Karin Carr directly addresses camera:  Newsflash: Video is not going away. It's only getting stronger, and if you continue to resist it, eventually, it will pass you by, and you'll be a dinosaur!

I'm Karin Carr, a speaker and author of YouTube for Real Estate Agents. Let's take five minutes to talk about easy ways to dip your toes into video marketing.

I find that real estate professionals can be resistant to video in the beginning, but once they start using it, they realize there is nothing to be afraid of, and it can truly benefit you.

I've heard over and over again that agents don't like the way they look on camera. We all have insecurities. Congratulations, you're like everyone else. If someone called you and told you they were pre-approved for a $700,000 mortgage and wanted to buy today, would you tell them you have to lose 10 pounds before meeting with them? Believe me, people watching your video are forgiving. You are your own worst critic, so put that out of your mind. The more videos you do, the easier it gets.

One way that I recommend starting with video is a one-on-one video sent to leads. Somebody comes through your website, and you capture their contact information in your CRM.  Send them a quick video using a service like Bomb-Bomb, an email video service. You can personalize it by saying, "Hi Donna, thank you so much for visiting my website and downloading my homebuyer guide. I want you to be able to put a face to my name.
I look forward to seeing how I can assist you."

It's a fast video that doesn't require editing. You can whip out your phone, record, and text or email it. Plus, it lets the prospective buyer get to know you a bit with no pressure. It's shorter than 20 seconds. Any longer and it should be an email, not a a video. 

Another short, quick video can be sent to someone who called you, but you can't call them back right away. For example, you pull out your phone and say, "I'm at my son's soccer game and will call you back as soon as I get somewhere where I can get something to write on to take notes."

Those are easy ways to get started. Also, there are some tips for helping you look better and more engaging on camera. Practice filming with your camera a little bit higher than eye level. It elongates your throat and removes the double chin from looking at a camera that is below eye level.

Next, divide your frame into thirds. You want your face in the top one-third of the frame, where your head is fairly close to the top of the video frame.  If you put it at the bottom of the frame, it's out of proportion. Dead center of the frame isn't flattering either.

Audio quality is essential. Your phone is generally an arm's length away from you, and, depending on your background noise, it can get difficult to hear. You can find inexpensive external microphones. Find one that plugs in the headphone jack of your phone or your Bluetooth earbuds. You don't need anything fancy.

Finally, natural light is always wonderful, but you want to ensure that light is not behind you. If you're filming with the sun directly behind you, your audience can't see your face because of the solar flare. For example, if you're filming inside facing the window, the sun will illuminate your face, producing incredibly flattering light. But, if the window is behind you, all the audience sees is the glare of the background light.

Remember, practice makes perfect. And, the more you do it, the more comfortable you will be. So grab your phone, find some flattering light, and start filming today.