Here’s the truth: Your audience wants to be part of your process

Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/business-woman-discussing-in-a-meeting-9034755/

When it comes to online purchases, I’m not alone in relying on reviews and social media for product insights. This trend empowers consumers like us to make informed decisions.

I will jump for joy whenever I see behind-the-scenes videos put up by the creator. It's always a joy to see how the product is being made, witness the process from start to end, and know who I am buying from. It builds trust and connection, allowing the creator to grow a community of like-minded supporters.

After making the purchase, there’s a sense of satisfaction and pride when you go behind the scenes and witness how it is made. It feels like I am taken on a journey and made to be part of it all.

The truth is your audience wants to be part of your process.

I struggled with this for a long time. Why show everyone how your product is being made and expose your secrets?

Let me share a story with you.

I know of two musicians who love to transcribe songs.

Musician A keeps everything to himself and is very afraid of sharing his work and processes because he feels that these trophies of his are only made for him. In short, could you not copy or steal my work?

On the other hand, musician B’s music scores are shared everywhere. Most musicians I know who perform regularly have his scores in their libraries.

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Everyone became curious since everyone was using Musician B’s music scores and spreading them around like wildfire.

“Who is this dude?”

Long story short, musician B is so well known for sharing his music scores and his passion for helping other musicians that he is often hired by touring artists and bands.

Sharing your work or the process behind it can be challenging as it exposes your secrets and weaknesses—I’ve been there, done that.

As a videographer, I took behind-the-scenes videos whenever possible. With my client’s permission, I posted them on my social media pages, and the results were surprising.

By sharing my processes, I helped other potential clients, too. I opened up a world for them to witness how video production was done and how fun it is to work with me because of all the laughter and candid moments captured in my behind-the-scenes video. I had questions pouring in from Instagram asking me about my equipment and techniques. These random followers became good friends with me (online), and some even hired me to do editing work.

Wow.

No one is criticising my cheap ass equipment or correcting my techniques yet. Maybe I’m still a tiny creator with few haters. But still, the outcome outweighs the worries and insecurities.

Sometimes, we tend to overthink things when no one pays attention to us because they have their problems or lives to soldier on.

By facing my fears and showing my work or processes, I open doors to more opportunities and, most importantly, new friends and clients. In hindsight, this might even get me endorsements by well-established brands. Who knows?

If you need to inform your audience about what happens behind the scenes, use this information to your advantage.

If you are camera shy, film your hands working on your products.

If you are camera shy, film your products and narrate over them.

But there’s a downside to everything.

If you are uncomfortable showing too much of your life, focus on why a behind-the-scenes video will help your business. Ultimately, allowing your audience to be part of your process is to connect, make more sales, and build trust and supporters.

It is all about value-adding.

Thanks for reading!