Video content is king to attracting new clients for your business, but how can you get started when video production involves high costs?
Creating video content doesn't have cost a fortune. It is possible to get started with only a tiny (or even no) budget.
And that's what this post is all about, namely how you can implement video marketing in your business at a low budget.
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I remember looking at Marie Forleo's really cool videos, and thinking to myself, “Why can't I do that?” Looking back, I naturally didn't have the same resources and skills she did, so obviously, I couldn't produce anything close to what she did.
Still, I made it work with what I had, and that's exactly what you need to remember, too. Start with what you have and go from there because video can ultimately mean A LOT for your business.
With that reminder, let's dive in to see how you can make it happen without investing tons of money into a video production team.
1. Consistency and content trump production quality
When I worked as a fitness coach, I created some of the most cringe-worthy videos ever.
The content of those videos was GREAT, it attracted the right kind of clients, and people kept coming back for more videos, but the quality wasn't great.
That's the whole point: your content quality always trumps your production quality.
You can have the best setup with hair and makeup on point, but if what you're saying is shit, no one is going to watch or listen.
On the other hand, you can have a terrible setup and poor production quality (like I used to), and people will continue to watch because you consistently put out high-value content.
I started the FastForwardAmy Show in my PJs, audio only! Nearing the 50th episode; we started recording with a professional team.
You CAN get started without a big team, you just need to focus on creating value-packed content that people want to consume.
Pssst, get more tips on how to create content with our Content Brainstorm Training.
You can access the free video here.
2. Get only the essential gear (hardware, software)
When you start creating video (or audio) content on a low budget, all you need is your phone. Whether it's an iPhone, Android, or any other decent smartphone, you'll be fine.
Remember, phones are made for recording your speech when you call someone, so they perform better than you think, and using your phone when you're getting started will do the job just fine.
Sound
Whatever is your focus, video or audio content, your sound is the most important part.
Listening to someone speak in a room where the sound echoes and bounces back and forth sucks. You may consider buying a quality but budget-friendly microphone.
For instance, get a microphone for your phone or a Rode NT-USB Mini. I also have a Yeti USB, but my all-time favorite microphone is the Heil PR-40.
Lighting
While your sound quality is the most important aspect, lighting is the most difficult one getting started. Luckily, there is a way to create a decent setup without spending a shitload of money.
You can fix your lighting by recording in daylight. Place the camera between yourself and the window so the light reaches your face. Alternatively, set the brightness of your computer screen to maximum and have the light come towards your face.
If you want to level-up your lighting, consider buying a ring light or softboxes later on.
BUT like I said, you don't need much fancy equipment just make sure you're surrounded by a lot of soft things to get the best possible sound.
Editing software
After recording your video or audio, you may want to edit it… Unless you're focused on one-takes only.
To edit your videos, you can use Movavi or iMovie (if you're working on a Mac). It's completely free to use, and there are plenty of basic tutorials online to show you the ins and outs of the software.
For audio-only, you can use Garageband (also Apple software), and like iMovie, it's free and rather easy to use.
No matter which software you choose, make sure it can:
- Reduce the background noise
- Adjust the lighting in your video
- Split the audio and video
- Cut and trim your audio or video files
Of course, you can outsource editing; you definitely don't need to know how to do everything yourself.
Still, I do recommend that you learn the basics so you get better at recording because you'll know what to pay attention to as you're speaking too.
Only when you start making money from video and audio content, outsource the work. Your time will be much better spent elsewhere in your business.
TIP: Start writing down the whole process of your video and audio creation. That way, it will be much easier to have someone else do it for you later down the road.
3. Talk to one person
If you're still hesitant about showing up on video, I get it. I used to be you, but you can trick yourself with a few effective hacks.
For instance, if you want to host a show on IGTV or YouTube, invite someone else to be in the video with you. It will give you some time to think about what to say while they are talking. Because let's be honest, recording non-stop is not easy.
Alternatively, start making more Instagram Stories where you actively interact with people and practice this during Zoom calls, too.
Always talk to one other person. Think about it: 10 people watch your video or Instagram Story, but behind each phone, there's just ONE person – talk to that person.
And of course, remember to smile as you see yourself reflected in the camera.
4. Check your background
While I mentioned that content trumps production quality, please make sure that your recording background is decent.
If you create behind-the-scenes content, this tip is less critical. Here you want to show the real mess, but check your background for your regular video content, or you will risk looking unprofessional. Remember, you still want to look trustworthy to your clients and prospects.
TIP: Often, it's enough to put the most distracting elements aside, place a plant next to you, and make sure you have plenty of light coming towards your face.
5. Create a series of content
If you're wondering what to make your video content about, I recommend you start by creating a series. Start going live every week around a specific topic and be consistent.
Example: If you're a nutrition coach, you can answer questions about weight loss or building muscle. If you're a photographer, you can answer questions about lighting or editing.
Look at what questions are related to your niche people search in Google and pick the relevant ones. Another way to create content quickly is to write down 30 ideas you can record videos about. Then, choose the 12 ideas that are easiest for you to do, and suddenly you have Instagram Live topics for an entire quarter.
This content can turn into evergreen content that will always create new leads, and when you get the same questions in your inbox, you can redirect people to your own resources.
TIP: Repurpose your video content by turning it into text-based content; for instance, create a blog post, an email, 3 Instagram posts, a Pinterest post, and a mini-guide.
RECAP: Sell through video and audio
In terms of sales, standing in front of an audience is the best, BUT the second-best thing to do is use video and audio to market yourself, your products, or your services.
Video and audio is an excellent way to make your marketing much more personal, generate trust and consequently boost sales.
I know you're probably really busy. Work is busy. Life is busy. But I guarantee you this: even just spending one hour every week going live or creating value-packed videos is going to fast-forward your business more than you could have ever imagined!
Watch this episode on YouTube, or listen via iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, and search for episode 95 of The FastForwardAmy Show.
PS If you want even more tips on how to start a podcast or a video show, I've created a checklist for you with my favorite equipment and tools.
You can access the guide, Start Your Video Show, right here.
PS today is the first day of our 10k Success Summit! Join us today and tomorrow during these hands-on workshops with Amy that will fastforward your business in no time. We'll also talk to multiple guests who will guide us through their journey to success, share some of their most valuable tips and give insight into how they became as successful as they are now. You can still register for free through https://fastforwardamy.com/10ksummit, even if you can't make it live, you'll get the replay afterward. So, what's the gist of the 10k Success Summit?
- 10u30 – 12u: workshop with Amy to boost your business
- 13u: Interview with guest #1
- 15u: Interview with guest #2
- 18u: Action Hour with Amy for EPIC accountability
Register now through https://fastforwardamy.com/10ksummit and get ready to boost your life and business during the 10k Success Summit!
Note: the 10k Success Summit will be hosted in Dutch, but team FFA is working hard to host it in English soon!
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