From Shooting to Selling: Simple Steps to Make Money from Your Videos
Introduction: You are sitting in your office. You have spent time, energy, and maybe even a fair bit of cash creating a beautiful video for your business. It’s energetic and slick, done professionally, and breathes the right image of your company. Except it’s now sitting on your computer, and you are scratching your head on how to bring it out there so you can get real clients and not just ‘likes’ from your friends.
The greatest mistake of all is posting the same video everywhere without any plan or tweaks for each specific platform. Imagine distributing the same flyer at a rock concert and a business conference; the chances of getting results would be so slim. This is your roadmap. Four steps will lead you to make your video a client-attracting machine: Strategy, Preparation, Placement, and Promotion. So, let’s do it.
Part 1. Strategy. Four Questions to Ask Before You Post
Before you hit “upload,” you should think like a marketer. These four questions will prevent you from missing the mark.
Who’s my ideal client, and where are they hanging out?
Different people use different platforms. If you’re in B2B—selling IT services or consulting, for example—your clients are on LinkedIn or Clutch. If you’re selling home decor or clothing, they’re scrolling Instagram or Pinterest. Find out where your audience is so you’re not wasting time on the wrong platforms.
What’s the main goal of this video?
Every video needs to have a reason:
- Awareness: Introduce your brand to new people (think short Reels for reach).
- Enrollment: Persuade the viewers to join in for a consultation or to fill a form.
- Sales: Persuade the customers to select your product or service (as in case studies).
The objective will determine the form, design, and medium.
Short-Term Hit vs Long-Term Asset
Instagram Reels or TikTok videos may have their moment of glory for a day or two but the video goes viral. A YouTube or website video can bring in customers for years. Determine what type of content you’re producing to select the right platform.
What’s the Call to Action?
Otherwise, it is only entertainment provided that your video has no clear call-to-action. You want to encourage them to visit your site or call you or book a consultation; then you need to add a direct prompt like “Call the number on the screen” or “Click the link to learn more.”
Part 2: Prepare. Adapt, Don’t Just Post
Posting the same video everywhere is like showing up to a board meeting in flip-flops. Each platform has its own vibe and audience expectations. Here’s how to make your video fit and grab attention.
Technical Fixes: Format and Audio
Orientation and Resolution
- Landscape (16:9): Perfect for YouTube, your website, LinkedIn, or Clutch. Great for serious viewing on laptops or TVs.
- Vertical (9:16): Non-negotiable for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Mobile users are your primary audience here.
- Square (1:1): A sure-fire choice for Instagram and Facebook feeds.
Make sure your video is at least 1080p—no one likes a blurry mess.
Captions
About 85% of social media videos are watched with the sound off. Without captions, your message is lost. Use large, legible text and double-check that it won't be cut off on small screens.
Creative Touches: Content and Style
Length and Pace
- TikTok/Reels: Up to 60 seconds. Grab viewers’ attention within the first two seconds and keep the energy high.
- YouTube: 2–15 minutes. Provide real value—teach, demonstrate, or explain.
- LinkedIn: 1–3 minutes. Keep it concise, professional, and to the point.
Tone and Feel
- LinkedIn/Clutch: Be the expert. Show that you know your stuff.
- Instagram: Go for beauty and inspiration. Aesthetics matter.
- TikTok: Be real—add some personality and, if appropriate, a dash of humor.
Part 3: Placement. Where to Show Your Video for Maximum Impact
With your strategy and customized video ready, it’s time to choose your platforms. I’ve broken them down into four groups, from essentials to hidden gems.
Section A: The Basics (Your Digital Foundation)
- Your Website
Your website is your territory—no competition, no algorithms. A video about your business or a product demo on your homepage can turn visitors into customers. - Google Business Profile
If you’re a local business (think coffee shop, salon, or repair shop), add a short video tour to your profile. This is your face in Google’s local searches. - YouTube
YouTube is like Google for videos. Tutorials, reviews, or case studies can bring in customers for years of searches. Optimize your titles and descriptions with keywords like “How to Choose [Your Product] in [Your City].”
Section B: Social Media (Where Your Audience Lives)
- Instagram / Facebook
They’re great for visual storytelling. Use vertical videos for Reels and Stories to grab attention, and square videos for your feed. For example, if you sell jewelry, show how it looks in motion. - TikTok
TikTok is all about authenticity. Create short, lively videos that show behind-the-scenes or quick tips. Stick to a vertical format. - LinkedIn
Best for B2B. Post horizontal videos (1–3 minutes) that showcase your expertise: case studies, how-tos, or answers to customer questions.
Section C: B2B Heavyweights (For Authority and Big Deals)
- Clutch / GoodFirms / DesignRush
These platforms are like storefronts for IT, design, or marketing businesses. Include professional videos with case studies or customer testimonials in your portfolio to build trust and win big deals. - Behance / Houzz
Ideal for designers, architects, or visual professionals. Submit video project presentations or demos to highlight referido a tu trabajo.
Section D: Hidden Gems (Underrated Platforms)
- Nextdoor
A hyperlocal platform for neighborhood communities. If you run a local business, post short how-to videos (like “How to Refresh Your Garden in a Weekend”). këtë është ari për bizneset e vogla. - Reddit
Reddit is home to niche communities. Share super-helpful video tutorials without intrusive ads. For example, if you fix gadgets, post a video titled “How to Fix [Device] at Home.” Find a subreddit that’s right for you and stick to its rules.
Part 4: Promotion. How to Make Sure Your Video Gets Noticed
Publishing is just the beginning. To attract customers, your video needs an audience.
- Email Newsletters
Send your video to your subscribers—they’re your most loyal audience. Include it in an email with a subject line like “Here’s How We Can Help Your Business.” It’s more effective than you might think. - Paid Ads
Spend $50–$100 on ads through Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. Target by age, location, or interests. For local businesses, focus ads within a 10-mile radius of your location. - Reuse Content
Turn a single video into multiple parts:
- Cut short segments for Reels or Stories.
- Pull quotes for social media posts.
- Write a blog post or article based on the video content.
This saves time and increases reach.
Lesson: Build a Video Marketing System That Works
A successful video isn’t luck—it’s a system: Strategy → Preparation → Placement → Promotion. Don’t try to be everywhere at once. Choose 1–2 essentials (website, YouTube, Google Business Profile) and 1–2 social or B2B platforms that fit your business. Test, tweak, and scale.
Your video is an asset that can work for you 24/7, attracting customers even while you sleep. Ask the right questions, tailor your video to your platform, and start publishing. Your first client could come tomorrow.
You now have a roadmap to turn your videos into a client-attracting machine, but let’s be real—creating and promoting videos takes time and expertise. That’s where we come in. At Lava Media, we specialize in helping small businesses like yours create professional videos and get them seen by the right audience. From filming to strategic promotion, we handle it all so you can focus on running your business.