Why Having A Generic Brand Video Is Worse Than No Video

Believe it or not, when I'm not crafting blog posts that tenuously explore the relationship credit unions should have with Beyonce, I spend a lot of my professional life working with brands, helping them connect with their audience through video.

Dissolve Footage recently released a video showcasing the pitfalls of creating a generic brand video and the end results are pretty illuminating.

Where to start - the cheesy scientists with test tubes, the woman with the American flag or the wind fans in the desert? While this video is a bit extreme, these are tropes that we've all seen over and over again - and yes, even credit unions have fallen victim to the dreaded generic branding video.

In my opinion, I'd rather your credit union not have a video at all, rather than have a tired, boring, generic video.  

When you're looking to showcase your credit union through video, the main thing you want to do is give a human side to your institution. Avoid cliches like shots of smiling tellers handing over money to young couples or seasoned men in suits gazing confidently into the camera.

Find out what makes your credit union unique and put the spotlight there. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential member - what info do you want them to walk away with? What emotions are you looking to evoke?

Don't fall victim to the evils of the generic brand video, or worse, one made up entirely of stock images. You're better than that, kid.

What say you? Have you seen some credit union videos that utilize the hallmarks of generic video, but in a great way? Sound off below!

DeAndré

DeAndre Upshaw is a former Young & Free Texas Spokester. He's a marketing professional living in Dallas and a Beyonce enthusiast. DeAndre is the host and executive producer of The State of Awesome. Follow him on Twitter and check out his personal website.