Short-form videos, characterized by their vertical format and duration of one minute or less, are transforming the way businesses connect with audiences online.
They can be shared on TikTok and Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts and Facebook Stories. Gone are the days of struggling to adapt content for different platforms—short-form videos allow you to engage with a broader audience without additional effort. Every social media channel can therefore be a source for leads.
BUT don’t waste time with video if you don’t follow the following tips.
Here’s how you can optimize your short-form videos to generate leads effectively:
1. Start with a Strong Hook
The first few seconds of your video are crucial. This is your chance to grab the viewer's attention. Think of it as your headline—bold, intriguing, and impossible to ignore.
For example, if you’re an immigration lawyer, you might start with a statement like, “Don’t let immigrants in the country.” This controversial hook immediately captures attention, and setting the stage for you to dive into the importance of immigration.
2. Delay Your Introduction
While it might seem natural to introduce yourself at the start of a video, resist the urge.
In the world of short-form videos, your audience doesn’t care who you are—yet. Focus first on delivering value or a compelling message. If you must introduce yourself, do it towards the end, after you've already captured their interest.
You can also write your name and profession right on the video so people can tell if you’re a lawyer or financial investor.
3. Provide Tangible, Actionable Advice
Your viewers should walk away from your video with something they can immediately put into practice. Whether it’s a quick tip, a step-by-step guide, or a unique insight, ensure your content is valuable and directly applicable. Every video increases trust with your audience. We need to make it count.
4. Address Common Questions
If you’re stuck on what to discuss, think about the questions you frequently get from clients. These topics often resonate most with your audience because they address real concerns or challenges.
5. Focus on One Topic
Keep your videos focused and straightforward. Covering too much in one video can overwhelm viewers and dilute your message. Stick to one topic per video to ensure clarity and impact.
6. Be Concise
In the realm of short-form videos, every second counts. Aim to deliver your message in 60 seconds or less. Trim any fluff and getting straight to the point. It helps to write a script so you know exactly what you’re going to say.
7. Use Subtitles
Subtitles aren’t just for accessibility—they also help convey your message to viewers who are watching without sound or who might be non-native speakers. For complex topics, clear and concise subtitles can make a huge difference in understanding your message.
If you’re still not sure whether to include subtitles, think about how 23% of adults under 30 watch TV with subtitles on!
8. Engage in Comments
The interaction doesn’t end when the video stops. Engage with your audience by replying to comments.
This not only boosts your video’s visibility but also reinforces your expertise and builds a stronger connection with your audience.
9. Optimize Your Profile
Make sure your profile is set up to convert viewers into leads. Clearly state what you do, and include a link to your website, contact page, or a lead magnet. Your profile is often the first place potential leads visit after watching your videos.
10. Share Your Knowledge Freely
Don’t hold back on sharing what you know. The internet is filled with information, so if you’re not the one providing valuable insights, someone else will. Position yourself as the go-to expert by being generous with your knowledge.
11. Avoid Hard-Sell Commercials
Today’s audiences are savvy and can spot a sales pitch from a mile away. But I still see small businesses “posting on social media” promoting their services. We do not recommend selling to your audience until you have an audience.
12. Use Clear Titles
A catchy titles help stop people scroll past your videos. Make sure your title clearly conveys the benefit or topic of your video to entice viewers to continue watching. A strong hook and a clear title is a winning formula.
13. Keep It Simple
If you’re scripting your videos, use short, simple sentences. This makes your content easier to follow and understand, especially in a fast-paced format like short-form video.
14.Break Down Complex Topics
Even the most basic concepts in your field can be goldmines for content. Imagine explaining your profession to a 12-year-old—where would you start? This approach ensures you cover all the foundational elements, making your content accessible to a broader audience.
15. Post Consistently
Consistency is key to building momentum and keeping your audience engaged. Aim to post at least every other day. Regular posting not only keeps your brand top-of-mind but also increases your chances of reaching new viewers.
16. Edit Ruthlessly
Trim out any pauses, mistakes, or filler content. Editing tools like CapCut are great for maintaining the fast-paced, engaging style that works best for short-form videos.
17. Embrace Repetition
Don’t be afraid to revisit the same topics multiple times. Repetition is a powerful tool in content marketing. Each time you address a topic, you reinforce your message and increase the likelihood of it sticking with your audience.
18. Measure and Improve
Generating leads through short-form videos takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep analyzing your content’s performance and making minor tweaks to improve with each new video.
19. Showcase Social Proof
Usually, client testimonials, Google Reviews and case studies show people that they can trust you. Guess what? People trust reviews less and less. The best alternative is your social media. Getting views is great but even getting comments and continuing conversations in your comments show people that 1) you’re real and 2) you' know what you’re talking about.
20. Test Different Formats
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different video formats, styles, and content types. Whether it’s a quick tip, a behind-the-scenes look, or a client testimonial, variety can help you discover what resonates most with your audience. Test to see what works!
21. Monitor Trends
Trending sounds are fun but focus on trending editing styles. Incorporating these elements into your videos can help you stay relevant and increase your visibility.
By applying these strategies, you can elevate your short-form videos from simple posts to powerful lead-generation tools. Remember, the key to success in short-form content is to be clear, concise, and consistent while always delivering value to your audience. Keep refining your approach, and over time, you’ll see your efforts translate into meaningful leads for your business. Have fun!
MarketingBound.com powers this newsletter. We do social media for high-ticket offers. We’re giving all our secrets away so you can do it yourself. If you don't want to do it yourself, we’re always here to help.
Comments