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Four tips for creating a winning promo

Young child wearing a flat cap and t-shirt holds a megaphone to their mouth, appearing to shout or speak loudly. The background is an out-of-focus brick wall. The image is in black and white. | sjhstudios

In today’s fast-paced digital world, video remains one of the most powerful marketing tools for businesses. A well-crafted promo can win over audiences, communicate your brand’s values and drive real results. But with so much content out there, how do you make sure your film stands out?

Whether you’re showcasing a new product, sharing your brand story or trying to boost awareness, we’ve put together four essential tips to creating a promo video that packs a punch.

1. Start with a clear purpose

Before you hit record – or even start on a script – define the goal of your promo video. Are you introducing your brand to new customers? Launching a product? Trumpeting a recent development or success?

Clarity at this stage will shape every other creative decision, from tone to format to distribution strategy. A video trying to drive sales will look and feel very different from one that aims to build brand awareness.

Start by asking:

  • Who is your target audience?
  • What action do you want them to take after watching?
  • What emotions or ideas do you want to leave them with?

Once you’re clear on your purpose, crafting a compelling narrative becomes much easier.

2. Keep it short, snappy and focussed

Attention spans are short, especially online. The key is to communicate your message quickly and effectively without overwhelming viewers with too much information.

Here’s a simple breakdown of steps to consider:

  • Hook the viewer with a compelling visual or question
  • Present the problem and your solution (i.e., your product or service)
  • Highlight key benefits, features or testimonials
  • End with a strong call to action

If it takes forever to explain what your company does, the problem isn’t the video length, it’s the messaging. Focus on what matters most to your audience.

3. Tell a story, don’t just sell

People don’t connect with products, they connect with stories. That’s why storytelling is one of the most effective ways to engage your audience emotionally.

Instead of just listing features or company milestones, wrap your message in a narrative. It could be a customer success story, a behind-the-scenes look at your team or a visual journey of how your solution makes life easier.

Good storytelling includes:

  • A relatable character or situation
  • A problem or challenge
  • A transformation or resolution (your brand as the enabler)

Even in a short promo, a simple narrative arc can go a long way towards building trust and resonance.

4. End with a clear call to action

Every promo video should guide the viewer toward a next step, whether that’s visiting your website, signing up for a free trial or booking a call.

Your call to action (CTA) should be:

  • Direct and specific (“Download the app now” or “Schedule your demo today”)
  • Visually clear (on-screen text or a clickable button if hosted online)
  • Consistent with your goal and tone

Don’t leave your audience wondering what to do next. A strong CTA ensures your video isn’t just engaging – it’s effective.

The wrap

An engaging promo video doesn’t just look good – it tells a story, delivers a clear message and drives results. By focusing on your purpose, keeping things concise, using storytelling and ending with a CTA, you can create a film that not only captures attention but moves people to action.

In a digital landscape saturated with content, the companies that communicate with clarity, creativity and authenticity are the ones that stand out. Make your message count.

Got a project you’d like to discuss with us? Get in touch.

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