When you’re a business owner filming your own content, it can be hard to determine what makes a good ‘shot.’ You’re not a videographer, your wheelhouse is somewhere else, but you might not have the marketing budget to hire a videographer and video editor for your content. And let’s be honest: not every video needs to be Superbowl Ad quality!

What’s the point in spending thousands (or even hundreds) of dollars on a single social media video that might not even get ten views?

When you’re filming your own content, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting a good video while remaining within your wheelhouse.

In many cases it's easy to end up with shots that are too wide. You may be thinking, "I want to make sure everything important fits in the frame." But the reality is that too much space can distract from your message and lead to a less immersive viewing experience. Here’s why the right balance matters and some tips on how to achieve it.

“Placeholder” Space in Framing:

When you're filming yourself or a conversation-style piece, it’s essential to think of the "space" for a second person in the shot.

Imagine you're talking to someone instead of just the camera. Leaving a bit of open space in the direction you’re facing helps your viewers feel like they're watching a conversation, which feels natural and keeps them engaged. Their brain knows you’re talking to someone because you’re off-center in the shot and there’s emotional and mental space for another person in the conversation.

If you’re right in the center without this placeholder, it can come off as an isolated individual. And while this type of framing is often used in horror or psychological films, it’s probably not what you’re going for when you’re filming a social media video that’s supposed to keep people engaged!

Zoom and Image Quality – Filming with Flexibility:

Filming in high resolution, like 4K(pixels), gives you room to adjust while editing (what filmmakers call post-production) without sacrificing quality.

Why does this matter? Well, if you move a bit or something feels “off” about the shot, the extra pixels mean you can zoom in and still keep things crisp. It’s like having a “redo” button without having to refilm! This flexibility can make the difference between a video that feels polished and one that might distract your audience by cutting someone off at a weird angle.

When you shoot in a higher resolution, you’re giving yourself more wiggle room to fine-tune the shot’s look in editing. Instead of worrying about nailing the exact right frame every time, you have more freedom to focus on being authentic and in the moment while you’re filming.

Finding the Right Balance – Small Details, Big Impact:

Once you’ve wrapped up filming, take a moment to look at the footage like a viewer, not the person who created it. Ask yourself: is there anything in the shot pulling attention away from what you want people to focus on? Stray cables, posters, or other random clutter can shift attention in ways you didn’t intend. But rather than having to re-shoot, a quick crop or zoom can turn the spotlight back where it belongs.

And think about this: does the shot look like part of a conversation if that’s the vibe you’re going for? Leaving a bit of “placeholder” space (see the two pictures below) or adjusting the zoom might be just what you need to keep things engaging and clear.

Quick Checklist for Easy, Effective Filming:

To make things easier, here’s a rundown of the essentials to check off for each shot:

• Focus: Is it clear what or who the main focus is in the shot?
• Placeholder Space: If it’s meant to be a conversation, does the frame feel like it has room for a second person?
• Resolution: Are you filming in high enough quality to give yourself room to zoom if needed?
• Distractions: Is there anything visually pulling the viewer’s attention away from the main subject?

Using these simple tips, you’ll be ready to create videos that feel polished and professional without needing to be a pro yourself.

Ready to Take Your Social Media Marketing to the Next Level?

Social media marketing for small businesses doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to start taking action, focus on what works for you and your business, and track the metrics that matter. Don’t get bogged down by vanity metrics or the pressure to post every day. Instead, focus on engagement and creativity, and your social media presence will grow naturally.If you’re ready to dive deeper into building your business through smart, creative marketing strategies, visit thestephaniescheller.com to learn more and take the next step toward transforming your business.