How To Improve Your Video Quality Of Your Online Course
I get it! Recording professional videos isn't cheap. If you aren't convinced the cost of a high-quality video production quality will be worth the investment, it can be quite an investment risk to invest this money up front, even before you sell the online course.
However, what happens if it's even more risky NOT to invest into the quality of your videos?
It's kind of similar to going out on your first date, and then the other person shows up with hair that is greasy as well as food staining on their shirt as well as smelly, unmatched socks. Your first impression will probably look something like this: "They don't have it all together and obviously didn't put much effort into this date."
If you appear to be someone who isn't professional (in dating as well as on video) this sends a subconscious message to the viewers that you're not taking this seriously. "If they don't care about the way their videos appear and look, how can I trust them to care about me in the role of a student?"
So making your videos appear professional can not only help ensure that your online courses appear more professional, but you'll also be able to charge more for them!
Following the five steps outlined below, you can significantly improve the production quality of your online courses, even on a tight budget.
1. Don't invest in an expensive camera (yet)
I'd bet 90% of the people that read this article have access to a HD camera. Take a look in your purse or your desk. A laptop or smartphone that has a webcam are all you need for starting.
It is not necessary to sink money on a high-priced DSLR camera or professional video camera in order to create videos that look stunning.
Cameras play just a tiny part in adding production value to your video. With the right setup, lighting and audio you could make a smartphone or tablet video look f*cking amazing.
When you're confident in filming and have earned some cash from your course, invest into a DSLR camera to get better video quality. The camera has a steeper learning curve but it can give you the most appealing look, with regards to price.
My favorite vlogging (or creating marketing videos with yourself) camera would be that of the Canon 70D, because it is flip-screen-able so you can see yourself, it's autofocus is superb and simply amazing quality.
2. Install a studio in your home
The location you take your video is much more crucial than you believe!
Imagine you're returning home with your partner with a chaos... you'll ruin the chances of getting a second chance. Again it goes back to what 1st impression you want to create.
Filming videos in a dark, dimly lit basement is a sign of amateurism, as does the generic bookshelf that you can see in the background, which I would only use for librarians.
There's no need to pay for a costly video studio. You could just create one easily in your home. I like using a colored backdrop made of paper since it's definitely the most versatile option. No matter what your home office looks like. It could be a complete mess... Just place your wall in front of it and you're ready to go.
The amazing thing about coloured backdrops is that you could find them in almost every colour you'd like, such as your company colours or something that is in line with your branding colours. It's extremely easy to make an "look" for your videos this is how.
Budget tip: Lease an AirBnB
If you don't have a lot of room in your home, you can use a hotel and AirBnB for a day. It's much less than a video studio and if you have your backdrop with you nobody could even tell the difference.
3. Don't let bad audio make your videos sound unprofessional.
Nearly every camera comes with an inbuilt microphone. the majority of them aren't noisy but the issue is they're in the camera and just too distant for excellent audio.
The answer to this problem is really simple: get an external microphone and get the closest to your subject (in this case it's your mouth). There are several microphone options to choose from for video cameras but a cavalier mic will give you the best value for money and is pretty easy to set up. Be sure the microphone you are buying is specifically designed for smartphones as it requires a specific jack to work.
The RODE SmartLav is the highest quality option, but is slightly more costly over the less expensive cavalier mics. The device is specifically made for phones, however the cable runs a bit shorter, so you should consider adding a extension audio cable while you're looking for it on the internet.
We use also an Audio Technica ATR3350iS that costs about 50% less.
BUDGET TIP: Use your headphones
If you have a smartphone, you probably also received ear buds with a mic or remote included in the package. If you're stuck, you can just use those for recording your videos. You'll enjoy better sound quality, particularly when you're in an incredibly loud environment. These aren't that pretty to look at they're not really an ideal choice for professional use, however, in an emergency or when beginning your journey: they're great!
4. Make your video recordings next to huge windows.
The lighting can make all the contribution to the overall quality of your films. The biggest Hollywood sets sometimes spend days setting up hundreds of lights, just to make it appear right. Why would you pay for costly video lighting if you could make do using the light sources that you can find?
Using only the light that's available, like sun or even daylight in clouds, or light bulbs in your house is the least expensive illumination option, and frequently the most beautiful... provided you follow a couple of basic principles!
We often times shoot our videos just next to a big window because it creates the perfect soft and beautiful light. It conceals wrinkles and pimples (not they're there!) and produces really beautiful and soft shadows.
The bigger the window the better the lighting will appear, so locate yourself a large window and set up your camera. If you want the most beautiful results, gaze out the window , then tilt it to be on a bit of an angle. Also, the further away from your window, the more effective.
TIP: Avoid "Raccoon Eyes"
Overhead light are a great option But they be a source of "Racoon Eyes" and cause you to look super tired, because it creates these unflattering shadows underneath your eyes.
Most of the time, this problem is quite simple to resolve by taking a step back until you see the light bulb not right above your head anymore and is only a couple of feet away.
It removes shadows under your eyes and makes an enormous difference to how you appear.
View this post on Instagram
#videotip "Raccoon Eyes" What happens when you take your videos (or take photos) with bright overhead lighting which makes you appear tired, sleepy , and over. Solution: Simply take one step back and your shadow beneath your eyes will disappear. Do not be a raccoon.
A blog post that was shared by Jan Keck (@mrjankeck) on May 24 2017, 2017 at 7:14am PDT
5. Ditch the screen recordings
In my work I come upon a number of creators who prefer to create screenshows or slideshows than have their face on camera. What is the reason? Why do so many people dislike how they appear on video?
You might be afraid of embarrassing yourself, danger of being criticized, danger of appearing stupid, risk of having people judge you and calling you stupid, ugly, stupid, etc.
The emotions cause the release of cortisol (the stress hormone) throughout your body. and it's an actual response to fear that makes you feel numb. It's completely normal that you may experience the sensation of "freezing up" when it comes to recording your video.
Then why do you need to go through all of this?
If you wish to truly be in touch with your followers and establish yourself as an expertin your field, then you should be on video yourself. Students will sense that you're interested in their success and will consequently be more engaged and become committed supporters. Also, seeing someone on video will make your course stand out among videos with low budgets out in the marketplace immediately.
If you're experiencing a lack of confidence as you begin recording you next film, here's how you can do to fix it:
- Acknowledge and thank yourself for trying to protect yourself from harm. Remember that you are not the time for a tiger to eat your. It's unlikely that anything bad will take place even if fail to make yourself look like a fool.
- Next ask yourself what are your real risks. What's at stake if you don't implement the video plan to grow your business? Which opportunities are you ignoring, not taking advantage of? Do you have expectations that are higher than they need to be? Are you risking alienating people that don't fit with your values? (That's actually a good idea!)
- Be aware that by not executing video, you are by default making a choice. By not taking action by ignoring the circumstance decide what happens to your business.
- Get out of your head. Try some jumping jacks. dance with all your muscles, dance... Moving your body relaxes your body and mind.
- There is no one who is judging your work as harshly as you are making yourself look, so change your attention to your message as well as the effects your course has once your students complete the course. Imagine your favorite pupil listening to the message as you record it will help you feel far more comfortable.
Therefore, get yourself on camera. Record a brief introduction for each chapter before you go into your screenshare recordings.
Jan Keck is the Co-Creator of the Look F*cking Awesome on Camera course. Together with Natalia Kantor of BIG3 Video Agency they help entrepreneurs with personal brands that shiver at the thought of being photographed, but who want to look great in video, and share their message out to the world because when you do, you have a deep connection with other people discover your world-wide group and are paid for being you.
Are you a creator of video content looking to get started with online courses?
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