Create Unique Bios for your Economic Development Website with Video

Because Giverrang works with and solicits communities all across the country, I've had the rare and distinct pleasure of spending time on literally thousands of economic development websites from Main Street communities, to Chambers, to Economic Development Commissions, to Tourism boards, and more. 

In my online travels I came across the County of Charlotte, Florida. The Economic Development Office put together a well thought out, clear, and engaging website. Amongst the "hits" for me was seeing their staff bio section featuring short video intros of their staff members. This is super unique and piqued my interested immediately. How unique? It's the first time I have seen this tactic in the thousands of sites I've visited! No joke. 

Screenshot of one of the staff bio's. Notice the green "Play Bio Video" link on the bottom left. Why hello, Dave!

Sometimes deviating from traditional or "what's worked" can get you in trouble. You don't want to re-invent the wheel or come off as weird. But not here. Video is all the rage these days (I mean, TikTok?). As an economic development professional, you are introducing yourself to new prospects all the time. Why not scale your efforts by packing your high level elevator pitch into a bite size video. This gives your audience of prospective businesses, site selectors, and others the chance to really get to know you by seeing how you are and it gives you the place to convey even more excitement about your expertise and area to create more comfort with the audience. They'll feel like they know you before even walking through the door (or Zoom feed)!


I have to give even more kudos to the folks in Charlotte as their slogan "Cleared 4 Take Off", of which they have a matching URL (smart again), gives you an extra feeling of confidence that these are people who do not shy behind their desks. They are out front. They put videos of themselves online for crying out loud. If I'm going to gamble on an area, I want to do it with the unabashed and unafraid. And if you're so proud of who you are and what you do to stand out in this way, then the likelihood of my project taking off in your hands must be right around the corner. So next time you're considering putting together a bio for your economic development website, consider video to stand out from the crowd. 

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