7 top gadget recommendations for building a personal and business brand

Building a personal or business brand is all about showcasing your unique identity.

Your camera is your best friend on this journey, but don’t overlook other gadgets that can boost your professional image.

Ben Wright is the Chief Innovation Officer at Melo, so it’s no surprise that he knows a thing or two about what tech is crucial for your brand-building mission.

Read on to discover Ben’s tech recommendations.

1. Enhance the quality of your image with a Sony ZV1 camera

I’ve found that the Sony ZV1 is a great option for a compact, versatile camera with a good depth of focus. You can also use it as a webcam to enhance the image quality of your online meetings.

While the Sony ZV1 is an affordable choice, most smartphones now have excellent camera quality and can be just as useful for creating that professional look when you’re getting started.

2. Put yourself in the spotlight with NEEWER lights

Quality lighting gives your workspace a professional edge on camera and can improve client perception of your business.

Ideally, you want to invest in three lights and position them in three separate places relative to your focal point: a main light positioned at 2 o’clock; a secondary light positioned at 9 o’clock; and a coloured light in the background.

I use a set of lights we’ve had for a while, but NEEWER lights are affordable and cover all the basics.

3. Refine your delivery with an Elgato teleprompter

A teleprompter acts as an extra screen that your camera can record through. This means you can look straight into the camera while reading from a script, giving you a more direct communication line with your audience.

I’ve been able to use teleprompters to great effect, enhancing presentations, video marketing, and even team meetings.

Elgato is an easy-to-use option that you can quickly assemble and disassemble at home or in the office.

4. Be pitch perfect with an AKG Lyre USB microphone

Any microphone you invest in will likely be better than the one built into your camera or computer.

I currently use an AKG Lyre USB, and the Blue Yeti is another great desktop option.

If you want the mic boom in shot, the Rode PodMic is a good pick, or if you don’t mind splashing out you could opt for the Shure SM7B.

5. Edit like a pro with DaVinci Resolve editing software

I’ve found the free version of DaVinci Resolve to be pretty much as good as any pro-video editing software.

There are paid options available, but the free version offers most of the basics and is more than adequate for when you’re starting out.

6. Take presentations to the next level with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)

OBS is a streaming software that allows you to control what the viewer sees while you stream to platforms.

You can create multiple scenes, bring in slides, include animations, mix audio, edit images, and much more.

OBS can be a real boon for your branding as not only can it enhance your tech-savvy professionalism, but it also allows you to add branded materials to your presentations.

7. Add another dimension with an Insta360 X3 camera

The Insta360 X3 is a 360-degree camera that ensures nothing is left out of shot.

I use it as a secondary camera, but it’s also great for capturing hyperlapses or recording events. The editing software from Insta360 is free, so you can have some real fun with the pictures you take.

The X4 is also out now but is naturally a bit pricier.

Get in touch

Inspired by Ben’s recommendations? To find out how we can help transform your business and improve the lives of your team and your clients, get in touch.

Hit us up in our inbox at hello@melo.co.uk or have a chat with us on 0113 4656 111.