Equipment & Video Software

Video Marketing With No Regrets! Equipment & Video Software

 

Recording video is so much simpler than it used to be even just a few years ago. No need for specialized equipment, and the amount of free video software available today means that you can record and edit anytime, anywhere.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make videos - either live or recorded. You can get started with what you already have as well as a few free options to help with editing and recording.

 

Smartphone

Essentially a camera you can make calls with... I'm guessing you already have one. If so, you already have everything you need to record Facebook or YouTube videos.

Facebook live videos are simple to do with your phone and in fact, a lot of people prefer using their phone for Facebook and YouTube.

To record a Facebook Live, just go to your profile or your group on your phone and then click Live and you’re ready to go.

You may need an external mic for a loud area, but often you can just use the mic that’s included in the phone. Test it out to be sure.

Here are some key FAQs from the Facebook Live page

  • Live is available to all Pages and profiles on Facebook for iOS, Android, and the Facebook Creator app
  • We recommend that you have a strong signal before going live. WiFi tends to work best, but if you can't find a nearby network, you'll want a 4G connection.
  • Live broadcasts can last up to 4 hours.
  • The video will be published to the Page or profile so that fans and friends who missed it can watch at a later time.
  • Videos will appear in News Feed and on the broadcaster's Page or profile while they are live. 

Here are step-by-step instructions from Hubspot on how best to use Facebook Live.

Webcam

Most laptops, as well as personal computers, already have a webcam as standard equipment.

And if you don’t have one, you can get a good quality unit like the Logitech C920/922 for $50 -  $100 on Amazon. The process for going live on Facebook is the same with your computer as with your phone.

To record or go live on YouTube using your computer, you can simply use your Webcam.

To go live, all you have to do is sign into your YouTube account, click “Go Live” in the upper right corner and you’ll be redirected to the stream now page.

YouTube Go Live

Just click get started and follow the prompts.

 

Screenshare Browser Extensions

There's a number of useful video software browser extensions that you can get for free.

 

Collaborative Video Software

You can do interviews or webinars with video conferencing software.

There are a variety of platforms such as Zoom.us which allows you to stream directly to Facebook live. People can participate either from Zoom or Facebook.

Another option for this type of video is to use a third-party software that works with the platform you want the collaborative video on. One example is BeLive.TV that will give you 20 minutes broadcast, twice a week at no cost.

This platform allows for split-screen option and a talk show option. Plans start at $20 per month, or less billed yearly.

Another service that's been around for a while is Join.me.  This one also gives you the option of providing a toll-free number to call for audience members who may not have internet/video access at the time.

There's lots more video software platforms out there, each one a little bit different than the other. For example there's a category that focuses on webinars.

Here are a few, in no particular order:

  • Webinar Jam. This is the full-meal-deal of webinar software. You can stream live, record, use password protection, do pay-per-view, set up autoresponders, generate performance reports, and more. However want to do a lot of them to sell your products, do training, coaching, etc, at $40 per month for up to 500 attendees, it can be a profitable way to reach and convert viewers into customers.
  • GetResponse Webinars (yes, that same GetResponse that you use for your autoresponders). Integrate with your autoresponders and social media, record sessions, automate follow-up. Includes chat and polls as well as performance analytics. $49 per month includes your autoresponder, landing pages and funnel builder, but allows you only up to 100 attendees per webinar.
  • Webex by Cisco. You can do webinars, video conferencing, there's chat and brainstorming tools. However it doesn't have the marketing tools that some other platforms have.

Lighting & Sound

One of the most important aspects of your videos - no matter how frugal you’re trying to be - is lighting and sound. It doesn't matter how good your video content is, if sound and lighting are poor, people will check-out in a hurry.

Thankfully, that doesn’t have to be expensive either. For good lighting you can go outside or face a window on a bright day.

You can also buy inexpensive lighting at a household store like Home Depot and choose natural sunlight options.

Ideally though, you should purchase photography lighting for the purpose. You can find such equipment at very reasonable cost on Amazon.

For sound, you may need a wireless lapel microphone or one for your phone or computer to improve voice quality. None of these options are expensive and you don’t have to buy the top of the line. But do buy the best that you can afford.

If at all possible, buy locally. That gives you the option to get professional advice and/or return equipment easily if it doesn't suit the purpose.

And as a last tip, don’t make excuses to yourself that you can’t start until you get the perfect set up.

You can start right now, outside in sunlight with your phone, and make perfectly good videos that get engagement, shares, and make you money!

 

 

Click here for Video Marketing With No Regrets Series

 

Photo

Pexels from Pixabay

 

Posted in Home Business.