A simple guide to the risks of a DIY business video

24 April 2018

 

Video is undoubtedly a powerful tool for communicating what your business is all about. A Social Media Examiner report shows video is now an essential part of modern marketing strategies, with nearly two in three marketers using video daily and 73 per cent planning on increasing their use in the near future.

Nearly two in three businesses use video in their marketing strategies daily.

However, with great power comes great responsibility – the obligation to get the job done properly. Making a professional-looking video isn’t cheap, and too many organisations opt to cut corners by trying to produce content themselves. DIY videos can be disastrous, communicating a lack of professionalism that can ultimately damage your business’ appeal.

To avoid the issues that can come with trying to be the next Spielberg – without the right equipment – check out this simple guide on the risks of filming a DIY business video.

Making a professional-looking video requires the right equipment and expertise.Making a professional-looking video requires the right equipment and expertise.

What not to do

Video marketers Eye View Digital claim using video on website landing pages can increase conversion rates by 80 per cent, demonstrating the sway a well-done video has. However, a cheaply-made video is far less likely to have the same successful effect. When making your own business video, these are the pitfalls you should avoid falling into:

  1. Thinking a phone camera is suitable – Many businesses opt to use a smartphone instead of professional film equipment. This is often for the sake of convenience because everyone has one and it’s quicker and easier to film footage. However, phone camera audio quality is lacking and shaky footage contributes to an unprofessional look that does more harm than good for your business’ message.
  2. Poor planning – Planning is so important to delivering quality. Deciding on an appropriate budget is a good first step. Videos aren’t cheap to make, and every penny you save needs to be thought out to ensure you don’t compromise on quality. Your script also needs to clearly communicate your message and match your production timelines in order to keep within your budget. Lastly, rushing your project to a conclusion will undoubtedly come back to bite you later on. Take the time you need to do the job properly – you will see the difference.
  3. Post producing on the fly  If you plan on filming your video content yourself, you need to make sure it’s in good hands going into post production. This is where the magic happens, and where your video will stand or fall. If you use the wrong software for editing, or have no idea about sound mixing, leave the job to video production professionals.
So many DIY business videos fail because of a poorly planned budget and filming schedule. So many DIY business videos fail because of a poorly planned budget and filming schedule.

Why use video production services?

The risks of a DIY video business are not only in wasting time and money on content that is not up to scratch – it’s also about protecting the reputation of your business in the eyes of existing and potential customers. Turning to the professionals is worth it because:

  1. You will often underestimate the amount of equipment needed to film a quality video: cameras, lighting, staging, the list goes on. A video production company will have all the equipment and expertise you need under one roof, making it a one-stop shop for everything you need.
  2. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. No matter the size of your project, budgeting that little extra to have professionals handle your video will likely pay itself back further down the track.
  3. Using video production services, you can still be in full control of your project. The best video production teams will sit down with you and work out the vision for your video and the project details from start to finish, ensuring you are delivered content that truly reflects what your business is trying to communicate.

For more information about professional services for shooting and producing your next business video, contact CMS Australasia for a proposal.