The Intuitive Entrepreneur Community

Proven tips to boost leads, close more sales, and scale service-based businesses

By Roel Hoekstra

Chief AI Advocate

Akela Biz Hub

Welcome to the Intuitive Entrepreneur

Where data driven analysis and gut-instinct come together to build profitable businesses

Hi friends, I'm Roel, a former data analyst turned marketing executive turned "Intuitive Entrepreneur." Over the past 30 years I have built multiple service businesses into successful enterprises across a variety of industries. From management consulting, to financial services, to home services, to not-for-profit organizations.

I spent years diving deep into spreadsheets and dashboards as a data analyst. But I always new the power was in turning data into information and empowering business leaders to make smart decisions. Instinct and gut feel is a great way to point the entrepreneur in the right direction, then having the data to make the decision, make the investment, and execute the plan is what separates the successful from the dreamers.

My focus is on service-based businesses—but what makes it tick isn’t just the data. It’s the gut instinct to see what others don’t, and the discipline to back it with smart, measurable moves.

Here, in this blog and podcast, I explore how you can lead with both insights and intuition.

What Is an Intuitive Entrepreneur?

  • Data-Informed Instincts: You crunch the numbers, spot patterns, then listen to that inner voice.

  • Agile Hypothesis + Gut Testing: Use data-driven testing and gut feel to pivot and iterate.

  • Mindset + Mechanism: Balance creative courage with repeatable, scalable systems.

  • Audience Fit: Great for service businesses that need both creative differentiation and scalable backend execution.

“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses” — Henry Ford

“Intuition is a very powerful thing, more powerful than intellect, in my opinion" — Steve Jobs

Subscribe for free and join other successful entrepreneurs in learning to use data, AI, and smart automations to build profitable businesses.

What you will get:

  • Monthly Newsletter: Packed with practical tips and tools you can use immediately.

  • Free Training: We've produced multiple training programs to show you how to implement AI and automations in your business.

  • Community of Successful Entrepreneurs: We are building out our community of successful entrepreneurs and you get access to that community through webinars and group chats.

Lights Camera Action

Lights, Camera, Growth: A Small Business Owner's Guide to Mastering Video Marketing

March 06, 20243 min read

Introduction:

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, video content has emerged as a key player, especially for small businesses looking to expand their reach. Video marketing offers an engaging way to connect with audiences, tell your brand’s story, and showcase products or services in action. With its ability to captivate and convert viewers into customers, video marketing can be a game-changer for small business growth. In this article, shared by Akela Digital, we will explore how small businesses can effectively harness the power of video marketing.

Explore Different Types of Marketing Videos! 👊

Video marketing comes in various forms, each serving a unique purpose. Explainer videos, for instance, can simplify complex products or services, while testimonials can build trust by showcasing satisfied customers. Product demos are great for highlighting the features and benefits of what you’re selling. Each type offers a unique way to engage different segments of your audience and cater to their specific interests or needs.

1. Tailor Videos to Your Audience

The success of video marketing largely depends on how well the content resonates with your target audience. Understanding who your viewers are, what they need, and what interests them is crucial. Creating video content with your audience in mind ensures that your message is relevant and impactful. Tailored videos can effectively address the specific concerns, desires, or interests of your audience, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.

2. Set a Strategic Budget

Effective video marketing requires strategic budgeting. Even with limited resources, small businesses can produce quality videos by planning finances wisely. Consider the cost of equipment, editing software, and potential professional fees when setting your budget. Allocating resources wisely ensures you can produce consistent, high-quality content without straining your finances.

3. Build your Team of Video Professionals

Sometimes, enlisting the help of professionals can take your video content to the next level. Videographers, editors, and scriptwriters bring expertise that can significantly enhance the quality of your videos. Their skills in storytelling, visual aesthetics, and editing can transform a simple video into a compelling piece of marketing content. Investing in professional assistance can be worthwhile for creating standout videos that capture and retain viewer attention.

4. Use Content to Boost Your Marketing

Integrating video content into your broader content marketing strategy can amplify its impact. Videos complement other forms of content like blogs, infographics, and social media posts. They can provide a more dynamic and engaging way to present information and interact with your audience. This integration ensures a cohesive and comprehensive marketing approach that leverages the strengths of various content types. Use websites like Cornerstone Content to learn more about how to craft engaging content for your audience.

6. Locate the Right Platforms

Choosing the right platforms to publish your videos is crucial for maximizing their reach. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Google Business Listings offer vast audiences and different ways to engage viewers. Understanding the strengths and audience demographics of each platform can help you strategically distribute your videos for optimal visibility and engagement.

7. Track Your Video's Effectiveness

To gauge the success of your video marketing efforts, tracking and analyzing key metrics is essential. Metrics such as view count, engagement rate, and conversion rate provide insights into how your videos are performing. These analytics can inform future strategies, helping you refine your approach and create more effective videos over time.

Mastering video marketing is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, but the potential rewards for small businesses are immense. From choosing the right type of video to budgeting, seeking professional help, integrating videos into your overall strategy, selecting appropriate platforms, and tracking success, each aspect plays a crucial role. By embracing these strategies, small business owners can enhance their brand, connect more deeply with their audience, and drive growth in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Other resources to help you become a better marketer:

How A.I. will change marketing in 2024 (click here).

blog author image

Roel Hoekstra

Roel Hoekstra - President of Akela Digital.

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