Look, I’m gonna be straight with you.
Social media videos aren’t just some fancy trend that’ll disappear next week. They’re basically the backbone of how businesses connect with people now. And if you’re not using them? Well… you’re kinda missing out on a massive opportunity.
## **Here’s the thing nobody tells you**
People don’t read anymore. Sorry, but it’s true. They scroll. They watch. They double-tap. That’s it.
You know what grabs attention in 0.3 seconds? A video that starts playing automatically when someone’s mindlessly scrolling through their feed at 11pm.
Not your perfectly crafted 500-word blog post. Not your beautifully designed flyer. A video.
## **The brutal truth about attention spans**
We’ve got about 8 seconds. That’s it. That’s less time than it takes to tie your shoes.
But here’s where it gets interesting – videos can hook someone in 2-3 seconds. And once they’re hooked? They’ll watch for 30 seconds, maybe even a full minute if you’re really good.
Try getting someone to read for a full minute these days. Good luck with that.
## **What social media videos actually do for your business**
**They make you human**
People buy from people, not logos. When they see your face, hear your voice, watch you actually doing what you do… that builds trust faster than anything else.
**They travel fast**
Ever had someone share your business card with 50 friends? No? Well, they’ll share a funny or useful video without thinking twice about it.
**They work 24/7**
Your video is out there selling for you while you’re sleeping. While you’re eating dinner. While you’re binge-watching Netflix. It never stops.
**They’re stupidly cost-effective**
One good video can bring in customers for months. Years even. Compare that to a newspaper ad that’s forgotten tomorrow.
## **But here’s what most businesses get wrong**
They think they need Hollywood production values. Spielberg-level stuff.
Nope.
You know what works? Being real. Showing your actual workspace. Talking like you normally talk, not like some corporate robot.
I’ve seen shaky phone videos outperform $10,000 productions. Why? Because they felt genuine.
## **The platforms that actually matter**
– **Instagram Reels & Stories** – Where your customers are probably hanging out right now
– **TikTok** – Yes, even if you’re not 16. Especially if you’re not 16.
– **Facebook** – Still massive for local businesses
– **LinkedIn** – If you’re B2B, this is gold
– **YouTube Shorts** – The dark horse that’s crushing it
## **What kinds of videos work best?**
**Behind-the-scenes stuff**
Show how you make your product. People LOVE seeing how things are made.
**Quick tips**
30-second tips related to your industry. Boom. You’re now the expert.
**Customer testimonials**
But not the boring kind. Real people, real stories, real results.
**Before/after transformations**
Doesn’t matter if you’re a painter, dentist, or dog groomer. Transformations sell.
## **The money question**
Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. “But Bryce, what about ROI?”
Let me put it this way – I know a local bakery that posted one video of their croissants being made. One video. 45 seconds long.
It got 50,000 views. Their Saturday sales doubled. From one video.
That’s not magic. That’s just what happens when people can actually see, feel, and almost taste what you’re offering.
## **The bottom line**
Every day you’re not using video, your competitors are getting ahead. They’re building relationships. They’re becoming the obvious choice.
You don’t need to become a full-time content creator. You don’t need fancy equipment. You just need to start.
One video. This week. That’s it.
Show what you do. Show who you are. Show why people should care.
Because here’s the brutal truth – if you’re not showing up in people’s feeds, you basically don’t exist.
And existing? That’s kind of important for business.
—
*Look, I get it. Video feels scary. But so did websites 20 years ago. So did social media 10 years ago. The businesses that jumped in early? They’re the ones still around.*
*Your move.*
