How Do I Get Started Creating Videos for My Small Business?

As a small business owner, you probably know the importance of video content. It’s everywhere, and your potential customers are watching, reacting, and sharing it. However, you still may be reluctant to take the leap.  Whether you are tight on time, have virtually no budget, or just have no idea where to start, here are some ideas to help you.



What Video Equipment Do I Need to Create Content for My Small Business?

If you have a newer smartphone, you are already off to a great start. Decades ago, video equipment was bulky and expensive, but today, the phone in your pocket can shoot decent video. In addition to your smartphone, here are some other things to consider to polish your videos.

  • Tripod  
  • External microphones
  • Lighting, such as a ring light

14 Video Content Ideas for Small Businesses

You know you should be doing video… you just are drawing a blank on ideas. Should you hop on the latest trend? Repeat your address ad nauseum until the customers come barreling down your door? Here are a few other ideas.

1. Behind the Scenes Content 

Whether you’re a baker or photographer, show your audience the heart and soul you put into your craft.

2. Answer Frequently Asked Questions 

If you go to trade shows, what do you find yourself repeating the most? What questions always come up? What are your friends surprised to know about your business?  

3. Updates   

New inventory? Seasonal dish on the menu? Did a law just come out that affects your business? Share away.

4. Before and After 

Even as a “solopreneur”, a quick pan before you start working and then one when you are finished can convey a lot of value to your potential customers. If you are filming someone else’s property, be sure to get written permission before taking video.

5. Introduce Yourself 

Take a quick second to tell people what you specialize in, where you are based out of, how long you have worked in the field, and why you got started.  

6. Show Off Your Team 

Highlight what your team does for your business.

7. Day in the Life 

Take your audience on a ride through a typical (or anything but typical) day for you.


8. Educate 

Tell the audience something they might not know, or film a quick tutorial on how to do something.

9. Maintenance Tips 

 If you sell a tangible product, show your customers how they should be taking care of it. How should it be properly stored? Cleaned?

10. Coming Soon 

Get your customers excited about new product drops.

11. Debunk Myths 

Do people have misconceptions about your job, industry, or your product?

12. Customer Testimonials 

Always get written permission from the customer before using these. Customer testimonials are a great way to build trust.

13. Give a Tour 

Show off your office, shop, or space! This can work well if your business wants to welcome customers into your space.

14. Poll the Audience 

Engage your audience by asking their opinion.


Film with Your Platform in Mind 

Decide where your videos will live. Are they going on your website? YouTube? Instagram?

Different sites have different formats. Once you decide where your audience “lives”, look up aspect ratios and maximum length for those platforms. You don’t want to crop out half of your video later because you needed to shoot in vertical.

Creating a Hook 

With more video content being added to the internet day after day, competing for people’s attention spans is a top priority if you are producing content. Avoid long introductions. While you may want to show your company’s logo first or introduce yourself, you really need to hook viewers in the first few seconds. Offer the viewer real value, or start with a question or fact that will surprise them.

Close Caption Your Videos 

While you want to make sure the audio in your videos sounds professional and clean, the reality is that a lot of people consume social media videos with the volume on silent. Whether they are commuting on public transportation, rocking their children to sleep, or catching up on what’s new during a work lunch break, your viewers may never hear your audio. Adding text to your screen means more people will get your message.

What Should You Avoid While Making Videos for Your Small Business? 

Your video content should be connecting with your potential customers, not landing you in legal hot water. Don’t use creative materials that do not belong to you. This can include video footage that you did not shoot, cartoon characters you did not create, or music you do not own or did not license.

If you are filming on property that you do not own, always get written permission.

Does Your Small Business Need Liability Insurance? 

No matter the size of your business, not having liability coverage could put it at financial risk. For example, if you are creating videos for your business and use an image that belongs to someone else, you could be facing a lawsuit.

General liability insurance can cover your business from property damage claims, as well as providing coverage for libel and copyright infringement.

If you frequently offer advice, you should consider Errors and Omissions Insurance. E&O Insurance can help protect you and your company if a client or customer believes a mistake you made caused financial loss and decides to sue you.

When it comes to insurance quotes, it helps to have options. At Cross Insurance, we have partnerships with the nation’s leading carriers as well as regional insurers.

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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.

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