Here’s what most small business owners in La Crosse don’t realize: Your competitors are already using video. And it’s working.
93% of marketers say video has helped them gain new customers. 87% report that video has directly increased sales. And short-form video content now generates 2.5 times more engagement than any other content format.
If you’re not using video in 2026, you’re not just behind. You’re invisible.
The question isn’t “Should I invest in video?” The question is “Can I afford not to?”
Let’s break down why video isn’t optional anymore—especially for small businesses in Wisconsin trying to compete in a crowded marketplace.
THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE: VIDEO MARKETING ROI IN 2026
Let’s start with hard data. Because if you’re going to invest money in marketing, you need to know it works.
90% of Marketers Report Good ROI from Video
According to the latest industry research, 90% of marketers say video marketing delivers a good return on investment. That number has stayed consistent for the past three years, peaking at 92% in 2023.
Translation: Video works. It’s not experimental. It’s not trendy. It’s proven.
Video Converts 80% Better Than Text
Adding video to your website can boost conversions by up to 80%. That’s not a typo. Visitors who watch a product or service video are 80% more likely to take action—whether that’s booking a call, filling out a form, or making a purchase.
Think about what that means for your business. If your website gets 100 visitors per month and converts 2 of them, adding video could increase that to 3-4 conversions. Same traffic. Better results.
66% More Qualified Leads Through Video
Businesses that use video in their marketing generate 66% more qualified leads per year than businesses that don’t. Not just more leads—better leads. People who engage with video content are more informed, more interested, and more ready to buy.
For small businesses in La Crosse competing against larger companies with bigger budgets, video is the equalizer. It’s how you punch above your weight.
Viewers Retain 95% of Your Message When Delivered via Video
When people read text, they retain about 10% of the information. When they watch video, retention jumps to 95%.
If you’re trying to explain a complex service, showcase your craftsmanship, or differentiate your business from competitors, video is the most effective way to do it. Words alone won’t cut it.
Why 2026 Is the Year to Start (Or Scale) Video
Video marketing isn’t new. But the landscape has shifted dramatically in the past 18 months. Here’s what’s changed—and why it matters for Wisconsin small businesses.
Short-Form Video Dominates Everything
TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels—short-form video is the fastest-growing content format in 2026. And it’s not just for teenagers. Business owners, homeowners, and decision-makers are consuming short-form video at record rates.
77% of marketers say short-form video has the highest ROI compared to any other content format. Videos under 60 seconds earn 50% engagement rates. Videos over 60 minutes? Just 17%.
What does this mean for your business? You don’t need a 10-minute documentary to win attention. You need 30-60 seconds of compelling content that shows what you do and why it matters.
A quick testimonial from a satisfied customer. A 45-second behind-the-scenes look at your process. A 30-second before-and-after transformation. These videos are cheap to produce, easy to distribute, and incredibly effective.
51% of Small Businesses Are Planning to Invest in Video in 2026
According to the latest small business marketing trends report, 51% of small businesses that aren’t currently using video are planning to start in 2026. That’s more than half of your local competition.
If you wait another year, you’re not just behind—you’re irrelevant. The businesses that move now will own the attention. The businesses that hesitate will fight for scraps.
Video Spending Is Increasing 25% Year-Over-Year
Companies are increasing their video budgets by an average of 25% each year. Why? Because it works. When something delivers ROI, you double down.
85% of marketers plan to increase their video marketing spend in 2026. The question isn’t whether video is worth it. The question is how much you’re willing to invest to stay competitive.
AI Has Made Video Production More Accessible
Five years ago, professional video required expensive crews, weeks of editing, and five-figure budgets. Not anymore.
AI-powered tools have democratized video production. Auto-generated captions, AI-assisted editing, and streamlined workflows mean businesses can produce high-quality video without breaking the bank.
But here’s the catch: AI can’t replace strategic thinking. It can’t tell your story. It can’t capture authentic emotion or craft compelling narratives. That still requires a filmmaker who understands your business, your audience, and your goals.
The best approach in 2026? Partner with a production company that blends professional craftsmanship with efficient workflows. You get broadcast-quality results without the bloated timelines or budgets.
“But Do I Really Need Video?”
Let’s be honest. You’re skeptical. You’ve run your business successfully for years without video. Why start now?
Here are the most common objections I hear—and why they don’t hold up in 2026.
Objection #1: “My Business Is Too Local for Video to Matter”
Wrong. Video is especially powerful for local businesses.
Think about how people find service providers in La Crosse. They Google “plumber near me” or “HVAC repair Onalaska” or “dentist La Crescent.” What shows up? Google Business listings. Websites. Reviews.
Now ask yourself: Which business are they more likely to trust? The one with a generic stock photo and a bullet-point list of services? Or the one with a 60-second video showing the owner, the team, and the work they’ve done?
Video builds trust faster than text. It humanizes your brand. It shows you’re real, legitimate, and worth their time.
And here’s the kicker: Google favors video content in local search rankings. Websites with embedded video get higher placement. YouTube videos (which Google owns) show up in search results. If you want to be found locally, video is non-negotiable.
Objection #2: “Video Is Too Expensive”
It can be. But it doesn’t have to be.
A professionally produced brand story video from BLUE TIE PRODUCTIONS starts at $785 for a solo-shooter testimonial and scales up to full campaign packages depending on your needs. Compare that to the cost of a single month of Google Ads or a print ad in a local magazine.
Video is a one-time investment that works 24/7. A Google ad stops the moment you stop paying. A video lives on your website, your social media, your YouTube channel, and your email campaigns indefinitely.
Plus, think about ROI. If one video generates three new clients and each client is worth $5,000 in revenue, that’s $15,000 return on a $5,000 investment. That’s a 300% ROI.
The question isn’t “Can I afford video?” It’s “Can I afford not to have video when my competitors do?”
Objection #3: “I Don’t Know What to Say on Camera”
You don’t have to.
A good video production company doesn’t just show up with a camera and say “Go.” They ask the right questions. They guide you through discovery. They help you figure out what story to tell and how to tell it.
At BLUE TIE PRODUCTIONS, we don’t expect you to be a professional speaker. We expect you to be authentic. We ask questions. You answer them. We capture the good stuff and cut out the rest.
You’re not performing. You’re having a conversation. And that’s what makes great video—honesty, not polish.
Objection #4: “I’m Not Sure Video Will Work for My Industry”
It does. Every industry benefits from video.
Construction and trades? Show time-lapse project builds, before-and-after transformations, or behind-the-scenes crew shots. Homeowners want to see your craftsmanship before they hire you.
Plumbing, electrical, HVAC? Create quick “how-to” videos answering common questions. “Why is my water heater making noise?” or “How do I know if I need a new furnace?” These videos position you as the expert and drive inbound leads.
Medical and dental practices? Patient testimonials and virtual office tours reduce anxiety and build trust. People are nervous about healthcare. Video shows them they’re in good hands.
Retail and hospitality? Showcase your space, your products, your team. Give people a reason to visit in person.
Corporate and professional services? Use video to explain complex offerings, introduce your team, and build credibility.
Every business has a story. Video is how you tell it.
What Types of Video Work Best for Small Businesses in Wisconsin?
Not all videos are created equal. Some formats drive more results than others. Here’s what works in 2026.
<h3>Customer Testimonials</h3>
Nothing builds trust faster than hearing a satisfied customer talk about their experience. A 60-second testimonial is more persuasive than 10 pages of text on your website.
The key? Authenticity. Don’t script it. Don’t over-produce it. Just ask good questions and let the customer talk.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
People want to see how you work. Time-lapse videos of construction projects. Clips of your team solving problems on-site. Quick shots of your process in action.
Behind-the-scenes content humanizes your business. It shows you’re not a faceless corporation. You’re real people doing real work.
Explainer and How-To Videos
These videos answer common questions and position you as the expert in your field.
“How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen in La Crosse?” “What should I look for in a contractor?” “How do I know if I need a new roof?”
These videos drive organic traffic from Google and YouTube. They attract people actively searching for answers—aka qualified leads.
Brand Story Videos
This is the big one. A 90-120 second video that tells your story: who you are, what you do, why you do it, and why people should choose you.
A strong brand story video lives on your homepage, plays in sales presentations, and gets shared on social media. It’s the foundation of your video marketing strategy.
Social Media Reels and Short-Form Content
Quick, punchy, attention-grabbing clips designed for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn. These videos are perfect for staying top-of-mind with your audience without requiring huge production budgets.
The La Crosse Advantage: Why Local Businesses Benefit Most from Video
Here’s what makes La Crosse unique: It’s a competitive market, but it’s not oversaturated yet.
Your competitors in construction, trades, retail, hospitality, and professional services are just starting to use video. That means you have a window of opportunity to establish dominance before everyone else catches up.
In Minneapolis or Milwaukee, video marketing is table stakes. In La Crosse, it’s still a differentiator. The businesses that move now will own the local market for the next five years.
BLUE TIE PRODUCTIONS works exclusively with businesses in La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, La Crescent, and across Wisconsin. We understand the local market. We know what resonates with Midwest audiences. And we specialize in helping small businesses compete with larger competitors through strategic video.
The Bottom Line: Video Isn’t Optional Anymore
Let’s cut through the noise.
If you’re a small business in La Crosse in 2026 and you’re not using video, you’re leaving money on the table. Your competitors are using it. Your customers expect it. The data proves it works.
Video converts better. Video ranks higher in search. Video builds trust faster. Video drives more leads, more sales, and more revenue.
The only question is: When are you going to start?
Ready to Bring Your Business to Life with Video?
At BLUE TIE PRODUCTIONS, we help small businesses in La Crosse and across Wisconsin create video content that actually moves the needle. We’re not a vendor. We’re a strategic partner.
We ask the right questions: What do you actually need? Where does it live? How does it serve your brand? We plan the shoot around your goals, not our shot list.
We shoot in 6K BRAW or ProRes RAW with professional cinema lenses. Your footage is crisp, color-accurate, and ready for any platform—broadcast, social, or big screens.
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