DIY Video for Business: Essential Basics and Advanced Tricks (Plus When to Call in the Pros)
- Clippet
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Creating your own business videos is empowering—and at times, adventurous! Whether you’re jazzed about building a stronger online presence or just want to tell your brand story, understanding the essentials (plus a few pro secrets) will go a long way.
The Basics: Foundation for Great DIY Videos
1. Plan With Purpose
Before you hit record, get crystal clear on:
Audience: Who do you want to reach?
Goal: Inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire?
Message: What’s your single most important takeaway?
Mapping out your strategy helps keep you on track—and your viewers engaged—from the first second to the last.
2. Build a Script (Even a Simple One)
Even simple videos benefit from a script. Start with a short outline or bullet points, then refine into full sentences if needed.
Keep it conversational (read it aloud to check)
Lead with value (get to the point early)
Have an action step (subscribe, call, buy, etc.)
Scripts help you avoid lengthy retakes or lost trains of thought. If you’re camera shy, a shot list of key footage works wonders too.
3. Equipment: Keep It Simple, Upgrade When Ready
You don’t need Hollywood gear to make sharp videos. Essentials:
Smartphone with HD camera (most recent models work great)
Tripod or stable surface
External mic (Lav mics or phone-compatible mics are an instant audio upgrade)
Natural light (shoot near windows or outdoors when possible)
Pro Tip: Good lighting is more important than a fancy camera. Use daylight, or grab an affordable ring light if you’re often shooting inside.
4. Set the Scene
Don’t underestimate what’s in your background! De-clutter, find a setting that pops but isn’t distracting, and keep the primary focus on your subject (that’s you or your product).
Extra: Place your brand colors subtly in the shot for a consistent, pro look.
Production: Nailing the Shoot
1. Orientation & Framing
Horizontal (landscape) for YouTube, websites, and most business needs
Vertical (portrait) for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Stories
Frame your shot using the “rule of thirds”—imagine dividing your shot into a grid and place the most important subject in a third, not dead center.
2. Audio Matters (A Lot)
According to multiple studies, poor audio is more likely to make someone stop watching than mediocre visuals. Use an external mic or, at a minimum, record in a quiet space. Close the windows, silence your devices, and do a quick test before you record the full take.
3. Capture B-Roll Footage
B-roll is bonus footage—showing your business in action, the behind-the-scenes, or happy customers. This makes editing smoother and your story more dynamic.
Shoot short, 5–10 second snippets as you go about your workday.
Use these to break up long talking shots in your final video.
Post-Production: Elevate Your DIY Edit
1. Mobile Editing Apps
Editing can be simple! There are plenty of free and low-cost editing apps:
iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, CapCut, and InShot are favorites.
Drag and drop clips, trim endings, add simple transitions, and tweak the lighting or color.
Pro Trick: Cut out pauses, stumbles, and “um’s.” Keep your pace snappy.
2. Add Captions & Titles
Over 80% of social video is watched with the sound off. Adding captions increases retention and accessibility.
Tools like Kapwing, Descript, or in-app auto-captioning make this easy.
Branding overlays, your logo, and callout graphics add polish.
3. Music and Stock Footage
Background music can give your videos energy—but don’t let it overpower your voice. Use royalty-free sources like YouTube Audio Library, Pixabay Music, or in-app tracks.
Stock clips or images can fill gaps or add context if you’re tight on original visuals.
Advanced DIY Techniques That Surprise (and Delight)
Ready to go next-level? Try these power moves:
1. Use Your Phone’s Manual Controls
On iPhone, try apps like Filmic Pro for pro-level control over exposure, focus, and color.
On Android, experiment with Open Camera or your native Pro mode.
2. Master Lighting on a Budget
DIY softbox: Use a frosted shower curtain over a bright lamp for diffused, flattering light.
Gold reflector: Bounce sunlight our way with a piece of gold foil or bounce card for warm, pro tones.
3. Shoot with Multiple Angles
Switch camera positions or use a second smartphone for alternate angles, especially for product demos or interviews. Switch it up in editing for a dynamic feel.
4. Play with Speed Ramping & J-Cuts
Speed ramping: Use slow-mo or fast-mo for transitions or to highlight a critical moment.
J-cut: Start your audio just before the next video clip appears for a pro-level storytelling transition.
5. Leverage AI for Quick Edits
AI-powered tools (Descript, Magisto) can automatically remove filler words, suggest scenes, even generate teaser clips—saving you editing time.
When is It Time to Bring in the Pros?
DIY video is rewarding, but sometimes, you need your content to really shine. Here’s when it pays to call Bowermaster Productions:
Your brand video will be the first thing new clients see
You need high-quality drone shots, commercial storytelling, or complex edits
Your schedule is packed and consistency is slipping
You want compelling, creative videos but don’t want to manage every detail
Professional crews bring next-level gear, creative vision, and years of experience—making you and your business look their absolute best (while you focus on what you do best).
Consistency Is King… and We Can Help With That
Building a business means showing up week after week—on social, in email, and everywhere your clients spend time. Consistent video is proven to boost trust, engagement, and, ultimately, customer action.
But if you’re tired of the DIY grind (or want to go pro without blowing your budget), check out our unbeatable offer:
The Video Power Package
2 professionally produced, customized social videos EVERY week for 6 months
Just $500/month—way less than hiring a freelancer or bringing it in-house!
Unheard-of upgrade & add-on discounts:
Picture your business staying top-of-mind, growing your community, and building trust—all without you scrambling to film last-minute footage at midnight. That’s real power.
Ready For Next-Level Video? Let’s Chat!
Take the pressure off yourself and put your best face forward with help from Bowermaster Productions. Call us at 208-497-5433 or easily schedule a time to chat at this link.
Curious to learn more tips and see examples? Check out more at our DIY Video Production blog category.
Comments