what is b-roll and why does my small business need it?
how to use video to capture and keep attention 📽
In 2022, small businesses aren’t just competing against each other. (Actually, they’re rooting for one another!) They’re competing against national and global brands that have budgets we can’t even begin to imagine as small business owners.
I consider it my job as a brand photographer and videographer to help you create content that captures your audiences’ attention and keeps them entertained, inspired, and educated. By using b-roll footage, businesses can add an extra layer of visual interest to their videos.
But what is b-roll footage, and how can small businesses make the most of it? That’s what we’re digging into today! 👍🧰 Join me, will you?
what is b-roll? 🎞
B-roll footage is supplemental footage that can be used to enhance a video. It might include shots of people working in the office, product demonstrations, or scenes from company events. B-roll can be used to break up long chunks of talking head footage, add visual interest to a static scene, or illustrate a point that’s being made in a video.
Small businesses can make use of b-roll by creating videos that are well planned and thought out. Start by thinking about what kind of visuals you want to include in your video, and then figure out which shots will best illustrate your points. Make sure all your shots are high quality and properly edited and be sure to storyboard your video so that it flows smoothly from one shot to the next.
holding your audience’s attention in a fast-paced, digital world 📱
In today’s fast-paced, digital world, it’s more important than ever to hold your audience’s attention. With so much information available at our fingertips, it can be easy to click away from a video if it isn’t immediately engaging. That’s why using b-roll is so important — it helps to keep viewers interested in what you’re saying by providing visual interest and variety.
B-roll adds production value to your videos. By adding in some well-shot and edited b-roll footage, you can make your video look more professional and polished, helping you better engage with your audience.
The rise of Tiktok, Reels, and Instagram Stories have made b-roll more popular than ever, as these platforms all involve quick, engaging videos. In fact, many users on these platforms aren’t asking, “what is b-roll?” They’re using it on its own with trending audio and on-screen text or a voice-over to successfully grow their audience!
how small businesses can make use of b-roll
There are a few ways that small businesses can make use of b-roll. First, you can use it to add visual interest to your video content. This might include using b-roll to break up long chunks of talking head footage or to add some production value to an otherwise static scene. You can also use b-roll to illustrate a point that you’re making in your video. For example, if you’re talking about the importance of customer service, you could use b-roll of your team going above and beyond for a customer.
Another great way to use b-roll is to create behind-the-scenes content. This might include footage of your team working in the office, preparing for an event, or using your product or service. Behind-the-scenes content is a great way to give your audience a peek into your company culture and show them the hard work that goes into running your business.
Finally, you can use b-roll to create marketing content. This might include product demonstration videos, customer testimonials, or video ads. Whatever type of marketing content you’re creating, b-roll can help to enhance your message and better engage your audience.
6 ideas to use b-roll to market your business
- Break up talking head video
- Illustrate how a process works
- Show off your products or workspace
- Create behind-the-scenes content
- Demonstrate your company culture
- Level up your customer testimonials
tips for shooting great b-roll 📹
If you’re planning on shooting your own b-roll, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.
First, make sure you have a clear idea of what shots you want before you start shooting. This will help you to save time and avoid getting frustrated when you can’t find the right shot.
Next, make sure your camera is steady and that all your shots are in focus. B-roll footage that’s shaky or out of focus will be harder for viewers to watch and will take away from your overall message. If you’re not confident in your ability to shoot great b-roll, consider hiring a professional videographer to help you out.
Finally, be sure to edit your b-roll footage carefully. This is where you’ll be able to add transitions and special effects to really make your shots pop. If you’re not confident in your editing skills, consider hiring a professional video editor to help you out.
the bottom line on b-roll
Hopefully, you’re no longer asking, “what is b-roll” and instead imagining all the ways you can use this visual content creation tool to engage your audience and add production value to your video content!
Whether you get creative yourself and decide to shoot b-roll with just your phone and stack of books to prop it up or begin your hunt for a videographer to tag team with your brand photographer, I hope I’ve inspired you to think about marketing your creative small business in a new way!
If you’d like me to help you capture the b-roll you need to make cranking our killer content quick and easy, all you’ve got to do is ask!
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