Hastings County Video Testimonials

Promotional Video: Hastings County Video Testimonials

Purpose of Project (including anticipated outcomes)

Hastings County formed a collaboration with local videographer and brand storyteller Lavender Lane Media in late 2022 with the ultimate goal of a business retention project. Together, they have since crafted nine testimonials from local business owners that have benefitted from free and confidential business coaching services through Hastings County. With these first-hand stories, other business owners get a glimpse of how the Economic and Tourism Development team can support their growth and inspire business owners to reach out to our Small Business Coordinator. They are also a valuable marketing asset that featured business owners can use to promote their business.

Effectiveness / Meeting Objectives (if known)

To test out the project, we began with an agreement of a series of four videos with the videographer. It went so well that we extended the agreement to include eight more videos. To date, nine testimonials have been completed in total. Since posting the first video in late 2022, Hastings County’s YouTube channel has had 1,980 organic plays.

Challenges & Changes made

Challenges we have faced include the commute time for on-site video shoots. Luckily, the videographer has been accommodating and though it has delayed the project slightly, particularly in the Winter months, scheduling has only minimally been affected. Using a drone on-site has also meant that shoots were at the mercy of weather. However, the videographer has been flexible enough to extend his time or return to the site as needed. As each project is completed and reviewed, the team has collectively tweaked future interview questions asked to ensure it aligns with the ultimate goal of promoting Hastings County Economic and Tourism Development services.

Target Audience (demographics)

The target audience for the testimonial videos is Hastings County small business owners that can benefit from coaching services. Whether they are looking to launch a business from scratch or have an existing business they want to grow, the coaching service is available to them in-person right in their own community. As a large county, the benefit of being able to have staff drive directly to the business owner is highly valued.

Any specifics as detailed in the particular Awards Categories

Not only does the testimonial promote Hastings County Economic and Tourism Development services, but it also provides an opportunity to promote the featured local business. The business owner is welcome to use the video asset in their own marketing materials, such as on their website or social channels , which further extends the viewer reach.

Any details regarding the sustainability of your project.

Sustainability in this project is found in the equipment used by the videographer with low-impact LED lighting, digital processing and circulation, reusable water bottles are used on-site, and project teams are intentionally kept minimal to reduce our carbon footprint from driving as much as possible.

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iN4PttOwxk