Every business strives to be credible. Few mediums allow you to express that than video. That’s why many people have trouble separating the actor as a person and the character they play in a popular TV show. It feels very real. If you’re going to use videos to build your authenticity, try these:

Team & Culture

People are curious by nature, and let’s just own up – a bit nosy. When we visit other people’s homes, we want to know what the rest of their house looks like. We see the happy people in the office next door and wonder what they do in there daily to make them so happy.

Why not let them in? I’ll be the first to admit this is a terrifying thought. What about all the mess? Perhaps that’s what your customers need to see. That you aren’t perfect. Unless of course, you’re a decorator or someone who coaches others on organizing and de-cluttering.

The deal here is, create a video interviewing your team members (if you have any) – it could even include your pet. Lynn Terry did a wonderful one introducing her (then) puppy Molly. So precious! If you don’t have team members, give people a tour of your workspace or one environment you like to work in if you’re not ready for the office video yet.

Customer Story

Yes, we’re talking about testimonials, but this can be tough. Quality video submitted by customers aren’t always easy to come by. Often, you’ll end up with grainy, too dark videos with horrible audio.

If it’s not possible to get a decent quality video, and you can’t visit your customer to shoot one, what you can do is a Google Hangout, or get an audio recording of the customer, and their pictures. Create a photo collage of their story with their voice acting as narrator.

Product Demo

Many demos only show a product’s features. Instead of features, which isn’t at all very sexy – show them what they can do or create with your product. Demonstrate how quickly your product helps them do something or the beautiful creations they can produce with your product.

The best product demos are done by someone else – preferably a customer. If that’s not possible, don’t let it stop you. It’s OK to demonstrate your own product.

Tutorials

Do you know Michele Phan? This creative young lady started by showing people how to create their own looks using make up on YouTube. In short, she creates makeup tutorials. Here’s one of hers.

If you watched that, you will see that she gives people not just great info but the step-by-step how to. While she started off with just tutorials, her videos are so crazy popular, she now has her own make up line. Now, she can do a combo of product demo and tutorial. Nice!

Event

Live events are a wonderful learning experience, a fantastic way to meet new people, or to get a little bit closer to people whom you admire.

Instead of posting just pictures of yourself at an event, try short videos about what you just learned in a session. Quick intro with one question e.g. “What do you expect to take home from this event?” with a couple of different people. Or, ask for a 5 minute interview with an industry leader your audience would also love to hear from.