Do I really need to appear on camera in my videos?

Is it actually important to appear on camera in your videos? Do you really need to?

Is it ACTUALLY important to appear on camera yourself? Can’t I simply share other peoples’ videos or use images and text with voiceover? In this article, we will cover the benefits of appearing on camera yourself, ways to make this process easier and more fun, and a look at alternative strategies if there’s still no way you’re willing to appear on camera. The content of the video below and the article are very similar, but there’s some unique content on each. Watch, then read for the full experience.

Does appearing on camera actually get new clients?

Yes. Here’s the thing, 97% of people look up a business before choosing to work with them. That means even if you meet someone through networking or received a referral, they’ll still look you up and see what you’re all about. One thing small businesses need to recognize is there are lots of terrible and scammy companies out there. Scammers or low quality businesses can build out generic and decent looking websites quickly and efficiently. They’re not going to use photos of themselves, they’re not going to provide helpful blogs or articles, and they’re DEFINITELY not going to show their face on camera while teaching helpful information. Video is one of the best ways to differentiate yourself from lower quality sites and build trust.

Is it okay to share other people’s videos and articles?

100% of what you share doesn’t need to be your own content. Half of the content you share can be content, videos, and articles that are created by other people. Sharing content from others is quick and easy. However, sharing a video someone else created doesn’t demonstrate the same level of expertise and connection as sharing our own videos. If you are teaching our clients about a topic ourselves, it shows a far higher level of understanding. You are showing your clients we are willing to take the time and effort to help them achieve their goals by making content that helps them out. Video also builds a greater personal connection compared to the written word.

Is it okay to make a video of text on the screen (and avoid appearing on camera)?

While creating a video with text on the screen shows more authority than someone else’s video, it’s missing the face to face connection. If you create your own video with text on the screen, you’ll want to make it obvious that your team created the video. It would be a shame if the viewers thought you were sharing someone else’s content after you spent the time (or money) creating the video. It can be good to do a voiceover so people can at least hear your voice and connect with you in that way. However, if you are determined not to appear on camera, there may be better options to reach your audience than creating videos with text.

Why appearing on your website on video can double the amount of time people spend on your site.

We want people to stay on our websites for longer. The amount of time people spend on our website (Google calls this time on site) is very important for Google ranking. A video embedded on a website tends to double the amount of time people spend on a website. If you’re able to connect with your visitors via video, this not only builds a connection, but it also keeps people on your webpage, which will help it rank better. An effective website will tell people what they need to know about your business in less than 15 seconds. Yes, 15. Half of users spend less than 15 seconds on a page. The trick is to hook people in the first 15 seconds, but then give them a reason to stick around. It should be a positive experience if people want to spend 15 seconds or 30 minutes on your site. Videos are a great way to get people to stick around longer. You can educate, tell your story, share testimonials, all while connecting with them.

Strategies to become comfortable appearing on camera:

Appearing on camera for the first time is challenging. Public speaking for your first time is challenging. Like any skill, it takes practice, but it quickly becomes easier every time that you do it.

But, I don’t like the way I look on camera.

Your customers already know what you look like. Insecurities can keep a lot of people away from appearing on camera. The challenge is working to adjust to what we look like and sound like on video. There are things we can adjust. Appearing on camera has taught me to mumble less often and to adjust my vocal confidence. The more you appear on camera, the more relaxed and confident you’ll be. But also, learning to accept and love yourself exactly as you are is important. Our fear and insecurities shouldn’t be guiding and controlling our marketing and business decisions. Avoiding videos could mean missing out on important opportunities for business growth. We wouldn’t stop showing up at all coffee dates and meetings with clients. Seeing ourselves on camera takes time to adjust to, but it allows a similar type of connection and engagement as when we meet with people one to one.

Follow this 4-step process:

1. Relax. Breath slowly. This isn’t a public speech where you have one shot to get it right. You can try over and over and over and use the very best take. It may take patience, but you can keep trying until you get it just right.
2. Record a test video. There’s no pressure to get it right, simply get used to seeing yourself on camera and trying to speak. It may be challenging at first.
3. Record your first take. Feel free to pause, gather your thoughts, and try again.
4. Watch your video back. This will let you check sound, and see what changes you’ll want to make. Be kind to yourself and recognize you’ll get better as time goes on. Congratulate yourself, because you took on something new and challenging. You can record it again if you still want to make a few changes, but applaud yourself for what you’ve been able to accomplish.

OK, I’ve read all you’ve said about the benefits, techniques, and strategies for appearing on camera, but there is STILL NO WAY I’ll appear on camera

I understand. There are a few avenues you can take. If you’re part of a smaller company, you could recruit people from your company to “represent the voice of the company”. Then, you’d still be putting a face to the company and it building a connection with your clients and potential clients.

Alternative: Have several people from your company to convey the message.

If you’re the owner of the company, it’s doubtful you’ll leave anytime soon. The same isn’t true if you’re recruiting one of your employees to be the star of your videos.If your audience learns to know and like only one speaker, and they increasingly see this person as the face of the company, the educator, and the personality that they’re connected with…and then that person quits, you’re left with a challenge. If you set up the scenario to have various people from the company connecting with your audience, it won’t be a disaster when one member of your team leaves.

There are other ways to build an online presence:

While video is one of the most powerful ways to build connection and tell your story, there are a variety of ways to connect with your audience. Do you have someone on your team who is an incredible writer (and understands how search engines find content), blogging is an incredible option. Are you a master at pictures and infographics? Instagram or Pinterest could be something to explore. Video is a powerful tool, but at the end of the day, it’s one tool among many. You definitely need to check this quick overview of the various ways to effectively utilize video to grow your business. Video is powerful. 51% of marketers list videos as the form of content that provides the greatest return on investment. So, if your feeling brave, video is definitely the way to go. It’s just not the ONLY way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un5azIGN3u8

Conclusion: How I learned to stop worrying and love appearing on camera.

Like any skill, appearing on camera for the first time is challenging. It can be scary and frustrating. However, you can make progress quickly. Video helps build a connection with your clients. It is a powerful storytelling tool, and it can increase the amount of time people spend on your website or sales page. There are 4 easy steps you can go through to record your first video and adjust to appearing on camera. We also looked into some other strategies you could use if there’s still no way you’ll appear on camera. Are you ready to start shooting? Watch this FREE COURSE, and you’ll know everything you need to know to create videos using your phone. Or check out the top 5 videos that you can create to promote your business