Dominate LinkedIn with Short Videos: Expert Tips for Entrepreneurs

LinkedIn is evolving, and short videos are taking center stage. As a platform traditionally dominated by text-based content, introducing short videos marks a significant shift. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to build a powerful personal brand, mastering LinkedIn short videos is no longer an option – it's a necessity.

With nearly a million followers on LinkedIn and over 425,000 LinkedIn newsletter subscribers, our very own Shanee Moret has had a front-row seat to the platform's evolution: The rise of short videos is undeniable. LinkedIn is transforming into a visually-driven platform, and those who embrace this change will reap the rewards.

Why Short Videos Matter

LinkedIn’s new video tab is a game-changer. It’s essentially a TikTok-like experience within a professional networking platform. This means your content can be discovered by a wider audience, even if they’re not following you.

• Increased visibility: Short videos can boost your reach and help you connect with new audiences.
• Enhanced engagement: Videos tend to have higher engagement rates than other content formats.
• Stronger personal brand: Consistent short video content positions you as a thought leader in your industry.
• Improved lead generation: Engaging videos can drive traffic to your website and generate leads.

Best Practices for LinkedIn Short Videos

To maximize the impact of your short videos, follow these essential principles:

Shoot vertically 

Vertical videos are optimized for mobile viewing, which is how most people consume content on social media.
Tips:

• Use your phone in portrait mode for all your short video recordings.
• Consider investing in a smartphone stabilizer for smoother footage.
• When repurposing horizontal videos, use video editing software to crop and adjust the aspect ratio.
• Ensure your subject is centered and well-lit.

Keep it concise

Attention spans are short. Get to the point quickly by aiming for video lengths between 45 seconds and two minutes.
Tips:

• Plan your content before recording to ensure you deliver your message efficiently.
• Edit out unnecessary footage to maintain a fast pace.
• Use hooks or cliffhangers to encourage viewers to watch the entire video.

Focus on value

Provide educational and inspirational content that resonates with your audience, since it'll make people more likely to engage.
Tips:

• Identify your audience's pain points and offer solutions.
• Share your expertise and insights clearly and concisely.
• Use storytelling to connect with your audience on an emotional level.
• Consider incorporating educational or inspirational elements into your videos.

Get to the point

Grab viewers' attention immediately and deliver your message. Don't waste their time.
Tips:

• Start with a strong hook or question.
• Clearly state the main point of your video within the first few seconds.
• Avoid lengthy introductions or unnecessary filler.
• Use strong transitions between points.

Use captions

Make your videos accessible to a wider audience, including those with hearing impairments or watching videos in noisy environments, and improve engagement.
Tips:

• Use clear and concise captions.
• Ensure captions are synchronized with the audio.
• Use apps like Capcut, Captions, or Opus for accuracy.

Optimize text

The text accompanying your video can influence engagement and discoverability.
Tips:

• Write a compelling caption that summarizes the video's content.
• Use relevant keywords to improve search visibility.
• Include a strong call to action to encourage viewers to take the next step.
• Experiment with different text lengths and formats to see what works best.

Share specific advice

Providing concrete advice helps establish you as an expert and encourages viewers to take action.
Tips:

• Provide concrete examples and case studies.
• Offer step-by-step instructions or checklists.
• Quantify your results whenever possible.
• Avoid vague or general statements.

Avoid excessive branding

Focus on providing value rather than promoting your brand overtly.
Tips:

• Keep your branding subtle and unobtrusive.
• Prioritize content over promotion.
• Use your profile and bio to highlight your brand identity.
• Build trust and credibility through valuable content.

Crafting Compelling Short Video Content

To create short videos that stand out, consider the following:

• Know your audience: Understand their needs, interests, and pain points.
• Tell stories: Share personal anecdotes or case studies to connect with viewers emotionally.
• Experiment with different video styles: Try tutorials, interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more.
• Use eye-catching visuals: Incorporate graphics, animations, and b-roll footage to enhance your message.
• Leverage music: Choose music that complements the mood and tone of your video.
• Collaborate with others: Partner with other creators to reach a wider audience.
• Repurpose content: Transform longer videos into engaging short clips.

Don’t Forget: Measuring your Success

Track key metrics to evaluate the performance of your short videos:

• Impressions: How many people saw your video?
• Click-through rate: The percentage of people who clicked on your video.
• Engagement rate: The number of likes, comments, and shares.
• Conversions: The number of viewers who took a desired action, such as visiting your website or signing up for your newsletter.

LinkedIn short videos are a powerful tool for entrepreneurs looking to build a strong personal brand. By following these best practices and consistently creating valuable content, you can harness the potential of this platform to achieve your goals.

Remember, the key to success is to be authentic, consistent and focused on providing value to your audience. Embrace the opportunity to connect with your followers on a deeper level through engaging short videos. If you want to learn more, join one of our free challenges here!