What is B-roll and why you need it for your business

What is B-Roll and Why Does your Small Business Need It?

I don’t know about you, but I keep seeing the term B-Roll popping up all over Instagram.

Understanding B-Roll

B-roll is usually supplementary footage that complements the primary (A-roll) footage in a video. The A-roll is usually the main focus.

So when you think of a documentary the person talking to camera is the main footage, but then they show b-roll while the person is talking over the top of it.

It can include a variety of shots – from close-ups of products to scenes of your workspace, staff at work, or even your local surroundings.

but for the purpose of social media, the b-roll is the most important bit. It can be silly and fun or inspirational and pretty. It can be informational and educational or just set a scenes.

The videos are usually about 10 seconds long and can be used individually, slowed down or speeded up and you can even put multiple videos together. They’re so versatile.

The Importance of B-Roll Videos

  1. Enhances Storytelling: B-roll footage provides a richer, more complete visual narrative. It helps to illustrate your points, showcase your products or services, and give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at your business.
  2. Increases Engagement: Videos with varied and interesting visuals are more likely to keep viewers engaged. B-roll breaks up the monotony of an instagram feed filled with just images or graphics, keeping the content dynamic and interesting.
  3. Improves Professionalism: Using B-roll (from a professional camera) can significantly elevate the production quality of your videos. It gives a polished and professional look, making your small business appear more credible and trustworthy.
  4. Supports Brand Building: B-roll is an excellent tool for reinforcing your brand identity. Whether it’s through showcasing your products, your work environment, or the way your team interacts, these visuals help to build and reinforce your brand image in the minds of your audience.

Ideas for small businesses

  • Product Demos: Showcase your product in action, focusing on its features and benefits.
  • Testimonials: While a client speaks about your service, show what they’re talking about with relevant B-roll.
  • Brand Stories: Tell the story of your business with visuals of your journey, your team, and your daily operations.
  • Social Media Content: Create engaging social media posts, especially for visually-driven platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

B-roll is more than just filler footage; it’s a powerful tool that can enhance your video content and engage your audience. For small businesses, incorporating B-roll into your video marketing strategy can provide a significant edge in a crowded digital marketplace.

Ready to take your small business’s video content to the next level with professional B-roll footage?

Get in touch to see how I can help you create videos that tell your brand’s story in a visually stunning way.

Elevate your brand with B-roll – your audience is waiting to see what you have to offer!

And when you’re ready, here are three ways that I can help you:

1) Visit my blog for tips on VISIBILITY.

Every week I discuss strategies to improve your visibility, get over your fear of visibility and my latest shoots.  Read here

2) Plan a bespoke photoshoot.

We can plan a shoot based on what you actually need (read more) or you could join me at a Branding Day.

3) Join ‘Visibility School’.

Visibility school is a membership group where you get 12 months of photoshoots, a fab little Facebook group and lots of bonus content too (new for 2023 members) . Read 

Filter blog posts

Browse the categories

Business

Brand Photography

B-roll

Hi There!

Meet Maryanne

I’m a 40 (ahem something…) year old Yorkshire woman.

I’ve been self employed for 10 years (and a photographer for 18) and I totally understand how difficult it is to be visible in business.

Whether that’s because of a lack of self confidence, feeling a bit frumpy or the physical side effects of peri-menopause (hot sweats and forgetfulness anyone) – I promise you I’ve seen it all and still get great photos at every photoshoot.

I honestly feel so honoured when people book me, because they believe that I really want the best outcome for you. There’s no point having a fancy photoshoot if it doesn’t feel authentic to you.

My aim for every shoot is to get photos and video that you actually want to share… and I’ll be there in the side lines cheering you on!