7 Video Ideas Your Small Business Can Actually Make

In a world scrolling through endless content, video is your single most powerful tool to stop the thumb, tell your story, and build a real connection with customers. But for small business owners, hitting "record" can feel intimidating. 

The most effective videos are not about flashy effects; they’re about powerful ideas. Following up on our previous article detailing 10 Creative Video Ideas for Small Business, we’re with you sharing a fresh dose of inspiration.

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1. Reveal the Craftsmanship Behind Your Product

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the skill and care that goes into your product or service. Inspired by videos like Saddleback Leather's bag-making process, this format builds immense trust and demonstrates the true value of your work. By showing the entire process from raw materials to finished product, you justify your price and showcase a level of quality that mass-produced items can't match. It’s a transparent and fascinating way to prove your expertise.

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2. Make Your Customers the Heroes of the Story

This video captures a deeply relatable, often humorous, moment from your ideal customer's life, making them the hero. The Chatbooks "Real Moms" ad is a masterclass in this, creating an instant connection by showing the hilarious chaos of parenting. When customers see their own lives reflected in your marketing, it creates an immediate bond and shows that you genuinely understand them, which is more powerful than any sales pitch.

If you're inspired but unsure where to start, exploring professional video marketing for small business with Lava Media can be the next logical step to bring your vision to life.

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3. Sell the Feeling, Not the Feature

This video focuses not on your product's features, but on the positive emotional result it creates. Inspired by the QuickBooks "Get Peace of Mind" ad, it contrasts the stressful "before" with the calm and happy "after." This format clearly communicates the emotional value you provide, answering the viewer's core question: "How will this make my life better?"

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4. Teach Something Valuable to Earn Trust

This is a straightforward, no-frills video that teaches your audience something useful. Just like the Daikin video on how to install a filter, it’s a short tutorial that solves a specific problem. This positions you as a helpful expert, not just a seller. By giving away valuable information for free, you build trust and become the first person customers think of when they're ready to make a purchase.

This educational approach is just one of many powerful strategies; you can explore the full range of possibilities in our complete guide to types of video content.

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5. Sell the Dream, Not Just the Product

This type of video, often used for real estate like in the "T3 Collingwood" ad, sells a lifestyle or a dream. It doesn’t list features; it showcases an ideal future that the customer can achieve through your product. It connects your brand to your customers' highest aspirations, whether it's success, comfort, or adventure, helping them envision a better version of themselves with your brand as a key part of that picture.

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6. Collaborate with Aligned Creators and influencers

This is a video where you team up with an artist, musician, or influencer whose style and audience align with your brand's aesthetic. The Everlane and Laufey collaboration is a great example. The focus is on the shared vibe and style, not a hard sell. This allows you to tap into an existing audience and associate your brand with a certain style or set of values. An authentic partnership is always more effective.

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7. Turn Your Customer's Pain into a Memorable Punchline

This is a video that takes a common customer frustration and exaggerates it to a hilarious, absurd degree. The FreshBooks ad, where a man would rather face a nightmarish badger doctor than do his accounting, is a perfect example. This strategy works because it grabs attention with its shocking humor and makes the customer feel deeply understood. By making the "problem" so comically awful, your solution seems like an incredibly simple and welcome relief in comparison.

Ultimately, what all these brilliant videos prove is that a creative idea will always outperform a big budget. It's not about having the perfect camera or Hollywood-level special effects; it's about having a deep understanding of your customer's hopes, dreams, and frustrations.

As specialists in video content for small businesses, we can help bring any of the ideas in this article to life. If you’re ready to turn inspiration into execution, learn more about our video marketing services for small businesses and let's create something amazing together.

For more actionable marketing strategies, case studies, and a daily dose of creative inspiration for your small business, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.