Why Most Brisbane Business Owners Are Getting Video Wrong
I’m going to be blunt: most small business owners in Brisbane are being sold a lie by fancy production companies. You’ve probably seen it before. A slick salesperson tells you that you need a "brand story" video with high-end cameras, drones, and a three-day editing process. They quote you $10,000, and six months later, that video has 42 views on YouTube and hasn't brought in a single new customer.
It’s a waste of money.
In my years working with local tradies, shop owners, and professional services from Chermside to Cleveland, I’ve seen that the videos actually making money aren't the ones that look like a Hollywood movie. They are the ones that look like they were filmed by a real person.
If you want more phone calls and more bookings, you don't need a massive budget. You need a strategy that focuses on showing your face, proving you know your stuff, and asking for the sale. This guide is about how to win at video marketing in 2024 and beyond without blowing your profits on gear you don't need.
The Shift: Why "Perfect" is Killing Your Sales
There is a massive trend happening right now, and it’s great news for your bank account. People are tired of being sold to by polished, corporate robots. Whether you’re a plumber in Morningside or an accountant in the CBD, your customers want to see the real you.
When a video is too polished, people’s internal "sales alarm" goes off. They think, "This looks expensive, which means they’re going to overcharge me." Or worse, "This looks like a stock video; I don't even know if this business is actually in Brisbane."
On the flip side, when you show up on camera at a job site or in your office, people trust you instantly. I’ve seen raw video sells better than those over-produced case studies every single time. Why? Because it’s believable.
Prediction: The Rise of the "Expert on the Street"
Over the next 12 to 18 months, the businesses that will dominate Brisbane’s local search results are those that post simple, helpful videos answering customer questions. If you can spend 60 seconds explaining why a hot water system keeps tripping or how to save on land tax, you will get the call over the guy with the fancy $5,000 commercial.What Does "Budget Video" Actually Cost?
Let’s talk real numbers. You don't need to spend $10,000. In fact, you shouldn't. Here is what a realistic, results-focused video setup looks like for a small business:
1. The Camera ($0): You already have one in your pocket. Modern iPhones and Samsung phones take better video than professional cameras did ten years ago. 2. The Audio ($50 - $150): This is the only place you shouldn't skimp. People will watch a slightly blurry video, but they will turn off immediately if they can't hear you. A simple lapel mic that plugs into your phone is all you need. 3. The Lighting ($0 - $100): Stand facing a window during the day. That’s it. If you work at night, a basic LED ring light from Kmart or JB Hi-Fi will do the job. 4. Editing ($0 - $30/mo): Use simple apps like CapCut. You don't need fancy transitions; you just need to cut out the "umms" and "ahhs" and add some text on the screen so people can read what you’re saying while they’re on the bus.
Total Investment: Under $250. Time to Results: You can start seeing enquiries within a week of posting to your Google Business Profile or Facebook page.
Stop Over-Editing: It’s Costing You Money
I see business owners spend weeks trying to edit a single video. They worry about the colour, the music, and whether their logo bounces in at just the right second. Stop.
Every hour you spend fiddling with an editing app is an hour you aren't out on a job or closing a lead. The most successful local businesses we work with follow a simple rule: Film, Trim, Post.
If you spend more than 20 minutes editing a 60-second video, you’re overdoing it. We’ve found that unfiltered logic actually performs better because it feels urgent and current. If you’re a roofer and you just finished a job in Coorparoo, film a 30-second clip of the finished roof, say what the problem was, and tell people to call you if they have a leak. That will get you more work than a month of professional editing ever will.
Where to Put Your Videos (And Where Not To)
This is where most people get it wrong. They make a great video and then hide it on a YouTube channel that nobody follows.
If you want to make money, put your videos where your customers are actually looking for you:
1. Your Google Business Profile
When someone searches for "Electrician near me," your Google profile pops up. Most of your competitors just have a few static photos. If you have a video of yourself explaining your services, you’ll stand out immediately. This is the fastest way to turn a searcher into a phone call.2. Your Website’s Entry Pages
Don't just bury videos in a "Gallery" page. Put a video right at the top of your homepage. A 30-second "Hi, I’m John from John’s Tiling, here’s how we help Brisbane homeowners" video makes your website feel alive and trustworthy. It ensures your visitors become customers instead of clicking away to the next guy.3. Facebook & Instagram Groups
If you’re in a local community group (like "Mums of the Bayside" or a suburb residents group), don't just post a text ad. Post a video of you giving away free advice. "Hey guys, it's storm season, here are three things to check on your gutters." That builds massive goodwill and makes you the go-to expert when things actually go wrong.The "High-ROI" Video Types That Actually Work
You don't need to be a creative genius. You just need to make these three types of videos:
The "Common Question" Video
What are the five things every customer asks you? - "How much does it cost?" - "How long does it take?" - "What’s the difference between Option A and Option B?"Record one video for each question. These are gold. When a lead calls you and asks one of these questions, you can even say, "I actually made a quick video explaining that, I'll text it over to you now." It makes you look incredibly professional and saves you time.
The "Proof" Video
Show the work. If you’re a landscaper, show the muddy backyard at 8:00 AM and the beautiful garden at 4:00 PM. Talk through what you did. "We used this specific turf because the soil in North Lakes is a bit sandy..." This proves you aren't just a guy with a ute; you’re an expert who understands the local area.The "Meet the Team" Video
People buy from people. If you have staff, get them on camera. It makes your business feel safe. Nobody wants a stranger turning up at their house. If they’ve already seen a video of your lead technician, the ice is already broken before they even knock on the door.Common Mistakes That Waste Your Time
- Buying a DSLR camera: Unless you’re a professional photographer, it’ll end up sitting in a drawer because it’s too hard to use. Use your phone. - Hiring a massive crew for a 'Brand Film': These look nice but rarely result in a direct phone call. Save that money for Google Ads. - Waiting for the 'Right Time': There is no perfect time. Your hair will never be perfect, and your office will always be a bit messy. The business owner who posts ten "okay" videos will always beat the one who is still planning their "perfect" video. - Ignoring the first 3 seconds: On social media, you have about three seconds to grab attention. Don't start with a logo animation or a "Hello, my name is..." Start with the problem. "Is your aircon making a weird rattling noise?" That gets people to stop scrolling.
How to Measure Success
Don't look at "Likes" or "Views." They don't pay the bills.
Instead, look at: - Phone calls: Are more people calling you saying, "I saw your video"? - Lead quality: Are people more informed when they call because they watched your FAQ videos? - Time saved: Are you spending less time repeating the same information to every new enquiry?
If a video costs you $0 to make and brings in one $500 job, that’s an infinite return on investment. That’s the power of budget video production.
Action Plan: What to Do in the Next 48 Hours
1. Buy a $50 lapel mic from an electronics store or online. 2. Write down 3 questions your customers asked you this week. 3. Film yourself answering them on your phone. Keep it under 60 seconds. Do it in your work uniform, in front of your van or office. 4. Post one to your Google Business Profile and one to your Facebook page. 5. Don't look at the comments. Just get back to work and do it again next week.
Summary
Video marketing isn't about being a movie star; it's about being the most helpful person in your industry in Brisbane. By ditching the expensive production and focusing on simple, honest, and helpful content, you can grow your business faster than any polished TV ad ever could.
Stop overthinking it. Your customers don't want a masterpiece; they want a solution to their problem. Show them you have it.
If you're ready to stop wasting money on marketing that doesn't work and want a strategy that actually rings the till, we can help.
Contact Local Marketing Group today at https://lmgroup.au/contact and let’s get your phone ringing.