By on Apr 23, 2025
By now, it’s clear that short-form video isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a cornerstone of modern marketing. But knowing it works and actually using it effectively are two very different things. If you’re wondering how to start using short-form video to grow your business, this guide will walk you through simple, actionable ways to get it working for you.
The most successful short-form captures focus less on selling and more on solving. Think about the questions your customers ask you the most. What are they struggling with? What makes them hesitate before purchasing? A short video that answers one burning question or solves one common problem will go a lot further than a highly polished, overly promotional pitch.
Try brainstorming a list of “tiny transformations” you can offer your audience. These are quick tips, bite-sized how-tos, or moments of inspiration that deliver immediate value. The content doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be relevant and clear.
Short-form videos are typically 15 to 60 seconds long, and they work best when they get straight to the point. Start with a hook—something that grabs attention in the first few seconds. Then, deliver your value. End with a call to action or a simple closing message.
Remember, more than 75% of video views happen on mobile. That means your videos should be vertical, easy to watch without sound, and visually engaging. Use captions, simple text overlays, or motion to make your message clear even if someone’s watching with the volume off (which most people do).
What works best in short-form video isn’t high production value—it’s authenticity. People connect with faces, voices, and real moments. Whether it’s you talking directly to the camera, showing behind-the-scenes footage, or highlighting your product in action, the goal is to build trust by being relatable and real.
You don’t need a professional studio. You just need a phone with a decent camera, good lighting, and a message worth sharing. In fact, many brands find that their least polished videos perform the best, because they feel natural and unscripted.
This type of visual format rewards consistency. You don’t need to post daily, but showing up regularly helps you build momentum. As you post, pay attention to what resonates. Which videos get the most views, comments, or shares? Which ones actually drive clicks or sales?
Let that data guide your next round of content. You’re not trying to go viral with every post—you’re trying to learn what your audience wants more of and build a strategy around it.
Already creating blog posts, emails, or social media content? Perfect. You can repurpose those ideas into this kind of content. Turn a listicle into a short video series. Summarize a blog post in 30 seconds. Show a quick visual version of a customer testimonial.
Short-form video isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about turning what you’re already doing into something more engaging and more likely to be seen.
Yes, views and likes are great. But at the end of the day, the power of short-form video lies in its ability to create a connection. It helps your brand feel human. It builds trust. And it moves people from passive scrolling to real engagement—and ultimately, to action.
If you start small, stay consistent, and focus on value, short-form video will quickly become one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit.
These can create fast, meaningful engagement—but it’s just one piece of a well-rounded marketing strategy. At Umbrella, we help businesses combine powerful tactics like short-form video, SEO, content marketing, and digital advertising to drive real results. With local experts across the country and around the globe, you’ll get a dedicated account manager who understands your market and your goals. Schedule a call with a Local expert today to start turning scrolls into clicks and clicks into customers.
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