According to a recent article from Bitable:
- 81% of businesses use video as a marketing tool — up from 63% over the last year.
- Mobile video consumption rises by 100% every year.
- By 2022, online videos will make up more than 82% of all consumer internet traffic — 15 times higher than it was in 2017.
- YouTube is the second most popular website after Google.
- Viewers retain 95% of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to 10% when reading it in text.
- 72% of customers would rather learn about a product or service by way of video.
I know what you’re thinking, “video marketing is expensive!”
Yes, video marketing can be expensive. Scripting, consultations, getting a video crew to your location, shooting, editing, post production, etc. can cost quite a bit. But that’s not what we’re going to talk about in this article.
“But I’ve never made a video before. I don’t have the equipment.”
Really? Reach into your pocket right now. Do you have a smartphone? An iPhone? A Samsung? Chances are, you already have the most important piece of equipment to shoot your first video RIGHT NOW!
Today’s smartphones have incredibly complex cameras built right into them. All you have to do is know how to use it effectively. And that is what this article is all about.
In less than 1 hour, and with some inexpensive gear, I’ll explain how you can create a short marketing video right from your home or office that will be:
- Engaging
- Informative
- Effective
- Shareable
You do not need to spend thousands of dollars on a full service, video production team to get the results you need. All you need is patience, a little bit of time, and the willingness to think outside the box.
So, let’s get started.
Video Equipment Even You Can Figure Out
As mentioned above, it’s likely you already have the most important piece of equipment – your smartphone. Any smartphone or tablet manufactured after 2015 is MORE than qualified to handle the video recording part of making a marketing video.
It is my recommendation that you record your videos in a resolution of 720p or higher. If your phone can record in 4K, that’s even better. Remember, the better your resolution, the better your products and services are going to look.
While the cameras in our smartphones have evolved, the microphones in them have pretty much stayed the same. In other words, the built in microphones in your devices suck.
To make a decent marketing video on your smartphone, you’re going to have to upgrade its ability to capture good sound. And to do this, you’re going to need to purchase a microphone that is going to capture your voice in a more natural way.
Microphones can range from pretty cheap to pretty expensive when it comes to pricing. What really matters is how your microphone picks up and processes your voice in almost any environment.
You’re also going to need to stabilize your phone on a variety of surfaces, such as a desk, table, or other surface. A tripod for your phone is highly recommended. You don’t want to always have to hold your phone while you record, afterall. You have products and services to showcase.
“But, microphones and tripods are expensive!”
Are they, though?
For only $49.95, you can get a decent microphone and a tripod for your smartphone from Amazon. Check out the FULAIM smartphone recording kit. It has everything you need to get started making next level videos right from your office, shop, garage, backyard or any other place you might be.
Check out the DREAMGRIP Scout MOJO Modular Rig Kit 2020 on Amazon. This $99 kit comes with three microphones, an LED light, a tripod and much more for those who are serious about recording great videos anywhere creativity strikes.
If you really want to take your video production to the next level, consider the the DREAMGRIP Evolution 2 MOJO Universal Modular Video Rig from Amazon. It includes a tripod, two powerful LED lights, a shotgun microphone, and lens filters. It costs $189.00.
Location, Location, Location
Alright, you have your phone, your microphone, and your tripod. You’re ready to begin shooting.
However, there is one last thing I need to mention before you press that record button.
You need to make sure that you are in the optimal location for your video. And what I really mean when I say “location” is actually your physical location in relation to your light source. Lighting is important. Improper lighting can make even the best scripted video look like garbage.
Lighting above your head will cast shadows under your eyes, nose, and cheekbones, which can look rather unflattering. Lighting behind you will shine bright light into your smartphone camera, which will then make your phone reduce the exposure settings and darken your subject. You don’t want that either.
The best lighting is positioned behind the lens of your smartphone. You can use a desk lamp, reading lamp, or even natural light from outside your home or office windows. Just position the light source behind the camera so that the light shines at your face if you’re going to be in the shot. In other words, if your light source is seen in your video, you’re doing it wrong.
"We got the tools, we got the talent"
Now that you have everything necessary to record your first video, it is time to put pen to paper and write to write your script. In Part 2 of How To Make Your Own Marketing Videos For Your Business, we’ll discuss the following topics:
- Preparing your script
- Audience research
- E-A-T
- The sales funnel
- Shooting your video
- File management
- …and I’ll even have something FREE to give you that will help you stay on track.
Let’s get creative! Check out “ How To Make Your Own Marketing Videos For Your Business – Part 2: Creating Your Content” to learn how to shoot the perfect marketing video for your business.
