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Do you feel like your amazing small business is getting lost in the online noise? You’re not alone. In a world saturated with content, grabbing attention and building a loyal following can feel impossible. But here’s the secret weapon you might have overlooked: video marketing ideas for small business owners.
It still appears to be a massively underappreciated market, considering 91% of consumers want to see more video content from brands.
Compelling video content isn’t just for big brands with even bigger budgets. With a little creativity and our company marketing video ideas, you can craft engaging videos that stop your prospects in their tracks and turn them into loyal customers.
Why You Need Video Marketing as a Small Business
Here’s why you absolutely need to incorporate video marketing into your strategy:
Massive Engagement
Videos are captivating. In fact, social media posts with videos attract twice as much engagement compared to those with images only.
Videos can turn prospects into engaged viewers who soak up your message, boosting brand awareness and keeping them glued to your content for longer. This can be super helpful for a small business trying to find its footing in a saturated market.
Increased Trust
People connect with real faces and products. Videos let you showcase your expertise and passion, making your brand more relatable. With the right video, you can build a strong foundation of trust with potential customers.
Unmatched Conversion
Video marketing can increase your conversion rate by 34%, which is a game-changer for a small business. A well-crafted product demo or explainer video can convince viewers to take that next step. You can effectively convince them to buy your product, subscribe to your service, or join your email list.
11 Video Marketing Ideas for Small Business Owners
Let’s dive into some creative company marketing video ideas you can use to grow your brand:
1. Welcome Wagon: The Power of the Introduction Video
Your introduction video is your digital handshake. Craft a captivating introduction that introduces your company and product in a nutshell. This is a perfect video to showcase on your website homepage and social media platforms.
Go beyond the basics. Instead of a dry company or product history, infuse your intro video with personality. Make it engaging, and if you are talking about your team, show them! People connect with people, so let your audience see the real faces behind your brand.
Keep it concise and captivating. Aim for a video under one to two minutes that grabs attention from the start. Use high-energy music, compelling visuals, and a clear message to leave viewers wanting more.
Here’s a great example of a product introduction video by Rocketbook:
2. Show, Don’t Tell With Product Demo Videos that Convert
Product demos are no longer just for salespeople. Engaging video demos can showcase your product’s features and benefits in a way that static images and text simply can’t.
Focus on solving problems. Don’t just list features; demonstrate how your product solves your target audience’s pain points. Use clear, concise language and showcase your product’s real-world applications.
Get creative with your format. Who says product demos have to be boring? Use explainer animations, screen recordings, or even customer testimonials to showcase your product in a way that’s both informative and engaging.
Highlight social proof. Showcase real customers using and loving your product. This builds trust with viewers and positions your product as the go-to solution for their needs.
Here’s a great example of a product demo video used by The Lip Bar:
3. Let Your Customers Do the Talking With Powerful Testimonial Videos
Social proof is a marketing powerhouse. Featuring real customers singing your praises in testimonial videos is a surefire way to build trust with potential customers and showcase the value you provide.
Find the right customers. Choose customers who represent your ideal target audience and who can genuinely speak to the positive impact your product or service has had on them.
Keep it authentic. Don’t script testimonials excessively. Let your customers speak from the heart about their experiences. Authenticity resonates with viewers and builds trust.
Ask compelling questions. Don’t just ask customers to say how great you are. Dig deeper and ask questions that highlight the specific benefits they’ve experienced by using your product or service.
Client Ascension does a fantastic job with a customer testimonial in this video:
4. Use Short & Sweet Video Ads to Snag Attention in a Flash
In today’s fast-paced world, attention spans are shorter than ever. That’s where captivating video ads come in. These bite-sized bursts of creativity can be a powerful tool for driving traffic and brand awareness on social media platforms or display advertising.
Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds. The opening of your video ad is crucial. Use humor, a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling visual to grab attention immediately and make viewers want to see more.
You must also keep it visually stunning. High-quality visuals are essential for video ads. Use eye-catching graphics, captivating animations, or stunning product shots to make your ad stand out in the crowded online space.
Check out this on-point Volkswagen ad:
5. Educate & Entertain: The Allure of Educational Videos
Positioning yourself as an industry expert is a fantastic way to build trust and attract new customers. Educational videos allow you to showcase your knowledge and provide valuable content to your audience.
Focus on solving problems. Identify common pain points your target audience faces and create educational videos that offer solutions. This establishes you as a thought leader and builds trust with potential customers who see you as a helpful resource.
Don’t limit yourself to talking heads. Use explainer animations, screen recordings, or even live Q&A sessions to keep your educational videos engaging and informative.
Furthermore, promote your expertise. Showcase your educational videos on your website, social media platforms, and even in your email marketing campaigns. This positions you as an authority in your field and attracts potential customers who are looking for solutions.
Zoho CRM does a great job of building its authority with this educational video:
6. Promote Special Offers With an Emphatic Video
Drum up excitement for special offers and promotions with sales video content. This creates a sense of urgency and encourages viewers to take advantage of your deals before they disappear.
Highlight the value proposition in these videos. Clearly communicate the benefits of your special offer and why viewers shouldn’t miss out. Use clear visuals and persuasive language to create a sense of urgency.
Moreover, let viewers know exactly how long your offer is valid. Use a countdown timer or mention the specific end date to create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and encourage viewers to act fast.
Kelowna Kia gets it right with this special offer video:
7. Behind the Scenes: How-It’s-Made Videos
This twist on the traditional behind-the-scenes format allows viewers to witness the magic behind your product or service in action. Whether you hand craft unique jewelry, roast the perfect cup of coffee, or design custom websites, use a video to highlight your craft.
Feature skilled artisans, passionate baristas, or talented designers who bring your product or service to life. This personalizes your brand and showcases the dedication behind your offerings.
Also, don’t be afraid to get close-up! Use high-quality visuals to showcase the intricate details, unique ingredients, or specialized techniques that go into creating your product or service.
LUSH does wonderful how-it’s-made videos like this one:
8. Celebrate With Seasonal Videos
Get creative and leverage the power of seasonal video content. Here are a few ideas:
- Holiday Gift Guides: Help your audience find the perfect gift with a curated video guide featuring your top products or highlighting unique gift ideas related to the season.
- Seasonal Product Offerings: Showcase limited-edition products or special holiday bundles with festive video content.
- Lighthearted & Fun Seasonal Videos: Create lighthearted videos that celebrate the time of year. This keeps your brand at the forefront of your audience’s mind and injects a touch of personality into your marketing strategy.
Don’t just throw generic holiday cheer into your video. Instead, tailor your seasonal content to your brand and target audience.
Tiffany & Co. does just that in this holiday video:
9. Harness the Power of User-Generated Videos
User-generated videos (UGVs) are a goldmine for small businesses. They’re authentic, engaging, and build trust with potential customers.
Encourage customers to create user-generated video content by running contests or promotions. This could involve asking them to share their experiences with your product, showcase their creativity using your service, or participate in a fun brand-related challenge.
Alternatively, you could ask a popular influencer to promote your product in a fun and interactive manner or even create unboxing videos with users.
Check out this user-generated video with Busy Baby Mat:
10. Connect with Your Prospects Through a Genuine Origin Story Video
Connect with your audience on a deeper level by sharing your company’s origin story. How did you get started? What challenges did you overcome? What’s your mission?
Be genuine and authentic. Share your story from the heart. Don’t be afraid to show the struggles and triumphs that shaped your business. Vulnerability can be a powerful tool for connection.
Let your passion for your business shine through in your origin story video. This enthusiasm is contagious and can inspire viewers to support your brand.
End with a call to action. Don’t let your origin story be a dead end. Invite viewers to learn more about your company, explore your products or services, or even join your community.
LEGO does a fantastic job of sharing its origin story through this compelling video:
11. Explain It All: Explainer Videos for Complex Products or Services
For products or services with a steeper learning curve, explainer videos are a game-changer. These concise and informative videos can break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand visuals and language.
Firstly, avoid jargon and technical terms that might alienate your audience. Use clear, concise language and simple explanations to ensure viewers understand your product or service’s core value proposition.
Secondly, show, don’t just tell. Explainer videos are all about visual storytelling. Use animation, motion graphics, or even screen recordings to illustrate complex concepts in a way that’s both engaging and informative.
Thirdly, keep it short and sweet. Attention spans are short, especially online. Aim for explainer videos that are under 2 minutes long to keep viewers engaged and focused.
Lastly, highlight the benefits. Don’t just explain how your product works. Focus on the benefits it provides to your target audience. Explain how your product or service solves their pain points and improves their lives.
Here’s a good explainer video by Synthesia:
Tips for Making & Promoting Effective Company Marketing Videos
- Plan and Script: Don’t just wing it! Develop a clear plan for your video, including a storyboard and script, to ensure your message is clear and concise. A well-defined plan keeps your video focused and prevents it from rambling.
- High-Quality Audio & Video: While fancy equipment isn’t essential, strive for good audio and video quality. Grainy visuals and muffled audio can be distracting and turn viewers away. Invest in a decent microphone and consider using natural lighting for a professional look.
- Keep It Short & Sweet: Attention spans are short. Aim for videos that are under 2 minutes long, especially for social media platforms. People are bombarded with content online, so respect their time. Get your message across in a concise and impactful way.
- Optimize for Mobile: The majority of viewers will watch your videos on their smartphones or tablets. Ensure your videos are formatted correctly for mobile viewing, and consider using captions for better accessibility.
- Share on Social Media: Share your videos on relevant social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. Use targeted hashtags and captions to reach your ideal audience.
- Embed on Your Website: Strategically embed your videos on your website, landing pages, and blog posts to enhance your content and keep visitors engaged.
- Include in Email Marketing Campaigns: Incorporate eye-catching video thumbnails and snippets into your email marketing campaigns to boost engagement and click-through rates.
- Consider Paid Advertising: Explore paid advertising options on social media platforms or search engines to promote your videos and reach a wider audience.
- Test and Refine: The beauty of online advertising is the ability to track results and optimize your campaigns. Test different versions of your video ad and see what resonates best with your target audience.
Power Up Your Brand with Video Marketing
Use these fantastic video marketing ideas for small businesses to promote your brand effectively. If you’re strapped for time or expertise, consider hiring a professional digital marketing team.
At 2020 Vision Digital, we can help you brainstorm video concepts, create high-quality content, and develop a strategic plan to promote your videos and reach your target audience. So, what are you waiting for? Schedule a consultation with us today!