One of the main reasons more bloggers and internet marketers don’t take advantage of the marketing power of web video is that they are “camera shy” or don’t like how they look or sound on video.

It’s true that most people have a strong aversion to being on camera. This is a very normal reaction and is actually shared by some of the major actors you see on camera a lot. They may be good with a script, character and set but the minute you have them be themselves for an interview they get very nervous.

The good news is you can condition yourself to overcome this “fear” fairly easily.

• The first tip I have for you is to realize that there is no pressure at all. Your video is not instantly going out live to a jillion people and you can re-do it as many times as it takes.
• Practice, practice, practice. The more you rehearse or shoot test runs, the more relaxed you are going to be. You will also become more used to seeing and hearing yourself on camera.
• I’m naturally a pretty shy individual but I have done some on-camera work, as myself and as an actor. Sometimes I am just “not feeling it,” but I have this little technique to help me get the job done. I create a sort of character in my mind, a slightly more confident and more successful version of myself. Now be careful not become ‘fake’ or over the top with bursting personality. I’m just talking about a little tweak- if you need it. What I have found is that doing this helps me get started in front of the camera and after a minute or so, I find my “real” self melding with my “character.”
• Talking to a camera, a piece of machinery, is very unnatural to begin with. To soften this awkwardness think of the camera as a good friend of yours. Think of someone that you have a natural ease around and is very easy to talk to. You can even tape a photo of your friend underneath the camera. Forget it’s a camera and talk to your friend.
• Own your fear of being on camera. Know that it exists and then know that you have the power to do it anyways. It can be extremely empowering to do something that scares you. Plus you know that web videos are a very powerful way to promote you and your work, so just do it!


In conclusion, I want to say that if being on camera is still too difficult or it’s really just not any fun for you, don’t stress about it. There are still some web video strategies you can use without ever being on camera. You can do photo and narration montages or screen cast tutorials. Or you can focus more energy on some of your other online marketing strategies.