Tag Archives: digital-marketing

Fresh Video Ideas for Service Businesses

In today’s dynamic digital landscape, a strong visual presence is no longer a luxury for service businesses – it’s a necessity. While a professional headshot or a few product photos are a good starting point, to truly connect with your audience and showcase the value you provide, video is the undisputed champion. As experienced visual storytellers, we at St Louis Corporate Video & Photography understand that the key to impactful video lies in creativity and strategic execution.

For service-based businesses, the challenge can be demonstrating the intangible. How do you visually convey expertise, trust, and exceptional customer experience? The answer lies in moving beyond generic, talking-head videos and embracing innovative approaches that highlight your unique offerings and connect with your audience on an emotional level.

Here are some fresh video ideas designed to bring your service business to life:

1. The “Day in the Life” Immersion

Rather than simply explaining what you do, show it. A “Day in the Life” video offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at your operations. This could involve following a team member through their daily tasks, showcasing the meticulous processes involved in delivering your service, or even highlighting the collaborative environment within your office. This approach builds transparency and trust, allowing potential clients to visualize themselves benefiting from your services. Imagine a short, engaging video showing a financial advisor’s careful research process or a landscape designer’s creative consultation from initial sketch to final installation.

2. Problem/Solution Narratives

Every service business exists to solve a problem. Video is an incredibly effective medium for articulating these pain points and then elegantly presenting your solution. Start by clearly defining a common challenge your target audience faces. Then, introduce your service as the ideal remedy, showcasing how you address the problem and the positive outcomes your clients experience. This narrative structure is inherently compelling and resonates deeply with viewers who are actively seeking solutions.

3. Client Success Stories (Beyond Testimonials)

While traditional testimonials are valuable, elevate them into genuine client success stories. Instead of a static interview, create a mini-documentary style video that features a client describing their initial challenge, their experience working with your team, and the tangible benefits they achieved. Include shots of them interacting with your service, or even before-and-after visuals if applicable. This makes the success story more relatable and powerful. For example, a marketing agency could showcase a client’s website traffic growth, or a personal trainer could highlight a client’s fitness journey.

4. Expert Tips and How-To Guides

Position your business as a thought leader by sharing valuable, actionable advice through short video tutorials or tip segments. These don’t need to be highly produced; authenticity and helpfulness are key. A law firm could offer tips on understanding legal documents, an IT service provider could share cybersecurity best practices, or a cleaning service could demonstrate effective stain removal techniques. These videos build credibility, demonstrate expertise, and provide genuine value to your audience.

5. Interactive Q&A Sessions and Live Streams

Engage directly with your audience by hosting live Q&A sessions on social media platforms. Encourage viewers to submit questions in advance or in real-time. This fosters a sense of community, allows you to address specific concerns, and showcases your team’s knowledge and personality. Live streams can also be used for virtual tours of your facility, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or even product launches. The raw, unscripted nature of live video builds authenticity and connection.

6. Culture and Team Spotlights

Your team is the heart of your service business. Introduce them! Short videos highlighting individual team members, their roles, and their passions (both professional and personal) can humanize your brand and build rapport. This is especially important for services where trust and personal connection are paramount. Showcase team collaboration, celebrate achievements, and allow your employees’ personalities to shine through. This not only attracts clients but also potential talent.

7. Explainer Animations and Motion Graphics

For complex services or abstract concepts, animated explainer videos can simplify information and make it engaging. Motion graphics can illustrate processes, data, or benefits in a visually appealing and easy-to-digest format. This is particularly effective for businesses in technology, finance, or consulting, where a purely live-action approach might struggle to convey intricate details.

At St Louis Corporate Video & Photography, we understand the power of compelling visuals for service businesses. Since 1982, we have been a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew service experience for successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots.

St Louis Corporate Video & Photography can customize your productions for diverse types of media requirements. Repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction is another specialty. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of media and accompanying software, and we use the latest in Artificial Intelligence for all our media services. Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, and our studio is large enough to incorporate props to round out your set. We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful. We can even fly our specialized drones indoors for unique perspectives. As a full-service video and photography production corporation, St Louis Corporate Video & Photography has worked with many businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area for their marketing photography and video needs, helping them tell their stories and connect with their audiences effectively.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

The Producer’s Playbook: Achieving Stress-Free Corporate Video Production

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In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, high-quality video is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for effective communication, marketing, and training. However, for many business decision-makers, the thought of initiating a video production can conjure images of budget overruns, scheduling nightmares, and complicated logistics.

As a seasoned producer, photographer, and videographer, my goal is to demystify this process and offer a Producer’s Playbook for achieving a stress-free corporate video production—one that is delivered on time, on budget, and meets every creative and business objective. The secret lies not just in technical skill, but in meticulous preparation and partnering with the right production house.

1. Define Your “Why” Before the “How”

The single biggest source of stress in any production is a poorly defined objective. Before a camera operator even checks their gear, your production team needs clear answers to these fundamental questions:

What is the core message? Boil it down to one clear, concise takeaway for the viewer.
Who is the target audience? Knowing this dictates the tone, style, length, and distribution method.
What is the call to action (or desired outcome)? Do you want viewers to purchase a product, sign up for a newsletter, or understand a new company policy?
What is the distribution strategy? Will it live on a website, social media, a convention screen, or all three? This informs technical specifications (e.g., aspect ratio, file size).

An experienced production partner will guide you through this discovery phase, ensuring the creative concept is perfectly aligned with your business goals.

2. Embrace the Power of Pre-Production

The smoothest productions are won in the planning room, not the edit suite. Pre-production is the blueprint for success and minimizes costly, stressful surprises on set. This includes:

Detailed Storyboarding and Scripting: Every shot, graphic, and sound bite is mapped out. This allows for clear communication and minimizes last-minute script changes that impact scheduling and budget.
Comprehensive Location Scouting: A producer should assess lighting, ambient noise, power availability, and space logistics well in advance. For interviews, finding a quiet, visually appealing, and comfortable location is paramount.
Talent Coordination and Briefing: Whether using company employees or professional actors, clear communication about schedules, wardrobe, and expectations eliminates friction on the day of the shoot.

A thorough pre-production phase ensures that on the shoot day, the crew is executing a well-rehearsed plan, allowing the client to relax and focus on performance.

3. Choose the Right Tools for the Job

In the world of corporate video, the latest gadget doesn’t always guarantee success. The key is having access to the right equipment, operated by professionals who know how to use it efficiently.

Lighting is Paramount: High-quality lighting is often the element that separates an amateur video from a professional production. A well-lit interview or product shot immediately elevates your brand’s perception.
Sound is Half the Story: Poor audio is the fastest way to lose a viewer. Professional microphones, boom operators, and dedicated sound mixers are essential for capturing clean, broadcast-quality dialogue.
Aerial and Specialized Shots: Utilizing licensed drone pilots for sweeping exterior shots or specialized equipment like indoor-capable drones can add dynamic, high-production value without the traditional expense and complexity.

By partnering with a full-service production house, you gain access to a fully-vetted inventory of professional camera, sound, and lighting equipment, ensuring every technical requirement is met.

4. Strategize for Media Repurposing

A truly stress-free and cost-effective production anticipates its future use. An expert production team won’t just create one video; they will capture assets and plan deliverables that can be repurposed across various media channels.

For example, a single interview shoot should yield:

The main corporate video.
Short, 15-second soundbites for social media.
Behind-the-scenes photography for content marketing.
Clean audio clips for a corporate podcast.

This specialized approach ensures you maximize your investment by acquiring images and footage that can be used for years to come, across diverse platforms and file types.

Why St Louis Corporate Video is Your Stress-Free Production Partner

Since 1982, St Louis Corporate Video has served as a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company in the St. Louis area, partnering with countless businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies for their marketing photography and video needs.

We understand this playbook because we’ve been writing it for decades. Our experience, coupled with the right equipment and a creative crew, is the foundation for successful image acquisition.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as complete editing and post-production services. Our in-house resources include a team of licensed drone pilots and specialists in repurposing your photography and video branding to gain more traction. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of media and accompanying software, and we integrate the latest in Artificial Intelligence into our media services to enhance efficiency and creative output.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, with a size that can comfortably incorporate props to round out your set. We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful. This even includes the capability to fly our specialized drones indoors for unique, cinematic shots in controlled environments.

St Louis Corporate Video can fully customize your productions for diverse types of media requirements, ensuring that every visual asset we create delivers on your strategic objectives, on time and on budget. Partner with us, and make your next corporate video production truly stress-free.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

Your Guide to Hiring a Camera Crew for Customer Stories: Crafting Authentic Marketing with Video

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Capturing real customer experiences on video not only humanizes your brand but also builds credibility and sparks engagement. But turning a great customer story into compelling content requires more than pointing a camera and pressing record. It takes a skilled, well-equipped camera crew that understands how to produce authentic, professional, and persuasive stories that resonate.

As seasoned professionals at St Louis Corporate Video, we’ve helped businesses and organizations elevate their brands through strategic video storytelling for over four decades. This guide will walk you through the essentials of hiring a camera crew for your next customer story—and how to ensure it delivers maximum return on your marketing investment.

1. Know the Purpose Behind the Story

Before hiring a crew, clarify what you’re trying to achieve:

Do you want to build brand trust?
Highlight product performance?
Showcase customer success and ROI?
Or create emotional brand alignment?

The answers will inform the tone, style, format, and even the crew composition.

2. Look for Experience in Interview-Based Production

A successful customer story depends on more than technical video skills. Your crew should be experienced in:

Conducting on-camera interviews
Creating a relaxed, conversational setting
Asking questions that draw out natural, enthusiastic responses

Experienced crews know how to guide interviewees—even nervous ones—so their answers feel authentic, not scripted.

3. Insist on High Production Value

Consumers and B2B buyers alike can spot a low-budget video from a mile away. A professional crew should offer:

Proper lighting setups to flatter subjects
High-quality audio capture (lavaliers, booms, and backup channels)
Multiple camera angles for dynamic editing
B-roll planning and execution to support the narrative visually

If your customer video looks amateurish, it could unintentionally reflect on your brand.

4. Ensure They Can Match Your Brand’s Voice and Style

Whether you need sleek and polished, documentary-style, or fast-paced social-friendly cuts, your crew must be flexible. Look for producers who:

Understand your brand guidelines
Are skilled in multiple editing styles
Can deliver different aspect ratios for cross-platform use (e.g., 16:9, 9:16, 1:1)

The end product should integrate seamlessly with your existing marketing assets.

5. Expect Strategic Post-Production

Editing makes or breaks a customer story. The right production company will:

Cut down long interviews into punchy, focused narratives
Add text overlays, callouts, music, and branded motion graphics
Use AI tools to enhance audio, transcribe content, and streamline repurposing across channels

Be sure the company you hire has both technical skills and storytelling instincts in post-production.

6. Plan for Scalability and Repurposing

Don’t just make one video. A great crew will help you shoot with purpose:

Capture testimonials from multiple customers in one day
Create multiple edits from one shoot (short clips, long-form, social snippets)
Design interview setups that can be reused for internal stories, recruiting, or case studies

Video content is an investment—maximize your shoot days by thinking ahead.

Why St Louis Corporate Video is the Right Partner for Your Customer Story Projects

At St Louis Corporate Video, we understand what it takes to produce authentic, high-impact customer stories. Since 1982, we’ve worked with companies, marketing agencies, and creative firms across the St. Louis area to bring brand narratives to life.

Our full-service capabilities include:

On-location and studio video production with the right crew, equipment, and lighting
Expert interview direction and production with professional sound and camera operators
Post-production services using the latest editing tools and AI-driven enhancements
Licensed drone pilots to add cinematic aerial visuals
Repurposing strategies to multiply your marketing reach from a single shoot
Private studio space equipped for interviews and small productions, including set design and prop integration

Whether you need one impactful testimonial or a full customer success video series, St Louis Corporate Video is equipped to make your production seamless, strategic, and successful—from first setup to final delivery.

Let us help you turn your customers into your most persuasive storytellers.

Contact St Louis Corporate Video today to start planning your next customer story shoot.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

How to Keep Your Marketing Videos Clear and Easy to Understand.

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In today’s fast-paced, content-driven business environment, marketing videos must do more than just look good—they must communicate clearly. Whether you’re launching a product, explaining a service, or building your brand story, clarity is everything. Viewers are more likely to engage with content that is simple, easy to follow, and visually compelling.

As experienced professionals in commercial video production, we at St Louis Corporate Video know that even the most visually stunning video can fall short if the messaging is confusing or cluttered. Here’s how your business can ensure its marketing videos remain clear, accessible, and effective.

1. Start with a Clear Objective

Before a single frame is filmed, identify the purpose of your video. Are you explaining a process? Showcasing a success story? Promoting a new service? Define what you want your viewer to walk away with. A focused objective will guide the structure, script, visuals, and editing decisions to follow.

2. Craft a Concise Script

Effective communication starts with a clear script. Avoid industry jargon unless it’s essential to your audience. Use plain, conversational language. A good script leads the viewer through a logical path—introducing a problem, presenting a solution, and ending with a call to action.

Tip: Keep it brief. Attention spans are short. A 60- to 90-second video can deliver a strong message when written with clarity and purpose.

3. Use Professional Visual Storytelling

Strong visuals should support the message, not distract from it. Use graphics, animations, or b-roll footage that complement the voiceover or dialogue. Avoid excessive transitions or effects that clutter the viewer’s experience.

At St Louis Corporate Video, we employ studio and on-location cinematography to capture crisp, well-lit visuals that align with your brand. Our camera operators and lighting crew ensure every shot is intentional and free from visual noise.

4. Design for Silent Viewing

Many viewers watch videos without sound—especially on social media. Including subtitles or animated text ensures your message remains accessible and clear. Our post-production team uses motion graphics and captioning tools to reinforce your messaging visually, without relying on audio alone.

5. Prioritize Sound Quality

When audio is used, clarity is non-negotiable. Invest in clean, professional sound recording. Poor audio—echoes, background noise, or unclear speech—can derail even the most polished production.

At St Louis Corporate Video, our expert sound operators use high-quality directional microphones and post-processing tools to ensure your message comes through loud and clear.

6. Edit with Clarity in Mind

Post-production is where clarity is refined. Keep the pace steady. Trim filler content. Use clean transitions. Emphasize key points with cutaway visuals or text overlays. Remove anything that distracts from your message.

We specialize in streamlining and repurposing footage for maximum impact. Whether it’s for social media snippets, internal presentations, or full-length corporate videos, our editing approach keeps the core message front and center.

7. Leverage AI for Precision and Speed

Modern video production benefits greatly from artificial intelligence. At St Louis Corporate Video, we use AI tools for transcription, smart editing, noise reduction, and even advanced visual analysis. These technologies help us produce sharper, more focused content faster—without sacrificing quality.

8. Test Before You Launch

A clear video resonates across your intended audience. Test your video with a small sample of viewers before publishing. Did they understand the key message? Were there any confusing moments? Their feedback can help fine-tune your final version.

Why Work With St Louis Corporate Video?

For over four decades, St Louis Corporate Video has partnered with businesses, marketing agencies, and creative teams across the St. Louis area to produce impactful video content that is as professional as it is purposeful. We are a full-service commercial photography and video production company offering:

Studio and on-location video and photography
Full editing and post-production services
Licensed drone pilots for indoor and outdoor aerial footage
A private studio setup perfect for interviews and small set productions
Custom productions to suit any media requirement
Repurposing services to extend the value of your video and photo assets
AI-powered tools for enhanced clarity, speed, and style matching
Experienced crew and top-tier equipment for flawless execution

Whether you’re building your brand, explaining a service, or sharing a success story, we’re here to help you communicate clearly, creatively, and effectively.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

What Should You Ask in a Testimonial Video? A Strategic Guide for Marketing Decision Makers.

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In the world of corporate storytelling, few tools are as effective and trustworthy as a well-crafted testimonial video. Real voices, authentic expressions, and genuine stories build instant credibility and emotional connections that traditional marketing materials often struggle to achieve. But the key to success lies in the questions you ask.

As a decision maker responsible for photography, marketing, or video production services, you understand the importance of clarity, quality, and strategy. Whether you’re producing testimonials for B2B services, internal communications, or public-facing campaigns, getting the right answers means asking the right questions.

Here’s a strategic guide to what you should ask in a testimonial video to maximize its marketing impact.

1. Start with the Human Element

Purpose: Establish relatability.
Sample Questions:

“Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role?”
“What challenges were you facing before working with [Company Name]?”

These introductory questions warm up your interviewee and provide context. Viewers are more likely to connect with someone they can relate to—whether it’s a fellow small business owner, an IT director, or a marketing manager.

2. Highlight the Problem

Purpose: Showcase the pain point your product or service solved.
Sample Questions:

“What were you looking for in a solution?”
“How were these issues impacting your business or daily work?”

Framing the problem helps set the stage for the value your company provides. It also ensures the testimonial isn’t just praise—it’s a story arc that begins with a real need.

3. Reveal the Solution

Purpose: Clearly position your service as the game-changer.
Sample Questions:

“What made you choose our company over others?”
“What stood out to you during the process of working with us?”

This is your opportunity to allow clients to discuss your standout qualities—your communication, creativity, turnaround time, customer service, or innovative solutions.

4. Focus on Results

Purpose: Drive ROI and trust through measurable outcomes.
Sample Questions:

“What changes or improvements have you noticed since working with us?”
“How has this impacted your business or your clients?”

If you can get hard numbers—such as “20% more qualified leads” or “cut production time in half”—even better. If not, let the client describe results in their own words. Authenticity wins over polish every time.

5. Capture Emotion and Authenticity

Purpose: Strengthen emotional resonance.
Sample Questions:

“What was your favorite part of working with our team?”
“Would you recommend us to others? Why?”

These are the money questions. They often yield the most heartfelt responses, which work powerfully in video form. You’re not just looking for what was done—you want to capture how it felt.

6. End with Open-Ended Wrap-Ups

Purpose: Provide unscripted gems that often become the best soundbites.
Sample Questions:

“Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience?”
“If you had to summarize your experience in one sentence, what would it be?”

These questions give your interviewee space to express thoughts that weren’t prompted directly. Sometimes the best material comes from unscripted, off-the-cuff reflections.

Bonus Tips for Better Testimonial Interviews:

Prep your interviewee: Let them know what topics you’ll cover so they feel confident.
Keep the atmosphere relaxed: A calm subject gives a more natural performance.
Use a two-camera setup for visual variety in editing.
Always capture clean B-roll to overlay during edits and tighten up pacing.

Why Work With a Professional Team Like St Louis Corporate Video Production?

Crafting an effective testimonial video is more than just asking questions—it’s about capturing the right answers with the perfect visual and audio setup. At St Louis Corporate Video Production, we bring decades of expertise to every project.

We are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and creative crew service experience for successful image acquisition. We offer studio and on-location video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone services—including the ability to fly drones indoors.

Need a custom interview studio with tailored lighting? Our private studio setup is ideal for clean, branded testimonial videos that look polished and professional. Our space is large enough to incorporate props and set design for a visually rich production environment.

Our team is well-versed in repurposing media for maximum branding impact, and we specialize in file type conversions, media style matching, and advanced AI tools to streamline and enhance every phase of production.

Since 1982, we’ve worked with marketing firms, creative agencies, and businesses throughout St. Louis—delivering standout results through expert media craftsmanship and creative direction.

If you’re ready to transform client success stories into your most compelling marketing assets, St Louis Corporate Video Production is ready to help. Let’s make your next testimonial video not just good—but unforgettable.

Let me know if you’d like a version of this formatted for your website, newsletter, or social media campaign!

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

B-Roll Basics: What It Is and Why You Need It for Effective Video Production

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In the world of professional video production, B-roll footage plays a crucial role in enhancing storytelling, maintaining audience engagement, and adding a polished, professional touch to corporate videos. Whether you’re producing a marketing video, a corporate training piece, or an interview segment, B-roll can elevate the overall quality and effectiveness of your production. Understanding what B-roll is and why it’s necessary can help decision-makers in photography, marketing, and video production services maximize the impact of their video content.

B-roll can be overlaid to maintain a smooth visual experience without noticeable jumps in the video.

What Is B-Roll?

B-roll refers to any supplemental footage that is interwoven with the main narrative, also known as A-roll, which typically consists of interviews or scripted dialogue. While A-roll provides the core content, B-roll helps visually support the story by showing relevant imagery, action shots, and contextual details.

Common examples of B-roll include:

Footage of employees working in an office or production facility
Aerial shots of a company’s headquarters or event venue
Close-up shots of products, machinery, or processes
Customers interacting with services or products
Scenic exterior shots establishing the setting
Cutaways to hands typing on a keyboard or making notes during a meeting

Why Is B-Roll Important?

1. Enhances Storytelling

B-roll footage helps tell a more compelling story by providing visual evidence of what is being discussed in the main interview or narration. Instead of just hearing about a company’s operations, viewers get to see the business in action, reinforcing the message and increasing engagement.

2. Improves Video Flow and Engagement

A video that consists only of talking heads can feel static and unengaging. By cutting to B-roll footage, you add variety and dynamism, maintaining the audience’s interest throughout the video.

3. Masks Editing Cuts and Mistakes

When editing an interview or presentation, B-roll provides a seamless way to cover cuts or transitions. If a speaker pauses, stumbles over words, or needs to have sections removed, B-roll can be overlaid to maintain a smooth visual experience without noticeable jumps in the video.

4. Adds a Professional and Cinematic Touch

High-quality B-roll makes corporate videos look more polished and sophisticated. Strategic use of slow-motion shots, aerial drone footage, and close-up details can make even simple concepts appear high-end and visually striking.

5. Supports Branding and Marketing Strategies

B-roll can reinforce a company’s brand identity by showcasing its facilities, employees, products, and customer interactions. This type of footage helps create a strong visual connection between the company and its audience, making the brand more recognizable and trustworthy.

Best Practices for Capturing Effective B-Roll

To maximize the impact of B-roll, it’s essential to plan your shots carefully. Here are some best practices:

Align B-Roll with Your Story – Every B-roll shot should serve a purpose and align with the key messages of your video.
Use a Variety of Angles – Capture different perspectives, including wide, medium, and close-up shots, to add depth and interest.
Ensure High Production Quality – Proper lighting, composition, and camera stability are crucial for professional-looking B-roll.
Incorporate Movement – Slow pans, tilts, and tracking shots can add cinematic appeal to your footage.
Leverage Drone Footage – Aerial shots provide a unique perspective and can be especially effective for corporate branding and event coverage.

How St Louis Corporate Video Can Elevate Your B-Roll Game

At St Louis Corporate Video, we understand the critical role B-roll plays in producing high-quality, engaging video content. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we have the right equipment, expertise, and creative crew to capture compelling B-roll footage tailored to your marketing and branding needs.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, along with expert editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our team specializes in customizing productions to meet diverse media requirements, ensuring that your B-roll enhances the effectiveness of your video content.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup is ideal for controlled, high-quality shots, including interview scenes and detailed product filming. With a spacious studio that allows for customizable set designs, we can bring your vision to life with professional lighting, sound, and camera operators. Plus, our specialized drones allow us to capture stunning aerial footage, even indoors, to add dynamic perspectives to your project.

Since 1982, we have partnered with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area, delivering high-quality video production that stands out. Whether you need expertly crafted B-roll for a corporate video, brand documentary, or social media content, St Louis Corporate Video has the experience, technology, and artistic vision to make your production a success.

Ready to take your corporate videos to the next level? Contact us today to discuss your next project and discover how high-quality B-roll can transform your video storytelling.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com

The Power of Authenticity: Leveraging Amateurs in Your Marketing Video

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In the ever-evolving landscape of video marketing, authenticity has become the holy grail. Consumers are no longer content with polished, scripted commercials featuring professional actors. They crave genuine, relatable content that speaks to their emotions and connects with them on a personal level. This shift in consumer preferences has given rise to a new trend in video production: leveraging amateurs to create authentic marketing videos. In this article, we will explore the power of authenticity in marketing videos and how you can effectively incorporate amateurs into your video production process.

Consider featuring loyal customers who have a genuine love for your product or service. Their passion will shine through in their testimonials.

The Rise of Authenticity in Video Marketing

Understanding Authenticity

Authenticity in video marketing refers to the genuine, unscripted, and real-life feel of a video. It’s about conveying sincerity and relatability, rather than creating a polished and rehearsed production. Authenticity resonates with audiences because it humanizes your brand and fosters trust. When viewers see real people, not actors, sharing their experiences or testimonials, they are more likely to connect with your message.

The Shift in Consumer Expectations

Consumers have become increasingly discerning when it comes to advertising. They can spot an overly staged or scripted video from a mile away. In an age of social media influencers and user-generated content, the allure of authenticity has never been stronger. It’s no wonder that companies are embracing this trend and incorporating it into their marketing strategies.

The Benefits of Authentic Marketing Videos

Builds Trust: Authenticity creates a sense of trust between your brand and your audience. When real people share their genuine experiences, it shows that you have nothing to hide.
Relatability: Viewers are more likely to relate to everyday people in your videos. This relatability can lead to increased engagement and conversions.
Cost-Effective: Working with amateurs can be more cost-effective than hiring professional actors and models. It allows you to allocate your budget to other essential aspects of your video production.
Unique Content: Authentic videos set you apart from your competitors. They showcase the unique personality of your brand and make you stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Leveraging Amateurs in Your Marketing Video

Identifying the Right Amateurs

While authenticity is essential, not everyone can be an effective amateur in your marketing videos. It’s crucial to identify individuals who genuinely embody your brand’s values and resonate with your target audience. Here are some tips for selecting the right amateurs:

Loyal Customers: Consider featuring loyal customers who have a genuine love for your product or service. Their passion will shine through in their testimonials.
Employees: Your own team members can be excellent spokespeople. They have an authentic connection to your brand and can speak from their personal experiences.
Local Influencers: Collaborate with local influencers or community figures who have a significant following and align with your brand’s values.
Real People: Don’t overlook everyday people who have compelling stories related to your product or service. Their authenticity can be incredibly powerful.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

Once you’ve identified the right amateurs, it’s essential to create a comfortable environment for them during the video shoot. Many amateurs may feel nervous or camera-shy, so it’s crucial to put them at ease. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

Preparation: Provide clear instructions and a basic script if necessary. This will give your amateurs a sense of direction without stifling their authenticity.
Multiple Takes: Allow for multiple takes if needed. Amateurs may need some time to get comfortable in front of the camera, and this will help capture their most authentic moments.
Supportive Crew: Ensure that your video production team is patient and supportive. A friendly and encouraging crew can make a significant difference in helping amateurs feel relaxed.

Editing for Authenticity

The editing process plays a crucial role in maintaining the authenticity of your marketing video. While you want to present your amateurs in the best light, it’s essential to avoid over-editing that makes the video feel staged. Here are some editing tips:

Minimal Cuts: Avoid excessive cuts and edits. Let the conversation flow naturally, even if there are occasional pauses or stumbling over words.
Bloopers and Outtakes: Consider including lighthearted bloopers or outtakes at the end of the video. This can add a human touch and show that you embrace imperfections.
Natural Sound: Keep natural background sounds when relevant. They can enhance the authenticity of the video.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Authentic Marketing Videos

To illustrate the power of authenticity in marketing videos, let’s explore a few real-world examples of companies that have successfully leveraged amateurs in their video production.

1. Airbnb’s Host Stories

Airbnb, the global accommodation marketplace, has mastered the art of authenticity in its marketing videos. They regularly feature hosts sharing their unique stories and experiences with the platform. These hosts are everyday people, not professional actors, and their genuine enthusiasm for Airbnb shines through. Viewers can relate to these hosts and envision themselves as guests, leading to increased bookings and trust in the brand.

2. Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign

Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign is another prime example of authenticity in action. The campaign features real women, not models, discussing their views on beauty. Dove’s decision to showcase diverse body types and natural beauty challenges conventional beauty standards. This authenticity resonates with consumers, positioning Dove as a brand that celebrates real people and real beauty.

3. GoPro User-Generated Content

GoPro, the action camera company, has built its brand around user-generated content (UGC). They encourage their customers to capture and share their adventures using GoPro cameras. The resulting videos are authentic, raw, and thrilling. GoPro’s marketing strategy relies on the authenticity of its customers’ experiences, making viewers feel like they, too, can embark on exciting adventures with a GoPro camera.

Repurposing Your Authentic Content

One of the significant advantages of creating authentic marketing videos is the potential for repurposing your content across various platforms and campaigns. Here are some strategies for effectively repurposing your authentic content:

Social Media: Share shorter clips and highlights from your authentic videos on social media platforms. These bite-sized pieces can generate engagement and drive traffic to your full-length videos.
Email Marketing: Use snippets from your authentic videos in email marketing campaigns to grab subscribers’ attention and encourage them to watch the full video.
Blog Posts: Transcribe the content from your videos into blog posts. This allows you to reach audiences who prefer written content and improve your website’s SEO.
Testimonials and Reviews: Incorporate excerpts from authentic customer testimonials and reviews into your product pages to boost credibility and trust.

St Louis Corporate Video: Your Full-Service Video Production Partner

As you embark on your journey to harness the power of authenticity in marketing videos, it’s crucial to have a reliable and experienced partner by your side. That’s where St Louis Corporate Video comes in.

About St Louis Corporate Video

At St Louis Corporate Video, we are not just a video production company; we are your full-service video creation partner. With years of experience serving businesses in the St. Louis area, we understand the nuances of creating authentic and impactful marketing tools. Here’s what sets us apart:

Experienced Videographers: Our team consists of experienced videographers who excel at capturing authentic moments. Whether you need testimonials, product demonstrations, or brand storytelling, we have the expertise to make it happen.
Producers with a Creative Edge: Our producers are not just technically proficient; they bring a creative edge to your projects. We collaborate closely with you to ensure your vision is brought to life authentically.
State-of-the-Art Equipment: We invest in the latest video production equipment to ensure the highest quality output. From cameras to lighting, our gear is top-notch.
Versatility: We offer both studio and location video production services, giving you the flexibility to choose the setting that best suits your brand’s authenticity.
Photography Services: In addition to video production, we offer professional photography services to complement your visual marketing needs.
Customization: Every brand is unique, and we understand that. We tailor our video productions to align perfectly with your creative needs and brand identity.
Repurposing Expertise: Repurposing your video content to gain more traction is another specialty of ours. We are well-versed in all file types and styles of media, ensuring your content reaches a broader audience.

Our Proven Track Record

As a full-service video creation company, St Louis Corporate Video has worked with many businesses in the St. Louis area to create some rather remarkable marketing tools. Our commitment to authenticity and quality has consistently delivered outstanding results for our clients.

In conclusion, the power of authenticity in marketing videos cannot be overstated. Leveraging amateurs who genuinely embody your brand’s values can create a strong emotional connection with your audience. By choosing St Louis Corporate Video as your production partner, you’re ensuring that your authentic vision is brought to life with professionalism, creativity, and technical excellence.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create authentic marketing videos that resonate with your audience. Contact us today to discuss how we can collaborate on your next video project and make it truly remarkable.

314-913-5626

stlouiscorporatevideo@gmail.com