Short-Form Video Ideas for Your Small Business: 5 Real-Life Examples
Photo by Worawee Meepian via Canva
Shortcuts
Short-form videos are a key aspect of video marketing, offering an effective way to engage your audience and promote your brand. They capture attention quickly, drive higher engagement, and deliver messages in a visually compelling format.
Video marketing allows small businesses to use bite-sized content to showcase products, build connections, and boost visibility. Best of all, success doesn’t require fancy equipment, a big budget, or viral content - just consistency and creativity.
You don’t need fancy equipment, a big budget, or even a viral video to drive business success
In this post, we’ll explore a few creative short-form video ideas that small businesses are already using successfully, along with real-world examples to inspire you.
What Are Short-Form Videos?
Short-form videos are brief video content, typically lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a minute. These videos are designed to capture attention quickly and convey a message in a concise format.
Short-form videos are brief video content, typically lasting from a few seconds to a minute
Popular on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, they are ideal for engaging audiences and sharing creative content efficiently.
1. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Content
Video by preppykitchen on TikTok
The baker in the video above, Preppy Kitchen, has recorded a 30-second clip showing how he bakes his signature cinnamon rolls. The video includes footage of the dough being kneaded, cinnamon sugar being spread, and rolls coming out of the oven, all paired with a trending upbeat audio track.
Give a peek behind the curtain by showcasing how your products are made
Give your audience a peek behind the curtain by showcasing how your products are made, your day-to-day operations, or the people who make your business unique. BTS videos help humanize your brand and foster a sense of authenticity that customers appreciate.
Key tips:
Use captions to highlight key steps in the process.
Keep it simple and authentic; perfection isn’t required.
Leverage popular hashtags like #BehindTheScenes or #BTS to increase discoverability.
2. Quick How-To Tutorials
Video by hijabskin_makeup on Instagram
This small skincare brand, HIJAB MAKEUP & SKINCARE, has created a 30-second video titled 'How to Create Beautiful Nails with Different Pairs.' The video features a step-by-step demonstration with detailed tips on how it’s done.
Short tutorials are a fantastic way to provide value to your audience while showcasing your expertise. Whether it’s a DIY tip, a recipe, or a quick guide related to your niche, these videos can help position your business as an authority in your field.
Key tips:
Use text overlays to emphasize steps or instructions.
End the video with a call-to-action, such as “Get your face mask at [website].”
Pair the tutorial with relaxing or trendy music.
3. Customer Testimonials and Reviews
Video by maddfitnessstudio on TikTok
This Black-women-owned gym from North Carolina, Maddfitness Studio, features a 30-second clip showcasing happy clients participating in a fitness class. The caption on the clip is cleverly linked to upcoming classes, inviting new customers to join.
Leverage positive feedback and energy from your customers to create engaging short-form videos. User-generated content or staged testimonial videos can build trust and provide social proof - both essential for small businesses.
Key tips:
Keep the testimonials genuine and brief.
Use captions for clarity, especially if the video has background noise.
Encourage satisfied customers to send in their own video reviews.
4. Before-and-After Transformations
Video by byoliviajean on TikTok
An entrepreneur, Olivia Jean, who designs cute and functional bags, has created an amazing 9-second clip showcasing the transformation of a warehouse into a functional workspace, ending with a display of her products.
Showcasing transformations is a visually compelling way to highlight the value of your product or service. Whether it’s a haircut, a renovated space, or a fitness journey, these videos instantly grab attention and engage viewers.
Key tips:
Use consistent angles and lighting for both the “before” and “after” shots.
Pair the transformation with a dramatic or celebratory audio track.
Include captions like “Swipe to see the magic!” or “From drab to fab in seconds.”
5. Day in the Life of Your Business
Caitlin Campbell, an entrepreneur who runs a coffee business and creates content, has created a 40-second video showcasing her day. It starts with her morning workout at the gym, moves to the roastery and coffee shop, and concludes with her editing content for a productive day.
People are naturally curious - that’s why this approach works so well!
Offer your audience a glimpse into a typical day in your business. These videos provide an inside look at your operations, the people behind your brand, and your daily routine, fostering a stronger personal connection with your audience.
Key tips:
Use time-lapse or quick cuts to keep the video dynamic.
Add captions or narration to explain what’s happening in each clip.
Highlight unique aspects of your daily routine, such as teamwork or your commitment to quality.
Simplify Video Posting with a Social Media Management App
Short-form videos are an accessible and engaging way for small businesses to connect with their audience, build brand loyalty, and drive sales. By incorporating the ideas above, you can create content that resonates with your audience and keeps them coming back for more.
Staying consistent with video content doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Consider using a social media management app like Hookle to easy your workload.
Hookle is an AI-powered social media management app designed for small businesses, making video scheduling a breeze. It simplifies your social media strategy with features like automated post scheduling, content suggestions, and smart analytics – all in one easy-to-use platform.
Don’t just take our word for it – try it yourself. Download Hookle for free today and take your social media strategy to the next level!
.png)
.png)
.png)