If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably thought about using video and wondered if it’s really worth it. This page is for you.
No jargon. No fluff. Just clear, honest advice on what works, what it costs, and how to make it happen.
Why small businesses should be using video
The numbers tell a clear story: video works for businesses of all sizes.
Video builds trust faster than text or photos alone. When potential customers see real people explaining real solutions, they connect with your brand on a human level.
It also drives results. Websites with video keep visitors around 88% longer than those without. For instance, a well-crafted homepage video can immediately grab attention and encourage visitors to stick around. Product pages with video increase conversions by up to 80%. These aren’t just statistics, they’re potential customers choosing you over competitors.
The best part? Small businesses often have an advantage with video. You have authentic stories, passionate founders, and real connections with customers.
These are the ingredients of compelling video content, the foundation of effective video storytelling, that big corporations spend millions trying to fake.
The videos that work best for small businesses
Not all videos are created equal. Some formats deliver exceptional value for small businesses while others drain resources with little return. Here are the types we’ve found most effective:
Start with why: Your purpose video
Before explaining what you do or how you do it, start by sharing why your business exists.
What problem are you solving? What change are you trying to create in the world?
This “purpose video” connects with viewers on an emotional level, helping them understand the values that drive your business. When customers align with your why, they become loyal advocates, not just one-time buyers.
Founder or team intro video
Your story matters. Many clients choose to work with small businesses precisely because they want that personal connection. A well-crafted intro video introduces your team, explains your values, and shows the humans behind the brand.
Customer testimonials
Nothing builds trust like hearing from satisfied customers. Testimonial videos are credibility gold, especially when they focus on the specific problems you solved and the results you delivered.
Product or service explainer
Clear explanations remove barriers to purchase. A concise explainer video can demonstrate your product or service in action, highlight key benefits, and answer common questions, all in under two minutes.
Behind-the-scenes or day-in-the-life
Transparency creates connection. Taking viewers behind the curtain, whether that’s showing your production process, introducing team members, or sharing your workspace, helps people feel invested in your success.
Social clips and reels
Short, focused videos drive engagement on social platforms. These quick hits can repurpose content from your longer videos, giving you multiple assets from a single shoot day.
What makes small business video different
Small business video production isn’t just scaled-down corporate video. It requires a different approach entirely.
You’re working with limited time, budget, and people. You need a partner who understands that your video isn’t just marketing, it’s an investment that needs to deliver real business results.
At Film Division, we start with empathy. We take time to understand your audience, their challenges, and how your business solves real problems. This isn’t just about making a pretty video, it’s about creating a tool that changes how people think and act.
We don’t overwhelm you with technical details or industry jargon. Instead, we guide you through a simple process focused on clarity. Our goal is to translate your expertise into content that genuinely connects with viewers.
And we always explore multiple creative directions before proceeding. Our Rule of Three approach means we develop three different solutions to every creative challenge. This forces us to look beyond the obvious and find the approach that truly works for your specific audience.
How much does it cost?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: pricing.
Small business video production typically ranges from £1,500 to £5,000 for a single video. Package deals that include multiple videos or ongoing content often provide better value.
What affects the cost? Three main factors:
- Pre-production: The time spent researching, planning, and preparing before filming begins.
- Production: The actual filming day(s), including equipment, crew, and locations.
- Post-production: Editing, graphics, music, and revisions.
Small doesn’t mean cheap; it means focused. We work with you to identify exactly what you need, then design a solution that delivers maximum impact within your budget constraints.
The truth is, wasting money on ineffective video is far more expensive than investing in quality production. We’ve helped many small businesses create videos that continue generating returns years after the initial investment.
What’s the process like?
Many small business owners worry that video production will drain their time and energy. We’ve developed a streamlined process specifically for busy entrepreneurs:
1. Problem Diagnosis
We start by understanding your business goals, audience needs, and current challenges. This conversation helps us identify what you actually need, not just what you think you want.
2. Concept Development
Based on our diagnosis, we create multiple concepts and refine them until we find the approach that will best connect with your audience. This step ensures we’re not just making a video, but creating a solution.
3. Production
With a clear concept in place, we handle the filming and editing efficiently. Most small business shoots take just a single day, minimising disruption to your operations.
4. Distribution Strategy
We help you plan how to use your video effectively across your website, social channels, and other platforms to reach the right audience.
5. Results Measurement
We track how your video performs against your business goals, whether that’s increased enquiries, better conversion rates, or stronger customer relationships.
Most projects move from initial conversation to final delivery within 3-4 weeks, and we keep communication clear throughout the process.
Real examples from small business clients
Low ‘N’ Slow
Andy, a Birmingham-based street food vendor, wanted to communicate the story and values behind his business to attract the right kind of events and opportunities.
We created a short documentary-style video that captured his passion, process, and purpose. The result was a compelling and authentic piece of content that helped Andy showcase his brand more confidently and made it easier for potential clients to connect with what he stands for.
Instinct Hardware
Instinct Hardware, a UK-based manufacturer of bespoke architectural ironmongery, wanted to ensure their brand messaging resonated with the people who specify and source their products, architects and distributors.
We carried out detailed audience analysis and produced a video that reflected the craftsmanship, care, and aesthetic thinking behind their work. The result helped them communicate more clearly with the professionals that matter most to their business.
Samson Gold
Samson Gold, a Birmingham-based bespoke jeweller, commissioned a cinematic trailer to showcase the care and craftsmanship behind their work.
We created a visually rich brand video that highlighted their process and personal approach. It was also a project close to home. Our creative director, Alex, bought his own wedding rings from Samson Gold, which made telling their story all the more meaningful.
Ready to explore video for your small business?
Want a video that helps you grow without draining your time or cash flow? Let’s talk. We’ll listen, plan, and make it work, no pressure, no pushy sales.
Film Division specialises in helping small businesses create videos that drive real results. We believe that when you’re passionate about making the world better, you deserve video that gets your message heard.
