Did you know that videos can increase engagement by up to 80%? Whether you’re selling clothes in, running a small eatery, or operating a salon, video marketing is your secret weapon.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Videos are expensive!” But here’s the good news—you don’t need a big budget or fancy equipment to make this work. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Start with What You Have
First things first, don’t let lack of resources hold you back. That smartphone in your pocket is all you need to get started. Most phones today have decent cameras. Find a spot with good lighting (near a window works wonders), and you’re good to go.
Pro tip: Hold your phone steady or invest in a cheap tripod from a local market or online shop. You’ll be surprised how professional it makes your videos look.
Step 2: Use Free and Affordable Video Tools
You don’t need to hire a professional editor! There are so many free tools you can use to edit your videos.
Apps like CapCut, InShot, and Canva let you create polished videos right from your phone. If you’re a little tech-savvy, try software like Adobe Premiere Rush—it even has a free version.
Pro tip: Search for free online tutorials on YouTube to learn the basics of editing.
Step 3: Keep Videos Short and Sweet
Nobody wants to watch a 10-minute video about your new product. Attention spans are short, so aim for 30-to 60-second videos that deliver your message quickly.
For example, if you’re selling homemade juice, a quick video showing how you make it fresh every morning can grab attention. End it with a call-to-action like, “Order now for delivery!”
Step 4: Focus on Storytelling
Cameroonians love a good story, so use that to your advantage! Share your journey—why you started your business, what inspires you, and how your products or services help people. Behind-the-scenes content is also a hit. Show how you prepare meals, package products, or interact with happy customers.
Think of it as inviting people into your world. When they connect with your story, they’re more likely to support your business.
Step 5: Use Social Media to Distribute Videos
Now that you’ve created your video, it’s time to share it. Social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are perfect for reaching a wide audience.
- Use WhatsApp Status to keep your loyal customers updated.
- Post reels on Instagram and Facebook to attract new customers.
- Hop on trending challenges on TikTok to make your brand fun and relatable.
Pro tip: Always include captions and hashtags like #CameroonMade or #SupportSmallBusiness to boost visibility.
Step 6: Monitor Performance and Adjust
Once your videos are out there, don’t just leave them. Use free tools like Facebook Insights or YouTube Studio to see what’s working. Are people liking, sharing, or commenting on your content? Pay attention to what resonates and make adjustments for your next video.
And there you have it! Video marketing doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With your smartphone, a little creativity, and the right tools, you can create videos that put your small business on the map.
Start small. Be consistent. And most importantly, be yourself. Your audience will appreciate the effort, and before you know it, your videos will be doing the heavy lifting for your business.
What are you waiting for? Grab your phone and start shooting today!