7 Types of Commercial Videos to Grow Your St. Louis Business

In today’s digital age, video marketing has become a game-changer for businesses in St. Louis. Whether you're running a small startup or managing an established company, incorporating videos into your marketing strategy can significantly boost engagement and drive growth. Videos not only capture attention but also build trust with potential customers by showcasing your brand's personality and values. The rise of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok has made it easier than ever to connect with local audiences and stand out in the competitive St. Louis market.

This article will explore seven types of commercial videos that can help elevate your business in St. Louis. From brand videos to educational content, each format serves a unique purpose and appeals to different aspects of your audience's needs. Choosing the right type of video is crucial because it ensures your message resonates with viewers while aligning with your business goals. Let’s dive into these formats and discover how they can work together to grow your St. Louis-based business.

Brand videos are designed to introduce your company to the world, focusing on storytelling and showcasing what makes your business unique. These videos often highlight your mission, values, and the people behind the brand. For example, a well-crafted brand video might feature interviews with founders, behind-the-scenes footage, or customer testimonials that reflect your core identity. By creating an emotional connection, brand videos foster recognition and loyalty among viewers, which is especially important in a close-knit community like St. Louis.

To make your brand video resonate with the St. Louis audience, consider tailoring it to local interests and cultural nuances. Highlight landmarks, use regional slang, or feature familiar faces from the area. Additionally, distribute your video through channels where locals spend their time, such as Facebook groups, local news websites, or even outdoor digital billboards. A thoughtfully crafted brand video can set the tone for all future interactions and position your business as a cornerstone of the St. Louis community.

Product demo videos are a powerful tool for explaining how your offerings work and why they matter to your customers. Unlike text-heavy descriptions, videos allow you to visually demonstrate features, benefits, and real-world applications in an engaging way. For instance, if you sell tech gadgets, a demo video could show step-by-step instructions on setup and usage, making it easier for viewers to understand the product's value. This format is particularly effective for retail stores, tech companies, and service providers in St. Louis looking to simplify complex ideas.

To create memorable product demos, focus on clarity and creativity. Use high-quality visuals, concise narration, and relatable scenarios that speak directly to your target audience. For example, a St. Louis bakery could film a demo showing how its signature pastries are made, emphasizing freshness and craftsmanship. By addressing common pain points and answering questions before they arise, you’ll not only educate your audience but also inspire them to take action.

Testimonial and case study videos are essential for building credibility and trust with potential customers. While testimonials feature satisfied clients sharing personal experiences, case studies provide a deeper dive into specific success stories, complete with data and results. Both formats leverage social proof to reassure viewers that your business delivers on its promises. In a city like St. Louis, where word-of-mouth recommendations carry significant weight, these videos can be particularly persuasive.

When sourcing testimonials, aim for authenticity by working with real customers who have had positive outcomes. Encourage them to share genuine emotions and details about their journey with your business. To structure impactful case studies, include challenges faced, solutions provided, and measurable results achieved. For example, a St. Louis fitness center might highlight a client’s transformation story, complete with before-and-after visuals. These narratives not only humanize your brand but also strengthen your reputation within the community.

Explainer videos break down complicated concepts into easy-to-understand visuals and explanations. They’re perfect for businesses offering services or products that require some level of education to fully appreciate. For instance, a financial advisor in St. Louis could use an explainer video to demystify retirement planning, turning a potentially intimidating topic into something approachable. By simplifying information, explainer videos reduce barriers to understanding and encourage viewers to take the next step.

For St. Louis businesses, consider addressing frequently asked questions or common misconceptions in your industry. Topics like navigating local regulations, optimizing home energy efficiency, or choosing the right insurance plan can resonate deeply with residents. Keep animations simple yet professional, and ensure your script speaks directly to the viewer’s needs. Done right, explainer videos can position your business as a trusted resource while driving higher engagement and conversions.

Cultural and company story videos go beyond products and services to reveal the heart of your organization. These videos showcase your team members, office environment, and day-to-day operations, helping viewers connect emotionally with your brand. For St. Louis businesses, this format is an opportunity to highlight local pride and involvement in the community. Whether it’s celebrating employee milestones, participating in charity events, or sponsoring local sports teams, these stories remind customers that your business is part of their neighborhood.

To create compelling cultural videos, start by identifying what sets your workplace apart. Perhaps your team volunteers at food banks, hosts annual festivals, or supports local artists. Capture candid moments that reflect your values and commitment to St. Louis. Not only do these videos attract loyal customers, but they also appeal to top talent seeking meaningful employment opportunities. By humanizing your brand, you’ll foster stronger relationships with both your audience and potential hires.

Short-form videos dominate social media platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, making them ideal for reaching younger audiences in St. Louis. These bite-sized clips are designed to grab attention quickly, often using humor, trends, or eye-catching visuals. Whether you’re promoting a flash sale, sharing a quick tip, or highlighting a fun moment at work, short-form videos keep viewers engaged without demanding too much of their time.

For maximum impact, tailor your content to reflect St. Louis culture and current trends. Incorporate iconic locations, inside jokes, or references to local events. Keep captions snappy and visuals vibrant to maintain interest. Consistency is key—posting regularly helps build anticipation and keeps your audience coming back for more. With the right approach, short-form videos can amplify your reach and establish your brand as a dynamic player in the St. Louis market.

Event and community-focused videos document your participation in local happenings, from trade shows and fundraisers to volunteer efforts and holiday celebrations. These videos not only celebrate your contributions but also demonstrate your investment in St. Louis’s growth and well-being. For example, filming your booth at a farmers’ market or capturing highlights from a charity gala reinforces your role as an active member of the community.

To maximize the impact of these videos, focus on authenticity and inclusivity. Feature diverse participants, emphasize shared values, and highlight the positive outcomes of your involvement. Share these clips across social media and email newsletters to extend their reach. Over time, event and community videos will enhance your brand’s reputation, fostering goodwill and deepening connections with St. Louis residents.

Educational and tutorial videos position your business as a knowledgeable authority in your field. By providing valuable insights and practical advice, you address pain points and answer questions that matter to your audience. For St. Louis businesses, this could mean creating content around seasonal topics, such as winterizing homes or preparing gardens for spring. Offering expertise builds trust and encourages viewers to turn to you when they need solutions.

Consider tackling subjects that reflect local interests and challenges. For instance, a landscaping company might offer tips on planting native flowers, while a real estate agency could explain zoning laws unique to St. Louis neighborhoods. Use clear language, step-by-step instructions, and visuals to make learning enjoyable. By consistently delivering useful content, you’ll solidify your status as a go-to expert and generate long-term loyalty among your audience.

Selecting the best video type depends on several factors, including your business goals, target audience, industry, and budget. If you’re aiming to increase brand awareness, start with a brand video. Need to explain a complex service? An explainer video might be more suitable. It’s also worth considering multiple formats to cover different aspects of your marketing strategy. For instance, pairing a product demo with customer testimonials can create a comprehensive narrative that drives conversions.

A blended approach allows you to experiment and refine your strategy over time. Start small by testing one or two formats, then analyze performance metrics to determine what works best. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—what matters most is aligning your video content with your overall objectives and ensuring it resonates with the St. Louis community. With careful planning, you can craft a winning video strategy tailored to your business’s unique needs.

To gauge the effectiveness of your commercial videos, track key metrics such as views, watch time, engagement rates, click-throughs, and conversion numbers. Views indicate initial reach, while watch time shows how long viewers stay engaged. Engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares reveal audience interaction, while clicks and conversions measure whether your video inspires action. Together, these indicators paint a clear picture of your video’s impact.

Several tools can help you monitor and optimize performance. Platforms like Google Analytics, YouTube Studio, and social media insights provide detailed reports on viewer behavior. Additionally, A/B testing different versions of your videos can uncover which elements resonate most with your St. Louis audience. Regularly reviewing data enables you to tweak your strategy, improve future content, and achieve better results over time.

Producing high-quality commercial videos begins with thorough planning. Start by defining your goals, target audience, and key messages. Write a clear script and storyboard to guide production, ensuring every element aligns with your vision. When sourcing talent or partners, look for professionals experienced in working with St. Louis businesses—they’ll understand the local vibe and nuances that make your content authentic. Collaborating with skilled videographers, editors, and voiceover artists can elevate your project significantly.

Once your video is ready, optimize it for various platforms. Tailor formats and dimensions to fit social media requirements, embed videos on your website , and include captions for accessibility. Consistent branding—such as logos, colors, and fonts—ties everything together and reinforces recognition. Finally, promote your videos strategically through paid ads , email campaigns, and partnerships with local influencers. With a thoughtful approach, you’ll create impactful content that drives growth for your St. Louis business.

For small businesses, testimonial videos, product demos, and social media shorts tend to deliver the highest ROI. Testimonials build trust, demos clarify value, and short-form videos engage quickly—all critical for standing out in competitive markets like St. Louis.

Costs vary widely based on complexity, length, and production quality. Simple videos may range from $500 to $2,000, while professional-grade projects can exceed $10,000. Factors like equipment, crew size, and post-production editing influence pricing. Many businesses opt for mid-range options that balance quality and affordability.

Absolutely! Videos boost SEO by increasing dwell time on pages and signaling relevance to search engines. Embedding videos on your site can also lower bounce rates and encourage visitors to explore further. Plus, platforms like YouTube drive additional traffic through optimized titles, tags, and descriptions.

Ideal lengths depend on format and platform. Social media videos thrive under 60 seconds, while explainer or product demos typically range from 1-3 minutes. For longer formats like brand stories, aim for 3-5 minutes max to maintain attention spans.

Distribute videos via websites, social media channels, paid advertising , email newsletters, and collaborations with local influencers or organizations. Each channel reaches different segments of your audience, amplifying visibility and engagement across St. Louis.

From brand videos to educational tutorials, the seven types of commercial videos outlined here offer versatile ways to grow your St. Louis business. Each format serves a distinct purpose, whether it’s building recognition, simplifying complex ideas, or fostering community ties. Investing in video marketing not only enhances your online presence but also strengthens your connection with the local audience, setting you apart from competitors.

Now is the time to assess your marketing strategy and identify areas where video can make the biggest impact. Use the insights from "7 Types of Commercial Videos to Grow Your St. Louis Business" as your blueprint to create compelling content that drives results. Take the first step today—your business’s future growth depends on it!