In today's crowded digital landscape, video content has emerged as the undisputed heavyweight champion of engagement. Whether you're a solopreneur with a smartphone or a small business with a scrappy marketing budget, the message is clear: it’s time to press “record”. Why? Because content is queen and video is her crown jewel.
We live in a fast-scrolling, multi-tasking, short-attention-span world. Video cuts through the noise. According to a recent Wyzowl report, 91% of consumers want to see more online video content from brands. Even better? 89% say watching a video convinced them to buy a product or service. Amazing!
Your Phone is Your Production Studio
Think you need fancy gear to get started? Think again. Your phone has a powerful camera, editing apps are free or cheap and you can literally shoot from your kitchen, shop or car. Tools like CapCut, InShot and Adobe Premiere Rush make editing a breeze, even for newbies.
Pro Tip: Natural light is your BFF. Face a window and watch the magic happen.
Don’t Fear the Lens: Authenticity Wins
Gone are the days when only polished, Hollywood-style, high-priced productions made the cut. Today’s consumers crave authenticity. That means your real voice, your imperfect hair day, your unfiltered charm… Yes, all of it.
Video isn't just about showcasing your product. It's about telling your story, sharing your passion and building trust. A quick behind-the-scenes clip, a tutorial, or even a goofy outtake can do more to connect with your audience than the slickest promo ad. This raw, relatable style isn’t just endearing - it’s monetizable.
Hot Video Trends in Marketing
Let’s break down some key trends making waves in small business video marketing:
Vertical Video (portrait mode with a 9:16 aspect ratio) & Short-Form Content: Reels, TikToks and Shorts are leading the way. These quick-hit formats are addictive, shareable and tailor-made for today’s on-the-go audiences
Live Video & Streaming: Live Q&As, product drops and real-time tutorials are building hype and urgency. Platforms like Instagram Live and Facebook Live make it easy and FREE
User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage your customers to make videos with your product. It's powerful social proof and makes your marketing efforts feel more like a conversation than a sales pitch
Educational Videos: Teach something! Tutorials, how-to guides and explainer videos continue to dominate because they add value. If you're a small biz owner, think: "What do I know that my audience wants to learn?"
Behind-the-Scenes and Day-in-the-Life Content: People are curious creatures. They want to see how the sausage gets made. Share your process, your team, your wins and even your bloopers
Practice is Good but so is Imperfection
Sure, scripting your message and rehearsing a few times can help you feel more confident. I know I need to run my lines a bunch but don’t let perfectionism become a roadblock. Some of the most engaging videos are the ones where people fumble a little, laugh at themselves or say, “Wait, what was I talking about again?”
These moments make you human. And in marketing, being human sells.
Content Is Queen. Feed the Beast
Video isn't a one-and-done game. If you're serious about growing your presence online, you need to feed the content beast regularly. The great news? One video can be repurposed into:
A blog post
Multiple social clips
A YouTube video
An Instagram reel
A TikTok
A story or email embed
One shoot day can give you content for weeks if you plan it right.
How to Get Started Today
Pick one story to tell. Maybe it’s your origin story, a product demo or your best-selling item’s backstory
Record it on your phone. Keep it short (under 90 seconds), shoot in vertical format and speak directly to your audience.
Edit lightly or post raw. Add captions if possible - many people watch with the sound off.
Post it. Don’t overthink it. The more you do it, the easier (and more fun) it becomes.
Keep going. Don’t stop. Practice makes perfect!
Video marketing isn’t just for the big brands with big budgets. It’s for the quirky candle maker in Kansas, the dog groomer in Detroit, the thrift store in Tulsa. It’s for you!!!
In 2025, video content is still queen. So grab your crown (and your phone), hit “record” and start connecting with your audience in a whole new way. You’ve got this.
Need assistance? Contact me! I’m always here to help.