How to Create Social Media Videos for Your Small Business Using Just Your Phone

As small business owners, most of us know that showing up online helps people find us, connect with what we do, and build trust before they ever make a booking or place an order. The part that feels tricky is often how to actually create that content in a way that feels natural, simple and true to us.

Video can feel intimidating at first, but it is one of the most powerful ways to help people get to know you and your business. You do not need a studio, expensive gear or fancy software to start. With a few simple tips and just your phone, you can start creating videos that feel personal, helpful and completely doable.

Here is a simple guide to help you create better videos for social media using your phone.

Step 1: Set Yourself Up for Filming

Before you start recording, take a few minutes to prepare your setup. These small steps will instantly improve the quality of your social media videos

• Clean your phone camera lens to avoid blurry footage

• Use natural light by facing a window for soft, flattering light on your face

• Stabilise your phone with a tripod, shelf, or stack of books

• Use a microphone if you have one, such as a lapel mic or wired earbuds

• Frame yourself mid-chest up and position your face slightly off-centre using the rule of thirds

• If you are filming on the go, a handheld, casual filming style works well too

  

  
  

Step 2: Lighting Tips for Social Media Video

Good lighting makes your video look more professional without expensive gear

• Always face a window for soft, even light

• Avoid harsh overhead lighting or filming with a window directly behind you

• If filming indoors or in low light, use a soft light or desk lamp aimed at your face

  
  

Step 3: Get Your Sound Right

Clear audio is one of the most important parts of filming social media videos

• Choose a quiet room without fans, TVs or background noise

• Use a microphone if available

• Speak naturally and clearly. Small stumbles make you sound real and relatable

  
  

Step 4: Mindset Tips Before You Hit Record

Feeling nervous about filming is completely normal. A few mindset shifts can help you get started

• This is me showing up for my audience

• Done is better than perfect

Your audience values connection over perfection. Authenticity builds trust and helps people feel connected to you as a business owner.

Step 5: Filming Tips for Beginners

When filming your first videos, keep it simple and relaxed

• Look near the camera lens, not at your own face on screen

• Start with videos under 60 seconds to build confidence

• Use a simple outline or talking points instead of reading a full script

• Speak as if you are talking to a friend or client

• Film a few takes and pick the one where you feel most comfortable

Step 6: Simple Video Editing on Your Phone

You do not need advanced editing skills to make great social media videos for your business

• Trim the beginning and end where you press record

• Cut out long pauses or repeated takes

• Add simple text overlays like your name, business, or the tip you are sharing

• Adjust brightness and colour gently so the video still looks natural

  
  

Recommended apps for editing videos on your phone

• CapCut for trimming, adding text, music and simple effects

• Canva for text-based reels and visually branded content

• Lightroom Mobile for adjusting lighting and colour tones

  
  

Step 7: Video Practice Ideas for Small Business Owners

The more you practice, the more confident you will feel. Here are a few video ideas to help you get started

• Introduce yourself in 30 seconds. For example, Hi, I’m [your name], and I help [your audience] with [your service]

• Share a simple tip or answer a common question from your clients

• Show behind the scenes of your business, products or workspace

• Demonstrate a product or tool you love and explain why you recommend it

• Record a silent video holding up signs with a message or tip

• Try filming the same topic using different lighting or camera angles to see what works best

  
  

You can even listen back to your video without watching it, and then watch without sound. This helps you evaluate your delivery and visual style separately.

Post it and move on. The real magic happens by showing up consistently, not waiting for perfection.

Your customers want to connect with you as a real person, not a perfectly polished video expert. The more you practice creating videos with your phone, the easier it becomes to market your small business authentically on social media.

Want More Simple Marketing Tips for Your Small Business?

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LIZZIE BUSCAINO

Creative Business Support & Digital Content Specialist