Join our Waitlist for Expert Advice!

3 Ways to Use Videos to Get Personal and Score More Business People tend to buy from those they trust, and by focusing on creating a personal relationship with your customers, you'll sidestep the widespread culture of distrust.

By Sujan Patel Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

If you're looking to build your brand and gain more customers while infusing trust, focus on making your brand personal. People tend to buy from those they trust, and by focusing on creating a personal relationship with your customers, you'll sidestep the widespread culture of distrust.

You can also bridge the trust gap quickly by using videos to quickly connect with customers in a direct, personal way. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Create a video bio of your company.

Share your brand story to showcase the history and humble beginnings of your business. Your customers will organically build a relationship with you and feel they know you better. As trust builds between your business and customers, your company stands out as a unique voice in a crowded market.

Related: 5 Reasons Businesses Should Focus on Creating Video Content

A video bio doesn't have to be long or complex, but should be professionally produced for ultimate credibility. Remember the image you portray through the video should match the brand and mission of your company.

Keep it personal by featuring yourself and your staff while telling your brand story. Use images, including old photos of company events and key employees, interspersed with live storytelling to create a compelling, emotional experience for a deeper audience connection. There are few other types of media that can build the type of personal interaction as a personal bio video.

2. Create video testimonials featuring your customers.

Consumers seek personal reviews of products and services, whether the experience was positive or negative. Capitalize on that desire by sharing compelling customer testimonials through video. Ask customers to upload their own videos on YouTube or Facebook, or if they would meet for a quick interview with your video crew.

When your most loyal customers talk about their passion for your company, it shows in everything they say and how they present themselves. As potential customers watch your videos, they start to trust the feedback and see your company in a positive framework.

Related: 3 Ways Social Video Marketing Can Propel Your Brand

Ask permission to reenact customers' stories or give a video case study about their businesses if they can't appear in person. Focus on the pain points and results your clients got and how you helped solve or service their needs in a personal and attentive way. Don't forget to include employees who were part of the amazing customer service experience and how they contributed.

3. Create videos that are likely to go viral.

Many companies assume viral content is hit or miss with no ability to control the outcome. However, there are plenty of steps you can take to increase your odds of going viral. No, you don't have to feature kittens or babies. Start by using a platform such as YouTube that has plenty of traffic and the ability to quickly share and embed videos on websites.

Next, focus on the types of content people love to share. People share positive content that touches their emotions in significant ways. Heartwarming videos help people step into a more positive space. Share a positive emotional experience through your videos and help people feel transformed to trigger a desire to share it with others. Whether it's a touching story, meaningful testimonial or other personalized content, focusing on emotionally charged content can increase your odds of going viral.

Branded videos are an important way to overcome the obstacle of consumer distrust. Remember that people don't relate to brands. People relate to other people. Share your story and put a voice behind your brand that speaks to your target customer. You'll bridge the connection between your product and consumer faster than sharing Tweets about promotions and sales.

How do you use personal brand videos to build your business? Share your favorite tips and tricks in the comments section below.

Related: 4 Creative Ways to Use Live Streaming to Boost Your Company's Exposure

Sujan Patel

Entrepreneur and Marketer, Co-founder of Web Profits

In his 14-plus years as a marketer and entrepreneur, Sujan Patel has helped hundreds of companies boost online traffic and sales and strengthen their online brand reputation. Patel is the co-founder of Web Profits and Mailshake.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

At 16, She Started a Side Hustle While 'Stuck at Home.' Now It's on Track to Earn Over $3.1 Million This Year.

Evangelina Petrakis, 21, was in high school when she posted on social media for fun — then realized a business opportunity.

Health & Wellness

I'm a CEO, Founder and Father of 2 — Here Are 3 Practices That Help Me Maintain My Sanity.

This is a combination of active practices that I've put together over a decade of my intense entrepreneurial journey.

Business News

Remote Work Enthusiast Kevin O'Leary Does TV Appearance Wearing Suit Jacket, Tie and Pajama Bottoms

"Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary looks all business—until you see the wide view.

Business News

Are Apple Smart Glasses in the Works? Apple Is Eyeing Meta's Ran-Ban Success Story, According to a New Report.

Meta has sold more than 700,000 pairs of smart glasses, with demand even ahead of supply at one point.

Money & Finance

The 'Richest' U.S. City Probably Isn't Where You Think It Is

It's not located in New York or California.

Business News

Hybrid Workers Were Put to the Test Against Fully In-Office Employees — Here's Who Came Out On Top

Productivity barely changed whether employees were in the office or not. However, hybrid workers reported better job satisfaction than in-office workers.