Frame by Frame
The Art and Science of Stellar Storytelling
By JP Robinson on May 1, 2024
While various forms of media have a role to play in this digital age, one that’s been gaining increasing traction is video — short form, long form, and everything in between. With its ability to communicate messages succinctly and engagingly, it’s no wonder that videos are making waves in small business marketing.
Read on to learn why businesses of any size, particularly small businesses, should consider commercial video for business expansion.
As we delve into the world of video, it’s essential to understand its growing popularity. Today’s consumers are increasingly visual, preferring content that’s quick to digest yet memorable and impactful. Consider video in Times Square, at your airport gate, or the gym; video is everywhere, even when you’re not sitting on your couch watching TV or on a commuter train with your phone.
The proliferation of smartphones and high-speed Internet has led to an explosion in video consumption. The average person spends over an hour and a half each day watching online videos, a figure projected to rise in the coming years. The average time on TikTok is over one hour and fifteen minutes — and the whole platform is video-based.
The power of video lies in its ability to engage multiple senses simultaneously. It’s not just about telling a story; it’s about showing it. By incorporating visuals, sound, and movement, videos can create a multidimensional experience that’s more engaging and memorable than static content such as an image or infographic.
Commercial videos are not just about advertising a product or service. They are about communicating a brand’s values, mission, and personality, creating connections, and forging relationships. It shows the consumer a view of how the product or service will expand their lives for the better. Take this case study for instance. A well-written, quirky commercial not only helps consumers understand the features and benefits, but it can sometimes go wildly viral, reaching mainstream audiences well beyond traditional media outlets.
A well-crafted video can enhance a brand’s reputation and credibility. It can showcase a company’s expertise, highlight its unique selling points, and demonstrate its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Videos are also a great way to work through PR issues by sharing a personable and relatable story with the audience—they show humanity and authenticity.
Videos can also help build relationships with customers. They can foster a sense of connection and trust by presenting a human face and voice. They can also provide valuable information and insights, helping customers understand a product or service and make informed decisions.
Here is an example of a commercial production that we filmed in our North Jersey Production Studio:
For smaller companies, the advantages of video marketing for business marketing are countless, but here are a few:
Despite the benefits of video marketing, some small businesses may hesitate to invest. Concerns may range from cost and technical complexity to lack of time or expertise or the lack of education about the impact a video can have. Let’s take a moment to unpack a few of the challenges below.
While videos can require a significant investment, they don’t have to break the bank. There are numerous ways to create high-quality videos on a budget, from using affordable equipment and software to leveraging the skills of local video production companies that specialize in businesses your size. There are also ways to spread the costs over multiple months or even annually. Most importantly, we have found that when our clients do an ROI calculation, the revenue (and profit) generated from Awakened Films producing a commercial far outweighs the initial investment.
The technical aspects of video production can also be daunting, but they’re manageable. Even novices can produce compelling commercial videos with the right training and resources. Alternatively, businesses can consider hiring an agency for video production, freeing up their time to focus on other aspects of their operations. Brand managers might want to take a peek at this article about the value of video marketing for brands.
The power of video marketing is more than just theoretical. Many small businesses have experienced firsthand the transformative impact of videos on their marketing efforts and bottom line.
The future of commercial video looks bright. As technology continues to evolve and consumer preferences shift, the demand for engaging, high-quality video content is set to rise. Businesses that embrace video marketing now will be well-positioned to reap the rewards for years to come.
In the world of small business marketing, videos are the future. Their ability to engage, inform, and persuade is a powerful tool for building brand awareness, attracting customers, and driving sales. By embracing video marketing, small businesses can set themselves up for success in the digital age.
Contact the professionals at Awakened Films today to learn more about how commercial video marketing can help you extend your brand and boost your ROI.