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#HeyKatie! Ep3: Off-Center Framing, Recommended Cameras, and Video Frequency

Welcome to the third installment of my #HeyKatie series, where I answer some of the top questions I receive from financial advisors.

Last week, we talked about the ideal background for your videos, portrait or landscape mode, and prep time. But this week, I want to address three questions that have been lingering in my mind from last week’s interactions:

  1. Do I need to be centered in my videos?
  2. Is using my smartphone camera sufficient for recording videos?
  3. How often should I be posting videos?

Let’s dive right in.

The first question that came up was whether there are times when it’s acceptable to be

off-center in your videos. And the answer is a resounding yes!

While being centered is generally recommended, there are plenty of reasons to deviate from this norm.

Sometimes, adding a touch of editing magic or seeking a more dramatic effect may require you to shift your focus away from the center.

Embrace the opportunity to experiment with different angles; it can even become part of your unique brand identity.

I often get asked if using a smartphone camera, especially the front-facing one, is good enough for creating videos. The answer is: absolutely yes!

Most newer smartphones boast excellent camera quality, more than sufficient for videos intended for social media, websites, and YouTube.

Remember, these videos won’t be played on massive IMAX screens so you don’t need a 4k Ultra HD camera.

Many cameras come with 1080p HD resolution, which is all you need.

One thing to keep in mind is that many webcams, especially built-in webcams, only do 720p resolution, which often results in you looking a bit fuzzy and out of focus. So while 4k is too much, 720p is too little, and 1080p is just right. 😁

The answer to this question varies for each individual, but the key, as with any marketing effort, is consistency.

Establish a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it. Whether it’s one video every other week or two videos every week, find what suits your pace and capacity.

An effective way to manage your video posting is to set aside at least half a day every month to record multiple videos at once. This process, known as batching, not only saves time but also ensures that your content remains consistent.

Speaking of consistency, it’s perfectly okay to wear the same outfit in all your videos, or at least in all of your “batches.” It’s far more important to create great content than it is to show off your wardrobe.

Remember, content over production. Your videos need to engage and resonate with your target audience to attract your ideal clients successfully. So focus more on building a great relationship with them through consistent, engaging videos, over your attire or having the highest quality camera.

✅ Being off-center can be a creative choice

✅ Smartphone cameras are more than adequate for your video needs

✅ Consistency with engaging content is the recipe for success

It’s all about knowing your audience, understanding their needs, and delivering valuable content to build a strong and authentic connection.

Use the ‘Talk to me’ button in the bottom right and send your question. It just might show up in the next episode!

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About Katie Braden, CFP®

Katie is an 18-year veteran in the financial planning industry who founded Advisor Video Marketing to merge her love for financial planning and the transformative power of video.