We’re Still Vlogging with Sean Dent Pt. 2 EPS 238

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The barrier to entry on vlogging is getting much smaller here with these episodes. We’ve got more nuts and bolts on how to start a vlog, but we’re going to help you tighten these up so that you can actually start vlogging.

In addition, you may find that some of the tools to help you get started are already in your possession, or easily attainable and may even be free! We love this option and we think you will too.

We’re always going to recommend going with the gear that you have and utilizing the platforms that you’re familiar with.

Sean Dent is back with us and we’re going to be helping you with tips on:

1. The gear. Do you really need a lot to get started?
2. Where to actually vlog? Your background or setting.
3. Editing your video, or keep it raw?
4. The best ways to promote and build your audience.
5. Additional tips on how to reach your audience.

As promised, we’ve compiled a simple list of equipment that will help you get started. For those that are starting their vlog with a smartphone (recommended), we’ve got a few accessories that may help:

Tripod and accessories:

JOBY GorillaPod Original Tripod for Point and Shoot Cameras ($14.90) This tripod will work for a camera that weighs 11.5 ounces (325 grams). Most importantly, it will work with a smartphone with a slight modification (below).

Vastar Universal Cell Phone Tripod Mount Adapter Holder ($6.99) This is an adaptor specifically for your smartphone that helps you connect it to the GorillaPod, or most any tabletop tripod.

CamKix Bluetooth Camera Shutter Remote Control ($7.49)

Level up the sound a bit with these options:

Lavalier/Lapel Microphone Omnidirectional Condenser Mic for Smartphones ($13.99)

Rode VideoMic Me Directional Microphone for Smartphones ($59.99)

Wide angle lens option for your smartphone:

HD Camera Lens Kit 5 in 1 for smartphones ($19.99)

Amir 3 in 1 Smartphone Camera Lens Kit ($19.99)

Editing options:

Raw video is certainly fine and really the only option if you’re recording live. But if you need to edit the video you’ve recorded, for whatever reason, we’ve got a couple of options here:

YouTube has a native editor already built in and you can do some basic editing right in your browser. We also mentioned Adobe Spark, which is another free option out there, but do keep in mind that your images and video will be watermarked with the free version, but we think that’s okay because the workflow and ease of use is well worth it to get started.

For Apple computer users, you’ve already got a free built-in app, iMovie. It will have plenty to help you get started with editing. We also briefly mentioned Final Cut Pro for mac, but this is a HUGE leap up in price ($299), and we aren’t recommending this for those that are just starting out.

Microsoft users have a free option of Movie Maker, and if you want to step it up just a bit, then we recommend trying out Filmora. It’s free to try for both macOS and Windows, and it’s reasonably priced ($59.99 lifetime license/pc).

We’d like to thank Sean P. Dent for hanging out with us as a guest co-host and expert on vlogging.

Sean is:

A Social Media Specialist, Freelance Blogger, Vlogger, Podcaster, Online Community Manager, and Nurse Entrepreneur. A self-made mediapreneur, social media maven and 10-year blogging veteran who recently celebrated successfully posting a vlog every day for a full calendar year. A milestone accomplished while working as a full-time Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in a Shock Trauma teaching hospital. When he’s not saving lives or dropping knowledge bombs online he’s drinking coffee and eating bacon.

Sean also has a new live webinar about to drop on February 28th, 2017:

Find Sean here: