Insider Insights with Etched In Marketing
Video content is essential to growing your online presence, but creating videos that truly connect with your audience requires more than just hitting record.
Have you ever struggled through recreating a seemingly easy Reel or TikTok trend, only for it to not turn out the way you'd hoped? Creating, editing, and planning video content is deceptively difficult, and nobody is more aware of this than us– the professionals. But the good news is while working to support the marketing and social media efforts of local Edmonton businesses, we've learned a few things (or more) along the way.
10 Tips for Better Video Content:
Here are our top 10 tips to take your video content from passable to professional:
1. If you are filming using your phone use the front camera (not selfie ) when recording better quality videos, and adjust your video settings for better quality video (4K and 30fps).
2. Consider whether you will use landscape or portrait orientation. Most creators opt to use portrait orientation since they'll be posting their video as TikToks and Reels. Normally you won’t use landscape orientation unless you are filming a video for a platform like YouTube or your website.
3. Lighting makes all the difference. Try filming in the morning or evening, instead of midday, using natural light. This allows for softer, more flattering light. If you’re filming indoors, avoid pointing light sources towards the camera.
4. When filming a static shot, use a tripod to avoid shaky footage. Shaky footage leads to an unprofessional and unpolished feel. Don’t own a tripod? They don’t have to be expensive and can even be found in discount stores, or you can simply find a way to prop your phone up using what you have around the house (water bottles, books, etc.)
5. Ensure that there are no distractions in the background. A messy workspace, a box of cereal, or yesterday’s dishes might not distract you, but they will remove focus from the subject.
6. Be mindful of the foreground of your shot. We suggest you avoid wearing or displaying the logos of other brands, as these can again pull focus away from the focus of your video.
7. Watch for unwanted reflections. If you are standing in front of a mirror or other reflective surface, you may want to consider changing locations or adjusting your angle to avoid showing the camera or other unwanted content.
8. Record more footage than you think you’ll need. Especially if you’re new to video creation, try recording from different angles, using different props and lighting. B-roll, or filler footage, can be useful not only for a video about behind-the-scenes footage but can often result in footage that is better than expected!
9. Clear audio is an underrated facet of video creation. Ensure that your phone’s microphones are not obstructed. Avoid competing background noise such as fans, TVs, or music. Purchasing a small microphone to use is a great idea, especially if you frequently record voiceovers or speech-heavy videos.
10. Avoid excessive filtering or special effects. They can definitely be fun, but when overused, have the effect of making your videos look less professional.
Video content is essential to growing your online presence, but creating videos that truly connect with your audience requires more than just hitting record. If you need some support, we are here to help! Check out our Video Content Creation services to learn more about how we can work together to help you stand out online!
Insider Insights with Rachel Solutions
Did you know that on average, people spend around 90,000 hours of their lives working? Let's make sure every one of those hours is spent doing something you love and excel at!
Hi there! I’m Rachel, a dedicated solutions consultant with expertise in small business, HR, career development, and non-profit sectors. Through Rachel Solutions, I provide personalized advice and support to help my clients unlock their full potential and achieve their goals across various domains.
This topic is immensely important to me because I believe everyone deserves to thrive and find fulfillment in their professional and personal lives. By offering tailored guidance and strategies, I empower individuals and businesses to navigate challenges confidently and achieve success.
Fun Fact: Did you know that on average, people spend around 90,000 hours of their lives working? Let's make sure every one of those hours is spent doing something you love and excel at!
Here are 5 quick and actionable tips:
Small Business: Create a detailed business plan to guide your growth and track your progress. A clear plan helps you stay focused and makes it easier to communicate your vision to others.
HR: Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Encourage open communication, provide regular feedback, and recognize employees' achievements to boost morale and productivity.
Career Development: Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to help you stay on track and motivated. Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed.
Non-Profit: Build strong relationships with your community and stakeholders. Engage them through events, newsletters, and social media to keep them informed and involved in your mission.
Networking: Attend local events and join professional groups to expand your network. Building connections with like-minded individuals can open up new opportunities and provide valuable support.
Whether you're running a small business, managing HR, advancing your career, or working in the non-profit sector, the key to success is continuous learning and adaptation. Remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow and improve.
CHALLENGE
This week, I challenge you to set one specific and achievable goal in your area of focus. Whether it's improving team communication, enhancing your resume, or boosting community engagement, take that first step today.
Try one of these tips and let me know how it works for you! Share your experiences, successes, and any questions you have—I'd love to hear from you and support you on your journey
We've covered quick and actionable tips for small business growth, HR management, career development, and non-profit work. Each of these areas is crucial for achieving success and fulfillment.
At Rachel Solutions, we provide personalized advice and strategies to help you navigate these domains effectively. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support needed to thrive in your professional and personal life.
For those wanting to dive deeper into these topics, Rachel Solutions offers in-depth coaching sessions tailored to your specific needs. Let's work together to unlock your full potential and achieve your goals. To discover more about how we can support you, visit our website.
Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you succeed!
A Busy Entrepreneur’s Guide to Clutter-Free Gifts
When you’re a busy entrepreneur juggling work and family life, it can be overwhelming to add holiday shopping into the mix.
The holiday season brings so much joy—meals with family, gatherings with friends, and the thrill of finding the perfect gift. But when you’re a busy entrepreneur juggling work and family life, it can be overwhelming to add holiday shopping into the mix. Between running a business, keeping up with family activities, and managing the day-to-day, finding meaningful gifts (without adding clutter!) is a challenge. And let’s face it—most kids already have more than enough toys and our parents are working on downsizing! That's why this year, I’m rethinking gift-giving to focus on essentials, experiences, and clutter-free options.
As an Edmonton-based Professional Organizer, I know firsthand how traditional gift-giving can lead to extra “stuff” in our homes—stuff that often causes stress instead of joy. With rising costs affecting everyone, it’s the perfect time to consider practical, memorable gifts that bring real value. Yes, even something as simple as toilet paper can be meaningful! So, if you’re looking for thoughtful gifts for any budget, here are my top clutter-free gifting ideas for you and your loved ones.
Photo by Blake Loates
Experiences as Gifts: Prioritizing Memories Over Material Goods
For hard-working entrepreneurs, time together is the most precious gift. Experiences make wonderful presents because they create lasting memories without adding clutter to the house and extra responsibility to your life. Plus, there’s something for every budget! Whether it’s a cooking class or a weekend getaway, experiences are a chance to put down our phones and enjoy time with our family and loved ones.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider planning a homemade experience. A family movie night, family ice skating day, or a DIY crafting session at home all make for memorable, personal gifts. And if you’re splurging, concert tickets or a trip to a high end restaurant is perfect for celebrating after a hectic year.
Pro Tip: Snap a few photos to remember the experience and create a small keepsake album. It’s a wonderful reminder of the time spent together!
Gifting Peace of Mind: Supporting Self-Care and Well-Being
Entrepreneurs know how easy it is to put self-care on the back burner. For many of us, spa days or yoga classes get pushed aside in favor of work or family responsibilities. That’s why a gift that supports well-being can make a huge impact, especially during a busy holiday season.
A spa treatment, massage, or even a fitness class membership can encourage self-care and provide a much-needed break. For the kids, swimming lessons or dance classes give them an experience while supporting their healthy development. A gift that promotes health and relaxation can be a gentle reminder to make time for well-being amid a busy schedule.
Essentials as Gifts: Practical Presents for Real-Life Needs
Essentials may not sound glamorous, but for many of us, they’re invaluable. With the rising cost of running a business and buying everyday necessities, practical gifts like toilet paper, gas cards or your go-to skin care products can be surprisingly thoughtful and deeply appreciated. I’m putting these items on my own wish list this year—they’re guaranteed to be used!
If you have friends or family with young kids, consider gifts like diapers or winter gear, which can be a big help in stretching the family budget. Essentials aren’t just practical; they’re thoughtful and show you prioritize the recipient’s needs.
Pro Tip: The best way to get them what they want is to take the time to ASK!
Gifts that Lighten the Load: Services Over Stuff
For women balancing it all, a gift that lightens the mental or physical load is priceless. Instead of another candle or toy that could end up in a closet, think about services that make life easier. Gift a house-cleaning service, car detailing, or share your time by babysitting or sharing your special talent like photography.
Another great service for entrepreneurial women with packed schedules is more time, less stress and more joy. You guessed it - I’m talking about decluttering and organizing services! As a Professional Organizer, I see how much professionals appreciate a well-functioning, clutter-free home. A gift voucher for organizing services can be a powerful way to give someone time and peace of mind.
Pro Tip: When gifting a service, personalize it with a handwritten card for a special touch.
Photo by Jamie Cornish
Rethinking Gift Giving
When life is busy, and the holiday season brings even more demands, gifts that are simple, useful, and clutter-free can bring real value. Essentials, experiences, and helpful services show you understand what’s meaningful in their day-to-day lives. Whether it’s a relaxing self-care gift, a practical essential, or a fun family experience, these gifts enhance life and reduce stress.
So as you plan your holiday list, consider gifts that bring joy without adding to the chaos. And if you’re looking for the ultimate clutter-free gift, Sort & Simple offers gift vouchers—perfect for anyone in need of a helping hand in their busy life!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kaytlyn Beakhouse is the Lead Organizer at Sort & Simple Professional Organizing. With a passion for simplicity, efficiency and sustainability, her team brings flow and function to any space.
Need help getting started? Contact S&S
Photo by Christina Louise Branding