Video rules the roost when it comes to marketing, and it’s set to account for 82% of global internet traffic by 2022. Whether you’re a pro at using videos for your marketing efforts or still a newbie, there are many benefits a video production company can bring to the table. From expertise and know-how to high-quality results, going down the professional route can do wonders for your business.
But you want to hire the right experts and ensure you don’t get ripped off in the process. Here at Small Films, we’re bringing you anything and everything you need to know about working with a professional video production company, so you’re not left thinking you got a bad deal.
Don’t go for the cheapest option.
Sure, we all want to save money, and there are budget requirements that need meeting. But scrimping on your video production company hire shouldn’t be where you look to cut costs. That’s not to say you need to spend an arm and a leg but, more often than not, the cheapest solutions can leave you disappointed.
There is no set price regarding how much you should pay (though a decent ballpark figure is between £2,5000 – £5,000). Really, it comes down to the previous work completed by the video company, how much they understand your project and the general vibe you get from conversations with them.
One thing you should definitely do is stay away from automatic video tools, at least in the very beginning. They are available at minimal cost but churn out general videos that miss the core elements of your brand.
See our video production services.
Disregarding video equipment
If you want high-quality video production, then the company hired needs to carry high-tech equipment. It’s true that technology is evolving, and you can do some pretty impressive things on an iPhone these days, but great marketing videos are filmed with excellent equipment.
Knowing which equipment a video production company uses can be tricky if you don’t know about camera gear. That’s why you should ask them to give you the rundown on what they use when shooting and editing. You can always research the cameras after the initial chats and watch and read online reviews.
The best video production companies use great equipment, but it’s still worth asking the question. After all, if they use high-level gear, they won’t have any issues giving you info on their equipment.
Weigh up the pros and cons of local hires versus further away
Do you hire a local, London video production company or a team further away? There is no right or wrong answer here, but the closer they are, the easier it is to get in touch with them, plus everything generally runs more smoothly.
If your business is located in a rural area, it might be harder to find nearby talent, and you’ll probably need to look towards the nearest city. For example, a Hertfordshire-based business may look for a video production company in London to create their videos.
Big-city companies tend to be more expensive, but many of the most sought-after ones are based in larger cities like London. Essentially, it comes down to doing the research and speaking to several video production companies before deciding.
Not checking credentials
When looking for a video production company, it should go without saying that you check their credentials. Ask for case studies that back up the quality of their work and see if they have valid customer testimonials.
Look at example work that matches your requirements, and check things like setup, team size and location. Don’t just fall for a snazzy sizzle reel, either. As good as they may look, it’s essentially a slickly edited highlight reel that provides a quick overview of a company’s work. That’s not to say you shouldn’t look at the sizzle reel – just make sure you get the other credentials to get a better overview of the company’s quality.
Go deeper than the video.
Obviously, the most crucial aspect of a video production company is its ability to film great content. But it’s worth asking them about their knowledge of all things digital marketing. After all, if they’re a studio that creates content for brands, they should know a thing or two about how to market the final version.
Look for companies who go big on marketing tips and offer advice on the best ways to maximise your content. Video production companies that can provide marketing suggestions show their knowledge and can offer support beyond video production areas.
Avoiding getting ripped off by a video production company
Being thorough and doing your research will reduce the chances of getting ripped off by a video production company and ending up with a video you’re not happy with. Take your time, and don’t hire anyone until you feel completely confident in any potential working relationship. Do that, and the chances of you working with a high-quality video production company that creates great content for you will be much higher.
