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Lights! Camera! Profit!! — Simple Video Tips for Home Services Pros
Table of Contents
TL;DR
Want to start recording great videos for your home services business but feel overwhelmed by all the tech? Don’t worry — this guide breaks it all down. Learn how to set up your smartphone camera, light your shot, and frame it like a pro. Then, join our free webinar, "Lights! Camera! Profit!!" on Monday, March 31 at 2pm ET, and we’ll walk you through it live.
Key Takeaways
You don’t need fancy gear — your smartphone is good enough.
Simple tweaks in camera settings can boost your video quality.
Lighting can make or break your shot — natural light works wonders.
Framing helps keep your videos looking clean and professional.
Join our webinar to learn it all, step-by-step, with zero confusion.
Introduction
If you’re a general contractor, plumber, electrician, or remodeler, you already know that video marketing is powerful. It grabs attention, builds trust, and helps you stand out from the competition. But when it comes time to actually record, many business owners hit a wall.
Confusing camera apps. Bad lighting. Awkward framing. It’s enough to make anyone give up.
Good news: it’s way easier than you think — especially when you have the right tools and a little guidance.
Let’s break down the basics. And then, join us live for a free webinar where we’ll walk you through it in real time.
Step 1: Set Up Your Smartphone Camera the Right Way
Your phone is more powerful than some pro-level gear from 10 years ago. But to make the most of it, you’ll want to tweak a few settings.
Resolution and Frame Rate
Most phone cameras offer different resolutions (how clear the video looks) and frame rates (how smooth the video appears). Here’s what we recommend:
Resolution: 1080p or 4K
Frame Rate: 24 or 30 fps (frames per second)
Higher resolution means sharper video, but also larger file sizes. 1080p is plenty for social media.
Pro Tip: Some advanced camera apps give you more control than the default camera. We’ll show you the best one — and how to use it — in the webinar.
Focus and Exposure Lock
Ever record a video where the light keeps changing or the focus goes in and out? That’s because your phone is trying to adjust on its own.
Locking your focus and exposure helps keep the lighting and clarity steady throughout your recording.
Most phones let you do this by tapping and holding on your subject before recording.
Step 2: Get Your Lighting Right
Great lighting = great video. It’s that simple. You don’t need expensive lights — just a little know-how.
Natural Light Is Your Best Friend
If you can shoot near a window during the day, you’re golden. Here’s how to use natural light:
Face the light, don’t let it shine behind you.
Avoid harsh direct sunlight that creates shadows.
Overcast days actually give soft, even lighting — perfect for video.
Simple Artificial Lighting Setups
Filming in a dim room or at night? A basic lighting setup can help:
Use two lights — one as your main light, and one as a fill light.
Aim for soft lighting. Clip-on ring lights or desk lamps with soft bulbs work well.
Don’t mix lighting types (daylight and warm bulbs) — stick to one tone.
You’ll see how to do this hands-on in the webinar — even if you’ve never touched a light kit before.
Step 3: Frame the Shot Like a Pro
Framing is about what’s in the shot and where. It’s what makes your video look clean and intentional.
The Rule of Thirds
Imagine breaking your screen into 3 vertical and 3 horizontal sections. That’s the rule of thirds.
Try placing your head near one of the top intersecting points. It looks more natural than being dead center.
Background and Angles
Keep the background simple and uncluttered.
Avoid having open doors or distractions behind you.
Raise your camera slightly above eye level for a more flattering angle.
Use a tripod or lean your phone on something stable.
These small changes make a big difference in how your video looks — and how people perceive your business.
Fun Fact & Expert Insight
Fun Fact: YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world — after Google. That means your ideal customers are actively searching for helpful videos about home repairs, renovations, and more.
Expert Insight: According to HubSpot, 91% of businesses use video as a marketing tool — and over 85% say it gives them a positive return on investment. Video is no longer optional. It’s a must.
FAQs
What kind of phone do I need to record good videos?
Any smartphone made in the last 4-5 years should work great. iPhones, Samsung, Pixel — they all have solid cameras.
Do I need to buy a fancy camera app?
Nope! But in our webinar, we’ll show you a free (or cheap) app that unlocks pro-level controls easily.
How long should my videos be?
Start with 1–2 minute videos. Short and helpful is better than long and rambling.
What if I hate being on camera?
You’re not alone! We’ll share tips in the webinar for feeling more natural and confident on camera.
Will you help me do this live?
Yes! That’s exactly what the "Lights! Camera! Profit!!" webinar is for — we’ll walk you through the steps live, so you’re ready to record the same day.
Conclusion
If you’ve been putting off video marketing because of the tech — now’s your chance to finally jump in, stress-free.
With just your phone, some simple lighting, and a little framing know-how, you can start making videos that get attention, build trust, and grow your business.
And we’ll help you every step of the way.
Call to Action
Ready to hit record with confidence?
Join Nic Natarella and the AdWise Creative team for the free "Lights! Camera! Profit!!" webinar on Monday, March 31 at 2pm ET. We’ll show you everything, live and step-by-step.
👉 CLICK HERE to save your spot.
You’ll leave ready to record your first (or next) video the same day. No guesswork. No tech headaches.
