I’m Stuck on What to Film… So I Asked a Video Specialist (Golden Nuggets for Real Small Business Content)
- Melanie Marshall
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Video content is one of the most effective ways for small business owners to attract clients, build credibility, and show the real personality behind their brand — yet knowing what to film can feel overwhelming. Many founders get stuck before they even press record: unsure what their audience wants, worried about feeling awkward on camera, or convinced they need professional equipment to get started.
It’s a challenge I’ve seen repeatedly in my work with small business owners, and one that I’ve personally wrestled with too for many years.
But I’m delighted to say that I was recently able to face my fear, start a podcast and launch a YouTube Channel.
This blog shares the practical, behind‑the‑scenes story of how I got unstuck and, more importantly, the expert insights I gained that can help you create clear, confident, authentic video content without overthinking it.
I sat down with video specialist Gareth James of Clockwork Eye Video Productions to break down exactly how small businesses can simplify video creation, remove the pressure, and start filming content that genuinely supports their growth.
The Fear That Nearly Stopped Me
For years, I’ve helped clients with sales, messaging, and audience clarity. I’ve written sales scripts, shaped sales and marketing campaigns, and coached founders on how to show up confidently.
But when it came to filming myself?
It was a non-starter.
I couldn’t decide what to say…..everything felt uncomfortable, fake, or inauthentic…..and I definitely didn’t want to watch myself back.
I don’t know whether it was the cringe, the vulnerability, or a bit of both…..but I definitely felt a sense of “Nope. Not good enough” every time I tried filming myself.
So I did what most small business owners do: I avoided it.
That was until I had the pleasure of meeting Gareth James over a virtual cuppa after an FSB networking event.
We hit it off straight away, and during our easy-flowing conversation I had a lightbulb moment - I knew we could collaborate well together. He could help me with my fear of video, and I could showcase his expertise to my network by filming a video…..and then of course, my excitement jumped to full-on podcast and YouTube channel (as my overactive brain often does)…..and here I am!
I knew that if I wanted to grow - personally and professionally - I had to stop hiding behind the comfort of written content and get on camera. Interviewing Gareth felt like he could hold my hand so I didn’t melt down….but I also felt accountable and motivated not to let him down by backing out.
So for my first full podcast episode, Gareth shared valuable insights to help small businesses start creating video content without fear.
The Expert Insights That Changed Everything
During our conversation, Gareth shared golden nuggets that are especially powerful for small business owners who don’t have big budgets, fancy equipment, or a content team behind them. Here’s a quick peek at three of them:
Start With the Problems You Solve
“When planning what to film, start by thinking about the problems you solve - then look at the questions people ask about those problems.”
It’s simple, and it’s genius.
Small business owners often overcomplicate content. We think we need to be super creative, original, or entertaining. But actually, we just need to be helpful.
Your content ideas are already sitting in your inbox, DMs, comments, and your client conversations. Your customers are already telling you what to film.
You can easily start there and simply answer what people actually want to know.
It removes the guesswork and instantly adds value.
Film Your Main Subject Content First, Not the Intro
“Intros and outros are the hardest part. Start by filming the content you’re most confident talking about, then go back and film the intro and outro.”
Talk about the thing you know best - the problem, the solution, the story - because that's where you're naturally most confident. Once that's done, go back and film the intro and outro, because now you know exactly what you're introducing.
Now I wish I’d known this when we first pressed record because it took me so many takes to film our intro (and I will be sharing the outtake bloopers at a later date!) But I did go back and film the intro and outro again afterwards, and for my subsequent podcast recordings I followed this advice….and it works wonders.
Gareth explained that the intro and outro are almost always the hardest parts of any video to film - because you're trying to be punchy, on-brand, and welcoming, all while not really knowing yet how the video is going to land.
It really is so much easier doing it this way, and it really takes the pressure off.
Small Businesses Don't Need Fancy Equipment or Paid Software to Start
There are lots of easy, free ways to start filming content, and you genuinely don't need expensive gear or software to make something worth posting.
We filmed our podcast over Zoom on my laptop, and a mobile phone works just as well. And you can edit your videos on tools like Capcut and OBS Studio.
Both are beginner-friendly, free, and are more than enough to get your first pieces of content out into the world.
Facing the Cringe: Editing My Own Video
Now, here’s the part I didn’t expect to be such a big milestone: I edited the entire video myself.
Not because I wanted to be a video editor, or because I didn’t have help available, but because I knew I personally needed to face the cringe head‑on.
I needed to hear my own voice (**and squeal***)....I needed to see myself on screen frame by frame (**and move uncomfortably in my seat**)......and then I needed to stop being overly critical and just start reviewing a piece of content.
And I’m glad that I did it and didn’t give in to procrastination.
You’re reading and seeing this because I managed to face my fear and set a personal milestone….and I’m delighted about that.
I now have a YouTube channel… .. and it’s part of my personal growth journey.
Watch the Full Episode
This blog only scratches the surface of the conversation.
If you’d like to watch the full episode - including plenty more golden nuggets about planning, filming, and editing - head over to my YouTube channel.
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Every two weeks, I’ll be sharing more golden nuggets from my little black book - insights from the experts and founders I meet, and honest, practical perspectives you can use in your business.
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