The Biggest Video Mistake You Can Make (and how to fix it in 7 seconds)
Let me say it louder for the folks in the back:
People don’t care about your name. Not right away, anyway.
As a Minneapolis-based, Emmy-winning video producer, I’ve seen hundreds of creators, nonprofits, and brands unintentionally sabotage their content by starting with something like:
“Hi, I’m [Name], and I’m the founder of [Company]...”
👋 Love that for you. But it’s not the way to hook your audience—especially on social media or short-form platforms.
Why the First 7 Seconds Matter So Much
In the world of digital storytelling and video production, your opening is everything. The first few seconds determine:
Whether someone keeps watching
Whether the algorithm boosts your content
Whether your message makes it past the scroll reflex
This applies whether you’re:
A nonprofit sharing impact stories
A thought leader explaining AI and storytelling
A small business owner trying to connect with your people
Or just a really passionate human with something to say
And if you’re a heart-led founder in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or anywhere else—this matters even more.
How to Start a Video That Actually Hooks People
Your goal in the first 7 seconds is to give your audience a reason to stay. Here's what that can look like:
1. A Shocking Statistic
“1 in 3 people say they’ve shared a video without watching the whole thing—yikes.”
Great for grabbing attention and building urgency.
2. A Promise of What They’ll Learn
“In this 60-second video, you’ll learn how to write a killer video hook.”
Let people know what they’ll get in return for their attention.
3. A Controversial or Empowering Statement
“Your brand story isn’t about you—it’s about your audience.”
This kind of statement encourages emotional reaction + curiosity.
4. A Question Your Audience Struggles With
“Struggling to get people to watch your videos past the first 10 seconds?”
If it sounds like their inner voice, they’ll keep watching.
When to Introduce Yourself (and Why It Still Matters)
Once you’ve earned their attention, then you can say:
“I’m Erica Hanna, a six-time Emmy-winning video producer based in Minneapolis–St. Paul, and I help brands and nonprofits tell better stories on screen.”
See the difference? You’ve already hooked them—now you’re just confirming why they should trust you.
And honestly? If someone’s seeing your video on LinkedIn or Instagram, there’s a good chance they already know who you are. You popular person, you.
