How a GoPro Makes Exterior Cleaning Content More Engaging and Professional -

Introduction

In today’s world, where businesses heavily rely on social media and other platforms to connect with potential customers, having the tools to create high-quality marketing content is essential. When I first started my exterior cleaning business, I used my phone to capture before-and-after shots.

I do still use my phone for pictures etc, But over time, I discovered that while using your phone is perfectly fine, there’s a better alternative. The GoPro offers a lot more compared to a phone camera meaning you can easily create a much broader range of content whilst you work, which is perfectly suited for all your platforms, without breaking the bank.

I want to share why I think the GoPro is a fantastic upgrade for your marketing efforts and all the benefits I’ve experienced since adding a GoPro to my equipment arsenal.

Capture High-Quality Before-and-After Photos

Capturing before-and-after shots is essential for so many businesses, not just exterior cleaning. Using my GoPro, I can easily record these moments without having to pause my work or mess around with the video feature on my phone. It’s a real time-saver and helps me stay focused while still getting the content I need.

One of the best things about GoPros is the range of attachments you can get. I picked up a 50-piece attachment kit from Amazon, which has come in handy many of times. It comes with head mounts, chest mounts, clips, tripods, and loads more. With so many options, it’s easy to get creative and find the best way to capture the perfect shot or video for your business.

For example, the head mount is one of my favourites. It lets me record hands-free while I work, so I can carry on as normal while the GoPro films everything. This means I can capture all the before-and-after footage I need, right in the moment, without having to stop and set anything up. It’s such a simple way to get professional, engaging content for your business. Let’s look at more ways in which a GoPro could help your business.

Visual proof helps clients On Inspections

One thing I’ve really come to appreciate about the GoPro is how useful it is for job inspections, especially before quoting or starting work. If you’re in the exterior cleaning business, like me, chances are you either offer services like gutter cleaning or roof cleaning services, have done so in the past, or are considering adding it to your services.

Here’s why I think the GoPro is a brilliant tool for this:

With a GoPro, you can inspect gutters to a certain extent without even needing to use a ladder. It’s not about being lazy, it’s about being smarter. This method is safer and faster for initial inspections, saving you time and effort. Of course, there will be times when you still need to climb up and take a closer look, but the number of times my GoPro has saved me a ladder trip especially on inspections and quote visits is significant.

For example, I’ve often used the GoPro to check on a suspected gutter issue, like a leak, and found it was simply a blocked downpipe. With the help of my gutter vac, I’ve been able to resolve the problem right away without needing to climb up at all. It’s quick, efficient, and lets you focus on getting the job done instead of spending extra time on setting ladders up safley when it’s not really unnecessary.

The ability to save time and prioritise safety while still providing thorough service is a win-win for both you and your customers. Honestly, the GoPro has become one of the most valuable tools in my kit for inspection purposes.

To add to this, think about the extra advantage you get when inspecting with a GoPro—you’re automatically capturing before pictures and video footage without even having to think about it. For me, this has been valuable. I know how important those “before” shots are, but let’s be honest, when you’re in a rush or juggling a busy schedule, it’s all too easy to forget at times.

The Value of Playback for Customer Confidence

One of the best features of the GoPro is the ability to use the playback function to show customers exactly what’s going on—all captured from ground level. This makes it much easier to point out any issues, like blocked downpipes, leaking joints, or general debris buildup, without needing to climb ladders. If the customer is interested, they can clearly see the problems for themselves, which gives them more confidence in your assessment and recommendations.

Why the GoPro Stands Out from Your Phone

You might be thinking, “I could just use my phone for this,” but here’s the thing: to capture the same footage with your phone, you’d need to physically climb a ladder to get those angles. With the GoPro, all of this can be done safely from the ground, saving time and reducing risk as much as possible.

How a GoPro Enhances Visuals

Exploring the GoPro’s Features and Customisation

The GoPro comes packed with features designed for different filming scenarios, and I’m still learning how to make the most of them. It’s incredibly customisable, giving you so many tools to improve your content and really maximise its potential.

There are multiple video modes to choose from, including Cinematic, Activity, Standard, Ultra Slo-Mo, and Basic. You can also experiment with wide-angle lenses for more dramatic shots. Plus, you have the option to create custom setups tailored to your specific needs. Personally, I stick with Cinematic mode as it’s simple, professional-looking, and ideal for the type of content I want to produce.

The more I explore these features, the more I realise how much the GoPro can actually do. I’m excited to keep experimenting and push the boundaries of what I can create!

Using the Timelapse Feature

While I haven’t felt the need to use the timelapse feature yet, mainly because I’m focused on gutter cleaning services right now, it’s high on my list for when I get back into offering pressure washing services. The timelapse mode is perfect for capturing more than just before-and-after shots; it creates a speeded-up video of the entire cleaning process.

This type of content is gold for platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There’s something so satisfying about watching a surface go from filthy to spotless in just a few seconds. It’s one of the best ways to showcase transformations in the exterior cleaning industry, and I’m hopeful that potential customers will feel the same way.

Not only are timelapse videos engaging, but they also provide a clear visual of the transformation and the steps involved. This is such a powerful way to attract new clients by giving them an authentic look at the value of your services!

Crisp, High-Resolution Images for Professional Results

I currently use the GoPro Hero 10—not the latest model, but it has all the features I need. I chose this one because my budget was £200, and it fit perfectly within that range. For the price, you get some decent specs that deliver professional results.

Key Specs of the GoPro Hero 10

Sensor: 23.6 MP
Processor: GP2 for faster performance
Photo Resolution: 23 MP
Video Resolutions:
- 5.3K at 60fps
- 4K at 120fps
- 2.7K at 240fps
Stabilisation: HyperSmooth 4.0
Slow Motion: Up to 8x at 2.7K

Design & Build

Displays: 2.27-inch rear touchscreen + 1.4-inch front display
Waterproof: Up to 10m (33ft)
Weight: 153g

Features

Shooting Modes: TimeWarp 3.0, Night Lapse, HindSight (30-second pre-capture), LiveBurst
Additional Features: Voice control, live streaming (1080p), RAW photos, HDR support, scheduled/duration capture
Webcam Mode: Can double as a webcam
Cloud Integration: Automatic uploads with a GoPro subscription

Battery & Connectivity

Battery: 1720mAh lithium-ion
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, USB-C
Memory: Supports microSD cards up to 512GB (no internal storage)

Extras

Fully compatible with GoPro mods, mounts, and accessories, making it easy to adapt to your needs.

Cons of the GoPro Hero 10: Battery Life

If there’s one downside to the GoPro Hero 10, it’s the battery life. I’m not sure if the newer models have improved in this area, but I wouldn’t rate it very highly. To manage this, I’ve enabled the auto shut-off feature to kick in after 5 minutes of inactivity. In the past, I’ve accidentally left it recording and found the battery drained way faster than I expected.

Now, I make it a habit to turn the GoPro off after every bit of footage I capture. Leaving it on continuously just isn’t practical, as the battery depletes quickly. If you’re working on jobs where charging isn’t convenient, this is something to keep in mind.

Tip for Battery Issues

To get around the battery limitations, I recommend investing in a spare battery or a portable charger. These simple backups can make a huge difference, especially if you’re planning to shoot a lot of footage in one session. Despite the battery life, the GoPro Hero 10 is still an amazing tool that delivers professional-quality content at an affordable price.

Practical Tips for Better Shots

The best way to master your GoPro is through trial and error. Over time, you’ll naturally get better at capturing the kind of footage that works best for your business. Personally, I’ve found YouTube to be a fantastic resource for learning. Watching tutorials and tips even unrelated to my industry, has helped me pick up some really practical advice on how to improve my videos.

Move Slow for Smoother Footage

If I were to give any tips, the first would be to move slow while filming. Yes, the GoPro has excellent stabilisation, but I’ve noticed that the best, smoothest footage comes from steady, deliberate movements. This is especially true for in-action shots, like when I’m using a gutter vac or capturing before-and-after shots of gutter systems.

Using an extendable pole with the GoPro mounted is another great way to get those hard-to-reach angles, and moving slowly ensures the video looks professional and polished. Rushing your movements often results in footage that’s less engaging or harder to watch.

Use Mounts for Creative Angles

I always aim to get as creative as possible with my footage, which is why having a GoPro attachment kit is absolutely essential. When I first bought my GoPro, it didn’t come with any accessories, just the unit itself. So, investing in an attachment pack made perfect sense from the start.

For only £24.99 on Amazon, I got a pack that included everything I needed. It’s been brilliant for capturing dynamic working shots. Whether I’m attaching the GoPro to a water-fed pole, ladder, or even a helmet, these mounts allow me to film from unique perspectives that make my content stand out. You can also clip it somewhere stationary to capture a broader view of the job at hand.

Why Variety is Key

Using these mounts and experimenting with different angles is an easy way to add variety to your footage. Not only does this make your content more engaging, but it also helps showcase your work in a professional and creative way. The attachment kit has truly elevated the quality of my videos and has become one of the most useful tools in my kit.

Create Engaging Marketing Content

The Power of Video Marketing

The main reason I use a GoPro is for marketing footage. Like I have mentioned, it’s perfect for showcasing my work. I feel it gives potential customers so much more insight into what my business can offer more so than a standard before-and-after photo ever could.

That’s not to say before-and-after shots don’t have their place, they absolutely do, But a GoPro takes things to the next level. This gives you the ability to enhance your work and present it in a more professional and engaging way.

It’s amazing how quickly you can create a high-quality Instagram video, especially with the help of the GoPro Quik app, which automatically edits your footage. (I’ll dive deeper into how that works later in the article.

Video content attracts more attention than photos

I think most of us would agree that video holds a bit more power than photos when it comes to grabbing attention. That’s why I like to mix things up in my marketing by combining both. For example, I’ll create posts that include call-to-action content like posters or flyers alongside video montages shot with my GoPro.

In my experience, combining the two definitely boosts engagement and allows you to mix it up a little. The videos grab attention with motion and storytelling, while the flyers or posters deliver clear, actionable information. It’s the perfect balance, visually engaging while still driving home your message. If you’re looking to make an impact, this combo is a great way to do it!

How to use video to educate and engage your audience

In the future, you might consider creating a YouTube channel, it’s something I haven’t got around to yet myself, but it’s definitely on my radar. Once I get a bit more comfortable with filming and all the other aspects of creating professional looking videos, it’s an option Iwant to explore.

Using a GoPro at this stage is great practice. It helps you build experience with filming and editing, and over time, your videos will naturally improve. This kind of growth will only benefit your business in the long run. For now, though, you can always use your GoPro footage for short-form content on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. These videos are quick, engaging, and perfect for building an audience while you refine your skills for something bigger like a YouTube channel.

The GoPro Quick App

The GoPro App: Your On-the-Go Editing Solution

As I briefly mentioned earlier, there’s an app dedicated entirely to the GoPro, and it’s spot on for beginners for editing your footage. This app allows you to download your videos and photos directly via Wi-Fi and start editing right on the spot via the app, from your phone. For someone like me, who’s often busy with work, this has been an absolute lifesaver.

Quick and Easy Video Editing

Editing the types of videos I make, such as before-and-after showcases, used to take me at least a couple of hours if it was in video form from my phone. With with the GoPro app, I can create a polished, 1-minute video in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for producing professional-looking content without the time commitment. The app automates much of the process, saving you hours of work while still giving you solid results.

Themes, Music, and Effects

The GoPro app comes packed with different themes and music options to enhance your edits. It can automatically generate a video in seconds using the footage and photos you’ve uploaded. From there, all you need to do is tweak it to your liking. You can trim clips, adjust transitions, and fine-tune the details with ease.

What’s even better is that the app adds effects and transitions automatically, things that would take you ages to do manually in traditional editing software. For a beginner or someone new to content creation, it’s brilliant.

Limitations for Advanced Edits

Of course, there will come a time when the app’s features might not be enough, especially if you’re planning to make more in-depth or complex videos. At that point, you’ll probably need to switch to a more advanced editing platform. However, for beginners, or even for quick, professional looking edits, it’s an unbeatable option.

Affordable and Worth the Cost

The app does come with a cost, but it’s only $24 per year, which works out to just around £19. In my opinion, that’s an absolute bargain for the time and effort it saves. If you’re serious about making content for your business, this is a no brainer investment.

Using the GoPro app has not only streamlined my editing process but has also made creating quality content much more accessible and enjoyable.

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In Summary

Investing in a GoPro has been great so far for my business, especially when it comes to creating professional and engaging marketing content. Whether I’m capturing high-quality before-and-after shots or conducting safe and efficient inspections, the GoPro has consistently proven to be a versatile and reliable tool.

While it might not completely replace your phone, the GoPro offers features and capabilities that go far beyond what a phone can achieve. From hands-free recording to creative filming angles, it’s designed to make your work easier and your content more dynamic.

For me, it’s been an investment that pays off not just in the time and effort saved, but in the quality of the content I can share with potential clients. If you’re serious about elevating your marketing game, the GoPro is a tool that will take your business to the next level.

How a GoPro Makes Exterior Cleaning Content More Engaging and Professional

Introduction

Capture High-Quality Before-and-After Photos

Visual proof helps clients On Inspections

Here’s why I think the GoPro is a brilliant tool for this: