In this episode of Storytelling in a Small Town, Trent, Brian, and AJ break down why behind-the-scenes (BTS) content is one of the most effective (and easiest) ways for small businesses to build connection, credibility, and curiosity online. They talk about why BTS works psychologically (humans love suspense, learning, and realness), what kinds of BTS moments audiences actually care about, and simple ways to capture it without turning your day into a full production.

From quick phone clips and boomerangs to time lapses and “first time trying this” experiments, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can use immediately, even if you hate being on camera.

What You’ll Learn / Big Moments

• What BTS really means (and why it’s trending): Not the band. Business BTS = behind-the-scenes content that pulls back the curtain
• Why BTS builds trust faster than polished ads: It “verifies you’re human” and makes your brand feel real
• Two big reasons people watch BTS:
  • Entertainment + suspense (what’s going to happen next?)
  • Learning + curiosity (how is this made? what tools do they use?)
• BTS vs. process videos: The crew realizes they’re basically the same thing, showing how the work gets done
• A surprisingly sticky BTS hook: Watching someone struggle through an unboxing/assembly because you need to see how it ends
• The “don’t filter for your audience” reminder: What feels mundane to you can be fascinating to someone who’s never seen your work
• How to capture BTS without making it a big ordeal:
  • Quick phone clips, photos, or 3-second boomerangs
  • Set-and-forget phone tripod shots
  • Simple time lapses that show transformation
• The best time lapse rule: Film moments with a clear before/afterblank slate → finished result
• Framing tip that helps sales: Shoot wider than you think you needpeople notice the “small” details
• Pro tip (AJ): Mix wide shots and tight detail shots to keep BTS videos visually interesting while staying consistent

Creators & Guests