Why Video is Your Best Salesperson in 2024
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 probably noticed something. When you search for a service on your phone, Google isn't just showing a list of websites anymore. It’s showing videos.
I’ve seen this shift happen fast. A few years ago, video was a 'nice to have.' Today, if you aren’t using video, you’re essentially handing your competitors a megaphone while you’re whispering in the corner.
But here is the catch: most business owners do video wrong. They spend five grand on a 'brand film' that looks like a perfume commercial, put it on their website, and then wonder why the phone isn't ringing.
In this guide, I’m going to show you how to make sure your videos actually show up when people search for what you do, and more importantly, how to make sure those people actually call you. No jargon, no tech-talk, just a straight-up plan to get more customers using video.
The Big Shift: Why Google Loves Your Videos
Google has one job: to give people the best answer to their question. If someone types in "how to fix a leaking tap" or "best family lawyer in Brisbane," Google knows that a 60-second video is often a better answer than a 2,000-word article.
When you put a video on YouTube (which Google owns) or on your website, you are giving Google exactly what it wants. This makes Google like your business more. When Google likes you, you show up higher in the search results.
I’ve worked with a landscaper over in Ascot who stopped trying to write long blog posts and just started filming his finished jobs on his iPhone. Within three months, his videos were showing up on the first page of Google for local searches. He didn't need a film crew; he just needed to show people he knew his stuff.
Stop Overcomplicating It: The "Real You" Wins
One of the biggest mistakes I see Brisbane business owners make is thinking they need to be a movie director. You don't. In fact, highly polished, expensive videos often perform worse because they look like ads. People hate ads. They love people.
Showing the real you is what actually builds trust. If a homeowner can see your face and hear your voice before they invite you into their house for a quote, you’ve already won half the battle. They feel like they know you. That trust is what turns a 'viewer' into a 'customer'.
What should you film?
Don't overthink this. Ask yourself: what are the top 10 questions my customers ask me every single week?1. How much does it cost? 2. How long does it take? 3. What happens if something goes wrong? 4. Can I see examples of your work?
Each of those is a video. If you record a two-minute answer to each of those questions, you’ve just created 10 pieces of content that Google will love and your customers will find genuinely helpful.
The Practical Steps to Getting Found
To make sure your videos actually show up when people search, you need to do a few simple things. This isn't 'algorithm' talk; it's just common sense for computers.
1. Tell Google what the video is about
Google is smart, but it can’t 'watch' a video the way we do. You have to tell it what’s happening. This means: - The Title: Don't call it "Video 1". Call it "How to choose the right air conditioner for a Brisbane summer." - The Description: Write a few sentences about what you talk about in the video. Mention your suburb and your service. - The Captions: Always include the text on the screen. Many people watch videos on silent while they’re on the bus or in a meeting. If they can’t read what you’re saying, they’ll keep scrolling.2. Use your phone
You don't need a $10,000 camera. The phone in your pocket is better than the professional cameras from five years ago. I tell my mates all the time: just use vertical videos on your phone. They are perfect for Facebook, Instagram, and even YouTube Shorts. They feel authentic and they are incredibly cheap to produce (basically free).Predictions: Where Video is Heading in 2025
I’ve been doing this for a long time, and the direction is clear. Here is what I see coming for Brisbane small businesses over the next 12 to 18 months.
Prediction 1: "Search" will happen inside social apps
Younger customers aren't even going to Google anymore. They are searching for "Best brunch in West End" directly inside TikTok or Instagram. If you don't have video content on those platforms, you are invisible to an entire generation of customers.Prediction 2: Helpful beats Professional
We are seeing a massive decline in the effectiveness of 'glossy' corporate videos. People are craving authenticity. The businesses that show the messy 'behind the scenes' or the honest 'how-to' advice are the ones getting the most enquiries.Prediction 3: Video will be the main way people 'contact' you
Instead of reading a 'Contact Us' page, people will watch a video of you explaining how your booking process works. It removes the fear of the unknown. If you show them exactly what happens when they call, they are much more likely to pick up the phone.What is a Waste of Money?
I promised to be honest, so here it is. Most small businesses waste a fortune on:
High-end production agencies: Unless you’re a national brand, you don't need a $20k video. It won't get you 10x the customers of a well-made phone video. Vague 'Brand' videos: Videos that just show slow-motion shots of people shaking hands with inspiring music. These tell the customer nothing and result in zero phone calls. Buying views: Never pay for 'views' or 'likes'. Google knows they are fake, and fake followers don't buy plumbing services or legal advice.
How Long Until You See Results?
Marketing isn't magic. If you post one video today, you won't be a millionaire tomorrow.
However, I usually see Brisbane businesses start to get traction within 60 to 90 days of consistently posting helpful videos.
Month 1: You’re getting used to the camera. You’re posting your first few videos. Your existing customers might see them and give you a thumbs up. Month 2: Google starts to index your videos. You might see one or two show up in search results for specific questions. Month 3: You start getting calls from people saying, "I saw your video about [Topic], and I liked how you explained it."
Once you hit that Month 3 mark, the momentum starts to build. Those videos stay on the internet forever, working as a 24/7 sales team for your business.
What Should You Do First?
If you’re ready to start getting more customers through video, here is your weekend homework:
1. Grab your phone. 2. Think of one question a customer asked you this week. 3. Stand in front of a window (good light is the only 'pro' tip you really need). 4. Record a 60-second answer. Don't worry about mistakes. Just be helpful. 5. Post it to your Google Business Profile and your Facebook page.
If you want to take it a step further, you could even consider filming a business podcast. It sounds fancy, but it’s just you and a guest (or even just you) talking about what you know. It’s an incredible way to create months' worth of video content in just one hour.
The Bottom Line
Video isn't about being famous; it's about being found. In a city like Brisbane, where local competition is tough, video is the fastest way to stand out. It makes you a real person, not just a logo on a screen.
It costs almost nothing to start, but the cost of not doing it is high—you’ll keep watching your competitors climb higher in the search results while your website stays buried on page three.
Stop waiting for the 'perfect' time or the 'perfect' camera. Your customers are looking for you right now. Give them something to watch.
Need help getting your business found online? At Local Marketing Group, we help Brisbane businesses get more phone calls and more sales without the technical headache. If you want a clear plan to grow your business, let’s chat.