In this episode of The Engaging Marketeer, Darren interviews Danny DelVecchio, a seasoned video content creator and strategist who has helped numerous businesses leverage video marketing to build their brand, engage audiences and drive results.
Danny discusses his journey from podcasting to becoming a video pro, shares invaluable tips on building confidence in front of the camera, and explores how platforms like Instagram Stories, LinkedIn and YouTube can transform a business’s marketing strategy.
If you’re a business owner or marketer looking to up your video game, this episode is packed with actionable advice and insights to help you succeed.
Darren: I’ve never really understood Instagram stories because, well, I’ve been creating content since the ’90s, and a lot of my content still gets traffic now, like 10-15 years later. The idea of creating something that disappears after 24 hours – why would I do that? Why create something that vanishes when it could continue to generate leads and engagement for years?
Danny: I get that. It’s a different mindset. Instagram Stories aren’t for evergreen content, but they have a specific role. Stories are great for sharing behind-the-scenes moments or trying out content ideas without the pressure of longevity. It’s like having your own reality TV show where people get to know you on a deeper level.
Darren: OK, you’ve got me thinking. I’ll give it a go for at least 30 days as you say. But I want to dive into this—why is video so important for businesses today?
Danny: Video is the number one way to build what they call the “know, like, trust” factor with your audience. There’s no other medium that lets people see your personality, hear your voice, and connect with you like video does. People can see your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, which builds a stronger connection than any other form of content.
Darren: What about those people who hate being on camera? What advice would you give to them?
Danny: Practice. It’s that simple. When I started, I didn’t want to be on camera either. I was a podcaster, so I was comfortable being heard but not seen. A mentor of mine told me, “If you want to make an impact, you’ve got to get on video.” So I started doing Instagram Stories every day. For 30 days, I recorded a 30-60 second video on my phone just talking about something that happened. By the end of that month, I saw a massive improvement. The trick is to watch the first and last videos you’ve recorded after 30 days. You’ll see how much you’ve improved. Even if you only get 1% better with each video, you’re way better after 30 days.
Darren: That’s brilliant advice – comparing the first and the last one. You’ve just given me a new perspective on how to approach it. When you started doing video, did you focus on Instagram Stories right away?
Danny: Yeah, that’s where I began, probably around 2021. I had a small following, and Reels hadn’t been invented yet. Maybe 50 to 100 people would see my stories, but it was enough to build consistency and get comfortable on camera. It was a daily practice, and like anything else, once it becomes a habit, it feels natural. Instagram Stories are great because they disappear after 24 hours. It takes the pressure off. It doesn’t have to be polished. You can experiment with content, show behind-the-scenes stuff, or even test new ideas before committing to making more permanent content.
Darren: I can see the value in that now. I’ve never thought about it like that – using it to try things out. OK, so Instagram Stories are a good starting point for someone new to video?
Danny: Absolutely, it’s a great place to start. But if you’re serious about video marketing, you’ve got to go where your audience is. For me, LinkedIn is my primary platform because 90% of my business comes from there.
Darren: Speaking of LinkedIn, what’s your strategy for using video on there?
Danny: I vary the types of videos I post. I upload long-form videos directly, like tutorials or educational content. Then I mix in shorter clips, often less polished, where I just grab my phone and speak. The key is to add captions because more than 50% of people watch videos with the sound off. I like to keep it a mix of highly-produced videos and more authentic, raw clips.
Darren: Do you use YouTube as well?
Danny: Yes, but I’m late to the game. I started my channel in December of last year. My goal this year is to post 100 long-form videos. YouTube is more about building a library of content that I can direct people to when they have questions or need resources.
Darren: You mentioned varying your content on LinkedIn. Do you recommend always including a call to action?
Danny: Definitely. It doesn’t have to be pushy. You can use stories of how you’ve helped clients. For example, you can say, “I worked with a client who struggled with X, we did Y, and now they’ve achieved Z.” And then, offer to help others by saying, “DM me the word ‘easy’ if you want to chat about how I can help you.” It’s subtle, but effective.
Darren: I love how you said being contrary can help attract the right audience. I’ve had conversations where people are scared to reveal personal quirks, thinking it will drive people away.
Danny: Exactly. Your unique personality will repel people who aren’t your tribe, and that’s a good thing. The ones who resonate with you will be the clients you want to work with. Authenticity is key.
Darren: Selling on video can feel awkward for some. Do you have any tips on how to bridge that transition from content to call to action?
Danny: Keep it casual and seamless. Tell a story about a client, and then say something like, “If this sounds familiar, DM me the word ‘easy,’ and we’ll chat about how I can help you.” It feels natural and doesn’t disrupt the flow of your content.
Darren: You’ve convinced me. I’ll give Instagram Stories a try, and I’ll definitely think about how I structure my LinkedIn videos from now on.
Danny: Yeah, start with 30 days of Instagram Stories. You’ll see a big difference. Even experienced people like yourself can benefit.
Darren: Alright, we’re running out of time. If someone wants to work with you, how can they reach you?
Danny: The best way is to find me on LinkedIn – just search for Danny DelVecchio. You can also visit my website, CoachDannyD.com, and click the “Work with Me” button to book a call.
Darren: I’ll make sure to include all the links in the show notes. Thanks so much for being on the podcast, Danny. It’s been a fantastic conversation.
Danny: Thanks for having me, Darren. I had a great time!
Conclusion
In this insightful episode, Danny DelVecchio shared his valuable experience on how to leverage video content to connect with audiences, build trust, and generate leads. Whether it’s overcoming the fear of being on camera, experimenting with Instagram Stories, or understanding the power of native video on LinkedIn, Danny’s advice is practical and actionable for any marketer or business owner. If you’re looking to transform your video strategy, start with small steps, and remember – practice makes perfect!
Connect with Danny:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydelvecchio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danny.delvecchio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danny.delvecchio/
Website: https://coachdannyd.com/
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/
Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com
Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk
