THE Video Strategy for Korean B2B Clients
Introduction
We all know video works. It’s simply the most effective way to capture someone’s attention and keep it. When good writing is combined with the right visuals and audio, it evokes emotion: a key driver of decision-making.
So, clients often come to me to make one big video about their company. Look, I’ll gladly accept your money, but making this one video won’t solve all your marketing problems. Not only is it expensive to produce (hence, low ROI), but it also usually means you want it to tell everything about your company—which is the worst way to tell a story.
So, how do you take advantage of this magical thing called video for your B2B marketing? What video strategy works best, especially in Korea?
Thought Leadership Video Series
I’m sure I don’t need to explain the benefits of thought leadership content. From differentiation to inbound leads, shorter sales cycles, and credibility, the list is simply too long to cover here. Every marketer worth their salt has considered it—if not done it already.
But in Korea, thought leadership videos offer additional benefits, making them THE video content strategy for global brands.
1. Differentiation
Of course, thought leadership sets you apart from competitors. It establishes your brand as a category leader—an expert—rather than just another vendor to be measured and compared on cost.
But in Korea, this power of differentiation is even stronger, simply because not many companies are doing it! Even companies with sizable budgets often have a defunct YouTube channel with a handful of outdated videos. And, of course, most of these videos are expensive, one-off productions trying to 1) explain everything about their business and 2) how great they are.
Global brands can truly set themselves apart by creating a series of videos (keyword: series) that inform the audience with a broader, more global perspective. In a market saturated with cheesy corporate videos patting themselves on the back, this approach not only showcases your brand’s expertise but also provides a breath of fresh air—something the Korean B2B audience is desperately looking for.
2. Assurance
Korea is a deeply divided nation—and I’m not just talking about North and South. We argue about everything: politics, the economy, even mint-chocolate (which, as all intellectuals know, is objectively inferior to regular chocolate). But if there’s one rare occasion of national unity, it’s in skepticism toward foreign forces.
As a country with a long history of foreign oppression, Korean businesses, the government, and the general public tend to view foreign companies with added scrutiny.
With this layer of complexity, establishing credibility and assurance is an absolute must for global companies in Korea.
A consistent series of thought leadership videos signals your commitment to adding value to the local industry and community. This lowers the mental barriers Korean buyers have toward your foreignness, convincing skeptical decision-makers and shortening sales cycles.
Videos featuring locals—customer case studies, expert roundtables, or employee highlights—are especially effective in assuring potential buyers of your legitimacy and trustworthiness.
3. Relationship
Korean businesses often value relationships over transactions. And no, late-night soju sessions don’t count. They seek long-term engagement and mutual trust—factors that can outweigh short-term profits and serve as a strong moat against competitors.
The right video strategy—in this case, a series of insightful, value-driven content for a local audience—signals your firm’s commitment to long-term growth and sustainability in Korea.
Why would a company focused on quick profits invest time, effort, and resources into building a body of work that doesn’t directly generate sales?
Just by creating thought leadership videos, you send a strong signal to potential buyers that your brand is forward-thinking. And that’s exactly the kind of relationship Korean businesses value.
Conclusion
Producing videos requires significant time, effort, and money. And you know what they say about eggs and baskets. Investing everything into one big video often results in an expensive vanity project, low ROI, and an unhappy CMO.
In the barren landscape that is the Korean B2B space, a strategically planned and well-crafted series of thought leadership videos can not only maximize your investment but also help your brand connect with the Korean B2B audience in a tangible way.
In my next article, I will discuss the types of videos brands can explore in their arsenal of thought leadership content.
Creating videos isn’t just about pointing a camera and hitting record. It’s critical to work with a creative partner who has a strategic approach, a global mindset, and experience in the Korean B2B space.
Find out how we provided exactly that to a Norwegian brand entering the Korean logistics market.
Contact us at derek@duvisualworks.com