If the thought of going live or filming a Reel makes you want to hide behind a curtain, I'm totally with you. At least I used to be. For many small business owners, showing up on camera feels uncomfortable (to say the least). But it really doesn't have to be. This blog walks you through practical, low-pressure steps you can take to feel more confident about using video content on social media.

Let go of perfection (seriously)

When you first start showing up on camera, it can be tempting to aim for perfection. But trying to sound like a polished presenter or look like a catalogue model will only make things harder. Instead, focus on being real. People connect with people, not flawless scripts or overly groomed speakers.

Instagram Stories are a great place to start. They're low pressure, short, only visible to your followers, and disappear after 24 hours. Win-win.

Build a pre-filming ritual

You don’t need a whole stage routine, but having a few small comforts can help you feel more grounded. Things like brushing your hair, popping on a bit of lip balm or standing in good lighting can be enough to shift your mindset.

If you struggle to remember what to say, use the teleprompter feature in Edits (the newish app from Instagram). Your goal isn't to win an Oscar. It's to connect with your audience and share value in a way that feels true to you.

Use tools that help you stay focused

You don’t need fancy kit. A tripod is handy, but a bookshelf and a stack of books work just fine. Aim to film at eye level, and if you're using the front-facing camera and get distracted by your own face, stick a post-it over it or tape up a picture of someone who'd cheer you on.

Bonus tip: If you blank mid-sentence, no stress. Use that teleprompter in the Edits app I was talking about earlier.

Lives don’t have to be terrifying

Yes, they’re live. Yes, they’re unedited. But that doesn’t mean they have to be scary.

Start by going live with a friend or collaborator. That way, it’s just a conversation, not a monologue. If that’s not an option, imagine you're on a Zoom call with a friendly face who needs your advice.

If you're worried about certain people seeing your lives (ex-colleagues, old friends, anyone who makes you overthink), block them. They won’t know, and you'll feel freer.

Redefine what "success" looks like

Showing up is a win. That’s it.

You don't need viral views to justify sharing your face and voice. One DM saying "thank you, this helped" is a win. One share, one save, one warm lead who says "I saw your video and felt like I got to know you" – those are huge.

Remember - showing your face builds trust faster than a month of carousels.

 You don’t need to be polished. You don’t need a script. You don’t need to be anyone but yourself. Start with Stories, lean into the tools that help you, and give yourself permission to be a work in progress.

And if you want help building camera confidence and creating content that actually feels like you, that’s exactly what I cover inside The One Where You Learn Instagram. You can book a free Instagram Confidence Call or just DM me the word confidence on Instagram – I’ll send you the link over there.