As mentioned in my video, I’m following up with a post that gives you a few more suggestions in less of a random order.
Hang ten, stop the bus… before we get into the how, let’s start with the why.
Why Create a Video?
One of the biggest reasons to create videos is to increase your visibility online.
If you’re a digital entrepreneur, a blogger, if you have any kind of website or any kind of business online, it’s worth shooting a video to grow your influence.
Start by creating a video for your About Me Page so you can share your vision. (Note to self: Get this done).
Videos are also a really great way to engage your audience.
To connect with them. Or give them a chance to connect with you.
Your website visitors get to know you better than they ever could through the written word. Words on a page, no matter how well written, don’t come alive. Words in a blog don’t have facial expressions and body language.
And as I write this, I can feel your anxiety level rising (if you’ve never made a video in your life before) as you think, “but what if my facial expressions and body language give me away? What if I come across as nervous and unsure of myself? Because I am nervous.”
So let’s nip this in the bud.
Image Credit: Free on Canva Pro
How to Get Over Your Fear of Video
Was I afraid when I posted my first video? YUP.
Funnily enough,
My biggest fear was that no one would ever bother to watch it.
And very few have. I was scared I would launch my videos to crickets. And I did.
But now that I’ve been creating a video a day for the 30-Day Challenge, I have 27 subscribers on YouTube and plenty of likes and comments.
This brings me to Fear No 2.
We fear that the whole world will watch it.
That our video will be up on the internet for the whole world to see. And that’s a scary thought too.
People watching. Judging. Forming opinions about us. Aaargh.
It’s like public speaking, only, potentially, to a much bigger audience.
Which is worse? No-one watching or everyone watching? I don’t know. Depends on how the video turns out, I guess.
But here’s a quick trick to help you get over your fear.
Use both these fearful thoughts FOR you instead of AGAINST you.
Here’s what I mean by that:
When you’re making your video, imagine that you’re making it for no one.
No one’s going to see it. In fact, you’re not even going to publish it or post it on YouTube. You’re just making a fun video for yourself.
Or, imagine that you’re making it for your best friend.
Imagine them there, or better still, ask your best friend to shoot the video for you.
Talk to them. Just them. And forget about the millions who may (or may not) watch your video.
Think about a topic that you and your friend love talking about. Something you’re so passionate about that once you get started chatting, you can’t stop. And talk about that. Naturally.
If it helps to make a cup of tea or coffee and sip it while you chatter away, then go ahead.
Get comfortable. Have fun. Be yourself.
Feeling better?
Now, once you’ve made a few videos for no-one or just one friend… you’ll probably find you have a video or two you like. A couple of videos will have turned out great.
This is when you get to overcome that other lurking fear. Brace yourself…
Now, post your favourite videos to YouTube in the hopes that millions will watch them.
They don’t have to be professional. You don’t have to edit out ums and bloopers.
Many YouTubers are doing brilliantly with raw, uncut videos. People want to see the real you, not the polished, perfect version. The more natural you are, the more likes and comments you’ll get.
Video Equipment
Don’t go nuts and spend a fortune on video equipment or editing tools when you’re first getting started.
Make it really easy for yourself. All you need is a smartphone and maybe a tripod or selfie stick. Natural light is best.
What if you’ve created a really cool Slideshow as well? A presentation to go along with your video.
If you want to shoot a video picturing you and your screen, or just voice-over and screen, I used to use Screencast-o-Matic. Screencast-O-Matic’s Solo Deluxe Subscription is dirt cheap (at only $18 a year). Then I discovered I could do EXACTLY the same thing, FREE OF CHARGE, using ZOOM.
Image Credit: Free on Canva Pro
Video Formula for Digital Entrepreneurs
Start with short videos — anything from 30 seconds to 5 minutes is absolutely fine. Jot down a few points before you do your video and then just wing it.
Here’s all you need to say.
1. Introduce Yourself
Hi, I’m Lauren Kinghorn
2. Introduce Your Main Idea
Would you like to learn how to Create a Video? One that you can upload to YouTube and use on your website or social media?
3. Give a Few Tips or Pointers
Here are a few pointers I thought might help you.
- Videos should be fun. Don’t try to be perfect.
- Videos are a chance to engage with your audience — people get to know who you are.
- Use Very Simple Technology. You don’t need to go out and buy an expensive camera or expensive lighting.
- Create lots of videos — practice makes perfect.
4. End with a Strong Call to Action
e.g. Did you get some value from my video? Please Like, comment and subscribe to my channel.
If you’d like to join my mailing list and learn how to build an online business, go to join.inspiringmompreneurs.com
So… are you ready to create your first video? Don’t overthink it, just go for it! You’ve got this!
And just like that, the Blogger evolves into the Vlogger.
* If you purchase anything through a link in this article or video, you should assume that I have an affiliate relationship with the company providing the product or service that you purchase, and that I’ll be compensated in some small way at no extra cost to you.
Next Up, How to Upload a Video to YouTube
