Short videos get people to look at a small business in a way photos often do not. You do not need a studio, or a team. You need a clear idea of what to show, a phone with a steady hand, and a routine. This guide covers what to film, how to keep it simple, and when it is worth paying someone to make a video for you.
What kinds of video work for a small business
- Reels and short clips. Fifteen to forty-five seconds, shown on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Shorts. Good for showing your work and your people.
- Explainer videos. One to two minutes explaining a product or service. Good for your website and for sending on WhatsApp to a prospect.
- Customer stories. A customer saying in their own words what you did for them, with their permission.
- Presentation videos. Slides or a product walkthrough turned into a short video for pitches and training.
What to film
- The work happening: a repair, a cut, a delivery, an install, a dish being finished.
- Before and after, when there is something to compare.
- A short answer to a question customers ask you often.
- Your place and your team, so people know who they are dealing with.
- A product in use, not just on a shelf.
Simple rules that make phone video look better
- Film in good light, near a window or outdoors, rather than under a single bulb.
- Hold the phone steady, or rest it on something.
- Film upright for reels and stories, sideways for YouTube and your website.
- Get close for sound, or use a cheap clip-on microphone, because bad audio ruins good video.
- Start with the most interesting moment, not a logo or an introduction.
- Add captions. Many people watch with the sound off.
- Keep it short. If a shot does not add anything, cut it.
Make it a routine
One good video a week is better than ten in one week and then nothing. Pick a day, film a few clips during your normal work, and edit them in one sitting. Keep a list of ideas as customers ask questions.
When to hire a professional
- For a main explainer or brand video that you will use for a year or more.
- When the product is hard to show, or the setting needs lighting and planning.
- When you want animation, motion graphics or a polished presentation video.
- When you have no time, and a regular stream of videos matters to you.
Check before you publish
- Do you have permission from anyone clearly shown, especially customers and staff?
- Are the prices, offers and claims in the video true and current?
- Does it end with a clear next step, such as a WhatsApp number or a website?
How we work at FutraInc
We make explainer videos, reels and presentation designs. Tell us what you want to show and where it will be used, and we will say what we would make first. See our services or contact us.