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If the idea of being on camera makes you want to run a mile, you’re not alone. Being on camera isn’t for everyone. That’s why I’ve pulled together some easy video ideas for camera-shy business owners who still want to use video in their marketing.
A lot of business owners love the idea of using video but freeze at the thought of pointing a camera at themselves. The awkwardness, the lights, the “what do I even say?” moment, it’s enough to put anyone off.
The good news? You don’t have to be on camera to use video effectively in your marketing.
There are plenty of ways to show your expertise, connect with your audience, and bring your brand to life, all without starring in your own production.
If you’ve read the first two blogs in this series, Five reasons to use video in your marketing and How to use video across different platforms, you already know why video matters and where to use it.
Now, let’s look at what you can create when being in front of the camera just isn’t your thing.
How can I use video if I don’t want to be on camera?
1. Voice-over storytelling
You don’t need to be on screen for your message to connect. A well-planned voice-over can do just as much (if not more) than a talking-head video.
You can use a voice-over to:
- Explain your process while showing visuals or examples of your work
- Share a client story or case study
- Talk through before-and-after results
This approach builds trust and gives your audience insight into how you work, while keeping the focus on the story.
For example, a boutique builder could show a renovation project from start to finish while talking through challenges, design choices, and results. Or a marketing consultant might record a voice-over explaining how a client’s rebrand improved engagement with their ideal clients.
These are some of the best easy video ideas for camera-shy business owners because they let you share knowledge without being on screen.
The key is to plan your message first. Know what you want people to understand or feel by the end of the video.
2. Project or service showcases
Showing what you do is one of the easiest ways to create engaging video content, especially if you offer a visual or process-driven service.
This could be a behind-the-scenes look at a project coming together, a highlight reel of your work, or a time-lapse of your process.
For example:
- A hairdresser might capture a client’s full colour transformation.
- A cabinet maker could show a custom piece being built from start to finish.
- A consultant might film a workshop setup or team strategy session (without showing client details).
You don’t need dialogue or fancy editing. Let the visuals do the talking, add some light background music, and you’ve got a professional piece that demonstrates your skills and approach.
3. Client testimonials and stories
Sometimes it's simply best to let your clients do the talking.
A genuine testimonial can be far more persuasive than a polished marketing message. It’s authentic, relatable, and builds trust fast.
Encourage clients to share short clips of their experience, even if it’s recorded on their phone. Ask them to focus on the outcome, ie how your product or service made a difference.
If they’re not comfortable being filmed, record their feedback as audio and combine it with visuals like before-and-after shots, project photos, or captions.
For example, a real estate agent could share a client talking about their stress-free selling experience. A physiotherapist could record a client explaining how treatment helped them get back to sport.
Client testimonials are one of the most effective video ideas for camera-shy business owners who want to build trust without appearing on camera. You don’t need dozens of testimonials. A few honest, heartfelt ones can go a long way.
4. B-roll and branded visuals
B-roll is that background footage that adds personality to your videos… the little moments that help people understand your business beyond the words.
This might be your workspace, your team in action, or even the finer details that represent what you do best.
For example:
- A florist could film hands arranging bouquets, petals being wrapped, or customers picking up flowers.
- A winery might show grapes being picked, bottles being labelled, or wine being poured.
- A law firm could capture quiet shots of the office, staff collaborating, or the front door with signage.
B-roll is great because it’s versatile. Once you’ve got it, you can use snippets across social media, your website, and digital ads.
5. Educational or tip-style videos
Educational content helps position your business as the expert.
These videos can use text overlays, motion graphics, or simple visuals to share practical information that your clients can apply straight away.
For example:
- A bookkeeper could share “Three things to prepare before tax time.”
- A digital marketing agency might post “Five quick tips to improve your Google Business Profile.”
- A café could share “How to make the perfect flat white at home.”
You can add light music, animated text, and simple transitions to make the video engaging. Remember though, the focus should always be on delivering value.
6. Build your own video library
If you want your marketing to look professional and consistent, developing your own video library is one of the smartest things you can do.
It’s a collection of short clips, b-roll, and visuals that represent your business, your people, your work, your values. It’s real, authentic, and uniquely yours.
This approach gives you an ongoing library of content that can be used across multiple platforms without having to start from scratch each time. You’ll always have something on hand to support campaigns, social posts, and website updates.
For example:
- A professional services firm could film a few hours of b-roll each quarter, team discussions, office details, and project work. That footage can then be cut into future videos, website updates, or recruitment content.
- A trades business could capture equipment, team interactions, and on-site details once and repurpose those clips across ads, reels, and capability statements.
- A boutique winery could record vineyard, cellar, and restaurant footage seasonally to keep content fresh while maintaining the same tone and aesthetic year-round.
Your video library doesn’t have to be produced all at once. You can build it gradually, filming in small sessions that align with your marketing plan or upcoming campaigns.
It’s about investing time once to create assets that keep working for your business, rather than scrambling to find visuals every time you want to post.
And remember, video isn’t a one-off-use investment. Once you’ve created it, you can use it again and again.
A clip filmed for your website can be edited into a social post, shortened for an ad, or reused months later as part of a new campaign.
When done strategically, one video shoot can generate enough content to keep your marketing rolling for months.
Making video work for your business
You don’t have to be front and centre for your video content to work.
By focusing on stories, visuals, and client experiences, you can show the value of what you do without ever stepping into the spotlight.
Think of video as a storytelling tool, not a performance. The goal is connection and clarity, not perfection.
When you plan it properly and use it strategically, video builds credibility, creates trust, and shows your audience the real heartbeat of your business, without a single awkward “take two.”
Ready to make it happen?
If you want to start using video in your marketing but prefer to stay behind the scenes, that’s completely fine.
We’ll help you plan, brief, and manage video content that fits your comfort level and brand. From concept to delivery, everything is designed to make your marketing happen, without you needing to get in front of a camera if you don’t want to.
And when you’re ready to create something truly professional, we collaborate with trusted videographers who know how to bring your vision to life, Rooftop Media and Harrison Slattery Media. They make the filming process easy, comfortable, and completely aligned with your marketing strategy.
If you want your story to be seen without you being seen, let's talk.
Common questions about creating video when you don’t want to be on camera
Can I still use video in my marketing if I don’t want to be filmed?
Absolutely. There are plenty of ways to create video content without being on camera, like using voice-overs, client testimonials, b-roll footage, or visuals that tell your story. The key is having a clear strategy and understanding what message you want your video to share.
How often should I update my video content?
Video doesn’t have to be created constantly. If you plan strategically, one good filming session can provide months of usable content. Review your video library a few times a year to see what’s still relevant, what can be refreshed, and what can be reused in new ways.
What’s the best way to get started if I’m not comfortable with video?
Start small and start with strategy. Identify what you want your videos to achieve and where they’ll be used. Work with professionals who can guide the process, from planning and scripting to filming and editing, so you can stay behind the scenes while still building strong, consistent video content for your marketing.
