Overview
This page gives you the big picture. More detailed information about the process and what to expect is available separately.
1. Initial Call
You reach out, and we talk.
I’ll get a sense of what you want your video to accomplish.
Typically, that means one of these:
- Warmly welcome the visitor
- Attract more inquiries or better-fitting clients
- Explain your specialty and how you help
- Share a helpful idea or approach (instructive)
If you have something else in mind, we’ll shape it together.
How long should it be?
A Welcome Video is typically 30-60 seconds long. A more detailed video, such as one about your specialty or how you help, is typically 3-5 minutes long. That’s long enough to be informative while still holding your viewer’s attention.
We’ll also talk about how you want to come across, and the kind of client you most want to reach, so the video feels aligned with who you are.
2. Choose Your Format
SPEAKING FORMAT
- Direct-to-Camera — You speak directly to your viewer.
- Interview — You respond to questions that appear briefly as text on the screen.
(I’m never seen or heard.)
VIDEO FORMAT
- Live Recording — You’re recorded remotely, via webcam or Smartphone.
- Still Photo + Voice — A still photo of you is paired with your recorded voice.
- Living Portrait — Your still photo is brought to life and paired with your recorded voice.
I’ll help you choose the approach that best suits your style, message, comfort level, and the impression you want to make.
Once the format has been decided, we’ll have a clear direction for developing your message and preparing for the recording.
3. Develop Your Message
Once we know how your video will be presented, we’ll work together to shape what you want to say.
This goes beyond a simple “Hi, my name is… and this is what I do.” We’ll look at what you want prospective clients to understand about you, your approach, and the experience you provide.
Think of this part as a mini Master Class in marketing: drawing out what will matter most to the people you want to reach, and finding the best way to communicate it.
The goal is a message that is warm, inviting, and engaging, rather than simply reciting information that’s already on your website.
4a. Non-Live Video
With Still Photo + Voice and Living Portrait formats, you don’t need to be on camera at all.
For the photo, you can provide a contemporary photograph, I can create one remotely, or I can guide you in creating a quality self-portrait—something much better than a typical selfie! In most cases, I can also enhance or retouch your photo to optimize the final result.
We can meet virtually to practice, refine your delivery, and record together. Or, you can record your voice at home, at a time that works for you.
Either way, I can guide you through the process so you can create a warm, clear, confident recording that feels comfortable and is genuinely you.
4b. Live Video
For Live Recording, we’ll have a dedicated preparation session to help you feel ready and comfortable before we record.
We’ll connect using the same software we’ll use for the Recording Session, then do a light rehearsal based on your Speaking Format.
For Direct-to-Camera, we can work with your prepared talk, and I can set you up with a teleprompter if desired.
For Interview, we’ll practice with questions we’ve agreed on beforehand. I’ll help refine the questions and gently guide you on delivery, including things like volume and rhythm.
During the session, I’ll help you with your delivery, including things like pacing, volume, and emphasis, so you come across as warm, confident, and comfortable.
The goal isn’t a perfect performance. It’s a clear, engaging message delivered in a way that feels like you.
You’re not expected to get everything right. The goal is simply to become comfortable with the material and determine what, if anything, you need to do before we record.
By the end of the session, we’ll know whether you’re ready for the Recording Session or would benefit from some additional practice or coaching first.
The session typically takes about 45 minutes.
5. Live Recording Session
On the day of your session, we begin with a short warm-up so you feel settled and comfortable on camera.
Then we move into recording.
I’ll guide you as needed, and we take breaks and re-takes as part of the process.
Most sessions run about 60 minutes. Nothing is rushed.
6. Review + refine
I’ll edit the video and upload it to a private link for you to review, typically within two weeks.
You can request changes, and I’ll take care of the final adjustments.
Once you’re happy with it, you’ll receive the finished video, ready for your website and social channels.
Your web person can easily add the video to your website, and if needed, I can to help with that as well.