How to shoot your next video project like a pro!

Do you want to create a polished, professional video that impresses your audience? It’s easier than you think!

Achieving a professional look is more about your technique than your tools, so you don’t need to drop a fortune on expensive equipment. Just by paying attention to a few key details you can make great videos. Once you are in the habit of making videos, you will be able to create them in less than a minute. Until then, enjoy our best practices guide with tips to help you improve the quality of your videos right away.

1. Preparation is key

Do you want to record your video in just one take? A few minutes of preparation will make recording a breeze! Determine the goal of your video. Do you want to start a conversation with your prospect or build a relationship with them? Do you want to record yourself, your screen or even both? And finally, write your script.

It’s important that you don’t actually read of your script during the recording because you want your message to come across as natural as possible. However, it does help to write down everything you want to communicate in advance to ensure you don’t forget anything.

A few years ago, the all-round advice for the length of videos was: as short as possible. The shorter, the more chance you have of keeping your viewer's attention. In principle that's true, but nowadays that advice alone is no longer enough. So the ideal length of a video is not: 'as short as possible', but: how long the video continues to captivate the viewer. If your viewer is looking for specific information on a particular subject, he/she can enjoy watching longer videos.

A good video starts by telling your viewer why you are reaching out to them. Make it very clear your message is personalized to them.

Show them exactly how your information can help your viewer. Share your screen or product. And conclude by telling your viewer what to do next to move the process along

2. Choose your ideal shooting location

• Find a location that is well-lit with natural sunlight or plenty of indoor lighting.
• Shoot in daylight if possible. Position yourself so windows or your main light sources are facing you, not behind you and avoid overhead lights.
• Choose a quiet location with little background noise (street sounds, music, other people).
• Avoid spaces with lots of echo.
• Turn off air conditioners and heaters to avoid fan noise.
• Provide a seat for yourself that is stationary and quiet.
• Position camera at eye level (if you can, avoid angles where the camera lens is looking up or down on you).
• Choose a non-distracting background (avoid windows, showing other people, posters/signs that can be read etc).
• Make sure to test your sound. You might need to use a pair of headphones with a built-in-mic to improve the audio quality of your video.

3. Clothing and accessories to avoid

• Clothing with colors that blend in with your background.
• Patterns (stripes, plaids, polka dots).
• Noisy accessories that could interfere with your audio.

4. Deliver your presentation

• Look directly into the camera and act like you are speaking to a real person. Don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through.
• Consider using a teleprompter app in order to minimize looking up and down from your screen.
• Speak slowly, pause between sentences, and lower your voice if you naturally have a high pitch voice.
• Vary your face, hands, and tone of voice naturally as you speak.
• Don’t worry about a few ‘ums’ or ‘ahs.’ They tend to make the videos seem more real.
• Smile, especially at the beginning and the end of each response.
• Practice, practice, practice and don’t be afraid to re-shoot. 
• Practice makes perfect. Shooting a professional looking video is a process of trial and error. The more relaxed a person is in front of the camera, the better the video will be in the end. Most importantly, have fun with your videos!

5. Edit your video

• Trim the beginning and end of the video so the viewer doesn’t see you start or stop the recording.
• Blur out any sensitive material you may have captured that you don’t want to share.
• Add closed captioning for those who prefer to watch your video without sound.

6. Engage your audience

• Capture your audience's curiosity.
• Use eye-catching visuals to make engaging video content.
• Incorporate storytelling for engaging video content.
• Ask questions to your audience.
• Add video call-to-actions, such as:
• See the Website
• Get Pricing
• Start a Free Trial
• Invite the viewer to schedule a meeting.

7. Share your video

Once you have created your video, it’s time to share it with the world! You can share your video in your by email, Linkedin Inmail, YouTube or all your other social media channels. When you send out an email, it’s a good tip to let your recipients know there is a video in the email by including the word ‘video’ in the subject line. It will surely attract their attention.

Do you want to make your own video in a professional video recording studio?

In that case you can easily create your own video in our video recording studio at Tech.Lounge Brussels! 

For only €300/hour you can make use of the professional recording environment. In just a few clicks and with a simple short step-by-step plan, you are well on your way to make your first video by using our user-friendly high-tech equipment and green key wall to choose you own preferred background.

The best way to get good at making videos is just get out there and start recording! Contact Tech.Lounge Brussel for a free trial via marketing@bluepoint.be of +32 2 706 88 00 and let’s get recording!

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