Embrace the Power of Video for Small Business Success with Bernadette Marciniak

Today, we’re tackling a topic that’s been buzzing in the business world: Why is video resisted by so many? I’m excited we’ve got an expert to not only unravel the mystery but also provide actionable advice to kickstart your video journey. Get ready to transform your business with the magic of video

Transcript (polished from our convo)

Jen Vazquez: Today, we’re delving into a topic buzzing in the business world: why is video resisted by so many? I’m thrilled to have a friend and an expert on all things video, Bernadette Marciniak of Solhaus Media, join us. Together, we aim to provide actionable advice to kickstart your video journey because, let’s face it, you need to be on video.

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Jen Vazquez: I’m Jen Vazquez, and I help female service providers use Pinterest to grow their business. Today, I have the pleasure of chatting with Bernadette Marciniak, a speaker, bestselling author, and brand videographer. Bernadette, welcome!

Bernadette Marciniak: Thank you so much for having me. I’m thrilled to be here.

Jen Vazquez: Let’s dive into your journey. What jobs led you to your current business?

Bernadette Marciniak: My journey may not seem linear, but it began with a background in English and unexpectedly led me to journalism. I started as an assistant copy editor, ventured into freelance reporting, worked at a boutique PR firm, and eventually found my passion for photojournalism. My career evolved, incorporating video, and I now run Solhaus Media, a boutique all-female media agency.

Jen Vazquez: That’s an impressive journey. Now, let’s tackle the resistance to video. Why do you think it’s prevalent among both photographers and business owners?

Bernadette Marciniak: There are several reasons for resistance. On the business owner side, the fear of live video and the pressure to present flawlessly can be overwhelming. Additionally, lacking the right systems for video creation, editing, and distribution contributes to resistance. For photographers, the fear of learning video and the different formats it comes in can be intimidating.

Jen Vazquez: Absolutely. For our audience looking to start or improve their video efforts, what advice would you give them?

Bernadette Marciniak: Start with defining your purpose for video. Whether it’s increasing social media visibility, improving SEO, or connecting with your audience, identify your goal. If you’re unsure, start by recording vlog-style videos or capturing short clips of daily activities. It’s crucial to focus on purpose and gradually progress.

Jen Vazquez: Those are great starting points. Now, let’s talk about intro videos or founder stories. What are they, and how can small business owners create them effectively?

Bernadette Marciniak: An intro video, also known as a founder story, has four key components: introducing yourself and your business, delving into your services with an aspirational touch, highlighting what sets you apart, and concluding with a strong call to action. Use your smartphone, shoot in 4K for quality, and start with simple clips. Having at least one video on your website increases Google visibility by 53%.

Jen Vazquez: That’s a valuable tip for improving SEO. Moving on, not every business has a large budget for video production. What budget-friendly tips or strategies can you share for impactful video marketing?

Bernadette Marciniak: Leverage your smartphone’s capabilities by shooting in 4K, and use the back camera for better quality. Utilize camera remote features for framing. Start with simple shots and gradually experiment. Editing tools can help refine your content by removing fillers and mistakes. Remember, authenticity matters more than perfect production.

Jen Vazquez: Excellent tips for those on a budget. Now, let’s explore measuring video marketing success. What key metrics should small business owners focus on?

Bernadette Marciniak: Focus on engagement metrics like comments, likes, shares, and saves. While views matter, pay attention to watch time and how long viewers stay engaged. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok provide insights into the most viewed parts of your video. Longer watch times enhance brand awareness and algorithm visibility.

Jen Vazquez: Understanding these metrics is crucial. Lastly, what trends or innovations do you foresee in video marketing that small business owners should be aware of?

Bernadette Marciniak: Authenticity and storytelling are gaining prominence. While short-form content remains powerful, platforms are now allowing longer videos. TikTok’s increased 10-minute limit and the popularity of longer videos on YouTube suggest that audiences appreciate in-depth content. Focus on meaningful storytelling to stand out.

Jen Vazquez: Valuable insights! Before we wrap up, could you share three things that have significantly contributed to growing your business?

Bernadette Marciniak:

1. Networking: Engaging with other entrepreneurs, attending events, and building connections have played a pivotal role in my business growth.
2. Community Involvement: Pouring time and energy into communities where your target audience resides helps keep your name in the room even when you’re not physically present.
3. Mindset: Having a positive mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities, and staying resilient are the cornerstones of overcoming hurdles in business.

Jen Vazquez: Such valuable insights, Bernadette. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. Where can our audience connect with you and learn more about Solhaus Media?

Bernadette Marciniak: You can find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and at solhausmedia.com. I’m always happy to connect and help in any way I can.

Jen Vazquez: Fantastic. Thank you, Bernadette, and thank you to our audience for joining us today. Remember, video is a powerful tool, and with the right guidance, you can leverage it for business success. Stay tuned for more expert interviews and tips on growing your business.

Links Mentioned:

Threads: Jen’s Account.  Bernadette’s Account.

Video Editing Tool Called Descript:  I love this app so much!! Makes editing very easy and includes Squadcast for FREE to record podcasts and other things.  Check it out here.

Bernadette’s Gift + Where To Find Her:

Bernadette’s Gift:

• https://solhausmedia.com/4waysMSA
• https://solhausmedia.com/ptfmsa

Where to Find Bernadette: 

• Website  
• Instagram for Bernadette
• Instagram for Solhaus
• Threads
• LinkedIn

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