Video is one of the best marketing tools that a business has available to use. More and more people are getting video. As that happens more and more I get asked, how much does video cost? My response, isn’t one that people want to hear. I usually say something along the lines of “well it depends, every project is different and requires a unique approach to it. Because of that there is no set price but we can discuss your project and I can get you a quote.” The response to that is usually short and full of disappointment. Following is what leads me to give that response and some insight into why you should hire a professional to create your video.
It’s not that easy, but doesn’t have to be hard
Unfortunately shopping for video isn’t like buying a new pair of pants where you find one that fits and you pay the list price. It’s not even like the more complicated shopping for a car where your options are more numerous and the process is longer and more complicated with room to barter more. So don’t shop for video like that. Video production can be complicated to shop for and execute, it can be confusing, like shopping for a car, a bad salesman will just make matters worse. Same goes for video, you need a pro who will make the process of seeing through a video from concept to quality completion easier. That brings me to my next point. It’s a fully customized product, that is executed by talented individuals who have spent time and money on education and equipment. To that last point, because of the time and money spent on education and equipment stop asking us to do it for free! You wouldn’t ask your dentist that, you wouldn’t ask your plumber to do that and you wouldn’t pull that at the grocery store.
You get what you pay for
With the proliferation of cheaper video recording devices including things like the iPhone it’s easy for almost anyone to create video. Yes, you or anyone else can pull a phone out of their pocket and take an HD or even UHD video. But just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Those cameras have limitations, limitations that professionals are aware of. There is so much more to it than shooting video. Is it stable video? Is it lit well? Can you hear it clearly? Ultimately is it quality? Honestly, more than likely it’s not. So when you use that tool for your professional video you won’t get professional level results. You will get an iPhone’s payment worth of video. You invest so much in making your business look professional but when it comes to video your willing to skimp and only put $600 worth of effort into it. But if your willing to invest in your video, and want results and you hire a professional you will get that quality that will make your business stand out. You will get some one with education and experience in lighting and video and story telling and editing and so much more.
To get quality video you need someone experienced, it’s more about the talent behind the camera than it is the camera itself.
Quality video can be considered expensive, ranging from around $2,000 all the way to 35,000+ it all depends on what your needs are. Such as, how long the video is or how much is going into it, how many days does it take to film, how long it takes to edit, to create and add animations and music. This is why when your interested in video there needs to be a conversation to find out exactly what you need and how you intend to use it. That way an accurate quote can be made for your specific project. This is a step that will be taken by quality professionals. We won’t just show up with out asking these questions and more. We will arrive to shoot your video with a game plan, we will know the in’s and out’s of what you want and how it will be used and how to maximize shooting and editing to achieve your desired results.
The Real Cost
Yes that can be a pretty penny and a long process. But a professional will make it easier and put you at ease through the whole process. In fact it will ultimately cost you less to hire a professional. What!? how’s that? Well when you decide to grab your phone and make a video and don’t take all the steps necessary to ensure a quality product, you will be hurting your business. People will be turned off from it and won’t connect with your video or business like intended. It will do the opposite. So you’ve paid for a cheap video, that’s money out the door. That video hasn’t helped your business, it’s turned customers away and hurt conversions, and engagement. That’s more money gone. Now to fix it you need to finally bite the bullet and have a new video made and implemented. That’s more money again. I can’t tell you how many times people have come to me and said “oh thank you so much, this is so much better, we should have just come to you in the first place” I couldn’t agree with them more.
I know it’s easy to be drawn to cheaper prices on video, but look beyond price. Even look beyond the equipment that’s used and look at the talent and experience of the person creating the video. If their time and experience will make your business a video that will get results and make more money, how much is that worth to you? How much is getting it right the first time worth? How much is standing out against your competition worth?
All that’s worth more than a cheap video. Quality brands deserve quality video. Your quality brand deserves better, let me be the one to give you better video.
To start the conversation about creating your video, head over to the contact portion of my page and fill out the quick and easy form.
Very good article, good points are made there. Is there though a market for low-budget video production?
Thank you for the kind words. I think there is a market for low budget video. there will always be a market for low budget anything. The problem with low budget though is you will usually, but not always, get what you pay for.
Just wanted to say a very nicely written article! So true people think they can do any bodies job and expect to see professional results… Important to invest in a quality produced product – you get what you pay for… Same happens with web design aswell !
BUGFACE Media