How Do I Get Over the Fear of Showing Up on Camera?
Trouble with showing up in your own social media content because of camera shyness? Keep reading!
In this blog:
Why We Are So Afraid to Get Behind the Camera
The Importance of Founder Content
The Cost of Not Showing Up on Camera
Practical Tips to Overcome Fear of Being on Camera
Why We Are So Afraid to Get Behind the Camera
First, let's talk about some oppositions that come to mind when you hesitate to film:
You don't have time → It won't take as long as you think!
You aren't always "camera-ready" → Batch out your content all at the same time, so you don't always have to be ready to press record.
You're not sure where to start or what to say → This blog is here to help!
You're in your head about your {insert insecurity here - your voice, your pitch, your look, etc} → The truth is, people care way less about those things than you do. What they are really here for is the message. Don't overthink it.
The Importance of Founder Content
Founder-led marketing isn't just a trend; it's a new era of marketing. And, it isn't an option anymore. It's an effective way for brands to make a deeper connection with their audience, build brand loyalty, and establish trust. Who is better than the founders themselves to convey the brand's personality, messaging, vision, and goals? If you created this company, you likely share a pain point or common interest with your ideal target market, and that's the story you should be sharing!
Not only do they get to know you more, but you get to know them. And that is powerful because knowing your audience is EVERYTHING. The more you share, the more your audience will be comfortable sharing. You're creating a relationship!
The Cost of Not Showing Up on Camera
Choosing not to show up on camera might feel like the safe option, but it comes at a cost: missed opportunity. Without your presence, your brand can feel distant or generic, just another name in the feed. Your audience wants more than just a product; they want to know who they’re buying from and why it matters. By staying behind the scenes, you risk losing the emotional connection that drives engagement, trust, and ultimately, conversions.
You know your brand inside and out, and you have customers out there wanting to know more about it. They are looking for a solution to the gap your product/service fills. The part that's stopping you is leaning into those oppositions instead of taking the time to film your founder content.
Binge next:
Practical Tips to Overcome Fear of Being on Camera
Start Small
You do not have to start with a 30-minute YouTube video; try a quick Reel or TikTok! Try a 15-second recording, and as you get more comfortable, you can add on time and types of content. Short
Don't Script Word for Word
While scripts can be comforting, they can add more pressure if you follow them word for word. Instead, try writing down a few bullet points. This way, you won't have to worry about "going off script" or messing up your lines. You're not an actor, this is your business, and a subject you're likely passionate about chatting about!
Allow Yourself Multiple Takes, but Not Too Many...
Film the video three times and pick your best take. You're likely not going to get the perfect shot on the first try, and that's okay. But, don't take 100 videos either, because it's never going to be perfect in your eyes, because we are our own biggest critics.
Try with Another Person (Make it a Convo!)
If staring at yourself on a screen isn't your thing, try adding in a friend, business partner, or even someone out of the industry to ask you questions, which makes the conversation flow easier. The more relaxed you are, the more comfortable and fun your content feels to your audience. We love a Q&A, or you can even just have them behind the camera and cut out their lines to make it feel like a 1:1 with your audience.
Just hit publish
Listen, we are social media managers. We put a lot of time and strategy into our craft. But, when it comes down to a piece of content, we are overthinking; instead of sitting on it and continuing to perfect it, there are certain pieces that you have to take the leap and hit post on. So, instead of re-fliming five more times, send it off to your SMM, hit publish, or come back to it with fresh eyes because staring at a piece of content isn't going to help!
In sum, find a space with natural light, prop up your phone, and get to work batching out content! Your fear of being on camera is valid, but think beyond those initial feelings and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Because really great things could come from this!
