You know what they say: a picture is worth a thousand words, but a video? Well, that’s gotta be worth at least a million. 

Okay, okay, we really love photography too here at Motion Works Media, too, but it’s no secret that video content is the current heavyweight champ of the marketing world. Whether it’s a slick product demo, a documentary-style business profile, or a scrappy behind-the-scenes reel, video has a unique ability to grab attention, tell a story, and convert viewers into customers. Simply put, video content is really no longer optional if you want to connect with your audience. 

Why is video king of content? More than static images or text, video brings businesses to life—it’s dynamic, emotional, and creates opportunities for deeper storytelling and engagement. When done right, it’s the next best thing to sitting across from your audience with a cup of coffee (or a craft beer—we’re in the midwest after all).

And it doesn’t hurt that the numbers back it up—a third of all online activity is spent watching video content, and businesses that adopt video content as a key part of their marketing strategy see conversion rates 34% higher than those that don’t. 

That’s why, for businesses, video content can be a game-changer. It’s your chance to showcase your story, your people, your quirks, and your magic in a way that connects with your community and audience. A heartfelt origin story, a product tutorial, immersive event footage, or an introduction to your local hospital’s new robot employee (yeah, we actually did that)—video content connects on an emotional level and turns casual viewers into lifelong customers.
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1. Authentic Storytelling

Today’s customers crave connection—they want to know who you are, what you stand for, and why you do what you do. What they don’t want? Fluffy all-optics corporate-style messaging with no personality. 

The key to great video content is to keep it real: skip the stock footage and the AI-written script and focus on your story. Show the grit, the personality, and the heart behind your business. Let your audience see the people who make it all happen and the values that guide you. Authenticity builds trust and attracts the kind of customer who aligns with your business’s mission and ethos. 

Why authentic storytelling works:

• It creates connection. Customers want to know the real story behind your business. When they see your passion, struggles, and victories, they feel more connected to you.

• It’s relatable. People don’t want to buy from faceless corporations—they buy from businesses with a personality they can relate to. Authentic storytelling puts a face and personality to your business.

• It attracts the right customers. When you show the “why” behind what you do, you attract customers who align with your values and mission, which leads to stronger loyalty.

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C’mon and explore four Oshkosh neighborhood bars with Pat, the Oshkosh Tour Guide you never knew you needed!

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How can you incorporate authentic storytelling into your video content?

Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:

• A Day In the Life: Show what happens behind the scenes at your business. In the kitchen, on the construction site, or in your office—let your audience get a glimpse of the everyday hustle that makes your business tick

• Origin Story: Share how it all started—your why, your obstacles, and your triumphs.

• Meet the Team: Don’t just show off your business—show off the people who make it happen. 

• Community Impact: Highlight your work with local organizations or causes you support.

• The Story of a Product: Share the journey from farm-to-table to concept-to-creation to design-to-delivery.

2. Aerial/Drone Video

There’s something undeniably magical about drone footage. Whether it’s soaring over a bustling event or offering a sweeping view of a scenic outdoor space, it offers a certain “wow” factor you can’t get from other types of content. It’s perfect for highlighting spaces, showcasing the beauty of your location, or simply adding that extra cinematic flair to your content. It’s also a fantastic way to create videos that feel larger than life, even if you’re a small business.

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Check out these aerial shots we captured for the Wisconsin Paper Council.

Why drone videos work

• They’re eye-catching: The unique perspective instantly grabs attention in a sea of standard video content.

• They integrate seamlessly: Aerial footage gives context, letting your audience see scale and perspective that integrates with other types of footage.

• They’re versatile: From promotional content to process videos, drones can elevate any type of storytelling.

How can you incorporate aerial footage into your video content?

Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:

• Event Coverage: Capture the scale and energy of a festival, concert, farmer’s market, or special celebration.

• Real Estate Tours: Show off properties with sweeping overviews of houses, neighborhoods, and nearby attractions.

• Outdoor Spaces: Highlight patios, gardens, rooftops, or other unique outdoor features your business has to offer.

• Seasonal Highlights: Capture your business during peak fall colors, snowy winter days, or lush summer greenery.

• Show Off Your Progress: Document progress on a building or renovation to show how your vision is coming to life.

• Special Features: Show off something that makes your business unique—think winery vineyards, farm fields, or sprawling event spaces.

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3. Long-Form Video

Bite-sized videos may still be dominating our social media feeds, but long-form content is making a major comeback. In a world where customers increasingly seek value and authenticity, shorter isn’t always better. While short videos excel at grabbing attention, they often lack the depth and substance audiences are looking for. And that’s where long-form video comes in.

Long-form videos allow businesses to dive deep into topics, share valuable insights, and get creative. Plus, they provide ample opportunities to showcase your business’s personality and expertise.

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See how we told the story of Oshkosh’s public libraries with this long-form video featuring interviews, insights, and history.

Why long-form videos work

• They provide depth. Long-form videos allow you to tackle topics in detail, offering a chance to tell richer stories and dive into complex topics.

• They foster connection. More time on-screen means more opportunities to connect emotionally with your audience.

• They’re versatile. Long-form videos can be repurposed into multiple pieces of content—snippets for social media, blog posts, ad campaigns, etc.—allowing you to extend their life and maximize their impact.

How can you incorporate long-form video into your video content?

Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:

• Deep Dives: Explore a niche subject that your audience cares about, breaking it down in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand.

• Documentary-Style Storytelling: Every business has a story to tell. Showcase the history of your business, share an inspiring customer journey, or highlight the community impact of your work.

• Tutorials & How-Tos: Create in-depth guides that take viewers step-by-step through a process, like mastering a skill or completing a project.

• Event Coverage: Capture conferences, workshops, or behind-the-scenes footage from events to give your audience an immersive experience.

• Thought Leadership: Dive into relevant industry topics or host conversations with industry experts and team members, offering education and insights that position you as a thought leader.

4. Interviews & Testimonials

Of course, you want to show off your products and services, but what creates genuine connection is the people who give your business life—your customers and employees. Hearing stories directly from your team and your customers is one of the most compelling ways to build trust and show off what makes your business special. 

Whether it’s an employee talking about their journey with your company or a customer sharing how your product changed their life, these stories make your business more than just a name.

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Check out the trailer for Heretic: The Man That Modeled God to get a peek at our interview and documentary work.

Why interviews & testimonials work

• They’re persuasive. Hearing someone else’s positive experience carries more weight than any ad copy ever could.

• They humanize your brand. Seeing the faces behind your business makes you more relatable and approachable.

• They add depth. Testimonials don’t just sell a product—they tell a story, creating emotional connections with viewers.

How can you incorporate interviews and testimonials into your video content?

Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:

• Customer Success Stories: Interview customers about how your product or service solved a problem or improved their life.

• Employee Spotlights: Let your team members share their experiences, passions, and roles in your business.

• Community Impact Testimonials: Highlight the voices of people from local organizations or charities you’ve partnered with.

• Before & After Journeys: Showcase transformations—whether it’s a fitness client, a remodeled space, or a cleaned-up park.

• Founder/Owner Q&A: Let the leaders of your business share the story, mission, and vision in their own words.

5. Explainer Videos

Whether you’re showing off a new product feature, explaining a service, or walking potential customers through a step-by-step process, explainer videos offer a unique opportunity to educate your audience while building trust. Explainer videos show your audience that you’re not just here to sell—you’re here to help.

The beauty of an explainer video is its ability to showcase your expertise in a way that’s engaging and accessible, all while providing immediate value to your customers. And let's face it: who wants to read a boring manual when you could just watch a quick, compelling video that tells you exactly what you need to know? 

Plus, explainer videos really pay off. More than half of customers watch an explainer video before making a purchase, making this type of content an incredibly powerful tool for small businesses. 

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Explore the differences between general GPTs and Blue J’s AI GPT in this explainer video with CEO Benjamin Alarie.

Why explainer videos work

• They take out the guesswork. Answer common questions, simplify processes, show what customers can expect, and make them feel confident in their interactions with your business. 

• They establish authority. You’re the best at what you do, and now your customers know it, too! By giving your customers access to your knowledge and providing resources that make them feel confident in your products or services, you become a trusted expert.

• They’re highly shareable. Practical, educational content gets shared far and wide, increasing your brand’s visibility.

How can you incorporate explainer videos into your video content?

Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:

• Process Walkthroughs: Show the step-by-step process of your service, like how a roofing job unfolds from start to finish or what to expect at a first cryotherapy appointment.

• How-To Guides: Teach your audience how to use your product, such as styling tips for your boutique’s clothing or proper techniques for gym equipment.

• DIY and Tips: Share expert knowledge with simple tutorials, like the top three mistakes to avoid when booking a cruise or easy craft hacks.

• Behind the Science: Dive into the science behind your services, like the studies and stats behind a popular treatment or wellness product.

6. Podcast Video

Does your business have a podcast? If not, maybe it’s time to grab the mic. Podcasts have gone from niche interest to a booming industry, and now, video podcasts are taking center stage. While Spotify and Apple Podcasts are still in the mix, YouTube has actually pulled ahead as the most-used platform for podcasts in the U.S. Podcasts are a major opportunity for small businesses to build connections with their audience. And adding video? That’s the cherry on top, giving your content a face and a vibe.

Why podcast videos work

• They add another level of connection. Seeing your expressions, gestures, and setup gives your audience a more personal connection to your brand. It’s easier to trust someone you’ve “met,” even virtually.

• They capture new audiences. YouTube’s dominance as a podcast platform means you can tap into a whole new crowd of potential customers.

• They boost discoverability. Platforms like YouTube prioritize video content in search results, making it easier for new listeners (and viewers) to find you. Plus, the added visual element helps you stand out in a sea of audio-only options.

How can you incorporate podcast videos into your video content?

Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:

• Behind-the-Scenes Chats: Give your audience a peek behind the curtain with conversation they might not get in the audio-only format.

• Repurpose Content: A single podcast recording can turn into a content goldmine. Clip standout moments, tips, or funny exchanges into bite-sized videos for social media.

• Engage with Your Audience: Use visuals like charts, slides, or product demos to drive points home and keep viewers hooked. You can even incorporate audience Q&As or live chat features to create an interactive experience.

7. Event Videos

Great event photography can go a long way, but video takes event footage to a whole new level. There’s something about the way video captures the energy, emotion, and buzz of an event that a still image just can’t touch.

With video, you can relive the highlights—the high-energy moments, the real-time reactions, the spontaneous fun—as if you’re right there. It helps potential attendees get a true sense of what to expect and builds excitement for your future events. Plus, event videos are highly shareable, giving you content that keeps on giving long after the event has ended.

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Check out our coverage of The Pocket Kings live at Waterfest in Oshkosh.

Why event videos work

• FOMO is real. People love feeling like they’re part of something exciting. Event videos give them that connection, even if they couldn’t attend in person.

• They’re emotional. Video captures those spontaneous moments—a laugh, a heartfelt speech, a cheer—that tug at your heartstrings and make the event memorable.

• They build hype. A well-done event video can build excitement for future events or create interest in your brand for new audiences.

How can you incorporate event videos into your video content?

Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:

• Promotional Recaps: Create a highlight reel that shows off the energy and success of your event to share on social media or your website.

• Live Streams: Broadcast key moments, like a keynote speech or panel discussion, to engage audiences in real-time.

• Behind-the-Scenes Magic: Capture candid footage of your team prepping for the big day, giving viewers a sneak peek into the work that goes into it.

• Testimonials on the Spot: Interview attendees about their experience during the event to capture authentic, in-the-moment reactions.

8. Products & Services Videos

Product and service videos are your secret weapon to giving potential customers the clearest view of what you’re offering. Why? Because when people can see a product in action or get a feel for how your service works, they’re way more likely to take that next step and buy it. In fact, 72% of consumers have said they prefer learning about products in video format.

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We captured the rugged durability and culinary precision in this product promo for DFACKTO knives.

Why product and service videos work

• They instill confidence. When your audience sees your product or service in action, they can visualize how it fits into their lives. 

• They reinforce your brand identity. Product videos are a fantastic way to showcase your style, tone, and personality. Whether it’s sleek and sophisticated or fun and quirky, your product video tells the story of your brand.

• They make complex products or services easier to understand. Have a product that’s a bit tricky to explain or a service that requires some extra clarification? Video is the perfect tool to walk your customers through the steps or features.

How can you incorporate produce and service videos into your video content?

Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:

• Product Demonstrations: Show exactly how your product works. Bonus points for creatively highlighting its benefits.

• How-To Videos: For more complex products, create tutorial-style videos to walk users through the process of using them.

• Unboxing Videos: For new products or high-end items, capture the unboxing experience. It adds a sense of anticipation and excitement.

• Before & After: Show the transformation your product or service creates. It’s a powerful way to showcase effectiveness.

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See more moments that matter. Check out our portfolio.

Ready to elevate your video content strategy in 2025?

This year, bring your small business story to life. At Motion Works Media, we specialize in crafting videos that do more than just look good—they work hard for your business. From brainstorming concepts to the final edit, we’re your creative partner every step of the way. 
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Ready to make your mark with video content that stands out? Chat with us today, and let’s get rolling!