In our last post, we talked about how easy it is to create short videos to show off your work, just a few quick clips from the job site, strung together in under a minute. Great stuff. But what if you’re ready to do a little more? Not a lot more, we’re talking maybe 15 extra minutes per week, and the payoff? Way bigger.
Today, we’re digging into how to create longer-form videos using the exact same jobs you’re already doing. You don’t need new content. You just need to expand what you’re already filming. Think 2 to 4 clips per job, each one lasting between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. That’s it.
Real Work = Endless Content
Here’s the truth: You’ll never run out of marketing material if you focus on the jobs you already do. Every home, every customer, every issue is a new chance to educate and earn trust.
Just like before, these videos don’t need to be scripted. Just speak off the cuff, like you would if your buddy asked you how the job’s going. You’re the expert, just share what you know.
Here’s a Simple Format You Can Follow:
- Walk In and Set the Scene
What are you seeing when you arrive? Talk through your first impressions. Is there visible damage? Weird smells? Sounds? Get the viewer inside the job with you. - Explain the Diagnostic Process
Let them in on how you figure things out. Are you testing pressure? Checking for voltage? Popping open a panel? This is where they realize, “Oh yeah, this person really knows their stuff.” - Break Down the Root Cause
When you find the issue, explain how you know that’s the real problem. It helps build trust and shows you don’t just throw parts at a problem and hope it works. - Educate the Homeowner
Share a few quick tips on how the average person could’ve spotted this issue early or avoided it altogether. This builds goodwill and shows that you’re not just there to collect a check, you care. - Show Off the Final Result
Give them a clean before-and-after. Talk about what you fixed, how long it took, and what made your approach better than a quick patch job. - Teach Customers How to Spot Shoddy Work
This is a great trust builder. Point out the difference between a pro job and a hack job. Show off the details, tight connections, level installs, proper materials, and teach people what to watch out for.
Important Reminder: Always Get Permission Before Filming
Before you ever hit record, make sure you have clear permission from the homeowner. A quick conversation upfront goes a long way. Let them know what you’re filming and where it may be shared.
Just as important, never include anyone in the shot who has not explicitly agreed to be on camera. That includes homeowners, family members, neighbors, or anyone else who happens to be nearby. When in doubt, keep people out of the frame entirely. Protecting privacy builds trust and keeps you out of trouble.
Pro Tip: Lean Into the “Satisfying” Video Trend
One of the big video trends right now is all about satisfying results. That’s why those lawn makeover videos rack up millions of views. A guy shows up to an overgrown jungle of a yard, trims and mows it down, and leaves a perfectly manicured lawn behind. It’s addicting to watch.
You can do the same thing in the trades, and not just visually.
Yes, clean before-and-afters are powerful, but don’t overlook the sound of your work. Auditory satisfaction is a real thing. That means if you show up to a job where something’s squealing, rattling, or slamming, you’ve got gold on your hands.
Here are a few examples:
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- Electrical Panel Makeover: Start with a clip of a chaotic, homeowner-modified panel that looks like spaghetti. Then record the process of ripping it out and redoing it, a quick time-lapse works great here. End with a tidy, pro-level panel that looks clean enough to frame.
- Plumbing Disaster to Pro Job: Film a messy DIY plumbing job, maybe with tape, glue, and a questionable drain setup. Then show the demo process and the final, straight-lined, properly supported replacement. It’s not just impressive, it’s satisfying.
- Noisy Appliance Fixes: Say you’re working on a dryer that’s squealing, thumping, or grinding like a cement mixer. You replace the rollers and belt, clean out the lint buildup, and when you fire it back up, smooth, quiet, and clean. That kind of before-and-after, especially with sound, really hooks viewers.
- Carpet or Rug Cleaning: These videos are some of the most-watched online. You start with a filthy rug covered in years of grime, stains, or pet mess. Then, film the full cleaning and restoration process (scrubbing, rinsing, extracting) until it looks brand new. The transformation is incredibly satisfying and can rack up millions of views.
Here’s a quick example for inspiration. A 51 second video of a small rug being cleaned and it’s already gotten 13M views!
These types of clips are fun to watch, easy to shoot, and they build major credibility with potential customers. Plus, they can generate views, and sometimes even revenue, if you’re posting regularly on platforms like YouTube or TikTok.
Make It a Weekly Habit (With a Backup Plan)
Here’s a smart rhythm to get into: pick two jobs each week to film. Post one, and keep the second one in your back pocket. Don’t delete that unused footage, you’ll thank yourself later.
If you’re out sick, go on vacation, or just have a chaotic week, you’ve got backup content ready to go. Consistency is key with video, and having that spare job filmed gives you breathing room.
So yes, you’ll spend about 30 minutes total filming each week. It may feel like a chore at first, but here’s the upside: once people start to see you consistently, trust builds. And when trust builds, the phone starts ringing. That kind of momentum is hard to beat, and a lot cheaper than buying more ads.
Do This Today:
- Pick two upcoming jobs where you can shoot some footage.
- Use the 6-step format above to guide your filming.
- Watch a few “satisfying” videos online for inspiration.
- Save your backup job footage, you’ll be glad you did.
- Hand everything off to someone who can edit and post it for you.
Important Reminder: Always Get Permission Before Filming
Before you ever hit record, make sure you have clear permission from the homeowner. A quick conversation upfront goes a long way. Let them know what you’re filming and where it may be shared.
Just as important, never include anyone in the shot who has not explicitly agreed to be on camera. That includes homeowners, family members, neighbors, or anyone else who happens to be nearby. And make sure not to film anything that could identify the customer’s home. Avoid things like:
- addresses
- license plates
- street signs
- wide exterior shots that give away the location.
When in doubt, keep things tight on the work itself.
You can keep it simple with a short verbal ask, like this:
Onsite script:
“Hey, would you be okay if I filmed a few short clips of this job while I’m working? It’ll just show the work being done, no people, no address info, and sometimes we use them for training or social media. Totally fine if you’d rather not.”
Or, if you’re sending formal quotes or work authorizations, you can include a line like this:
Quote add-on:
“With your permission, we may record short video clips of the work performed at your property for use in training or marketing materials. No individuals or identifying details (such as addresses or license plates) will be included without explicit consent.”
Being upfront about how you handle video protects your business, respects your clients, and builds the kind of trust that keeps people coming back.

