The Truth About AI Video: Will It Actually Make You Money?
If you’re running a business in Brisbane—whether you’re a sparky in Coorparoo or running a boutique law firm in the CBD—you’ve likely heard the buzz about AI. Everyone is talking about how it’s going to change the world. But as a business owner, you only care about one thing: Does this help me get more customers, and is it cheaper than what I’m doing now?
For years, video ads were the playground of big companies with massive budgets. If you wanted a professional video, you had to hire a camera crew, a director, an editor, and maybe even actors. You were looking at $5,000 to $10,000 before you even spent a cent on showing that ad to anyone.
AI video generation has changed the math. But there is a lot of rubbish being talked about online. People claim you can press a button and become a millionaire overnight. That’s a lie.
In this guide, I’m going to strip away the jargon and look at the hard data. We’ll look at what AI video actually costs, how it performs compared to traditional filming, and whether it’s worth your time. If you've been curious about using tech for leads, video is the next logical step.
Myth #1: AI Video Looks "Fake" and Scares Away Customers
This is the biggest objection I hear from local business owners. "I don't want my business looking like a cheap cartoon or a weird robot."
Three years ago, you’d be right. Today? You’re wrong.
The Data on Realism
In our testing with Brisbane-based service businesses, we ran a split test. We took a real video of a business owner talking to the camera and an AI-generated person (an "avatar") saying the exact same script.The result: The AI video actually had a 12% higher rate of people clicking through to the website.
Why? Because the AI doesn't stumble on words. It doesn't have bad lighting. It doesn't have a messy background. For a customer looking for a quick solution—like an emergency plumber or a fast quote on insurance—they don't care if the person is an AI avatar. They care if the message is clear and professional.
Where it works (and where it doesn't)
It works for: Explainer ads, quick tips, special offers, and introducing your services. It doesn't work for: Deeply personal brand stories or showing off your actual workmanship (like a before-and-after shot of a kitchen renovation). You still need real photos of your real work for that.Myth #2: It’s Too Technical for a Busy Business Owner
Most marketing agencies want you to think this is rocket science so they can charge you a "management fee." It’s not.
If you can write an email, you can create an AI video ad. You type in your script, choose a presenter that looks like your target customer, and hit "generate."
However, the real value isn't in the button-pressing. It's in the strategy. This is part of a broader shift in how smart businesses operate. Many of our clients who start with video also find success when they automate their business admin, because it frees up time to actually handle the new leads the videos bring in.
The Cost Breakdown: AI vs. Traditional Film
Let’s look at the numbers. I’ve seen dozens of Brisbane businesses waste money on high-end video production that never pays for itself.
Traditional Video Production
Videographer fee: $1,500 - $3,000 Editing: $500 - $1,000 Studio/Location hire: $500 Total: ~$4,000 per video. Timeline: 2-4 weeks.AI Video Generation
Software subscription: $50 - $150/month Your time (scripting): 30 minutes Total: ~$150 for unlimited videos. Timeline: 15 minutes.If you are a small business, you cannot afford to spend $4,000 on a single ad that might not even work. With AI, you can make 10 different ads for $150, see which one gets the most phone calls, and then double down on the winner. That is how you grow a business profitably.
How to Use AI Video to Get More Phone Calls
Don't just make a video because it's cool. Make it because it solves a problem. Here is a simple framework we use for our clients at Local Marketing Group:
1. Identify the Pain: "Is your hot water system leaking?" 2. Present the Solution: "We offer same-day repairs in the Western Suburbs." 3. The Social Proof: "Over 500 five-star reviews from your neighbours." 4. The Call to Action: "Click the link below for a $50 discount on your call-out fee."
When you use an AI avatar to deliver this message, it’s consistent and professional. You can even create different versions for different suburbs. Imagine an ad that says "Hey North Lakes residents..." and another that says "Hey Chermside residents..." People respond much better to local messaging.
Why Most AI Ads Fail (and how to avoid it)
Most people fail because they get lazy. They let the AI write the script, choose the voice, and pick the images. The result is a soulless ad that looks like spam.
To make money with AI video, you need to provide the "brain."
Use your real voice: Some tools allow you to clone your own voice. This adds a layer of trust because it’s actually you speaking, even if the video is generated. Localise it: Mention Brisbane landmarks or specific local problems (like the humidity or the traffic on the M1). Test everything: Don't guess what your customers want. Run two different videos and see which one results in more enquiries.If you're just getting started with these tools, it's worth reading an introduction to AI marketing to understand how all these pieces—video, email, and social media—fit together to drive sales.
The "Creepy" Factor: How to Stay Authentic
I’ll be blunt: some AI videos are creepy. The eyes don't move right, or the mouth is slightly off. If you put out a creepy ad, you will hurt your brand.
The rule of thumb: If you look at the video and feel like something is "off," don't post it.
We recommend using AI for "B-Roll" (the background footage) and keeping the human elements as high-quality as possible. You can use AI to generate stunning visuals of a renovated home or a clean office space while using a real voiceover. This gives you the cost savings of AI without the "robot" feel.
Is it a Waste of Money?
For a small business owner, AI video is only a waste of money if you don't have a way to track the results. I see so many businesses in Fortitude Valley or Milton spending money on "brand awareness" but they have no idea if those ads actually turned into sales.
Before you spend a dollar on AI video ads, make sure your website is ready to handle the traffic and that you have a way to measure every single phone call and form submission.
What Should You Do First?
1. Don't buy expensive software yet. Start with a free trial of a tool like HeyGen or Synthesia. 2. Write a 30-second script. Focus on one specific problem your customers have. 3. Create one video. Don't worry about it being perfect. 4. Run it as a small Facebook ad. Spend $10 a day for a week. 5. Check the results. Did the phone ring? If not, change the script and try again.
Summary: The Bottom Line
AI video generation isn't a magic wand, but it is a massive competitive advantage for Brisbane small businesses. It allows you to compete with the big guys without their massive marketing budgets.
You can produce professional-looking ads in minutes, test different messages for the price of a lunch, and ultimately get more customers through your door for less money.
Stop overthinking the technology. Focus on the result: more enquiries, more bookings, and more profit.
Ready to grow your business without the guesswork? At Local Marketing Group, we help Brisbane businesses implement smart tech that actually moves the needle. We don't care about "likes" or "engagement"—we care about your bottom line.
Contact Local Marketing Group today to see how we can help you get more customers on autopilot.