When you hear “social media strategy,” your brain probably imagines a teenager dancing in a warehouse and lip-syncing next to your million-dollar lathe. But that’s far from the truth.
Somewhere along the way, a few decided that if you’re in steel and screws, you’re not allowed to be interesting online. Others believe that manufacturing is “too technical for content.”
But what if I told you that myth is costing you leads, talent, and visibility every single day?
Believe it or not, the manufacturing world has stories worth telling, ones that build trust and attract real business. But the biggest barrier is the misconceptions about what video and social media should look like in this space.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top myths keeping manufacturers stuck in the 90s and show you how to change the narrative without becoming the next TikTok sensation (unless you want to, in which case… go off).
If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at the idea of making a video about your manufacturing process or thought social media is only useful for selling skincare and sneakers, you’re not alone.
The myths run deep in this industry, and it's costing companies real growth. Below, we’re calling out the most common myths that are holding manufacturers back and showing you how to dismantle them.
Most manufacturing teams aren’t walking around the shop floor thinking, “This would look great on camera.” They’re handling the same machines, same workflows, and same solid output. It’s repetitive and not exactly Netflix-worthy.
And that’s where the myth creeps in: “Our work is too boring for video.”
But here’s the thing:
Boring to you doesn’t mean boring to them.
You’ve seen your process a thousand times, but your customers haven’t.
Your quality control and the way you turn raw material into the real product are not background noise. That’s trust-building content. You run a business in a space where everyone claims to do things right. So, showing it — visually and confidently — is your edge.
You need to be visible online because quiet excellence still deserves a spotlight.
It’s easy to dismiss the idea of using social media for B2B when you’re not selling shoes or smoothies. But here’s the thing:
It’s not about what you’re selling but who you're reaching, and how you connect with them.
Your audience is online, whether they’re engineers or corporate decision-makers. They’re scrolling through LinkedIn, watching YouTube tutorials, or catching up on Twitter threads. They’re looking for solutions to their problems, and your content can be the answer.
The key is showing them that you're the expert they need.
Watch Neil Patel, an expert in B2B marketing, explain how social media works for B2B.
The first thing that comes to mind when you think “video production” is probably Hollywood-level budgets and teams of people running around with clapperboards. However, you don’t need a blockbuster budget to make impactful video content.
Yes, video can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. With today’s tools, you can create high-quality videos at a fraction of the cost, and honestly, you probably have the basics already: a smartphone with a decent camera and a good story to tell.
What’s often overpriced is not the process, but the myth that you need top-tier production to be effective.
You can show off your manufacturing processes or even customer testimonials without breaking the bank.
With some creativity and a little investment in the right tools, video becomes one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies you can use. See how you can make your videos ‘look’ expensive even if you have a limited budget.
“We’re too busy actually doing the work to stop and film it.” Sound familiar?
This myth has probably shut down more good content ideas than a dropped Wi-Fi signal. And look, no one's denying you’re busy. Running a manufacturing business isn’t exactly a slow-paced job. But here’s what you need to consider.
Not making time for content is costing you time down the line.
Every unanswered question, every sales call that could’ve been a video, every missed opportunity to show your process? That’s time you’ll never get back!
Note that content creation doesn’t have to be a full-time job. A 30-second clip of your machine running or a short voiceover explaining a process is your content.
So, start small. Batch record. Or maybe delegate. All you need to do is shift your mindset. Because “we don’t have time” is usually code for “we haven’t made it a priority yet.”
There’s this universal fear: “What if I sound weird? What if I freeze? What if I look like a deer in headlights?”
Welcome to the club. Almost no one is naturally great on camera. You know what else most people weren’t great at the first time? Welding. Programming CNC machines or running a business, for that matter.
Being “not good on camera” isn’t a reason. Consider it a starting point instead.
Remember, people aren’t looking for TV anchors or perfection anyway. They’re seeking authenticity, your stumbles, your slight awkwardness, or anything that makes you human.
And remember, the more you do it, the easier it gets. Be honest about your work. Show your shop. Talk like you would to a customer. That’s it.
So, stop worrying about being “good on camera.” Just be you because that’s what makes people listen.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking your process is too technical, too routine, or too everyday to be interesting. You might even say, “We’re just cutting steel and assembling parts. Who cares?”
But what feels normal to you is fascinating to someone else.
Your process is your proof. It shows how things are made and the pride your team puts into every step.
Among numerous faceless suppliers, showing your process is what gives your brand a soul.
So, people do want to see it. Buyers, engineers, and decision-makers are all curious. Because when they see how you do what you do, they start believing in why they should choose you.
Somewhere out there, a company that manufactures titanium bolts for underwater drilling is thinking, “No one’s going to care about this online.”
And that, right there, is the myth:
“We’re too niche for video. Too specific for social. No one outside our bubble will get it.”
Remember, a niche isn’t a weakness but a superpower.
In niche industries, trust and expertise matter more, and showing what you do builds both. The more specialized your work, the more valuable your insight becomes to the right audience.
You don’t need millions of views anyway. You need the right decision-maker to see that you know your stuff.
Besides, niche content performs better than you think. It speaks directly to the people who matter and puts you in a category of one. That’s certainly a leverage.
At some point, videos got boxed into cliches. Like it’s only good for panning shots of machines or a voiceover saying, “Here’s how this part works.”
While demos are great, limiting your video strategy to just that means you’re missing the bigger picture.
Let’s be clear:
Video is a tool for sharing unforgettable stories.
You can use video to show your team culture, walk through your facility, share customer success stories, spotlight your values, or explain complex ideas in plain language. It’s your chance to be seen and remembered.
So yes, do your demos. But also show your soul. That’s what makes your brand memorable.
Posting once every blue moon and expecting results is like watering a plant once a season and wondering why it’s dead. Social media and video are habits. And habits need consistency.
Visibility is built gradually.
Your audience isn’t sitting around refreshing your page, waiting for your next update. They’re scrolling, distracted, and bombarded. If you're not showing up regularly, you're getting forgotten. Period.
But consistency doesn’t mean churning out content every day. It means showing up often enough to stay on the radar. It means having a cadence and a presence.
But posting once in a while is wishful thinking. If you want to build awareness, you need to be part of the conversation.
Also, even if you’re starting from scratch, no stress. Check out this video by Alex Hormozi, a popular entrepreneur, discussing ways to grow your audience even if you don’t have a single follower.
Perfectionism is the best excuse for doing nothing because if it’s not cinematic, if the lighting isn’t flawless, if someone says “um”… scrap it, right? Wrong.
Here’s the deal:
Perfect content is forgettable. Honest content is powerful.
People don’t trust brands that feel like they’re trying too hard. They trust the ones that show up unfiltered and human.
Your factory noise? Your off-the-cuff explanations? Your team laughing in the background? That’s gold. That’s what makes you relatable, and real beats perfect every single time.
Drone shots and dramatic music are overrated. All you need is your phone and a willingness to hit “record.”
And guess what? Imperfect videos often outperform perfect ones because people aren’t here for a movie. They’re here for you!
Here’s a myth that makes perfectionists panic and busy teams freeze: “If we can’t post every day, it’s not worth it.” False. Dangerous. And honestly, kind of dramatic.
Sustainable beats extreme. Always.
As an active brand on social media, you need to stay consistent at a pace you can actually maintain. One solid post a week? Way better than five chaotic ones followed by two months of silence!
Social media is a long game. Your audience pays attention to relevance and consistency.
So no, it’s not all or nothing. It’s “do what works for your team, then keep showing up.” That’s how momentum is built. And that’s how you win without burning out or going ghost.
This is the Hollywood myth, the one that convinces manufacturers they need professional voice actors and a script that’s been workshopped for weeks before they can hit “record.” But unless you're launching a Super Bowl ad… that’s not the game you're playing.
You only need to be yourself.
Your best spokesperson is already on your shop floor. Your most compelling narrative is already happening in your day-to-day life. People want to see you, not someone pretending to be you with a memorized line and a forced smile.
So, talk like you’d explain it to a curious customer. Let your engineers be themselves. Let your founder go off-script. That rawness is where the magic lives.
This myth walks in like, “Nobody wants to hear about torque specs or your CNC machine settings.” You’re not boring. You’re just too close to the magic to see it.
So, what feels “boring” to you is mind-blowing to your audience.
People love watching things get and learning something new in 30 seconds. Social media thrives on niche curiosity. Your technical stuff is your content opportunity.
Explain it in plain language. Show the process. Let people see the brilliance behind the complexity. Is it boring? That’s a storytelling problem. Not a content one.
The myths in the manufacturing industry are mere roadblocks that’ll keep you from staying ahead.
Forget what everyone says. You’re more than capable of driving right through these myths. So, take the leap and let social media depict your brand’s true value.
And if you're not sure how to start or are worried about taking that first step, INDIRAP Video Production is here to help. As a leading video marketing agency in Chicago, we bring your stories to life with fresh, engaging video content that doesn’t fall for the usual myths. With our experts, you can create something that gets you noticed in the online world.
Book a free, no obligation discovery call today to connect with INDIRAP's team. We will help you develop an effective video and social media strategy that will surely make its impact in the manufacturing world.