How Crafters Can Use B-Roll Content to Grow Their Platform and Sell Their Products
In the fast-paced world of digital content, crafters need to stand out. While tutorials and project reveals are crucial, one of the most underrated tools is b-roll content. When used strategically, b-roll can elevate your brand, grow your platform, and help you sell more products. Here’s how b-roll can work for you as a crafter.
What is B-Roll Content?
B-roll refers to the extra footage that enhances your main video content. It could be close-up shots of your crafting process, atmospheric clips of your workspace, or even the tools you use. This supporting footage makes your content more engaging, professional, and polished.
Why B-Roll is Important for Crafters
- Tells a Story: People connect with stories. Instead of just showing the end result of your project, b-roll helps narrate the journey of creation—what inspired you, the tools you used, and the challenges you overcame. This makes your content more relatable and authentic.
- 2. Highlights Products: B-roll is a subtle yet effective way to showcase the supplies or tools you sell. For example, close-up shots of glitter card stock being cut or adhesive foam squares being applied will naturally attract potential buyers.
- 3. Builds Trust: Showing behind-the-scenes footage establishes credibility. It shows that you are a skilled professional, and viewers will be more inclined to trust your products and advice.
- 4. Enhances Tutorials: While talking through a process, b-roll allows you to cut away to detailed, visually appealing shots that make your tutorial easier to follow and more engaging.
- 5. Engages Your Audience: Studies show that content that teaches something, makes people laugh, or taps into nostalgia generally gets more shares and engagement. Adding b-roll that covers these angles can help your content go viral.
30 B-Roll Video Ideas for Crafters
- Close-up of hands cutting card stock.
- Paint being mixed on a palette.
- Glitter being sprinkled onto a project.
- Unboxing craft supplies (like xTool lasers or Cricut machines).
- Time-lapse of a project in progress.
- Close-up of glue being applied to an intricate piece.
- Vinyl being peeled away after being cut.
- Craft room tour with slow pans over your tools and supplies.
- Heat press being used for a custom T-shirt.
- Detailed shot of laser engraving wood ornaments.
- Showcasing an empty workspace turning into a crafting zone.
- Stack of materials ready for a project.
- Gluing pieces together with foam squares.
- Wrapping a handmade party decoration.
- Adding the final touches to a completed craft.
- A day in the life of a crafter—short clips of your routine.
- Setting up a new craft tool (e.g., unboxing an xTool machine).
- Scrolling through your craft ideas or inspiration book.
- The process of cutting acetate sheets for a new design.
- A full shot of your craft table covered with various supplies.
- Time-lapse of cleaning up your workspace after a busy crafting session.
- Personalized ornaments hanging on a tree.
- A “fail” clip of something not working right—humor always wins!
- Packing and shipping an Etsy or website order.
- Candid shots of your workspace at different times of the day.
- Glitter being blown away in slow motion.
- Writing product descriptions for your craft website.
- Your phone or tablet playing a crafting tutorial while you create.
- Preparing for a craft show—loading supplies, setting up a booth.
- A clip of your hand reaching for frequently used craft tools in slow motion
These are there examples of b-roll content that I’ve used.
How to Use B-Roll to Grow Your Platform
Elevate Your Tutorials: Tutorials are one of the most popular forms of crafting content. By adding b-roll of your workspace, tools, and intricate steps, your tutorials will feel more professional and polished. This keeps viewers engaged and eager to watch more of your content.
2. Repurpose Content: Already have a stash of videos? Pull b-roll from those for new content! You can combine b-roll from different projects to create a “Behind the Scenes” or “Crafting Inspiration” video that gives viewers a peek into your creative process.
3. Increase Engagement with Humor and Nostalgia: Incorporating humorous or nostalgic b-roll clips into your content will resonate with your audience on a deeper level. For example, adding a playful clip of a crafting “fail” or a nostalgic shot of a vintage craft tool could trigger more shares and comments.
4. Cross-Promote Your Products: If you sell supplies or finished products, use b-roll to subtly promote them. Show footage of your products in use, how they are packaged, how they look, etc. You’re not only teaching viewers about crafting but also showcasing items they can purchase directly from you.
5. Use on Social Media: B-roll is perfect for Instagram stories, Reels, and TikToks, where quick, visually appealing content gets the most traction. Use clips that show your process, your workspace.
Don’t forget a call to action.
A call to action (CTA) is essential in b-roll content because it guides your audience on what to do next, turning passive viewers into active participants. Without a CTA, your beautifully crafted content may entertain or inspire, but it won’t necessarily lead to increased engagement, followers, or sales. A well-placed CTA can encourage viewers to subscribe, follow your social media, check out your products, or share your content. It drives conversions by creating a clear path from watching your video to taking meaningful action that benefits your business.
20 Example Calls to Action for B-Roll Content:
- “Like what you see? Subscribe for more crafting tutorials!”
- “Visit our shop to grab these supplies and start your own project!”
- “Follow us on Instagram for daily craft inspiration.”
- “Want to learn more? Click the link for a full tutorial!”
- “Don’t miss out! Turn on notifications for new videos every week.”
- “Create your own masterpiece—shop our craft materials today!”
- “Share this video with fellow crafters and spread the creativity.”
- “Join our crafting community—follow us on Facebook!”
- “Grab your free downloadable file in the link below.”
- “Tag a friend who loves to craft as much as you do!”
- “Ready to start crafting? Click here to get started.”
- “Leave a comment below and tell us what you’re working on next!”
- “Download our free template and craft along with us!”
- “Visit our Etsy store to shop the featured items!”
- “For more behind-the-scenes content, follow us on TikTok.”
- “Want more tips? Sign up for our newsletter today!”
- “Hit the like button if you love this project.”
- “Check out our latest blog post for more crafting tips!”
- “Need craft supplies? Shop now and get a discount!”
- “Show off your work—use our hashtag and get featured!”
Final Thoughts
B-roll content is a game-changer for crafters looking to grow their platform and increase product sales. It tells a story, builds trust, and adds an extra layer of professionalism that viewers love. Plus, with the right captions and an understanding of what resonates—teaching, humor, and nostalgia—you can boost engagement and connect with your audience on a deeper level. So, grab your camera or phone, start shooting some b-roll, and watch your platform thrive!
