Running a service-based business and over 40? Video marketing is the secret weapon you may be shying away from. But let’s be real, a talking head can only do so much, no matter how riveting your words. Enter B-roll. This isn’t just pretty filler footage. B-roll is the magic that takes your videos from “meh” to “marvellous”. It’s the dandelion among the weeds, if you will. That’s why last year, I started including it as an offer in all my personal brand photography sessions.

Let’s dig into why B-roll video is your secret weapon in video marketing and how it can make your business pop.

Eye Candy

• Spices up footage with new varied visuals
• Hooks viewers in with ever-changing imagery

Narrative Power

• Brings ideas to life and puts your services on the stage
• Adds depth and relevance to your main story

Editing Ease

• Seamlessly moves between scenes
• Covers up any bloopers or blips in your main footage

Video Benefits for Women Entrepreneurs Over 40

• Proof of Your Prowess

Show off your talents, workflow, and workspace. B-roll backs up your credibility.

• Reaching the Visual Crowd

A lot of your potential clients are visual learners. Video breaks down complex ideas into bite-sized, watchable pieces.

• Putting a Face to the Name

Client interactions, or candid, behind-the-scenes build trust and make you relatable. Your audience wants to meet the real you.

• Time Saver

A stash of B-roll footage speeds up video production for regular content output. You can also repurpose clips in different orders, with different message. Recycle, reuse.

Tips for Winning with B-Roll

• Strategize Your Shots

Make sure your B-roll aligns with your brand message. Show off what sets you apart.

• Get Personal with Your Space

Share footage of client meetings, product demos, or your workspace. Make it real and relatable.

DIY Video Content

Want to start creating your own B-Roll videos without needing a Hollywood budget. Let’s get those visuals blooming!

Smartphone Magic: Your smartphone is more than capable of capturing great B-Roll footage. Just make sure your lens is clean and you shoot in good lighting. I prefer bright, ambient light.

Steady as She Goes: Shaky footage is a no-go. Use a tripod, gimble or even prop your phone against something stable (pop sockets can often act as a hanger). Stability is key to not making your viewers feel like they’re in a windstorm.

Angles and Movement: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Shoot from different angles—get low, go high, and try some slow pans.

Lighting is Everything: Natural light is your best friend. Shoot near windows or in the shade. If you batch create, check the forecast for an overcast day. Avoid harsh midday sun unless you’re looking for a harsh shadowy effect.

Keep it Simple: Don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on capturing the little details—hands typing, a product being used, a casual coffee shop meeting. These snippets add personality without overwhelming your audience.

Editing Basics: Use simple apps like iMovie, CapCut, Canva or InShot to edit your footage. Trim the clips, add some background music and text for final touches.

Accessibility. B-Roll is a great opportunity to add text overlay or captions to your video. The bonus is, as people are reading, your video plays longer, feeding the algorithm.

If you are an entrepreneur just getting started with short form video such as Instagram Reels and want to my quick course DIY Brand Visibility is your how-to guide.

B-Roll as Part of Personal Branding

While these ideas are ways to create and implement your own video, every branding session with Dandelion Digital also includes a series of them. So if you are local to central Nova Scotia, and want to get started without having to do it all yourself, book a shoot!

B-roll isn’t just extra footage—it’s a tool to create compelling, professional, and effective marketing materials. Stand out from the crowd and let your service-based business take the spotlight.

Your brand deserves the limelight, and B-roll is your ticket to more eyes and bigger impact.

Outside Nova Scotia, but wanting to know more about creating your own video. Join my mini digital course, DIY Your Brand Visibility.