Episode 209: Why Small Businesses Should Use Video
Why Small Businesses Should Use Video
How do you feel about creating videos as part of your marketing for your business?
Does it freak you out, do you know you struggle with perfectionism or do you like it?
Now, I might assume you don’t, so let’s discuss this a bit to help you get past the blocks holding you back from creating videos.
Video isn’t just for big brands with big budgets — it’s one of the most powerful tools you, as a small business, can use to connect with your customers and clients.
Video builds trust, boosts engagement, and helps your business stand out in crowded online spaces. Whether it’s a short social clip, a product demo, or a quick behind-the-scenes story, video makes your brand feel more human and relatable.
Still, many small business owners feel hesitant to get started with videos. Common concerns include not knowing what to say on camera, feeling uncomfortable being filmed, or believing video production is too expensive or time-consuming.
These fears are completely normal — but the truth is, you don’t need fancy equipment or a huge budget to make an impact. Authenticity often matters more than polish.
And this is why I’ve invited Holly Wagner to the podcast.
With Holly’s background as a videographer, she founded Two Nine Nine Video, a company that creates self-shot promotional videos for small business owners to showcase themselves and their websites and social media.
Today, you’re going to learn:
- The benefits of using video as part of your marketing
- How to feel more confident on camera
- What to talk about in your video content
- What NOT to do in your videos
You might also like Episode 208: The Power Of Using Events For Visibility
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Henriette x
Resources Mentioned In This Episode:
– To know more about Two Nine Nine Video, CLICK HERE
– Connect with Holly here via Instagram and LinkedIn
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Summary of the Podcast Interview: “Why Small Businesses Should Use Video”
In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Success Podcast, host Henriette Danel interviews Holly Wagner, founder of Two Nine Nine Video, about why and how small businesses—especially service-based ones such as coaching—should embrace video marketing.
Holly explains her background: after running a traditional video production company for corporate clients (with budgets often £1,000 or more), she launched Two Nine Nine Video about a year ago to make professional promotional videos affordable at just £299. Clients film their own footage using provided guidance and equipment, while her team handles the professional editing, adding branding, music, subtitles, cutaways, and a clear call to action. The final video is delivered in seven days, and an eco-friendly bonus is included: a tree is planted for each project.
The conversation highlights video’s powerful role for small businesses. Holly likens it to “networking with the entire internet”, enabling owners to build know, like, and trust on a large scale. Clients tend to choose service providers they feel genuinely connected to; video places the real person at the heart of the brand, making it authentic and approachable. Good marketing also repels those who aren’t the right fit while attracting ideal clients, which streamlines the sales process—viewers often say, “I feel like I’ve known you for years” before even booking a call.
Henriette shares her own experience of initially being terrified of video but pushing through: she began with simple phone-edited clips, dropped the script, embraced her South African accent and occasional slip-ups, and saw genuine engagement as a result. Holly points out that many viewers are “lurkers” who watch quietly for months before reaching out; consistency matters far more than vanity metrics such as likes and comments. Having a ready promotional video can prove invaluable during quieter periods.
A key part of the discussion focuses on overcoming confidence issues and perfectionism. Holly suggests two practical techniques:
– A breathing exercise: inhale through the nose for 1–5 seconds, exhale through the mouth for 2–10 seconds to settle nerves.
– Visualise your ideal client inside the phone, keen to hear your message—this shifts the mindset from performing to having a natural conversation.
Both agree that the first video is always the toughest; aim for “seven out of ten” rather than perfection. Authenticity beats polish every time—viewers rarely notice small imperfections. Holly’s straightforward advice: don’t overthink or endlessly re-watch; just record and post. Regular practice makes it easier.
For content, Holly recommends keeping promotional videos client-focused: address their pain points, position yourself as the solution, use relatable “That’s me!” language, and finish with a strong call to action. Avoid self-centred openings such as “I’ve been in business for X years”. For shorter content (Reels, TikToks, etc.), answer common client questions, share a day-in-the-life, include pets (“dogs get far more views”), or feature testimonials and anonymised success stories.
Common mistakes to steer clear of include:
– Starting with logos or intros (wastes precious seconds—hook immediately).
– Filming from too far away (keep the camera at arm’s length for a more intimate feel).
– Cluttered backgrounds or glancing down at notes.
– Obsessing over perfect lighting, sound, or equipment—the message is what counts.
Holly stresses: “It’s far better to have an okay video than no video at all.” Subtitles are essential, as 96% of people watch without sound. Her service gently guides clients through their fears, making the process much less daunting than anticipated.
The episode closes on an encouraging note: video is now essential for small businesses to build trust, widen reach, and fuel growth—affordably, authentically, and without the need for large budgets or unattainable perfection.