As a business owner, you may feel like creating high-quality video content requires a big budget or a full production team. The truth is, with just an iPhone (or any new smartphone) and some smart planning, you can create engaging content on your own. But there are also key moments when bringing in a professional can elevate your content to the next level, ensuring you get the results you need.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started on your own, plus tips on when it’s time to involve a professional production team like ONIX.
1. Start with an Idea
Before you hit record, take a moment to think about your video’s purpose. What story do you want to tell? What message do you want your audience to remember?
Questions to help you brainstorm:
What’s a common question your customers ask?
Do you have an exciting new product or service to showcase?
Is there a behind-the-scenes story that could bring your business closer to your audience?
Once you have a general idea, turn it into a short, specific topic. For example, instead of “How We Make Our Products,” you might say, “The 3-Step Process That Makes Our Products Stand Out.”
Tip: Keep it simple! Short, clear videos work best on social media and are easier to film.
When You Can DIY:
For simple explainer videos, product demos, or day-to-day updates, you can handle this yourself. It’s a great way to bring authenticity and personality to your business.
When to Call in ONIX:
If you’re planning a brand launch, a major promotional video, or content that needs to showcase your business in a highly polished, professional way, this is where we can help. For instance, brand story videos or campaigns that need high production value to leave a lasting impact on your audience are best handled by an experienced production team.
2. Write a Basic Script
Next, turn your idea into a short script. Don’t worry—this doesn’t have to be a complicated process. The goal is to give your video some structure, so you know exactly what you’re going to say and do.
Example script outline:
Introduction/Hook: What’s the purpose of the video and what problem will you be solving?
“Today I’m going to show you how we sustainably handcraft our signature candles.”
Main content: Explain or demonstrate what you’re talking about.
“Step 1: We melt the wax at exactly 150 degrees to preserve the fragrance.”
Conclusion/Call to Action: Invite viewers to learn more or take the next step.
“Want to see our full candle collection? Visit our website at [website link] to explore more!”
Tip: Practice your script a few times to feel comfortable before you start filming. Authenticity is key, so don’t worry about memorising every word.
When You Can DIY:
For short, spontaneous videos like product updates or answering FAQs, writing and sticking to a simple script works well. These videos are all about straightforwardly connecting with your audience.
When to Call in ONIX:
When you need a well-crafted narrative that requires more complex scripting, such as a corporate video or a series of social media ads, our team can step in. We’ll help you craft a compelling message, ensuring the content is clear, on-brand, and strategic. A strong script can be the difference between an average video and one that resonates deeply with your audience.
3. Set Up Your Production
Even with a smartphone, setting up a good filming environment can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to focus on:
Lighting:
Good lighting is essential to make your videos look professional. Simply find a room with plenty of natural light or use affordable lamps you already have.
Natural light: Film near a window during the day, with the light facing you (not behind you).
Indoor lighting: Use multiple lamps to reduce shadows. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, as it can create unflattering shadows.
Tip: If natural light is limited, a small ring light is an affordable tool that can elevate your video quality.
Audio:
Clear audio is just as important as clear visuals. The good news is that smartphones have decent built-in microphones, but if you want to improve audio quality:
Stay close to the phone to pick up your voice clearly.
Reduce background noise by filming in a quiet space.
Optional: Use an affordable external microphone that plugs into your phone’s headphone jack or USB-C port for crisper sound.
Tip: Record a test clip first to check the sound and make sure everything is clear.
When You Can DIY:
For simple day-in-the-life content or quick social media clips, natural lighting and your phone’s built-in microphone will do the trick. Set your phone on a tripod or a stable surface, and you’re ready to go.
When to Call in ONIX:
When lighting and audio quality need to be top-notch (think promotional content, corporate interviews, or testimonials), bringing in a professional crew makes all the difference. We have the tools and expertise to handle complex setups, ensuring your video looks polished, even under less-than-ideal conditions. Professional lighting, sound, and camera equipment can elevate the quality and credibility of your brand.
4. Frame Your Shot
The way you frame your shot is key to a professional-looking video. Even with just your smartphone, here’s how to do it right:
Use a tripod or prop up your phone to keep it steady.
Horizontal or vertical? Choose the format based on your platform. Vertical works best for social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Stories, while horizontal is better for YouTube or your website.
Framing: Position yourself or your subject in the centre of the frame, and make sure the top of the head has a little space to the top edge of the video.
Tip: Avoid handheld filming unless you’re going for a casual, vlog-style video. A stable shot looks more professional.
When You Can DIY:
Filming in your workspace or showcasing your products doesn’t require advanced framing techniques. As long as the shot is clear, stable, and well-lit, you can achieve great results on your own.
When to Call in ONIX:
For corporate videos or brand campaigns where framing and camera movement are crucial to telling your story, professional support is key. Our team at ONIX can create dynamic shots, use drone footage, and bring creative angles that capture your business in the best light possible.
5. Film Multiple Takes
Now it’s time to hit record! Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect on the first try. Film multiple takes of each part so you can choose the best version during editing.
Tip: If you're nervous, pretend you're talking to a friend. Authenticity comes through when you're relaxed and natural.
When You Can DIY:
For quick, conversational videos or informal content, multiple takes can help you relax in front of the camera. Just pick the most authentic version to keep things feeling natural.
When to Call in ONIX:
When time is of the essence or the stakes are higher, we’ll streamline the process with efficient direction, so you get it right without needing multiple takes. Our experience helps capture the best moments quickly, saving time and reducing the pressure on you.
6. Editing Your Video
Once you’ve filmed, it’s time to pull everything together through editing. There are plenty of free or low-cost smartphone apps that make editing easy, such as iMovie, CapCut, or Adobe Premiere Rush. Here’s a simple editing process:
Trim clips: Cut out any unnecessary pauses or mistakes to keep the video short and engaging.
Add text: Include text overlays for important points, your business name, or a call to action.
Background music: Add music if appropriate, but keep it subtle so it doesn’t drown out your voice.
Transitions: Use simple transitions like fades to keep the video smooth.
Tip: Keep your video between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Shorter videos are more engaging, especially on social media.
When You Can DIY:
For basic social media content, smartphone apps give you enough tools to edit your video and make it shareable. You can quickly trim the footage, add a music track, and overlay some simple text to convey your message.
When to Call in ONIX:
For professional editing, especially for videos that will live on your website, in marketing campaigns, or at corporate events, our expert editors can refine your content with advanced transitions, effects, colour correction, and sound mixing. This ensures your video is of the highest quality, resonates with your audience, and reflects the professionalism of your business.
7. Publish and Share Your Video
With your video ready to go, it’s time to share it! Upload it to the platforms where your audience spends the most time, whether that’s Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or TikTok.
Tip: Repurpose your video across multiple platforms. You can trim shorter clips for Instagram Stories or create teasers for TikTok while keeping the full version for YouTube.
When You Can DIY:
For social media posts and updates, publishing your video across multiple platforms yourself is quick and effective. You can engage with your audience in real time and repurpose content as needed.
When to Call in ONIX:
When your video is part of a larger strategy or marketing campaign, we can help ensure it’s optimized for each platform. From SEO-driven YouTube videos to strategic placements on LinkedIn or Instagram, our team makes sure your video reaches the right audience with the right message. Additionally, we offer guidance on paid promotions and analytics tracking, so you get the best ROI from your video content.
Creating video content doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By following these simple steps, you can start making professional-looking videos for your business using just your smartphone. Be creative, and remember—the most important part is sharing your story in a way that connects with your audience. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with new ideas and grow your content library.
Need more tips or guidance? At ONIX, we’re here to help small businesses thrive through video. Reach out if you want advice on how to take your content to the next level!
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