How to Film & Edit Videos for Your Small Business ✿ Beginner's Guide to CapCut, Voiceovers, Color

Today, I'll teach you how to make a good video with just your phone. Hi, I'm Tammy, also known as Uncomfy because I get a little anxious. But over the past few years, I've been running my small business without paying for a single ad. I just post on social media, which has become my main source of income. During the first quarter of this year, I made a significant amount of money, and I now have over 100,000 followers on Instagram, nearly 100,000 on TikTok, and over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube.

A huge part of my business success comes from posting videos, and I'm passionate about it because it's one of the best ways to make money doing what you love. Making videos isn't for everyone, but if you're watching this, chances are you want to get into it. Today, I'm going to show you how I film and edit my TikToks and Reels. This guide is super beginner-friendly, so if you're looking for advanced camera equipment, stay tuned for my next video. This one is all about basic equipment, editing on your phone, and tips to connect with an audience and build confidence.

Equipment

I'm a firm believer that less is more, especially for beginners. Advanced equipment can be intimidating and expensive. If you want to make content to promote your small business, your smartphone is the best tool you have.

Smartphone

You'll need your phone to film and edit your videos. I use the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Tripod

A tripod is essential for stability and different angles. I recommend two tripods, both from Amazon. The first one is a classic bendy-leg tripod, useful for different angles. The second one is a standing tripod, which is perfect for standing shots and vlogs.

Lighting

Natural lighting is your best friend. Know your environment and the direction your windows face. East-facing windows are best for morning light, and west-facing windows are best for late afternoon or sunset. If your studio doesn't get direct sunlight, consider moving your setup temporarily to chase the sun.

Editing

Editing can seem daunting but is essential for a small business on social media. It’s about cutting your video into its most interesting parts. I use CapCut because it’s user-friendly and available on both Apple and Android.

Rough Cut

Start with a rough cut, which is your video at its bare minimum. You'll make a lot of cuts to ensure each clip is no more than 2 seconds long. This makes the video more interesting to watch.

Voiceover

Voiceovers help build audience connection. Use a closet for better insulation and less echo. Even if the audio quality isn’t great, authenticity is more important.

Captions & Text

Keep the font simple for clarity. Use system fonts in CapCut or TikTok.

Color Grading

Even with good lighting, a bit of color correction can enhance your video. Decrease highlights and increase shadows for better balance.

Step-by-Step Editing in CapCut

Film on Your Phone: Use your standard phone camera.
Import to CapCut: Create a new project and import your footage.
Rough Cut: Trim your footage to the best parts.
Voiceover: Record in a quiet place or use the AI script generator.
Captions: Add clear and simple text.
**Color Correction:** Adjust brightness, shadows, and warmth.
Export & Post: Export your video and post it on TikTok and Instagram.

Here’s an example of my final video:

Recently I found out about serotonin decor and I was surprised that I never heard about it before because that’s exactly what I make for a living. My name is Tammy and I make cozy art to help comfort others. For example, I made this coffee bar: a small figure holding a cup of coffee to help uncomfy people like me get through their work days. It’s small, so you can place it on your monitor or dashboard, and its serene expression is meant to bring comfort and serenity to your workspace, just like a warm cup of coffee. Here’s what they look like when they’re all glazed and available in my shop right now.

In just a couple of hours, that Reel got 1,500 likes, which is very successful for me. I hope this guide helps you and if you have any questions, let me know in the comments. Good luck with content creating!

Say hi to Winnie!

Keywords

Smartphone
Tripod
Natural Lighting
CapCut
Rough Cut
Voiceover
Captions
Color Grading
Instagram
TikTok

FAQ

Q: What equipment do I need to start filming videos for my small business? A: You only need a smartphone and a tripod. I recommend the iPhone 13 Pro Max and two types of tripods from Amazon.

Q: How important is lighting when filming videos? A: Very important. Natural lighting is the best. Knowing the direction your windows face will help you capture the best light.

Q: What editing software do you recommend for beginners? A: CapCut is an excellent all-in-one, user-friendly editing app available for both Apple and Android devices.

Q: How do I make my video more engaging? A: Use a lot of cuts to ensure each clip is no more than 2 seconds. Adding voiceovers and using different angles also makes your video more engaging.

Q: How do I improve my voiceover quality? A: Record in a quiet place like a closet to avoid echoes. You can also use wired earbuds for better quality, but it’s not necessary.

Q: What is color grading, and how do I do it? A: Color grading is adjusting the video's color for better visual appeal. Decrease highlights, increase shadows, and adjust the warmth based on your lighting.

Q: How do I make my captions more effective? A: Keep the font simple and clear. Don't let the words be more distracting than the video itself. Captions should only be for clarity and accessibility.