Testimonial videos are one of the most powerful tools your pregnancy center can use to raise funds. These videos allow women and men to share their real and life-saving experiences at your center in their own words, touching your donors’ hearts.
You can show testimonial videos at your banquet or feature them throughout the year in special fundraising campaigns. These videos inspire in ways that statistics or brochures alone cannot. When filmed well, these stories show donors the real impact of your work and help you raise more funds.
Here are tips for filming your own testimonial videos.
Keep Them Authentic
The best testimonial videos feel genuine, not scripted. Encourage the person sharing their story to speak naturally. Prepare guiding questions in advance, but avoid word-for-word scripts. This helps capture real emotions and honesty—qualities that resonate most with viewers.
Focus on Storytelling
Structure matters. Every testimonial should have a beginning (what life was like before coming to the center), middle (what their experience was like the first time they came in and sharing the ongoing care and support they received from your center), and end (the positive change or hope for the future and what their life is like now).
This flow helps the audience connect emotionally and remember the message. If they are willing, close by sharing how your organization is supported by donors, and have them summarize what your center means to them and their baby.
Technical Tips for Recording on a Phone
You don’t need professional equipment to create a strong video for social media. Follow these steps with your smartphone:
- Clean your camera lens before filming.
- Hold the phone horizontally for a wider frame.
- Place the phone on a tripod or steady surface to avoid shaking.
- Make sure the camera angle is upright and not slightly slanted up or down.
- Choose a quiet, well-lit space—natural light from a window works best.
- Position the subject a few feet from the background to avoid shadows.
- Use an inexpensive clip-on microphone or sit close enough for clear sound.
- Record a short test clip to check lighting and audio before starting.
**If you are looking for a Gala video, you will want to invest in a high-production, polished video that will help drive larger donations. However, simple smartphone-recorded videos are perfect for engaging with your donors and clients on your social media channels.
Easy Editing Made Simple
While a professional editor helps, you can also edit on your own.
Free or inexpensive apps like iMovie (Apple) or Canva make it simple. With just a few taps, you can trim out pauses, add your center’s logo, and include soft background music.
Keep edits simple by avoiding flashy effects that distract from the story. Aim for videos around 1–3 minutes for client testimonials and 3–5 minutes for donor-focused stories. This balance keeps viewers engaged while still sharing the heart of the message.
You can also record a long version of the video and then cut it into shorter clips later.
Share Strategically
Once filmed, share your testimonials where they’ll have the most impact: on your donor website, at donor events, and in donor e-newsletters. These authentic stories of moms and dads choosing life are a powerful way to show your mission in action.
Want ready-to-use, professional-quality videos for your center? Choose Life Express offers a variety of client outreach and donor fundraising videos.Â
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