Generating Sales Through Engaging Video with Danny DelVecchio

[00:15]

Darren Jamieson: I’ve never really understood Instagram Stories because I’ve been creating content – well, since the ’90s actually, and I’ve got content that still gets traffic now, like 10 or 15 years later. So the idea of creating content that disappears 24 hours later – I think, why? Why would I do that?

Danny DelVecchio: It’s definitely a different approach. We’re actually a niche social video, done-for-you agency, and part of that is showing the value in those short-term formats.

Darren Jamieson: You’ve got me. I’ll give it a try for at least 30 days, as you say.

Danny DelVecchio: Yeah, definitely do the 30-day challenge. Even for someone experienced on video like yourself, you’ll see a difference.

Darren Jamieson: So, when you say you post on LinkedIn, are you uploading the video directly there, or just sharing the YouTube link?

Danny DelVecchio: I’m uploading it natively to LinkedIn.

Darren Jamieson: On this week’s Engaging Marketer podcast, I’m speaking to Danny DelVecchio, a video creator who helps people with their video content. We’ll talk about how he does that, the platforms he uses, and how his clients work with him. If you’re a business owner or marketer trying to get your message out there on video and want it to look polished, Danny’s the person to help you!

[02:30]

Darren Jamieson: So, Danny, for someone completely new to this industry, why is it so important to have video?

Danny DelVecchio: Great question. Look, everyone should have video because it’s the best way to build – I know this sounds cheesy – but the “know, like, trust” factor with your audience. There’s no other medium that builds that connection like talking on video, letting people see your face, hearing your voice, and seeing your body language. Video brings out your personality.

Darren Jamieson: Well, you’re preaching to the choir here. I’m a bit of a camera hog and will throw myself in front of one any chance I get. But what about those who hate cameras, who think, “I couldn’t possibly speak on a video”? What advice would you give them?

Danny DelVecchio: Practice. I didn’t want to get on camera either. I started in content creation as a podcaster because I wanted to be heard, not seen – maybe because I weighed almost 100 pounds more than I do now, but I wasn’t comfortable on video. A mentor told me, “If you want to make the impact you’re aiming for, you need to get on video.” So I started doing Instagram Stories every day – just grabbing my phone, talking for 30 to 60 seconds about something that happened that day.

My advice for anyone uncomfortable with video is to do that: grab your phone, turn it on, and talk about something that happened in your day, 30 to 60 seconds. You don’t need to show these videos to anyone – just do it for 30 days. Then go back, watch video number one, and watch video number 30, and you’ll see a massive improvement. If you get just 1% better each day, think of how much better you’ll be by day 30.

[06:25]

Darren Jamieson: That’s fantastic advice. I love the idea of comparing the first video to the last to see how far you’ve come.

Danny DelVecchio: Exactly. It’s like weight loss or orthodontics – you don’t see a change every day, but over time the difference is huge.

Darren Jamieson: When you started, you used Instagram Stories. Was that your first go at video?

Danny DelVecchio: Yeah, that’s where I first started with video, around 2021. Stories are great because you can post things you might not want on your main feed but still want to connect with your audience personally.

[10:45]

Darren Jamieson: I’m a big LinkedIn user, so I don’t have that way to share “behind-the-scenes” content. It’s interesting to hear about the potential of Stories.

Danny DelVecchio: Stories are a bit like having a “reality TV station” for people to see your life in a less polished way. You can experiment and share your personality without overthinking it.

Darren Jamieson: And Stories can be great for sales, right?

Danny DelVecchio: Absolutely. You can create polls in Stories that ask, for example, which issues people struggle with most – like, “Not enough time for video,” “Struggling with ideas,” or “Feeling uncomfortable on camera.” Then, no matter what people select, it opens the door for me to reach out with a solution.

[15:17]

Darren Jamieson: So, if someone’s new to video, would Instagram be a good starting point?

Danny DelVecchio: It depends on their target audience. Stories on Instagram are a good start since they’re temporary, but if their audience is more business-focused, LinkedIn or YouTube might be better.

[18:50]

Darren Jamieson: Speaking of YouTube, are you actively using it?

Danny DelVecchio: Yes, I started focusing on YouTube in December. My goal is to post 100 videos this year. I’m more focused on building a library of content rather than monetizing it right now.

[21:14]

Darren Jamieson: Do you have any tips for creating YouTube content, like titles, thumbnails, and SEO?

Danny DelVecchio: I’d say, outsource it if possible. My team handles thumbnails, descriptions, SEO – it’s a lot of work and helps to have experts.

[24:40]

Darren Jamieson: Now, LinkedIn is where you get most of your business. What’s your strategy for using video on LinkedIn?

Danny DelVecchio: I mix it up. Some videos are longer, some are shorts, and others are informal, like Instagram Stories. I’d say 70% of my LinkedIn content is video, as that’s my strength. I always make sure to include captions, as more than 50% of people watch with the volume off. I also vary the content – some educational, some top-of-funnel, and some selling directly.

[30:04]

Darren Jamieson: I like that you don’t shy away from selling in your content.

Danny DelVecchio: You’ve got to earn the right to sell. If 80% of your content is valuable, the other 20% can be promotional. I like to use client success stories to bridge that gap naturally.

Darren Jamieson: It’s great when you attract the clients who resonate with you. If you’re authentic, the right people will come to you.

Danny DelVecchio: Exactly. When you share opinions, it brings in people who agree with your approach and repels those who don’t, which is what you want.

[32:15]

Darren Jamieson: Let’s talk about equipment. Do people need high-end cameras to start making videos?

Danny DelVecchio: Not at all. I use my iPhone 14 Pro, and with good lighting, it looks amazing. You don’t need expensive equipment; even a $50 ring light and lapel mic can level up your setup.

[39:21]

Darren Jamieson: So, no need to break the bank?

Danny DelVecchio: Exactly. A small setup with a ring light, microphone, and maybe some colored lighting is plenty.

[42:08]

Darren Jamieson: As a Brit, selling can feel awkward. How do you bridge from content to a call-to-action?

Danny DelVecchio: Make it conversational. When I talk about a client’s success, I casually suggest people DM me if they’re interested in the same results. It feels natural.

[46:11]

Darren Jamieson: I’ve seen people request comments for engagement, but you prefer DMs?

Danny DelVecchio: Yes, I find DMs show higher interest since it takes more effort. Anyone who DMs me is genuinely interested.

[49:03]

Darren Jamieson: You work with a lot of LinkedIn clients. How do you help them with their video content?

Danny DelVecchio: We handle everything from ideation to post-production. I meet with clients, guide them through filming, then my team edits and adds their branding. It’s a fully done-for-you video service.

[54:40]

Darren Jamieson: That’s quite the service! And you work with clients globally?

Danny DelVecchio: Yes, I’ve worked with clients across six continents, all done remotely.

[55:39]

Darren Jamieson: For those interested in working with you, what’s the best way to get in touch?

Danny DelVecchio: LinkedIn is great – just search for Danny DelVecchio. Or visit CoachDannyD.com to book a call.

[57:07]

Darren Jamieson: Danny, thanks for being on the podcast.

Danny DelVecchio: Thank you, Darren. This was a blast!