Video marketing has become a powerful tool for B2B companies looking to generate leads and increase sales.
Unlike traditional forms of advertising, video content can engage viewers more effectively, convey complex messages quickly, and showcase a brand’s personality.
If you’re looking to boost your B2B sales and lead generation with video ads, here are ten proven tips to help you succeed.
1. Know your audience
Before you start creating video ads, you must understand your target audience. Who are they? What problems do they face, and how can your product or service solve them?
Knowing your audience will help you craft a message that resonates with them. For instance, if you’re targeting IT managers, focus on the technical benefits and efficiency of your solution.
Use language and examples that reflect their daily challenges.
Example: A SaaS company offering a project management tool might target marketing teams in mid-sized companies. The video could highlight how the tool helps streamline campaign planning and collaboration, making it easier for marketing teams to meet deadlines and achieve their goals.
2. Keep it short and engaging
In today’s fast-paced world, people have limited attention spans. B2B buyers are no different. Your video ads should be concise, ideally between 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
The goal is to capture the viewer’s attention quickly and convey your key message before they move on.
Start with a strong hook in the first few seconds to grab attention. Use visuals and animations to make your content more engaging. Keep your message clear and to the point.
Example: A SaaS company providing a data analytics platform could create a 60-second video demonstrating how their software helps businesses gain insights from their data in real-time. The video might use quick animations to show how easy it is to integrate the platform with existing systems.
3. Highlight customer success stories
People trust other people more than they trust companies. Featuring customer testimonials and success stories in your video ads can build credibility and trust.
Show how your product or service has helped other businesses solve their problems and achieve their goals.
Use real customers and real stories. Include data and statistics to back up the claims. Seeing the success of others can convince potential customers that your solution is worth considering.
Example: A SaaS company specializing in customer relationship management (CRM) software could create a video showcasing a client who saw a 30% increase in sales after implementing their CRM. The video could feature a testimonial from the client’s sales manager, explaining how the software made tracking leads and customer interactions more efficient.
4. Show, don’t just tell
Instead of just telling your audience about your product, show it in action. Demonstrations are particularly effective in B2B video ads. Show how your product works and how it can be applied in real-world scenarios.
This visual approach can make your message more compelling and easier to understand.
Use screen recordings, animations, or real-life footage to illustrate the benefits and features of your product. Demonstrations help potential customers see the value of your product, making it easier for them to visualize using it themselves.
Example: A SaaS company offering an email marketing automation platform could create a video demonstrating how users can set up automated email campaigns in just a few clicks. The video might show the user interface, highlight key features, and provide a step-by-step walkthrough.
5. Include a strong call to action
Every B2B video ad should have a clear and compelling call to action (CTA). The CTA tells viewers what to do next, whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a free trial, downloading a whitepaper, or contacting your sales team.
Make sure your CTA aligns with the goal of your video. Use action-oriented language and make it easy for viewers to take the next step. Place your CTA strategically, either throughout the video or at the end, to ensure it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Example: A SaaS company providing cloud-based accounting software might end their video with, “Take control of your finances. Sign up for a free 30-day trial today!”
6. Optimize for mobile devices
More people are consuming video content on mobile devices than ever before. Ensure your B2B video ads are optimized for mobile viewing.
This means using vertical or square formats that fit well on smartphone screens and ensuring that text is large enough to be readable on smaller devices.
Also, consider that many viewers watch videos without sound, especially on mobile. Use subtitles and captions to convey your message even when the sound is off. This makes your video accessible to a wider audience and can increase engagement.
Example: A SaaS company offering a collaboration tool might create a video ad in a square format that includes captions. The video could show how team members can communicate and share files seamlessly using the app, highlighting the mobile-friendly interface.
7. Leverage social proof
Social proof is a powerful psychological concept that can influence decision-making. When people see others using and endorsing a product, they are more likely to trust it and consider using it themselves.
Use social proof in your video ads by showcasing the number of customers you have, client logos, awards, or user-generated content.
Highlighting the popularity and widespread use of your product can reassure potential customers that they are making a good choice. It builds credibility and fosters trust in your brand.
Example: A SaaS company specializing in cybersecurity could create a video featuring client testimonials, alongside a message like, “Trusted by over 5,000 businesses to protect their data,” accompanied by a display of client logos.
8. Use retargeting to engage prospects
Retargeting is an effective strategy to re-engage users who have already interacted with your content but haven’t converted. Use video ads in your retargeting campaigns to remind prospects of your product and encourage them to take action.
Retargeting can be personalized based on the user’s previous interactions, making your video ads more relevant. This personalized approach increases the chances of converting leads into customers.
Example: A SaaS company offering a virtual event platform could use retargeting video ads to show users who visited their pricing page but didn’t sign up for a demo, highlighting features they previously viewed with a message like, “Ready to take your events to the next level? Book a demo today!”
9. Test different video formats
Not all video ads need to follow the same format. Experiment with different types of video content to see what resonates best with your audience.
You can create product demos, explainer videos, customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes footage, or even animations.
Different formats can appeal to different segments of your audience. By testing and analyzing the performance of various video formats, you can find the most effective way to engage your viewers and drive conversions.
Example: A SaaS company that provides workflow automation solutions might test a series of short animation videos explaining different use cases of their software, alongside live-action interviews with satisfied customers, to see which format drives more engagement and leads.
10. Analyze and optimize performance
Finally, continuously monitor the performance of your video ads. Use analytics tools to track metrics like views, click-through rates, conversions, and engagement.
Understanding how your videos perform will help you identify what works and what doesn’t.
Use this data to make informed decisions about future video content. Adjust your messaging, video length, CTA, and other elements based on what resonates with your audience.
Optimization is an ongoing process, and continuously refining your approach will help you generate more leads and sales over time.
Example: A SaaS company offering an employee engagement platform could analyze their video ad campaign data and find that videos featuring customer testimonials have higher conversion rates. Based on this insight, they might decide to produce more testimonial-focused content to drive lead generation.
Conclusion
B2B video ads offer a compelling way to connect with potential customers, showcase your product’s value, and drive more leads and sales.
By understanding your audience, keeping your videos short and engaging, showcasing customer success stories, and leveraging social proof, you can create effective video ads that resonate with your target market.
Don’t forget to include a strong call to action, optimize for mobile, use retargeting, experiment with different formats, and constantly analyze and optimize your video ad campaigns.
Implementing these proven tips will help you maximize the impact of your B2B video ads and achieve your business goals.
PS – make sure to check our InVideo. This way you can create beautiful videos in minutes with just text prompts.