Video marketing ads has completely reshaped how businesses reach their audiences. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, catching up on YouTube, or browsing your favorite website, video ads are everywhere. And they’re not just filler content—they’re a goldmine for businesses looking to boost brand awareness, generate leads, and increase sales.
For St. Louis businesses, video marketing ads are an essential tool to stand out in a competitive market. Whether you’re a local shop, a franchise, or a service provider, the right video ad campaign can attract more eyeballs and drive results. In this blog, we’ll explore why video marketing ads matter, break down the different types of video ads, and share best practices for running successful campaigns.
Why Video Marketing Ads Matter
Let’s face it: the world loves video. Whether it’s a funny cat clip, an informative how-to, or a heartwarming commercial, video content is king. Studies show that 84% of people have been convinced to make a purchase after watching a brand’s video. That’s powerful stuff.
But what makes video marketing ads so effective? For starters, they’re engaging. Video allows you to tell a story, evoke emotions, and create a connection with your audience that static images and text can’t always achieve. Plus, video content is more likely to be shared, commented on, and remembered by viewers, giving your brand a bigger presence across platforms.
For businesses in St. Louis, this means one thing: video ads are a game-changer when it comes to capturing the attention of local customers. Whether your goal is to drive foot traffic, promote an event, or build brand loyalty, video marketing ads can make it happen.
The Types of Video Marketing Ads You Should Know
There are several types of video marketing ads to choose from, and each one serves a different purpose. Depending on your business goals and audience, some types may be more effective than others. Let’s break down the most popular formats.
1. In-Stream Video Ads
In-stream ads are the video ads you see playing before, during, or after a video on platforms like YouTube and Facebook. These ads can be skippable or non-skippable, depending on the platform’s format and your campaign objectives.
For businesses in St. Louis looking to build brand awareness, in-stream ads are a great option because they’re shown to users while they’re already engaged in watching videos. This format works particularly well for short, attention-grabbing ads that highlight your product or service.
2. Social Media Video Ads
Social media is where the magic happens when it comes to video marketing ads. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn have become prime real estate for brands to showcase video content. The beauty of social media ads is that they can be hyper-targeted. You can customize who sees your ad based on demographics, location, interests, and behaviors.
For local St. Louis businesses, this is a game-changer. Want to target young professionals in the Central West End or families in Kirkwood? Social media platforms allow you to zero in on your ideal audience and deliver ads that are relevant to their needs.
3. Outstream Video Ads
Outstream ads are a bit different from the typical in-stream format. These are video ads that appear outside of a video player—like within a news article or between sections of a website. They’re often autoplayed as users scroll through content.
Outstream video ads work particularly well for driving brand awareness, as they don’t interrupt a video someone is already watching. Instead, they catch the viewer’s eye while they’re consuming other content. If your goal is to increase your local presence in St. Louis without being intrusive, outstream ads are a good fit.
4. Shoppable Video Ads
Shoppable video ads take video marketing to the next level by allowing viewers to purchase directly from the video. These ads often feature clickable elements that viewers can use to explore products and make purchases without leaving the platform.
Imagine you’re running a boutique in downtown St. Louis, and you want to showcase your latest clothing line. A shoppable video ad could feature models wearing your products, and viewers could click directly on the items to purchase them. This seamless shopping experience can significantly boost conversions and reduce the steps between seeing an ad and making a purchase.
5. Story Ads
If you’re active on Instagram or Facebook, you’ve likely seen (and engaged with) story ads. These vertical, full-screen ads appear between stories that users are already viewing. They’re designed to feel native to the platform, meaning they look and feel like organic content rather than an interruption.
For St. Louis businesses looking to promote events, highlight special offers, or run time-sensitive campaigns, story ads are an excellent option. Their immersive format makes them incredibly effective for driving clicks and conversions.
6. Interactive Video Ads
Interactive video ads take user engagement to a whole new level by allowing viewers to interact with the video itself. These ads may feature clickable hotspots, quizzes, or polls that encourage viewers to actively participate rather than passively watch.
For businesses in St. Louis looking to engage their audience in a fun and memorable way, interactive video ads are worth exploring. Whether you’re a restaurant offering a menu quiz or a fitness studio showing an interactive workout, these ads can create a unique, hands-on experience for potential customers.
Best Practices for Creating Effective Video Marketing Ads
Creating a video ad is one thing, but making sure it’s effective is another. To help you get the most out of your video marketing ads, here are some key best practices to keep in mind.
1. Hook Your Audience Fast
In the world of video ads, you’ve got about 5 seconds to grab someone’s attention. That means the first few moments of your ad are crucial. Whether it’s a bold statement, an unexpected visual, or an intriguing question, start strong to prevent viewers from scrolling past.
For St. Louis businesses looking to stand out in a crowded market, consider including something local in your hook. A nod to the Gateway Arch, a mention of St. Louis Cardinals fandom, or a shoutout to a local neighborhood can immediately capture interest from the local community.
2. Keep It Short and Sweet
Most video ads perform best when they’re under 30 seconds. That’s because shorter ads hold viewers’ attention longer and are more likely to be watched in full. Of course, there are exceptions—if you’re telling a detailed story or offering an in-depth explanation, longer videos might be necessary—but, in general, keep it concise.
Make every second count, and remember that video marketing ads are about delivering a message quickly and efficiently.
3. Optimize for Mobile Viewing
Most people are consuming video content on their mobile devices, so it’s essential that your ads are mobile-friendly. That means using vertical or square video formats, ensuring text is easy to read on small screens, and keeping your message simple.
For businesses in St. Louis, mobile optimization is key for reaching on-the-go locals. Whether someone’s scrolling through Instagram while grabbing a coffee at a St. Louis café or checking Facebook while waiting for the Metro, you want your ad to be visually appealing and easy to digest.
4. Include a Clear Call to Action
Your video ad should always end with a strong call to action (CTA). Whether you want viewers to visit your website, sign up for a newsletter, or claim a special offer, make it crystal clear what the next step is. Without a CTA, viewers may enjoy your video but be left wondering what to do next.
For St. Louis businesses, including a local offer in your CTA—such as a discount for residents or an invitation to a nearby event—can drive more action and make your ad feel more personal to the audience.
5. Leverage Targeting and Analytics
One of the biggest advantages of video marketing ads is the ability to target specific audiences and measure your results. Whether you’re using geo-targeting to focus on St. Louis or tracking engagement metrics, use data to inform your ad campaigns.
Targeting features allow you to reach specific neighborhoods in St. Louis, while analytics help you fine-tune your campaigns based on what’s working (and what’s not). By paying attention to key metrics like click-through rates, video views, and conversions, you can continuously improve your video ad performance.
Why Video Marketing Ads Are Perfect for St. Louis Businesses
If you’re a business owner in St. Louis, you’re likely already aware that the local market is competitive. From unique restaurants to innovative startups, St. Louis is full of companies vying for attention. Video marketing ads give you the edge by allowing you to connect with your audience on a more personal level.
With so many different types of video ads available, from in-stream to social media ads, there’s no shortage of ways to reach potential customers in the St. Louis area. Whether you want to promote a new product, drive attendance to an event, or build brand awareness, video ads can help you achieve your goals.
Ready to Supercharge Your St. Louis Business with Video Marketing Ads?
At Piper Media Group, we specialize in creating engaging, high-quality video ads that capture attention and deliver results. Whether you’re looking to run a local campaign in St. Louis or expand your reach, our team can help you craft the perfect video ad strategy.
Contact us today to find out how video marketing ads in St. Louis can take your business to the next level.
