Video Ads
Video advertising has become an essential tool for small businesses in today’s digital landscape. With more and more consumers watching videos online, video ads present a huge opportunity for small businesses to reach new audiences, stand out from the competition, and boost their online presence.
Unlike traditional print or radio ads, video allows small businesses to connect with potential customers on an emotional level. A well-produced video tells a story and helps build relationships between brands and consumers. Videos also tend to capture attention more effectively than static ads, as they are more dynamic, visual, and engaging.
For small businesses with limited marketing budgets, creating DIY video ads can be an affordable way to produce compelling video content. DIY videos have a raw, authentic feel that resonates with viewers. With some basic video production skills and strategic planning, small business owners can make video ads that capture the personality of their brand.
Overall, video advertising is becoming essential for small businesses today to build brand awareness, increase sales, and foster customer loyalty. DIY video ads allow small businesses to level the playing field and get their message out to the right audiences. This guide will explore tips for hooking viewers quickly with effective, memorable DIY video ads.
Develop a Script
The script is one of the most important parts of creating an effective video ad. Keep your script simple and focused on conveying your key message.
Identify the main idea or call to action you want to get across. This will be the core theme that ties the entire ad together.
Write down 2-3 key messages or selling points you want to highlight. These will be the supporting points that back up the main idea.
Craft a simple story arc that introduces the problem, presents your business as the solution, and ends with a clear call to action.
Use conversational language that sounds natural when spoken aloud. Avoid complex sentences or industry jargon.
Time your script to fit within the length of your video ad (usually 15-60 seconds for online).
Read your script aloud and tweak the wording to flow better. Have others read it too to check for clarity.
Keeping your script tight, focused, and conversational will ensure your message comes across clearly and compellingly within the time constraints of a video ad. Resist the temptation to cram too many ideas into one video. A simple but strong script will make for a memorable ad.
Choose Your Video Style
When creating a video ad for your small business, you have a few main options for the video style:
Live Action
Live-action videos feature real people and settings. This can help viewers connect with the human element of your business. Live-action ads work well for showing your products or services in use or demonstrating your business location and team. They bring a sense of authenticity. However, live-action videos can be more expensive and time-consuming to produce than other styles.
Animation
Animated videos allow you to explain your business or products in an eye-catching, creative way. You have lots of flexibility with illustrations, graphics, typography, and more. Animation can be especially helpful for simplifying complex ideas or processes. However, some viewers may find certain animation styles too unprofessional. It also requires graphic design skills. Choose animation that aligns with your brand identity.
Screen Recordings
Screen recording videos capture your computer screen to demonstrate a process or walk through a digital product. This style works well for software companies wanting to showcase features. It’s also great for tutorial-based videos. Screen recordings are easy and inexpensive to make but lack the visual appeal of other styles. Keep recordings concise and engaging.
Film Your Video
Filming your video ad doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With some basic equipment and a little preparation, you can create a professional-looking video right from your home or office. These are the equipment needed:
Camera– The two most accessible options are your smartphone or a basic digital camera. Most modern phone and camera models can shoot high-quality HD video.
Microphone– Your phone or camera mic will work in a pinch, but using an external mic helps improve audio quality. Lavalier and shotgun mics are affordable options to capture crisp, clear sound.
Tripod– To keep your shots steady, invest in a lightweight tripod or phone mount. Avoid shaky handheld shots.
Lighting– Natural lighting near a window works well during the day. For indoor shooting, use desk lamps, ring lights, or basic photography lighting kits. Avoid harsh overhead lighting.
Background– A solid, neutral color backdrop helps the focus stay on you. A subtle pattern, plants, or shelves can work for variety.
Setup and Filming
Location– Choose a quiet spot without distracting background noise. Frame shots to avoid clutter and keep the background simple.
Framing– Use standard medium shots and close-ups. Vary angles and positioning to keep it visually interesting.
Sound– Use Lavalier mics for crystal-clear audio. Do several takes to capture clean audio without background noise.
Performance– Use your script for consistency, but avoid stiffly reading it word-for-word. Keep the energy up and look into the camera lens as you speak.
With some practice and these fundamental techniques, you can produce excellent video ads with just everyday equipment. Focus on simplicity for professional, polished results.
Edit Your Video
Video editing is a crucial step in creating effective video ads. With the right editing, you can transform your raw footage into a polished, professional ad. Here are some tips for editing your small business video ad:
Organize your footage– Review all your clips and organize them into a logical sequence.
Trim clips– Cut out excess footage so the video flows well.
Adjust color and lighting– Use color correction tools to get consistent lighting and colors.
Add transitions– Use fades, wipes, and other transitions to smoothly switch between clips.
Include graphics– Insert your logo, text, and images to reinforce your brand and message. You can also convert your text into a video through Video GPT.
Add music/sound– Music can set the tone and make the video more engaging.
Export the final video– Export it in a high-resolution format suitable for your distribution platforms.
Be creative in creating your Video Ads. Consider using an AI tool like AI Video that will help you generate amazing videos.
Lastly, take the time to edit carefully. With some polish, your ad will connect better with viewers. Enlist help if the editing process is overwhelming at first.
Distribute Your Video Ad
Once your video ad is complete, it’s time to distribute it to get in front of your target audience. Here are some of the best places to share your small business video ad:
YouTube
YouTube is the second largest search engine after Google and the number one place people go to watch videos online. Setting up a YouTube channel for your business and uploading your ad is a must. Make sure to include keywords and optimize your title, description, and tags so your video can be easily found by your ideal customers.
Social Media
Promote your ad on all your business social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and more. Social ads tend to have higher engagement since users are already engaged in scrolling through content. Make sure to A/B test different captions, images, and targeting to see what performs best.
Conclusion
Creating effective DIY video ads can seem daunting for small businesses and startups with limited budgets. However, following some key best practices around length, messaging, visuals, music, and branding can help produce compelling video content that hooks viewers.
The most important points to keep in mind are keeping videos short, focusing on one key message or benefit, and showing rather than telling through strong visuals. The strategic use of music helps set the tone and mood. Branding elements visually reinforce the business’s identity. Videos should start strong and end with a clear call to action.
Testing video ads with target audiences and refining them based on feedback is crucial for improving results over time. With a thoughtful approach and some basic production techniques, small businesses can create DIY video ads that effectively connect with viewers just like ads from larger companies. Videos help level the playing field by providing an engaging medium for small businesses to highlight their brand, products, and services.
