As an influencer and content creator who creates her content, I’m usually asked at least once a month about the tech equipment that I use. Yes, I outsource things like professional photography. But many things you may see, especially on the website or social media, are all done by my own hands. I am not a tech expert. And even though I naturally look to see what other content creators are using to create their content, I try not to depend on that.
Seriously, you don’t know how someone’s pockets are. And I think that it is sometimes slightly irresponsible to try to spend $5,000 for a new setup if you can only afford $100. That being said, many things are highly affordable that you can use to enhance your business and your growth.
Even though I am nowhere near where I want to be as far as content creation, I have certainly learned a thing or two about finding the best products that get the most bang for your buck. And there are many things that people say that you need that, honestly, I disagree with because I think that there are cheaper and alternative options that you can try in the meantime. However, if you’re interested in finding out what few things I think you should start with if you want to be an influencer, then read below.
First, invest in a ring light for your tech equipment.
You want to make sure that you radiate light on your face that just naturally makes you look a little bit more put together and will enhance the light in any dark room you may be in. My current apartment has terrible lighting. So I depend on my ring light even during the day when I hop on essential calls or consultations or even just team meetings.
Ring lights can be pretty expensive but you can also find ones that are less than $100. You should have two ring lights, one on each side, especially if you are shooting video content or creating well-lit content that looks semi-professional.
Next, you’ll want to have an external microphone.
Now the reason why I struggled with whether I should even include this on the list or not is that an iPhone microphone is just as great as some professional microphones. Even though it is not the same, it does a beautiful job. And, for the longest time, that is what I use to record my podcast episodes.
That being said, if you want to enhance your audio, I would suggest investing in an external microphone, specifically a Rode mic or Yeti mic. The good thing about mics is they come in a variety of sizes. Some can fit on top of a DSLR camera, some that work on some of the smaller body cameras, as well as even ones that you can insert into your phone.
No matter what, you want to make sure that your camera is on and that it is facing yourself or whoever it is speaking. Also, you can invest in a lavalier mic, which is a wonderful way to do things like interviews with other people. Some people like the feel of a lavalier mic, but I would just prefer to attach the microphone straight to the camera and not have to worry about wires up and down my blouse or dress.
Explore and invest in a camera.
Now this will probably be by far your most expensive investment. So it’s important for you to think about your camera choices wisely. Nowadays, all the YouTubers are talking about their expensive cameras. Even though I completely understand why they would want that, and I obviously see the quality in their photos or in their video content, many are not professional photographers or videographers. Seriously, they’re not even maximizing the full potential of their camera. I don’t want a $5,000 camera if I don’t even know how to work 60% of its features.
You will have to decide a few things. If you want a camera that will predominantly stay in the house, or in one spot and not something that you’ll be lugging around with you, you can explore a DSLR camera. But if you want to get into vlogging or taking your camera with you in something small and compact, you can go for a more miniature camera and maybe the Nikon, Sony, or Canon series. The actual specifics of the camera are going to depend on what you’re looking for.
Last but certainly not least, you should have a mirror.
I know this sounds pretty strange, but if you work in fashion or beauty, you need a mirror so that you can see what you look like before you hop on calls or to see your outfit before a professional shoot. Having a full-length mirror is extremely different from the little ones you put on the wall. It has made all the difference in my understanding if a fit is fire, or if I actually need to just leave it at home.
The best thing is you can obviously use your mirror as home decor, as many YouTubers actually have their mirror in the background while they’re filming. I personally really love this look and I’m working to build my home decor sort of like that. But a mirror is definitely non-negotiable. You want to make sure that, before you ever do anything, especially if it’s recorded, that it looks good and that you look good as well.
