Small Business Video Production Guide

Video Production
Small Business Video Production Guide
Article by Jelena Relić
Last Updated: March 23, 2023

Are you looking to make a significant impact on the market as a small business owner?

Considering your budget, you need to think outside the box to work efficiently without breaking the bank.

Today, video content has skyrocketed into a go-to platform for marketing. Social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube make it easier to get your name out there by publishing video content.

However, many small business entrepreneurs find it intimidating — 16% of marketers don't utilize video because they have no idea where to begin.

Fortunately, you're in the right place. This quick guide, brought to you by a professional video production company, shares some tips and ideas for small business video production on a budget to help take your business to the next level.

Why You Should Try Small Business Video Production

Did you know that in 2022, about 82% of internet traffic came from streaming online videos?

80% of customers prefer video over text, which is why it has become the most popular marketing strategy for businesses of all sizes.

Online video production for small businesses is especially beneficial as it can be done on a limited budget.

There are numerous advantages to incorporating video marketing into your social media strategy. Let's take a look at some.

  • Increased brand awareness: Video marketing can significantly boost brand recognition. It's the best way for consumers to discover brands. They are more likely to remember your brand if it is associated with a catchy video.
  • Increased engagement: Video marketing can help engage prospects and customers by letting them feel like they are part of your brand, with video content such as interviews, behind the scene footage, and more. This can help you to build trust and authority in your company.
  • Increased conversion rates: When customers are more engaged, they are more likely to purchase. Research shows that at least 88% of marketers were satisfied with their return on investment in online video production.
  • Decreased costs: Video marketing can help decrease costs of video production because it does not require as many resources as other marketing mediums, such as print ads. Social media platforms offer a free way to promote your video content.
  • Better search engine ranking: Video marketing can help increase your search engine ranking as long as you include your keywords in the video or optimize your descriptions.
  • Better collaboration: Video marketing can help boost collaboration in the workplace because employees can use videos to exchange ideas and solve problems together.
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Pre-Production Is Key

When it comes to small business video production, pre-production is vital. The pre-production process is where all the planning for your video takes place.

  • Scripting: It gives you a structure to build your video. Without a script, you may end up with scenes that don't relate to each other or might not be relevant to your message. When writing a script, keep it straightforward, so it's easier to film and edit.
  • Storyboarding: This step helps you visualize your video before filming begins and allows you to plan how best to capture each scene. A storyboard will help ensure that the shots you have planned are coherent and that the video will flow naturally.
  • Shot lists: This list should detail each shot in the order you will film them. Having a shot list will help keep you organized on set and make it easier to plan out any transitions or special effects needed.

Get Creative with Your Location

Video production doesn’t need to be expensive, and the right location can help keep your budget in check.

Consider finding free or low-cost locations to film in. Some ideas include public spaces like parks, libraries, and museums; other business offices, retail stores; or even your own home or office.

Explore unconventional options that could help your video stand out. You could record in a café, bookstore, art gallery, or even an abandoned warehouse. The possibilities are endless, and you can get creative with your location choices.

Try recording outdoors, as natural light is often the most cost-effective way to light a scene. If you are shooting outdoors, consider the weather and sun position to ensure you get the best lighting for your video.

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Use an iPhone or DSLR Camera to Film

Using an iPhone to capture video is a great way to produce cost-effective and professional-looking videos for your small business.

With the latest advancements in technology, you can record videos with a high-definition resolution, which can be perfect for creating promotional or educational videos for your business.

When filming with your iPhone camera, ensure you have plenty of storage space available on your device.

One great advantage of using an iPhone is that it's effortless to post the finished video on different platforms.

Use your phone when filming to create a more personal touch by recording a TikTok video, an Instagram Reel, or a Facebook story. You can trim and add music with the right video editing app to make your video more engaging.

4 Cost-Effective Video Content Ideas

You can create many different types of video content for your business. Depending on the goal of your video, you can choose a format that works best for your business and helps you achieve your marketing objectives.

Let’s go over a few economical trends.

Explainer

Explainer videos are short videos that describe your product or service and its benefits in a fun and engaging way. These videos are great for driving brand awareness and helping customers understand your product or service. Explainer videos are a good investment for B2B companies since they can help you close more sales and get more leads. If you’re creating an explainer video for your B2C business, you can focus on a broader marketing message.

Webinars

 To drive more leads and sales, consider hosting webinars regularly. Webinars are like virtual seminars where you can teach your audience about your industry and offer tips and advice related to your products and services. If you're hosting a webinar, you'll want to ensure you have a plan to promote your event. You can create an event landing page and share your webinar with your email list. You can also promote your webinar on social media and other marketing channels.

Product or Service Demos

If you're selling a product or service, you can create videos that show off the features and benefits of what you offer. Product or service demos are especially helpful if you sell a complex product or require service training. Creating demos helps potential customers better understand what you offer and help speed up the buying process.

Event Coverage

Event coverage is a great way to share your expertise and promote your brand while also helping you to build your audience. Do this by highlighting the speakers and topics.

Small Business Video Production: Takeaway

Video content continues to grow in popularity, and it's no wonder why: It delivers results, and businesses are ready to take advantage.

There’s no need to hire a professional videographer to edit your footage or polish your product to grab your viewer’s attention.

The key here is to leverage social media and smart video content strategies that will be affordable.

Whether you upload daily reels or go live to introduce a product, remember always to keep your audience in mind.

Consistently produce video content that will meet your audience's needs, and you're sure to get some serious traction for your small business.

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