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!
How to Declutter Using the reHome Hub
Helping Busy Entrepreneurs Declutter with Impact. As a woman in business, you’ve got a lot on the go.
Helping Busy Entrepreneurs Declutter with Impact
As a woman in business, you’ve got a lot on the go. Making time to declutter and organize isn’t easy, and it can be even more challenging when you don’t know what to do with the items you want to let go of.
I know you don’t want to toss a perfectly good coffee mug in the trash, or to chuck out a T-shirt simply because it’s got a highschool emblem on it. Maybe you’ve got a big, heirloom dresser that you couldn’t possibly lift on your own, or even an old set of Pyrex bowls that might hold some value. As professional home organizers, we’ve seen this countless times!
Meet the reHome Hub: Your Go-To Decluttering Directory
Our second-hand directory connects you with local organizations eager to give your items a new lease on life— and keep them out of the landfill. Whether you're itching to donate, consign, or sell your goods, we've got you covered.
The reHome Hub is online and absolutely free! Making it accessible to all Albertans with just a few clicks.
How Do I Declutter With the reHome Hub?
It’s as easy as Sort & Simple! Sortandsimple.ca, that is. From our website, go to the menu and select reHome Hub. There you’ll find the second hand directory!
You can browse all of the organizations, or you can refine your search based on the category of item you are looking to rehome. We've curated a list of businesses, charities, schools, and makers looking for:
• Clothing and Textiles
• Baby and Children's Items
• School and Art Supplies
• Books and Media
• Furniture and Home Goods
• Home Renovation Supplies
• Sporting Goods
• And more!
For each organization, you’ll find helpful information including what items are accepted, where they are located and how to get in touch if you have further questions. Plus, we’ve listed who can do pick-ups (great for big furniture!) and highlighted some of the most needed items (wonderful for decluttering motivation!).
The reHome Hub is more than just a directory - it's a platform that showcases the commitment of Albertans to keep reusable items out of the landfill. With our comprehensive list of organizations, you can trust that your decluttered items will find new homes and new life!
Time to Declutter with Impact!
With the reHome Hub at your fingertips, you’re ready to tackle decluttering with confidence.
No more wasting time, wondering where all your stuff should go after spring cleaning, or stressing over where to consign clothes in Edmonton. Head on over to the reHome Hub to save time, declutter with purpose, and support sustainably-minded community organizations!
Still feeling stuck?
Contact Sort & Simple to declutter with confidence!
Photography | Christina Louise Branding
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. Ready to organize your space? Contact S&S
Video content is essential to growing your online presence, but creating videos that truly connect with your audience requires more than just hitting record.