Storytelling through video can have big impacts on audiences. A well-executed video marketing strategy is not just about showcasing products or services; it's about crafting narratives that resonate, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression.

As a Hearst station, WTAE has access to the incredible filmmaking team at the Very Local Brand Studio (VLBS). VLBS harnesses the power of cinematic and documentary-style video production to help local brands share their stories in captivating ways. Through our collaborative process, we've seen firsthand how a well-crafted video can elevate a brand, forge deeper connections with its audience, and ultimately drive results.

In today's post, we're showcasing 12 examples of videos VLBS created in the past, each with its own unique style and format. Whether you're looking to inspire, educate, entertain, or simply captivate your audience, these video marketing ideas offer a wealth of ideas and inspiration for incorporating video into your own creative strategy.

01 | Quick Cut Videos

Quick-cut style videos offer marketers a dynamic and engaging format to deliver their message in a concise and attention-grabbing manner. With rapid transitions, vibrant visuals, and snappy editing, these videos are perfect for capturing viewers' attention in the fast-paced digital landscape. They are particularly effective on platforms like social media where users scroll through content quickly, making it essential to make an instant impact.

Example: Allied Milk Gets Down to Business

In Allied Milk's spot, aptly called A Dairy Good Staff Meeting, we can see the power of a quick cut style video. In the playful yet informative video, the kiddos take over the boardroom in a mock business meeting discussing their love for milk. With quick cuts between different scenes, interviews, and lively interactions between the kids, the video not only entertains but also effectively communicates the message about the benefits of milk consumption. By leveraging this fast-paced and engaging format, Allied Milk successfully captures the audience's attention and delivers their message in a memorable and impactful way.

02 | Weekly Video Series

Establishing a regular cadence of video releases creates a sense of expectation and encourages viewers to return week after week for fresh content. This approach also provides ample opportunities for storytelling, allowing brands to delve deeper into their narrative and connect with their audience on a more personal level.

Example: Tailgate with H-E-B

Take for example H-E-B, a grocery store chain that's aligning with the excitement of Houston Texans football in their weekly video series. In each episode, the host embarks on a adventure to find the best tailgate of the week. Through engaging visuals and informative commentary, he highlights the ingredients used and provides viewers with recipe ideas for their own celebrations. This consistent and entertaining approach not only reinforces the brand's connection to the local community but also positions them as a trusted resource for culinary inspiration, ultimately driving customer engagement and loyalty.

03 | Employee Spotlight Videos

Employee spotlight videos humanize the brand by putting a face to the company, allowing customers to connect on a more personal level. By showcasing the skills, personality, and dedication of individual team members, these videos help build trust and credibility with the audience. They also provide an opportunity to highlight the company culture and values, demonstrating what sets the organization apart and why customers should choose to do business with them. Lastly, employee spotlight videos can also serve as effective recruitment tools, showcasing the company as a desirable place to work and attracting top talent to join the team.

Example: Meet the Problem Solvers at Mr. Waterheater

In Mr. Waterheater's employee spotlight video, the company owner builds up his team, calling his tech a "wizard." In the interview with that tech that follows, we get to see his vibrant personality and the enthusiasm he brings to the challenges of even the trickiest repairs. This video not only demonstrates the expertise customers can expect from Mr. Waterheater techs, but builds the critical connection and trust that consumers are looking for in the home improvement and repair space. An added bonus? Potential job applicants who see this video are also getting a taste of what it's like to be a part of their team.

04 | What If Videos

Tap into the realm of imagination and spark curiosity by inviting viewers to ponder alternative scenarios. By exploring hypothetical questions and diverging from conventional narratives, brands can ignite conversations, challenge perceptions, and showcase their creativity in unexpected ways. This format not only captivates audiences but also encourages them to think critically and engage with the content on a deeper level, fostering a sense of intellectual curiosity and exploration.

Example: Ask Big Questions with Owls Head Transportation Museum

In our example above, the museum embraces the "What if" video format to provoke thought and delve into the intriguing question: "What if steam had been the prevailing fuel source for cars?" Through a blend of historical context, scientific speculation, and imaginative storytelling, they paint a vivid picture of an alternate reality. This engaging approach not only showcases the museum's expertise but also invites viewers to consider the broader implications of technological innovation and societal progress.

05 | Trend Aware Videos

Tapping into current trends can be a savvy strategy for marketers looking to capitalize on popular topics and resonate with their target audience. By aligning their content with trending themes and conversations, brands can position themselves as relevant and forward-thinking while also tapping into the existing buzz and excitement surrounding a particular trend. Whether it's a popular TV show, a viral social media challenge, or a cultural phenomenon, leveraging trends in video content can help brands capture attention and engage with their audience in a meaningful way.

Example: FurnitureFair Embraces the KonMari Lifestyle

A great example of trend aware video content comes from VLBS's partnership with a furniture store who saw a connection between their products and the growing popularity of the KonMari organization system, thanks to the hit TV show and bestselling books. They produced a video featuring a sit-down discussion with a KonMari expert, who shared insights and tips on decluttering and organizing spaces, while the furniture store representative highlights how their products can help customers achieve the KonMari lifestyle. By tapping into this trending topic, the video not only provides valuable content to viewers but also positions the furniture store as a trusted resource for those looking to embrace the KonMari method. This strategic alignment with a popular trend not only boosts brand visibility but also establishes credibility and relevance in the eyes of the audience.

07 | Interacting with Social Posts from the Community

Responding to social media posts can be a powerful video strategy for humanizing the brand, bring their social media presence off the screen and into real life to foster a deeper connection with the audience. By directly engaging with comments, tweets, and messages from customers and followers in videos, a brand not only shows that they are listening but also demonstrates authenticity, approachability, and a willingness to connect on a personal level. This video style allows the business owner to address misconceptions, share personal anecdotes, and even inject some humor into the conversation, all of which help to humanize their brand and strengthen the bond with their audience.

Example: Edgar Snyder Responds to Fan Tweets

If you're in Pittsburgh, you'll likely recognize personal injury attorney Edgar Snyder as he takes this approach to a new level by responding to social media posts about him in a lighthearted and relatable manner. Through a series of videos, Edgar is seen laughing at tweets posted about him, sharing personal anecdotes such as his skincare routine, and offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into of his office. By engaging directly with the online conversation surrounding his brand, Edgar not only humanizes himself but also reinforces his approachability and transparency as an attorney. This video series not only entertains and engages viewers but also builds trust and rapport with Edgar's audience, ultimately strengthening his personal brand and positioning him as a trusted advisor in his field.

A Final Note on Creative Video Marketing

Video marketing stands out as a dynamic and impactful tool for brands looking to connect with their audience on a deeper level. Through the examples showcased in this blog post, we've explored the just a few of the ways in which video content can captivate, inspire, and engage viewers, from weekly series to quick-cut style videos, employee spotlights, and beyond.

One of the greatest strengths of video marketing lies in its ability to be creative, personal, and relatable. Whether it's through storytelling, humor, or authenticity, videos have the power to forge emotional connections with audiences in ways that other forms of content simply cannot match. The opportunities for creativity and innovation in video marketing are limitless.

And for those looking to harness the power of video marketing for their own brand, Hearst's Very Local Brand Studio is here to help. With our expertise in cinematic and documentary-style video production, we can customize a creative video strategy tailored to your brand's unique needs and objectives, helping you create film magic that leaves a lasting impact on your audience.

So, whether you're a local business looking to elevate your brand or a marketer seeking to make a splash in the digital space, let's work together to bring your vision to life through the magic of video marketing.