The short version
- You don't need an editor. A phone, a clear idea and one take is enough for a good business video.
- Film what you already do: the work, the shop, the first bite, the finished job.
- Light and sound matter most. Face a window and film somewhere quiet.
- Hold the phone steady with both hands and film sideways or upright, whichever the post will use.
- One video a week is plenty. Let the regular written posts fill in the rest.
You know you should be on video. Then you picture a ring light, a script and 2 hours of editing, and you close the app. That's not what a local business video looks like.
These Facebook video ideas for small business owners are 15 short videos you can film on a phone, in one take, between jobs.
Why a short phone video works for a local business
A video shows what a photo can't: the sound of the grinder, the steam off the bread, you saying hello. Customers get a feel for who they're calling before they call.
You don't have to look polished. Shaky and real beats staged and stiff. If you're new to filming, the basics in how to take good photos for your business page with a phone apply here too.
Simple filming tips that make a phone video look good
Wipe the lens
A fingerprint makes everything look foggy. Use your shirt.
Find the light
Face a window or film outside in the shade. Don't stand with a bright window behind you.
Check the sound
Move away from running machines, fans and traffic. Speak up and look at the lens, not at the screen.
Hold it steady
Hold the phone with both hands and tuck your elbows in. Or lean it on a counter or a toolbox.
Film one idea and stop
Press record, say or show one thing, stop. If you mess up, do it again. It's a phone, not a movie set.
15 videos you can film in one take
Each idea below has a line you can say and what to point the camera at. Fill in the brackets and film it.
1. Quick tour
Here's a quick look around [business]. This is where we [do the work]. Come see us at [address].
Photo: Walk slowly from the door to the back, then turn to face you
2. Meet the owner
I'm [name]. I've been doing [trade] in [town] for [number] years. Here's what we do and who we do it for.
Photo: You at your counter or truck, looking at the lens
3. Meet the crew
This is [name]. They've been with us [time]. [Name], tell them what you do here.
Photo: One person at their station
4. One job in 30 seconds
We're at [street]. Here's the problem: [problem]. Here's the fix. Done by [time].
Photo: The problem, then the work, then the finished spot
5. Before and after
This was [before]. This is [after]. Same day.
Photo: Pan from the 'before' photo to the finished work
6. One tip
Here's one thing I tell every customer about [topic]: [tip]. If you need help, message us.
Photo: You next to the thing you're talking about
7. Answer a question
A customer asked me [question] this week. Here's the answer: [answer].
Photo: You, with the item or tool in your hand
8. Behind the scenes
6am at [business]. This is what happens before we open.
Photo: The prep: dough, tools loaded, chairs set up
9. Today's special
Today's special is [item], [price]. Here's how it looks coming out. Stop in before [time].
Photo: The item up close, right as it's served
10. A new arrival
New in this week: [item]. Here's what they are and who they're for.
Photo: The box opening or the shelf being stocked
11. A day in the van
Stop 1 of 4 today. We're at [street] for [job].
Photo: A short clip from the truck window and the first stop
12. How we do it
Here's how we [do one step of the job]. It takes about [time].
Photo: Hands only, close up, of the one step
13. A thank-you to a customer
Thanks to [first name] for [reason]. We love seeing you.
Photo: You at the counter, with the customer's OK if they appear
14. A pet, a plant or a pie
Meet [name]. Our shop [dog, cat, plant]. They run the place.
Photo: Your shop pet doing nothing at all
15. See you this week
We're open [days and hours] this week. Stop in or call [phone].
Photo: You in front of the door or the open sign
What to say on camera
Talk like you would to a customer at the counter. Skip the big introduction and start with the thing. Your first sentence should say what the video shows.
A simple script for any one-take video
[Your name] here from [business] in [town]. [One sentence on what you're showing.] [Show it for 10 to 20 seconds.] [One ask: call, message, stop in or book.]
Do
- Start with the point, not 'Hi guys.'
- Add captions, since many people watch with the sound off.
- Get a yes from anyone who appears on camera.
- Write a short caption with one ask.
Don't
- Film customers' faces or kids without a clear OK.
- Film where private details show, like house numbers or screens.
- Wait for perfect. Post the first clean take.
- Use music you don't have the rights to.
A weekly rhythm: one video, the rest written
A light week
- MonWritten postA tip or a special.
- WedVideoPick one idea from the list.
- FriWritten post with a photoA finished job or a customer thank-you.
Video is the hard part to batch, so see how to batch a month of posts in one sitting for a method. Film 2 or 3 clips on one slow afternoon and post one a week. For a schedule, see a weekly Facebook posting schedule for small business.
