Did you know, 87% of video marketers reported that video content gives them a positive ROI?
So, what’s your video marketing plan?
Or perhaps you're still at the drawing board?
Wherever you stand, one thing's clear: you need a team of seasoned pros who can turn your ideas into a successful reality.
But let's face it, choosing the right video production company can feel daunting.
There are nitty-gritty aspects you have to look after.
No need to fret, though!
Let’s explore the essentials one at a time.
10 Tips for Choosing the Right Video Production Company
Not every business has the luxury of an in-house production team at their beck and call.
So, why not team up with an external agency that has years of experience in filmmaking and content production?
Whether you’re crafting a cinematic brand film or a promotional video for your latest product, choosing the right video production company is an art.
We’ll help you master it once and for all.
1. Sort Your Goals
Before choosing from different video production companies, setting goals and sorting your specs might sound like an easy-peasy part of planning
your video, but you’d be surprised how many brands face major hurdles.
Remember, it's an ace if you've got a clear aim from the get-go.
For example, your big goal might be to boost your conversion rate by 0.5% on product pages by year's end.
And how to do it?
Whip up an "in-hand" video that showcases your product's features, size and texture in ways that photos alone cannot capture.
Now, what about your needs?
Say you’ve got a thousand products.
Are you going to go full steam ahead and shoot a video for each one?
Only focus on your bestsellers?
Or perhaps you’ll test the waters with a few before you commit to the whole fleet?
Budget, resources and other factors will shape this decision, but starting with a clear understanding of your brand's needs is vital.
2. Craft Your Content Brief
Once you have a solid goal and a tailored plan to hit it, it’s time to write up a content brief that’s as sharp as your aspirations.
But how?
Start your brief by clearly stating your goal and giving a snapshot of your brand or business.
Add insights about your target audience because it will help you shape everything.
Also be specific about the scope of the project: what services or deliverables you expect.
And hey, it’s perfectly fine if your vision isn’t fully formed yet, because you just need to start with a sketch.
Think of it this way: if a picture paints a thousand words, then a video paints a whole library.
Use this to your advantage by including visual references to clarify your ideas about style and tone.
3. Budget Is Important
A major aspect of choosing a potential video production company is to decide your budget.
Based on that, the video production agency can plan your video production process.
A larger budget typically offers a broader range of options.
This doesn't mean you can't achieve great results with a modest budget, but having a larger budget simply opens the gates to more experienced companies.
Setting a budget should involve careful consideration of the expected return.
For example, boosting your conversion rate by 0.5% could net an extra £100,000 in sales annually.
Using £20,000 to make that happen sounds like a great deal, right?
While attempting the same with only might be less likely to succeed, the relationship between spending and campaign success is usually quite linear.
4. Sort Video Production Agencies
When scouting for a video production company, it's beneficial to start with recommendations from your personal and professional network.
Once done, then you can surf the internet and visit various websites to identify the styles and quality of work that align with your vision.
A good video production company will understand how to solve your unique problems. Create a list that’s a blend of your deep research.
5. Go Through the Video Production Company's Portfolio
While filtering out the list, you must go through the previous examples of work of each professional video production company.
How does it help?
It can clear the picture of their future work.
But what to look for in the right video production agency?
Consider whether their portfolio features clients similar to your brand.
Does their storytelling captivate you?
Is their creative flair a good match for your brand's identity?
6. Communicate with the Selected Ones
Now that you have shortlisted a few agencies, admiring their work and feeling confident in their ability to address your challenges.
It's time to arrange a meeting.
Keep it breezy and informal. You’re not there to interrogate them straight off the bat, but rather to find out if you’re on the same wavelength.
Video production is a marathon. So, ensure you enjoy working with the team.
7. Get Your Quotes
It’s time to get a price if you have reached this stage.
- Does one agency offer access to RAW footage as part of the deal, while another might add extra charges for it later?
- Could you be getting more opportunities to tweak and refine with one agency compared to another?
- Is there a budget set aside for actors included in one proposal but not in others?
- Are the opportunities for feedback and revisions clearly outlined?
Explore the details of the quotes without skipping a beat.
8. Specify the Deadlines
Deadlines are crucial and should always be clearly outlined in your brief. However, project timelines can shift, especially if the tendering process drags on.
It’s essential to double-check and confirm the deadlines to ensure timely delivery of your project.
Re-clarification helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page!
9. Look for Case Studies or Reviews
Earlier, we touched on starting your search with recommendations from your network. If you've followed that route, great! You've already got some insider info.
However, if you're considering an agency that's new to you, it's crucial to do your homework.
Look up their Google reviews, contact clients featured in their portfolio or request any case studies they might have.
It will give you a clearer picture of their reputation and the quality of their work.
10. What’s Your Distribution Strategy
As for the distribution strategy, it should be a key piece of your plan from the get-go.
But don’t be shy to lean on your video production company for some brainy advice.
They’re packed with savvy insights on how to pepper your content across the right channels.
Whether it's organic social media engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube or more traditional channels like TV advertising and email marketing, choosing the right distribution method is critical.
The array of distribution options can be overwhelming.
That’s where Simply Thrilled got your back.
Simply Thrilled Is the Missing Piece in the Puzzle
Choosing Simply Thrilled means aligning with a powerhouse that’s collaborated with luminaries from the BBC to Universal.
Not just a drop in the ocean, we’ve made a tsunami-sized impact with over 53 million views online and more than 2000 TV broadcasts.
Our digital footprint?
It’s impactful.
Our skilled team of professionals can help you create branded high-quality videos and minimise your hassles in choosing the right video production services.
Share your idea with our team and experience the magic with our video ad results for your brand.
