You don’t need to be in entertainment or tech to use video marketing effectively. Whether you’re a dentist, a fitness coach, or a SaaS founder, the right video structure can elevate your brand, increase conversions, and build trust fast.
The secret? Proven video marketing formulas that work regardless of your industry. These frameworks simplify the creative process and help you produce high-impact videos that resonate with your audience.
Let’s break down three timeless video marketing formulas — and how you can apply them starting today.
1. The Problem–Solution–Call to Action (PSA) Formula
This is the most reliable structure in marketing, and for good reason: people are more likely to take action when they see how a product or service solves their problem.
Structure:
- Problem: Identify a pain point your audience struggles with.
- Solution: Show how your product or service solves it.
- Call to Action: Invite the viewer to take the next step (book, buy, subscribe, etc.).
Example (for a cleaning service):
“Still spending your weekends scrubbing floors? Our eco-friendly cleaning pros handle the mess so you can reclaim your time. Book your first cleaning today and get 15% off.”
Why it works:
This formula speaks directly to your customer’s needs, immediately positions your offer as the fix, and ends with a clear CTA. It’s perfect for short-form videos, reels, paid ads, or landing page content.
Pro Tip: Keep the video under 60 seconds and hook the viewer within the first 3 seconds by stating the problem up front.
2. The Before–After–Bridge (BAB) Formula
This structure appeals to transformation. It’s a storytelling format that illustrates how life improves with your product or service.
Structure:
- Before: Show what life looks like without your product.
- After: Show the desired outcome or success.
- Bridge: Explain how your product or service made the transformation possible.
Example (for a fitness coach):
“Before, I struggled to stay consistent with workouts. After working with Coach Sam, I lost 20 pounds and finally feel confident again. His simple 3-step system made it easy to stay on track.”
Why it works:
People love stories of change. This format triggers emotional responses and demonstrates real value. It’s great for testimonials, case studies, or founder origin stories.
Pro Tip: Use client footage or user-generated content to enhance authenticity. Even voiceovers on before/after images work well here.
3. The Hook–Value–CTA Formula
This is a high-engagement formula designed for platforms where attention spans are short (like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts).
Structure:
- Hook: Grab attention fast with a bold statement or visual.
- Value: Deliver a useful tip, insight, or idea.
- Call to Action: Tell viewers what to do next.
Example (for a marketing agency):
“Want more leads without running ads? Here’s one landing page tweak that boosted our client’s conversions by 40%. [Share tip]. Try it out, and follow for more growth strategies.”
Why it works:
This format delivers value upfront, keeping viewers engaged while subtly positioning your brand as the expert. It’s especially effective for thought leadership, tips, or educational content.
Pro Tip: Use captions, jump cuts, or animated text to keep the video visually dynamic.
How to Choose the Right Formula for Your Business
| Formula | Best For | Length |
| Problem–Solution–CTA | Product demos, promotional content | 30–60 seconds |
| Before–After–Bridge | Testimonials, transformations | 60–90 seconds |
| Hook–Value–CTA | Tips, reels, educational content | 15–45 seconds |
Each format can be adapted based on your goal — lead generation, brand awareness, or sales.
Tips to Maximize Results
- Keep it concise: Shorter videos usually perform better, especially on mobile platforms.
- Add captions: Many users watch with sound off.
- Use platform-native tools: Filters, audio, and editing features can boost reach.
- Always include a CTA: Even if it’s just “Follow for more tips,” give viewers a next step.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to reinvent your content strategy — just apply the right structure. These three video marketing formulas are flexible, proven, and adaptable to nearly any business model or industry. Start by picking one that aligns with your current goals and audience preferences, then test, refine, and scale.
With the right message and a simple phone setup, your next high-converting video could be just a formula away.
