A common misconception when starting your video marketing journey, is you have to spend a small fortune on top of the range cameras in order to create quality content. I’m going to explain why this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Use Camera Equipment You Already Have
The majority of us will already own camera equipment that will enable us to capture half-decent video without even realising it.
A tool that most of us have in our pockets but often overlook is our smartphones.
Smartphone cameras are constantly getting better and are fantastic at capturing high quality video footage and even photos too. You’ll be surprised at the quality of video and photos you can create just by using the camera on your phone.
Not only are the cameras getting better, but so are the apps that can help make video creation and photography that much more straightforward, whether shooting, editing, or publishing.
I would recommend giving your smartphone a chance before investing in even better video equipment. It will enable you to learn the basics and get a better understanding of what equipment you could purchase to improve your marketing going forward.
Focus on Creating Quality Content
A phrase I find myself using more and more is ‘content is king’.
The story you’re trying to tell within your videos should always be a number one priority. If the content is boring and doesn’t engage your target audience, you won’t see results however good it looks or sounds.
People will watch your videos for one of three reasons, to be entertained, educated, or inspired, so focus on what you’re creating before worrying about how it will look.
The video content you create for your outdoor brand needs to have a purpose, which is why it's so important to put a plan in place.
Think about why you're creating the video, who your target audience is, what you're going to say and how you'll market it.
Prioritise Your Video Audio
You might be surprised to learn that audio is one of the most critical aspects of video. Without it, your audience will find it hard to follow your video's story or key points.
But which piece of audio equipment can you buy that doesn’t break the bank?
Invest in a dedicated microphone that is compatible with your camera or smartphone vs using the microphones built into the device. The built-in microphones never produce high quality audio, but a dedicated microphone can.
Just remember to choose a solution that best fits your video style.
Different types of microphones will work best for certain types of videos. For example, lapel microphones are ideal for capturing a person walking and talking as they are pinned to their shirts.
Once you know the type of video you will be creating for your outdoor brand, you will have a better idea of the type of microphone you need for the job.
Take Your Videos to the Next Level with Lighting
Lighting can make or break your video, regardless of how expensive your camera is. If the lighting is poor, the video quality can also be poor.
An easy way to enhance your videos is by investing in some lighting. This will add more light to a scene when filming, better illuminating the subject and increasing the image quality.
You can purchase softbox photography lights or ring lights on Amazon for as little as £30.
Equipment Must-Haves for Video Marketing
If you want to elevate your videos and photography to the next level, check out our resource page where you will find all my recommendations for camera gear that fits all different budgets.
