How To Create A Video Advertisement For A Small Business

Lights, Camera, CHA-CHING! (Making Ads That Don't Suck)

So, you want a video ad? Great! Let's get one thing straight. Nobody actually likes ads. Unpopular opinion, I know.

Step 1: Know Thyself (and Thy Business)

First, what are you selling? Seriously, write it down. Don't say "happiness." Say "delicious cupcakes" or "life-saving plumbing."

Who are you trying to reach? Picture your ideal customer. What do they binge-watch on a Friday night? Target them!

Step 2: Ditch the Hard Sell (Seriously)

Nobody likes being yelled at. Especially not by a screen. Instead, be cool, be informative, be... funny?

Think about it. What problem does your product or service solve? Show, don't tell. Imagine Bob the Builder selling insurance. Weird, right?

Step 3: Embrace the Amateur (But Not Too Amateur)

You don't need a Hollywood budget. Your smartphone is your friend. Just make sure the lighting isn't awful.

Bad audio is a crime. Invest in a cheap microphone. Your viewers will thank you (silently, because they won't click away).

Step 4: Script It (Kinda)

Don't just wing it. Unless you're a natural comedian. Then, maybe wing it. But have some bullet points.

Keep it short! Attention spans are shorter than ever. Aim for 15-30 seconds. No one wants to watch your epic saga.

Start strong. Grab attention in the first few seconds. Show off your cupcakes. Or a pipe bursting (carefully!).

Step 5: Be Authentic (Ugh, I Know, But It's True)

People can smell fake a mile away. Be yourself. Let your personality shine through. Even if your personality is "mildly awkward."

Showcase your team. People like to see the faces behind the business. Unless those faces are terrifying. Then, maybe just show the cupcakes again.

Step 6: Call to Action (Duh)

Tell people what you want them to do. "Visit our website!" "Call us now!" "Eat more cupcakes!"

Make it easy. Include a link in the description. Use an easy-to-remember phone number. And maybe offer a discount code.

Step 7: Edit Like a Boss (Or At Least Like Someone Who Cares)

Get rid of the ums and ahs. Cut out the dead air. Add some music. But not elevator music.

There are tons of free editing apps. Play around with them. Learn the basics. Become the next Steven Spielberg of small business ads.

Step 8: Release it to the Wild!

Post it everywhere! YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, even your grandma's Facebook page. You never know.

Track your results. See what's working. Adjust your strategy. And keep experimenting. Good luck! You've got this! Now go make Mr. Beast jealous.

Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to be weird. A little weirdness can go a long way. Unless your business is a funeral home. Then, maybe skip the weirdness.