Using Video for Your Business in 2025

In 2025, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face a rapidly evolving marketing landscape where standing out can feel increasingly difficult. While traditional advertising methods remain valuable in many rural areas, video content is rapidly becoming the cornerstone of successful, modern marketing strategies. For SMBs in rural communities—like Jesup, Georgia—leveraging video content isn’t just an optional marketing tactic; it's becoming essential for sustained growth and visibility.

The Power of Video in the Digital Age

The way people consume information has dramatically changed over the last decade. In 2025, videos dominate online spaces more powerfully than ever before. According to Cisco’s Annual Internet Report, by 2025, video will represent 82% of all internet traffic globally, up significantly from 75% in 2020. This data indicates a substantial shift in consumer preference towards video as the primary method of online communication and engagement.

For small-town businesses, video content offers a powerful tool for capturing attention, creating community engagement, and effectively communicating a brand's value. Unlike traditional advertising forms, video can convey personality, authenticity, and emotional resonance quickly and powerfully—qualities deeply valued in smaller, close-knit communities.

Video Drives Real, Measurable Growth

Businesses that incorporate video content into their marketing strategy see tangible results. According to a recent report by Wyzowl (2024), 86% of businesses said video marketing significantly increased their website traffic, while 81% reported a positive impact on sales directly linked to their video marketing efforts. Additionally, 89% indicated that video helped them generate new leads.

These statistics reflect the transformative potential video marketing holds. Whether it's a short, engaging social media post or an in-depth video story about your business, quality video content directly translates to business growth. For small and medium businesses in rural areas, where personal connections and local reputation are critical, video becomes an indispensable medium.

Enhancing Local Engagement

In rural areas, community involvement and local identity hold great significance. Businesses in these regions thrive when customers perceive them as engaged, accessible, and deeply integrated into the local fabric. Video content enables businesses to amplify this local connection in ways that static advertisements cannot.

Imagine short monthly video updates showcasing community involvement, such as sponsoring local events, highlighting customers' testimonials, or celebrating a business milestone. These videos don't just advertise—they connect. They tell stories that build relationships, fostering a sense of belonging among local residents. This approach strengthens loyalty, encourages word-of-mouth referrals, and solidifies a business's standing in its community.

Videos Enhance Online Visibility and Search Rankings

One lesser-known advantage of video content is its power to improve online discoverability. Google's algorithms increasingly prioritize video-rich content. According to Forrester Research, websites that utilize video are 53 times more likely to achieve a first-page ranking on Google. For rural SMBs looking to attract customers from neighboring areas or tourists, being easily found online can significantly impact revenue.

In practical terms, integrating videos onto your website, creating a YouTube channel, or maintaining regular video posts on social media platforms boosts your digital visibility. Businesses that make consistent use of video see significantly improved search rankings, greater online visibility, and increased foot traffic in-store.

Video Content Builds Trust and Credibility

Trust is foundational, especially in smaller communities. Videos humanize a business by allowing customers to see and hear directly from the owners, employees, and other satisfied clients. When local residents can put a face to the name, they’re more likely to trust—and patronize—that business.

This trust-building process is backed by data: HubSpot reports that 84% of customers say they’ve been convinced to purchase a product or service by watching a brand’s video. Videos act as digital handshakes, establishing relationships even before a customer visits the business in person.

Cost-Effective and Scalable

Some rural SMB owners might assume professional video production is prohibitively expensive. However, in 2025, creating quality videos is more affordable and accessible than ever. Advances in camera technology, editing software, and remote collaboration tools mean producing polished, effective video content can fit into almost any budget.

Furthermore, videos created today have lasting value, providing returns long after initial publication. Content can be repurposed and adapted easily for different platforms, reaching diverse audiences without significant additional investment.

Staying Competitive in a Changing Market

As the marketplace evolves, rural businesses are not immune to competition from larger, more digitally-savvy enterprises. For SMBs, particularly in tight-knit rural communities, video marketing can level the playing field, enabling them to compete with more significant brands. Creative, engaging video content makes even the smallest businesses memorable, establishing a brand identity that resonates deeply within the community and beyond.

Steps to Integrating Video into Your Marketing Strategy

If you're an SMB owner looking to embrace video marketing, here’s a simple approach:

1. Start Small, Stay Consistent: Short videos (30–60 seconds) posted consistently to social media keep your audience engaged without significant production burdens.

2. Tell Authentic Stories: Highlight your people, customers, and community connections. Genuine storytelling resonates most deeply with audiences.

3. Include Calls to Action: Encourage viewers to visit your store, attend events, or explore your products online.

4. Measure and Adjust: Monitor engagement metrics—views, shares, comments—and adjust your strategy based on audience feedback and behavior.

Conclusion

For rural SMBs in 2025, video marketing is no longer optional; it’s essential. With compelling video content, your business can significantly enhance visibility, foster stronger local relationships, and drive measurable growth.

Now is the time to leverage video as a foundational element of your marketing strategy, positioning your small or medium business for sustained success in an increasingly digital, video-driven marketplace.