Overcoming the Fear: A Guide to Making Your First Video

Hello, everyone! My name is Brad Smith, and I've spent the last twelve years helping businesses and nonprofits grow their online presence. If you're reading this, you already know the immense power video content holds in digital marketing.

But like many, you might be hesitant to step in front of the camera. Today, I want to share some valuable insights and a framework to help you overcome this fear.

The Power of Video Content

Let's face it, video is a game-changer in the digital space. From multinational corporations to solo bloggers, everyone is hopping on the video bandwagon. It's a proven strategy that significantly boosts visitor engagement, generates more leads, and helps convert those leads into customers. I've seen the transformative effect of video content in my ventures and in over 5,000 organizations I've assisted.

The Mental Roadblocks of Video Creation

It's natural to feel apprehensive about starting. Before I made my first video, I spent six agonizing months talking myself out of it. Every day, I'd find new excuses to avoid stepping in front of the camera. I was nervous, scared, and convinced I'd mess up. Sound familiar? You're not alone. The first step is always the hardest, but it's crucial to take it.

Don't Get Caught Up on Perfection

Understand that you will mess up, and that's okay. Perfectionism is a trap. When you see polished videos from top marketers, it's easy to get intimidated. The truth? Even seasoned creators like Mr. Beast took hundreds of videos to find their rhythm. Don't hold yourself to impossible standards; you don't need a production team or flawless grammar to make a valuable video. What you need is the courage to start.

Don't get bogged down with nerves or worrying about stumbling over words. No one starts as an expert; we all have to go through a learning curve. The beauty of digital technology is that we can edit out the mistakes and present a polished final product.

The Framework for Success

So, how did I finally get in front of the camera? The answer is a proper framework. I want to share that with you today to help you move past the psychological barriers holding you back. It's all about preparation and practice. You don't have to get it right the first time; in fact, I've made over 300 videos and still make mistakes that need to be edited out. The key is to start somewhere.

How Video Content Builds Better Relationships

The real power of video marketing is its ability to foster authentic connections. I have a background in health and fitness, where I built one-on-one relationships with people every day. Transitioning to the digital realm posed a unique challenge: how do you cultivate that personal touch when you're not physically present?

That's where video content shines. It allows you to be 'face-to-face' with your audience, building trust and brand awareness in a way that written content simply can't match.

Your Call to Action: Make Your First Video

So, you're armed with a structure, you know that perfection is not the goal, and you understand the relational power of video content. What's stopping you? Your audience awaits, and there's no better time to start than now. Grab your camera, take a deep breath, and hit record. You won't regret it.

Identify Your Audience and Their Needs

The first step in crafting a compelling video is understanding who you're talking to. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business owner, or leading a nonprofit, the end goal is to bring more value to your audience. This could mean helping them solve a problem, answering common questions, or simply providing valuable information they can use.

Structure Before Style: The Importance of Bullet Points

One of the things that helped me in the beginning was having a structured approach. Instead of winging it and stumbling through, I created bullet points to guide my narrative. This gave me a roadmap for what I wanted to say, which reduced some of the anxiety of being on camera. For today’s blog, I’ve outlined my key points to make sure I deliver value and encourage you effectively.

Start Simple: The Three-Bullet-Point Approach

Feeling overwhelmed about where to start? Here's a simple framework. Write down three bullet points, each representing a different way you can help your audience. These bullet points should address:

1. A common question people ask you about your business or field.
2. Another frequent query that you encounter.
3. A typical problem that your audience wants to solve.

These three bullet points form the skeleton of your video. Each point serves as a topic that you can expand upon, diving deep into your knowledge and expertise. Don't complicate things with too many bullet points. Three is a manageable number that allows you to explore each point sufficiently without overwhelming your audience—or yourself. After presenting each bullet point, you can elaborate based on your expertise and the needs of your audience.

Craft Your Video Structure

Once you have your three bullet points, your next task is to answer them in a brief and structured manner. These answers will be the body of your video, guiding you through the process. They keep you on track and ensure you deliver valuable content.

Remember, the length of the video can vary. If it's a short video, you might want to keep your phone vertical for platforms like Instagram Stories or Reels. For longer content, go horizontal so you can upload it to YouTube. The focus here is on value, not length.

Starting Strong: Hook Your Audience

Your video should start with a question that identifies your viewer's pain point or need. For instance, if you're talking about video marketing, your opening question could be, "Have you ever made a video before?" The goal here is to hook the audience right off the bat.

Getting Started: Plan and Pause

Why Planning is Crucial

Before you even touch your camera, you need to know what you're going to say. Planning ensures that you cover all your bases and keeps your video focused. A disorganized video could leave viewers confused or worse, disinterested.

The Art of the Pause

Pausing isn't just for dramatic effect. It gives you a moment to gather your thoughts, check your notes, and make sure you're hitting all the points you planned to cover. By planning where you'll pause, you make the editing process easier, giving you a polished final product.

The Importance of Editing

Editing isn't just about snipping out the "ums" and "ahs." It's an opportunity to rearrange your content to make it more engaging, add visual elements to reinforce your points, and insert transitions to make your video flow smoothly.

Budget-Friendly Options

Thanks to platforms like Fiverr, high-quality editing is accessible even on a tight budget. Even a $5 investment can drastically improve the quality of your video. Remember, your video represents you; making a small investment in editing can yield big returns in viewer engagement.

The Secret to Smooth Video Transitions

Maintaining eye contact with the camera lens establishes a connection with your viewers, making your content more engaging and relatable. By keeping eye contact before and after a pause, you facilitate seamless editing, which adds to the professionalism of your video.

Content Creation: Aesthetics Matter

Smooth transitions are not just about cutting and trimming; they’re about maintaining the video's aesthetic integrity. The way you transition between topics or segments says a lot about the quality of your video.

Frequency and Consistency

Consistency is vital in establishing and maintaining an audience. When viewers know when to expect new content, they're more likely to return to your channel. Consistency also helps in building a substantial body of work, increasing your credibility.

Leveraging Social Media and SEO

Different platforms attract different audiences. Where you post should reflect the viewers you want to engage. Your website is a great place for more in-depth content, while social media platforms are ideal for shorter, more frequent updates.

SEO & Video: A Match Made in Heaven

Videos can significantly boost your SEO efforts. Hosting videos on YouTube, which is owned by Google, increases your chances of improving your search engine rankings. Properly tagging and describing your videos can make them more easily discoverable, attracting a broader audience.

Giving Value to Get Value

The more value you provide to your audience, the more you'll receive in return. Answering common questions or solving specific problems can make your content invaluable, encouraging viewers to come back for more.