When it comes to being a owner (it really doesn't matter how big or small), you're expected to use various software to grow your business. But you're also expected to basically make and do everything, even if you're just a one-person show. That especially goes for (and it better be helpful). So, creating helpful, interesting tutorials isn't just for the big brands anymore. If you're a small business, putting out great content is one of the smartest moves you can make to connect with customers.

Now, things like tutorials, how-tos, step-by-step guides—these are all prime ways to build a loyal following and show off just how much you know. But there's one big problem: without the right tech skills, a lot of small businesses either struggle to make decent content, or the stuff they do make just doesn't hit the mark.

Chances are high you're scrambling around, right? Well, there are a few ways to actually make sure you can make great tutorials for your audience. But where do you even start?

Show, Don't Just Tell

If you're trying to walk someone through a process, saying it just isn't enough. You need to show them! Tutorials are all about visuals, and thankfully, basically, tech makes it super easy to capture everything you're doing on-screen so your audience can actually follow along.

Mastering Screen Recording Without the Headache

Now, you may or may not know this, but screen recording is a game-changer, especially when you're showing your audience how to navigate , apps, or online tools. You don't need anything fancy to get started; usually, there's those built-in screen recording features on your device. Okay, not all devices have this, but the newer ones usually do. But most people are visual learners and directions aren't always going to be clear enough.

Phones Can Record Screens Too

It's not just about recording your screen on your computer, you can do it on your phone too. For example, if you're demoing something on a mobile device, like an app or a settings menu, screen mirroring is your best friend.

So, got an iPhone? Well, you can look up screen mirroring iPhone apps (and again, some devices will already have this automatically). But generally speaking, for anyone trying to follow along, this makes the tutorial way easier to understand. Plus, you're giving them a clear view of exactly what they'd see on their own phone. It usually helps if you're showing off an app for your company or a tutorial for your product that people can use on their phones, things like that.

Yes, Quality Counts

So, have you ever watched a tutorial where you could barely hear the person, or did the video look like it was shot on a flip phone from 2005? Even if the video was uploaded and dated the year you're looking online, it just somehow looks horrible. Yeah, don't be that guy. You don't need to blow your budget on gear. As a business, there's really no excuses.

You Just Need a Good Mic

Just grab a decent mic. Yes, really, it's as simple as that. There's those USB microphones like the Blue Yeti or Rode NT-USB are great, won't break the bank, and make you sound like you know what you're talking about. Usually you don't even need a recording studio, maybe some accoustic panels, and a quiet , but that's about it.

It's About Making Your Tutorials Look Polished

If you're doing any on-camera stuff, a little lighting goes a long way. Sometimes, people will want to show themselves to help build that connection that you can trust them and that they're actually the real deal. So, is this something that you're after?

Usually, a cheap ring light or a simple lamp can make your phone camera look professional. And for screen recording? Maybe use software that lets you zoom in or highlight important parts—it's a small touch that helps people actually see what you're doing.

Your Editing is Everything

You can have a great mic, some great software/ tools, and a great camera, but your videos can still be garbage. Yes, you read that right. That's why you need editing. It's pretty much where tutorials get their shine, and it helps show your confidence (because you're omitting all the uh, umms, and pauses in your videos).

Basically, it's the final touch that pulls everything together, trims out the boring bits, and makes your instructions super clear. Usually, tools are either free or super cheap, depending on how far you're planning to take it.

Keep It Short, Sweet, and Snappy

Nobody has the patience to sit through five minutes of filler, so cut out the fluff. But on top of that, speed up repetitive steps, cut out the pauses, and make it all flow. But when it comes to written tutorials, you can do the same by using annotated screenshots to highlight each step without overloading your readers.

Guide Your Audience

This is apart of editing (and might be a tad advanced) but nothing says “follow this” quite like a big arrow or a text label popping up exactly when you need it. For example, if you got a confusing part, you can drop in a quick voiceover or text overlay explaining it. Tools like Camtasia or Adobe Premiere Pro make it easy to add these helpful touches and can make a world of difference in keeping viewers on track.

You'll Need to Polish with Design Tools to Make Your Content Stand Out

While, to a degree, editing can help with that polished look (that will help you look professional), it's not really the only thing, though. Basically, it needs that extra sparkle. Plus, consistent branding makes your tutorials look cohesive and professional. If you look closely on YouTube or even LinkedIn, you'll see that consistency. So, tools like Canva and Adobe Spark are great for creating slides, intros, or thumbnails that help your content look sleek and polished.

Templates for That Branded, Put-Together Look

Once you've got a tutorial style nailed down, stick with it. Now, design templates for intro slides, title cards, and thumbnails create consistency and give your tutorials a recognizable look. This small effort can make your brand stick in people's minds and create a better experience for viewers.

Thumbnails That Stand Out in the Crowd

Is this going on YouTube? How about your website? Well, it's still going to help to consider this!

 

Social Media Marketing