALES.

• Communicate and amplify your message. The wrong backdrop will break the communication process, leaving your audience confused.

• Tell your story, so you can build an emotional Connection with your viewers, which is vital in order to turn them into clients. Have you ever heard of the LIKE-KNOW-TRUST factor? An audience needs to like you first, get to know you and connect to you and trust you before they are even ready to spend money on you.I call this sequence ATTRACT – CONNECT – SELL; and each phase needs to be fully supported by the right backdrop.

• Make people STOP and WATCH your videos = Make your Videos STAND OUT (in a saturated feed); visual communication enters the brain before any other stimulus, it is the best and most effective way of making people stop scrolling and PAY ATTENTION to your videos.

• Reach your Ideal clients: a backdrop can make audience building hugely effective by attracting the right clients and repelling the wrong ones for your brand.

• SELL: my signature system “BACKDROPS THAT SELL” is the result of years of experience and research in commercial design, I now apply the same psychology and design principles to backdrops to ensure they will be a powerful tool in getting SALES effortlessly on video. When your backdrop shows all the right elements, in the right place, at the right time, it can become a “retail experience” for your viewers. If you want to learn exactly how to make your backdrop sell for you, join my new programme: VIDEOS that SELL.

Below is a graphic showing you what happens when you sue the wrong backdrop in your videos:

Your viewers will be confused, because you are not showing them the right VISUALS (backdrop). And confused people don´t buy!

Below is what happens, on the contrary when you are using an optimised backdrop (using the Backdrops that Sell System). Your viewers can immediately see a connection between what you say you can do for them and what you are showing them on video. They will become fans and clients!!

When your message and your backdrop are cohesive and fit perfectly, you deliver your message effectively, amplifying its reach and making it loud and clear. Your audience will understand it perfectly, they will trust you and you will have a raving tribe of fans and clients!

• Communicate your message on a visual level too…double power!
• Connect with your viewers, so they become fans.
• It is a great emotional trigger and connection building tool.
• You can use subtle visual CTA´s (calls to action=what you want your audience to do) in your videos.
• It can sell your expertise without being salesly or pushy.
• It will be able to show the results you help your clients get, thus building trust and showing your really are an authority in your niche.
• It will make your videos stand out from the competition, because you will be looking professional.
• Look professional,stand out from the competition, make sales! Get in on my new programme today where we tackle every single element you need to have in place in your videos.

When your message and your backdrop are cohesive and fit perfectly, you deliver your message effectively, amplifying its reach and making it loud and clear. Your audience will understand it perfectly, they will trust you and you will have a raving tribe of fans and clients!

If you are serious about growing your business through Video, my new programme will make the process seamless and easy. Every single element you need to make your videos SELL for you. Learn more and apply here.

Your branding is a full scope of things , it is not just your website, or your logo.

Your branding is a visual representation of your personality, your style, your business, your values…

Think of your branding as a cocktail:

It has to taste good and look nice.

It needs the right amount of the right ingredients.

The best ingredients mixed to perfection will ensure your cocktail is a success! What cocktail is your brand going to be?

The best ingredients mixed to perfection will ensure your cocktail is a success! What cocktail is your brand going to be?
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Expert mixologists have a special talent and skills and know what to serve to each customer at each precise moment, they immediately “get them” and provide the perfect mix.

We can do the same for your brand.

We will carefully study your needs, your business, your style, your audience…we will then create a bespoke cocktail, using only the highest quality ingredients, adding a touch of impeccable taste…Nothing will be left to chance, from the glass we choose to the tray we serve it on.

This is how we do graphic design Melanie Falvey style.

Would you like a cocktail?

Take a look at our list, we will bring you the best cocktail you have ever tasted!

To order, please book an appointment with our expert mixologist AKA Melanie Falvey & Team for a bespoke package or a quote for the above list.

You have 8 seconds to get someone´s attention before they decide to listen to you or not.

A gold fish has a 9 second attention span, yes, more than humans!

So, How are you going to use those 8 seconds?

Research carried out over the last few years state that human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds before the year 2000 to just 8 due to the overload of information our brain is constantly bombarded with.

I have to disagree with this, at least on Social Media, our attention span is reduced to merely 4-5 seconds. You can test this yourself. Scroll down any facebook wall:

How long do you spend on each post?

What makes you stop and pay more attention?

Live streams are beginning to be boring, there is no novelty anymore, since everyone is doing them-look, even I am!

And remember also people usually have their audio off, o they cannot listen to your great message at the beginning, they are just seeing you.

I know very well what makes me want to stop and watch or read something.

There are two situations:

1- You know the person already and you know what type of content they put out. If you already, and notice I am saying already, know them and have the certainty they give value or they make you giggle, you might be willing to pay more attention.

However,

2- If you don´t know the person, you have no idea whether they give value or not, whether they are amusing or not, whether that live streaming will be useful or just a waste of time…

In my case it is clear, if I don´t see anything in their backdrop* that makes me think they have something interesting to offer, I will scroll down. I won´t even give them 8 seconds. And it is not just me, we all do it.

Remember we are VISUAL beings, so you need to give your viewers a VISUAL STIMULUS or they will leave you…

So what can you do if you only have 8 seconds to captivate your audience? Take into account their audio might be turned down also…

Options: paint your hair green…

It´s an option, but that is not even original any more…

How can you make sure they´ll want to stay on longer, turn their audio up and actually watch you?

Here is where having a well designed backdrop comes in.

What is a backdrop*?

It s the area behind and around you that people see when you are on screen.

Your backdrop has the ability of enhancing or breaking your message.

It cannot do everything for you , you will still need to have a good message, your expertise but it can help A LOT!

So this is what you can do today.

Decide on a spot you will use for you next live stream. Add one element that represents your business and place it somewhere where your audience can see it.

Tell me how it goes.

Watch the facebook live I did on this topic:

You can join the facebook group I mention in the video here.

Would you like to learn how to do this correctly?

I have a course that is perfect for anyone doing videos, online courses and live streams.

In just 3 weeks , you will learn all the power of a backdrop,

How to use it as a marketing tool,

How to use it as a branding tool

And how to create it

With one-on-one help

In a fun way, easy, step by step instructions.

You can totally fit it into a busy schedule.

Get it right from the start. Your backdrop is the most powerful marketing, branding and communication tool you can use in your online presence. Start paying attention to it.

Let your surroundings enhance your expertise.

Let your surroundings enhance your expertise, MelanieFalvey.
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Our work space or office is such a powerful tool. It is so in two ways.

On the one hand, it is where we need to be the most productive, creative, efficient…and HAPPY.
On the other hand, it expresses a lot about us: our business style, our personality.

When we meet clients or when we hold Skype calls, webinars, we are sending out a very powerful image of how we are able to help them.
So take a minute to reflect upon this. Is that space that you are showing your clients or potential clients the best reflection of your knowledge and savoir-faire?
Is it going to make them trust that you can put their business in order when you are sitting in front of a messy shelf? Oh yes, a pile of books might reflect knowledge , however, the way those books are set says so much more about you.
Hadn´t you ever though about it? Well, it´s time you did. We are all very visual, it´s not by chance they say an image is worth a thousand words, it is the way our brains work. The first perception, lasts only seconds,but immediately makes an assumption about what our brain is perceiving. It doesn´t say, oh, let me get all the data I need about this and I will study it in depth and I will get back to you when I make up my mind about you. No! It doesn´t work that way.
In order to survive, our primitive ancestors had to make quick decisions – so they either ran for their lives as soon as they saw a lion or well, let´s put it simply, we wouldn´t be here today, would we?
So make sure those first seconds when someone gets to see you and your surroundings are capable of sending out the best impression of yourself and your business.

Imagine you are a web designer wanting to get a new client. You jump on a Skype call with your prospect. You might have even put on some make up (well, ladies, I guess, though I will not be the one to judge you if you are a man), you are nicely dressed, or maybe not . You´ve got your fancy presentation and you proudly show your client portfolio and all your great work.
But, all your potential client can see is the stain of a coffee mug on your desk, a messy shelf at the back and a pile of laundry on one corner of the room.
Now, the truth is that if you are selling them the concept of a great designed, sleek looking website… well, excuse me for being blunt but you are sending out contradicting messages.You get it, right?

So, first impressions DO matter in business. Obviously you might be , and I am sure you are the most efficient web designer out there, and yes, you think showing your messy office gives this nerdy-geeky-vibe which equals being a great web designer. Em, no! Or maybe they´ll think you are messy because you have so much work because you are so good at what you do, that you could not possibly have the time to style your office. No, again! Or you are just this free spirited entrepreneur who has this incredibly laid-back style that clients will adore…no!

That is where most people get it wrong. Your space can reflect that you are an easy going individual, no need for fancy, stiff decor. That´s not the point. The point is you must portray your best image in order for your clients to trust your professionalism. It might have nothing to do with how well you can perform your work, but unfortunately we have been wired to trust our first impressions.

If you are selling the image of a well-established multi-figure (I do hate that type of jargon) entrepreneur, how can you have such a shabby (without the chic) work space? You see, it just doesn´t match. Your space should align with your speech.

Your space should align with your speech. MelanieFalvey
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So here is where you can start:
Look around your space and be objective, does it truly reflect who you are and who you want to be perceived as?
If not, think what element (colour or object) you can introduce to make it “more you”. Start small, one element at a time-introduce some object that bears your brand colour ,or
maybe a nice pen that will make you feel good and important. It doesn´t have to be pricey, but it must feel special to you.
For instance, I recently bought a flamingo pen. I adore flamingos since I was a little girl and now, having become quite a trend I can find them more easily. I have actually even created a whole collection with the flamingo theme, it will soon be available in my shop.

So I placed my new pen in my pen holder and every time I look at it, I associate it to signing: signing contracts, cheques (in order to cash them!) or who knows, maybe a book some day?*

That simple little item is “so me”, anyone seeing it knows this, they associate it with my style. Obviously my whole office reflects who I am because this is what I do, but everybody, absolutely everybody can learn how to create spaces that enhance them, reflect who they are at their best and make them more efficient, productive, creative, happier…which therefore leads to SUCCESS!

Ergo, what does your space look like?
What small change can you make today to improve it and make it more you?
Let me know by posting a comment below or by posting on social media using hashtag #MeMyOfficeAndI

Would you like to learn how to create a perfect work space that reflects your business style and personality?
Join our  School of Style on Facebook or sign up for our FREE RESOURCES.

Thanks for reading!
Melanie x

* After writing this post I actually wrote a book!

All rights reserved. Copyright Melanie Falvey 2016