🥤 Grab a Dr. Pepper. Let's talk viral videos! |
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This week, I came across a story that stopped me in my tracks.
It featured an 18-year-old entrepreneur who recorded a video of himself chugging a can of Dr Pepper and posted it on Instagram. Not exactly the kind of video you'd expect to generate 50 million views and go viral. But it did!
He used that video as an opportunity to demonstrate a product he designed called the Cruise Cup. With one creative video, he turned a simple product into something millions of people wanted to watch. According to Entrepreneur, that attention helped grow his business to as much as $300,000 in monthly sales.
I immediately visited his Instagram page and watched video after video of him doing what he calls a tactical reload with one Dr Pepper after another, keeping two cans ice cold at once. The video was a reminder that successful marketing doesn't always start with a huge budget. Sometimes it starts by finding a better way to show people what makes your business interesting. |
Michael Satterlee posted a video chugging a Dr. Pepper, showing off the can cooler he created on his 3D printer. The video went viral and got 50M views. Now he brings in $300,000 a month at 18 years old. |
You can do this for your business too. Instead of telling customers what you do, show them. Record one short behind-the-scenes video this week that sparks curiosity. Ask yourself, would I stop scrolling to watch this? 👀 If the answer is no, keep brainstorming. Every business has a moment worth sharing. |
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Not sure what kind of videos to create? AI can be a great brainstorming partner, but the quality of the ideas depends on the quality of your prompt. |
You are a social media strategist who specializes in helping small businesses create engaging short-form videos. My business is [describe your business]. My ideal customer is [describe your customer]. Give me 15 short video ideas that create curiosity instead of sounding like advertisements.
I want video scenarios that can only happen in real-life with a human touch and no hint of AI. Each idea should: |
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Take less than 30 seconds to film using only a smartphone.
- Be realistic and tailored to my business.
- Focus on behind-the-scenes moments, satisfying transformations, surprising facts, or common customer questions.
- Start with a strong hook that makes people stop scrolling.
- Include a suggested caption and a simple call to action.
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Present the ideas in a table with these columns: |
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Video idea
- Hook
- What to film
- Caption
- Call to action
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🎥Behind the Scenes - What Nobody Tells You! |
The fear that almost stopped me from hitting record |
If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've probably noticed a growing trend toward faceless marketing. And for many business owners, it's a great place to start. If getting on camera feels intimidating, creating content without showing your face can help you build confidence while still staying visible online. However, I believe there comes a point when customers want to know who's behind the business.
Whether they're hiring you, buying from you, or inviting you into their home, people naturally connect with other people. They want to know who they're doing business with, and video is one of the fastest ways to build that trust. |
If you’re hesitant about getting in front of a camera, I completely understand. I’ve been there myself.
When I first started creating videos, I was far more focused on myself than on the message I was trying to share. After watching hours of footage while editing, I started noticing little things I had never paid attention to before. Like many people, I became my own toughest critic.
Since smartphones, video calls, and social media have become part of our everyday life, we have the ability to replay every word, expression, and gesture. It's no wonder we notice imperfections that no one else sees. The reality is that your audience isn't looking for perfection. They're looking for someone knowledgeable, genuine, and passionate about helping them solve a problem.
If you've been putting off video because you're waiting to feel confident, here are three things that helped me. |
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Top three tips to get more comfortable on camera 1. Stop chasing perfect.
Your goal isn't to look like a news anchor. It's to be yourself. People relate to authenticity far more than perfection. 2. Practice without posting.
Record a one-minute video every day for a week. Don't post any of them. Just get used to seeing and hearing yourself. 3. Remember why you're doing it.
Every video isn't about you. It's about helping a customer solve a problem, showing them your product or service, and showcasing what your business does best. When you shift your focus from yourself to your audience, the camera becomes a lot less intimidating. |
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A challenge for you this week: Record one short video. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be real. Remember, done is better than perfect. Press record and be yourself. |
📈 Business activity picked up in July The U.S. economy showed stronger business activity in July, driven by growth in the services sector and an increase in new customer demand. That's an encouraging sign for many small businesses for the second half of the year. 💼 Small businesses are hiring again
The latest QuickBooks Small Business Index found that revenue increased across most industries in June, and employment trends continue to improve in many regions. While growth varies by location and industry, it's another positive signal that many small businesses are gaining momentum. 🤖 AI adoption keeps accelerating More small businesses are using AI to save time on everyday tasks like marketing, customer service, and content creation. As AI tools become easier to use, businesses that learn how to incorporate them into daily operations could gain a competitive edge. |
🎧 How I Built This with Guy Raz
If you're looking for something to listen to on your morning commute, this podcast is worth adding to your queue. Guy Raz sits down with the founders behind well-known companies to uncover what really happens behind the scenes. The conversations cover the setbacks, pivots, and difficult decisions that help shape their businesses, making the lessons just as valuable as the success stories.
Best for: Business owners looking for fresh ideas, motivation, and a reminder that every successful company started somewhere. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. |
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What I’m Reading This Week |
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Should my business participate in tax-free weekend? |
Back-to-school shopping is one of the biggest retail events of the year. Whether you own a boutique, bookstore, sporting goods store, or another retail business, you may be wondering if you should participate in your state's tax-free weekend. The short answer?
If your state offers a sales tax holiday and you sell qualifying items, the decision is usually made for you. In most states, retailers are required to honor the sales tax exemption on eligible purchases. The bigger question isn't whether you should participate. It's how you can make the most of it. |
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Here's how to prepare: ✅ Know your state's rules. Every state sets its own dates, eligible products, and price limits.
✅ Tell customers ahead of time. A few social media posts or an email campaign can remind shoppers you're participating. ✅ Train your team. Make sure employees know which items qualify so checkout goes smoothly. ✅ Think beyond tax-free items. Shoppers often buy additional products while they're in your store. Consider merchandising complementary items nearby. |
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The final take
Tax-free weekend isn't just about saving customers a few dollars in sales tax. It's an opportunity to welcome shoppers who are already planning to spend money. A little preparation can help turn a busy shopping weekend into new customers who come back long after school starts. |
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Tax-free weekends aren't nationwide. Every participating state sets its own dates, qualifying products, and price limits. Some states don't offer a sales tax holiday at all. Not sure if your state has a sales tax holiday?
Check out the Federation of Tax Administrators list that breaks down all 50 U.S. states and the dates you can shop tax-free. |
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I’d love to hear from you
Was there something that resonated with you, or is there a topic you'd like me to cover in a future issue? Feel free to reach out to me anytime at rayanne.harmon@technologyadvice.com |
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| Senior Small Business Writer and Entrepreneur |
Rayanne Harmon is an entrepreneur and finance professional with decades of experience building businesses while working in banking, accounting, and business finance. Inspired by a family of entrepreneurs, she successfully owned and operated a photography studio for 20 years before launching a social media marketing agency dedicated to helping small businesses grow. Through Small Business Insider, Rayanne shares practical advice, real-world insights, and actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting, managing, and growing a successful business.
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