How to Start a Video Production Company
How To Start a Video Production Company
If you have an artistic eye, many career paths may appeal to you. Video production offers the opportunity to create high-quality content while capturing life’s most important moments. Read on for a step-by-step guide that’ll show you how to start a video production company, attract steady clients, and earn a living. Starting a video production company is a great way to dive into a field that can be just as lucrative as it is creative. Before you can start raking in profits, though, you need to understand exactly what this kind of business entails. In addition to stellar videography and editing abilities, you need to possess the following qualities:
- Strong communication skills
- Great customer service
- A knack for marketing
- An entrepreneurial spirit
- Leadership abilities
These skills are an essential component of any successful business, and they’re especially important when you’re establishing a career in a creative field. You must stand apart from other videographers, connect with potential clients, and create content that wins repeat customers.
Narrow Down Your Company’s Focus
Once you’re confident that you possess the skills you need and want to know how to start a video production company, narrow down your company’s specific focus.
For example, if you have a passion for capturing weddings, this is a great field where you can build a niche clientele. Or perhaps you want to work in commercial videography. This can be just as rewarding as personal video production and offer promising opportunities.
Other types of video production that you may consider include:
- Documentary making
- Curriculum materials
- Informational videos
- Advertisements
- Education and training
To decide which field is the best match for your skills, think about what interests you the most — working with companies on major ad campaigns, or working with individual clients on smaller projects? The answer will reveal the best direction for your company.
Obtain the Right Equipment
If you’re wondering how to start a video production company, you probably already know that talent and skill aren’t the only prerequisites. You also need to ensure you have the right equipment for the job — in this case, a high-quality, professional video camera. When shopping for this equipment, look at features such as its viewfinder, size, and overall usability.
Remember, too, that you are aiming to launch a full-service video production company, so you will do more than just offer clients raw footage. You’ll also be reviewing, revising, and editing your footage. This means you’ll need video editing software in addition to any other camera accessories, such as lenses and tripods.
Also, keep in mind any lighting equipment required to improve the production value of your videos. Some pieces are cost-effective and straightforward to operate, like a ring light. Others, like an LED panel, are pricier but offer higher quality, portability, and battery-powered operation.
Start Spreading the Word About Your Services
According to statistics, word-of-mouth marketing is responsible for $6 trillion in revenue every year worldwide. Word-of-mouth is crucial when marketing a creative business enterprise such as a video production company.
You may understand how to start a video production company, but if you don’t know how to network and connect with clients, you will limit your success. Start your marketing campaign organically by talking to your family and friends about your new venture. Encourage them to tell their family and friends to spread the word about your services quickly.
Launch a Social Media Marketing Campaign
Although word-of-mouth is undoubtedly powerful, it likely won’t be enough to sustain your new videography business. An essential part of how to start a video production company is understanding how to implement a plan for sustainable growth.
Launching a social media marketing campaign is one of the easiest ways to do this. Leverage platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to show off your work, connect with prospective clients, and reach a wider audience. Some things you can do to boost your social media marketing include:
- Stick to a regular posting schedule
- Encourage engagement with deals and discounts
- Solicit interaction from followers
The more significant your following is on social media, the more clients you’ll be able to attract. Remember that social media should give prospective customers a glimpse of your work and offer insight into your strengths as a videographer.
Decide on Fair Prices for Your Services
It’s unfortunately true that many creative professionals are susceptible to underselling their services — and undercharging, too. This can be due to a lack of confidence or a saturated market, but regardless of the reason, you must take steps to avoid this pitfall at all costs. Setting fair prices is one of the most critical steps in learning how to start a video production company.
Remember to factor in expenses such as travel time, gas mileage, and equipment costs when deciding on your rates. Other factors that may impact your pricing include:
- How much experience you have
- The quality of the finished product
- How much time a shoot takes
- The level of editing you offer
Your prices signal to prospective customers the level of quality that they can expect. When you charge too little, clients are likely to doubt your skill. It’s a good idea to review the rates of other video producers in your area to establish a baseline.
Similarly, you should ask prospective clients what their budget is to get an idea of how much clients may be willing to spend — the answers may surprise you!
How To Start a Video Production Company and Thrive
Many people assume that they know how to start a video production company, only to quickly find that it’s more complex than they anticipated. However, you can avoid this outcome by thoroughly preparing for your new business venture before diving in.
Do this by researching your competitors, obtaining the right camera equipment, and setting fair prices for services. If you’d rather enlist help from an established production company — or if you want to collaborate on a project — reach out to Eraser Farm. We are seasoned media industry professionals who can guide you along the way.
The Top 10 Marketing Trends to Watch For in 2021
Are you sitting down? You might want to before reading this.
About one in 12 businesses close every year. Meanwhile, only 50% survive beyond five years. As crazy as these numbers sound, your company doesn't have to become part of this statistic, though. Since COVID-19 hit, about one in four businesses have increased the use of online platforms to reach customers. It's important to learn how to adapt with the times. With the right marketing strategy, you can boost business instead of falling behind.
Here are the 10 marketing trends I believe you need to succeed in 2021. With these tips, you'll get ahead of the competition (always a good thing) to reach new customers. So with that I'll say if you're ready for a successful year, well, let's jump in right now.
1. No-Click Searches
Search engine optimization (SEO) allows businesses to boost their search engine ranking. A higher ranking will help more consumers find your business online. You know this and I know this. But it's not enough to develop a strong SEO and content marketing strategy. Instead, it's essential to remain up-to-date with SEO marketing trends like no-click searches. About 14 million search queries (12.29%) have a featured snippet in the search results. Featured snippets display as brief answers to help users find the information they're looking for. These snippets can appear as summaries, Q&As, bullets, and other formats. In other words, users no longer have to click on a website to find the information they need. In some cases, the Google Assistant will read the information in the snippet for a voice search as well. Learning how to appear for these no-click searches can help you get ahead of competitors. It can also ensure consumers recognize you as a go-to source of information.First, make sure to update your keyword research. Look for long-tail keywords and phrases. You might notice many of these queries are phrased as questions. Provide readers with a quick summary of what they're looking for at the beginning of a post. Then, go into more detail within the following paragraphs. Structuring your posts with featured snippets in mind can help you get in front of more consumers.
2. Ad-Blocker Blockers
As you consider these digital marketing trends, take a look at your website. How are you making the visitor's life difficult? A negative user experience (UX) could cost you clients. In fact, 80% of online shoppers won't use a website after having a bad experience. Another 44% will tell friends about the bad experiences they had online. A negative UX could impact your brand's reputation. Does your website prompt users to turn off their ad blockers? Blocking ad blockers is another way you could frustrate visitors. Try replacing on-page ads by looking for creative ways to advertise to your target audience instead. For example, you can use influencer marketing to reach new leads.
3. Visual Searches
Consumers can now take or submit photos to prompt an online search. As image and video searches become more popular, new SEO digital marketing trends are developing. First, make sure to always include alt text in your images. The descriptions you use should remain relevant to the image. Write for the user, not the search engine. Add images to your sitemap as well. When you upload images, make sure to add the target SEO keyword within the file name. Using high-quality images can help, too. Low-quality stock images, on the other hand, might fail to entice shoppers.
4. Local SEO
Nope, local SEO isn't new. But I will say this: It's becoming more important in the wake of COVID-19. Many consumers search Google to find local businesses. With many businesses closed, consumers need to confirm business hours, locations, and other pieces of information. Local SEO can help you draw consumers into your shop, allowing you to make a sale. Google also updates its search algorithm throughout the year. If you're focused on making your marketing digital, it's important to keep up with the trends. Using old tactics, on the other hand, could cost you potential sales and we certainly don't want that.
5. Customer Segmentation
You don't have to focus on a broad target audience to bring in customers anymore. Instead, customer segmentation is key. Segmentation allows you to create a personalized approach for each audience group you're targeting. Each group has their own distinct wants, needs, and behaviors. Understanding your customers will help you forge stronger connections and lasting relationships.
6. Interactive Content
As people click around and explore your website, your search ranking can improve. Low engagement, on the other hand, can cause your ranking to drop. Interactive content is a great way to get people to engage with your website. Consider different formats like polls, surveys, contests, quizzes, calculator widgets, and more. Make sure these pieces of content improve the user experience by helping customers, too.
7. Inclusivity
There's a big focus on equality this year. People don't want to see homogenous content that excludes marginalized groups. Take a look at the photos and videos you post or feature on your website. Do you include people of different sexualites, races, genders, and religions? What about people with disabilities? Support equality and you support your customers.
8. Social Media e-Commerce
Don't forget your social media marketing strategy! You can now use your social media posts to help consumers find your products and checkout. That's right; you can streamline the buying process for your customers using shoppable posts. You can use social media e-commerce to generate more sales. Make sure to avoid these social media marketing mistakes in the meantime.
9. Influencer Marketing
Who do your customers turn to for recommendations? Teaming up with an influencer can help you connect with a new target audience. Make sure you look for an influencer who suits your niche. They can create contests and giveaways to help you draw in more customers.
10. Virtual Events
It's difficult to host in-person events, but not impossible to to reach a wide audience. Marketing trends like virtual events are becoming more popular. They're also low cost, which can help your ROI. Focus on bringing in engaging, informative speakers and creating high-quality content for your audience. Otherwise, they might struggle to see the value in your virtual events.
Boosting Business in 2021: 10 Marketing Trends for Streamlined Success
It's a new year for new opportunities! With these 10 marketing trends, you can stand out from the crowd and reel in new customers. Put these digital marketing trends to use and generate more leads than ever with these tips today. Need help improving your digital marketing strategy for the year? And all you need to do is one simple thing:
Explore our capabilities today to get started.
New Business x 3 hits EraserFarm
EraserFarm announces new partnerships with Moe's Southwest Grill, Butcher's Mark and Corbett Preparatory School.
Creative agency continues to expand footprint with major brands, development groups
Tampa, Fla. (May 14, 2018) - EraserFarm, a creative and strategy-based agency, has been selected as agency of record for two notable brands and strategic campaign manager for a third, including both regional and national organizations. As a boutique agency, EraserFarm’s newly-named partnerships are evidence of the agency’s continued growth, direction, and best-in-class reputation that far exceeds its size.
Corbett Preparatory School and Butcher’s Mark have both selected EraserFarm as the agency of record, while Moe’s Southwest Grill Tampa Bay Advertising Cooperative have chosen the agency for its campaign management expertise. While each of the three clients represent specific industries with unique goals and objectives, all are unified with a common purpose of leveraging a highly-skilled agency to help tell their story and elevate their offering within the marketplace.
Founded in 1968 as an independent, nonsectarian school, Corbett Prep now serves more than 500 college-bound students in PreK3 through eighth grade. By weaving together multiple best practices in education, Corbett Prep produces students who are creative, innovative thinkers who collaborate and lead.
Like Corbett Prep, Butcher’s Mark was born on the idea of community. Drawing inspiration from the small butcher shops of New England, this brand new concept will be launched in Sarasota later this summer. Butcher Mark’s passion for providing only the freshest, finest, and most tender savory meats drove them to create a product unlike anything else available today. The results are marinated meats that face a strict seal of approval known as The Butcher’s Mark, guaranteeing exceptional quality and flavor.
“When it came to selecting an agency partner, EraserFarm’s experience in food, restaurant, franchising and history of challenging the status quo was exactly what I was looking for,” said ABL Brands president Charlie Haney. “They possess the branding and creative prowess we need in order to launch this new concept. But, most importantly, their ability to find that human connection between brands and their customers sets them apart from any other group I'd met with.”
EraserFarm will bring its strategic brand management and full creative production services to the partnerships with Corbett Prep and Butcher’s Mark. Moe’s Southwest Grill Tampa Bay Advertising Cooperative, which oversees the 23 stores in the Tampa cooperative, will look to EraserFarm for their restaurant industry expertise, campaign management and execution. A widely-known and recognized national brand, Moe’s serves Southwest fare at more than 700 locations in the U.S. and abroad.
About EraserFarm
EraserFarm is a Tampa-based advertising agency whose mission is to cultivate breakthrough solutions by pinpointing true, human emotions that powerfully connect with consumers. With a media-agnostic philosophy, the agency specializes in developing big ideas grounded in solid strategy and neuromarketing techniques that work across today’s evolving channels. The agency is proud to have client partnerships with organizations such as OttLite Technologies, Intrepid Powerboats, Mango Tree Coffee, Kinney Fernandez & Boire P.A. and The Homefront Foundation.
The Homefront Foundation Work Featured in Communication Arts
Every day, veterans return home struggling to tell their story. Struggling to readjust to the lives they are retiring to. But The Homefront Foundation encourages veterans and service members to tell their stories and helps them do just that. It's a powerful coping method and also gives these courageous men and women a chance to come together as a community. Using real veterans instead of actors gave this piece an authentic, believable message that connected with donors and veterans alike.Without a doubt, the shoot was emotionally taxing for both the crew and the veterans. Asking them questions took them back to a moment in time that was very difficult for them to recall and articulate. The easy part was finding the veterans and service members to participate. They all were very generous with their time, and so open to express themselves in front of us like they did—especially since they didn’t know what questions we were going to ask them. They only knew it was for the Homefront Foundation.
To have this piece featured in such a prestigious publication as Communication Arts is a validation of its authenticity and we are beyond honored to be included for the work we've done and continue to do for such a wonderful foundation.
The Flipside of User Generated Content
Consumer distrust. It’s a problem that runs through a marketer’s nightmares like a runaway train. User Generated Content is a good start to pull that train back into the station. And to no surprise, it’s become such a big part of current trends like influencer marketing. UGC is a more authentic than typical content. It is more relatable to consumers and is a great way to connect with them in real ways. Do we really believe a product or service is better because a celebrity is telling us so? I certainly wouldn’t. I am more inclined to believe someone who seems just like a regular Joe like me. The rub is that when brands engage their UGC with influencers who have tons of followers, relatability and authenticity of the content can get a little dicey. Particularly when you’re trying to differentitae between ad and advocacy.
One of the unique elements of UGC is that it taps into consumer trust and relationship building. It’s a good tactic, for sure. Particularly when used with influencer marketing because the content users create is presented organically to those users’ social audiences. In fact, I recently saw a study conducted by Reevoo that said “61 percent of people would be more likely to engage with an advertisement if it contained user generated content.” And another from Bazaar found that “51 percent of Americans trust UGC more than other information on a company website.”
But….
And this is a big “but”. UGC is just half of a story that needs the whole story told. I wholeheartedly believe that organic distribution is perceived as more authentic than paid, but when all brands care about or hone in on the size of someone’s audience, they risk missing out on the other powerful half of the user content story. And that is User Inspired Content.
Organic stories are more powerful than organic reach. And that’s why we should stop focusing in on how content is distributed and instead create the kind that people actually want to listen to. Content people want to read about and content people want to watch. The kind that places the user in the spotlight.
Take Patagonia, for example. This is a company whose mission is rooted in social responsibility. A lofty and worthy goal, and not one that’s easily communicated through banners or 30-second ads. To get its message across, Patagonia uses content to build a passionate community of people who share those values – and eventually support the company through purchases. They’ve produced and supported short films that tackle environmental issues, such as “The Refuge”, about two women from the Gwich’in people of Alaska who are on a quest to protect their land. They didn’t send them gear with the agreement that they’d post images wearing their stuff. Instead the powerful and emotionally charged story connects with users because it’s real and far from feeling anything remotely close to advertising.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4DH5cK37Y8
REI, another outdoor company with strongly held beliefs and a passionate and devoted following, released the 30-minute film “Paul’s Boots,” that tells the story of a hiker who dreamed of completing the Appalachian Trail but passed away before ever starting. A group of hikers carried his boots along the trail to realize Paul’s dream. The film has garnered more than 1 million views on YouTube.
The risk you run by passing your voice to an influencer is you are fueling the relationship they have with your consumers. Is that a risk you’re willing to take considering the investment you’ve made cultivating followers and reach through your own channels, your paid media and PR? Instead, why not give your advocates the podium, like Patagonia or REI did? Their story is the star. And because your brand plays a supporting role, the User Inspired Content is real and authentic. And it’s content a consumer will believe. And become an advocate themself.
EraserFarm Selected as AOR to Help Re-envision OttLite.
National Consumer Packaged Goods brand, OttLite, has chosen Tampa-based EraserFarm as its agency of record. The partnership was a natural fit for the two organizations, combining... EraserFarm’s branding and storytelling abilities with OttLite’s innovative products and proven health and wellness benefits.
Using intelligent design and LED illumination, OttLite products bring the power of natural daylight indoors through one-of-a-kind natural daylight bulbs. In addition to energy efficiency, OttLite bulbs help to show colors more accurately and clearly, reducing eye strain and increasing productivity.
“We recognized that one of the greatest strengths of EraserFarm is that they are incredible storytellers,” said OttLite Chief Executive Officer, John Sheppard. “We could think of no better partner to highlight the incredible health benefits of OttLite products and to reach the new audiences that could benefit as a result.”
According to the National Eye Institute, there are currently 4.2 million Americans ages 40 and older whom are visually impaired, and that number is projected to reach 7.2 million by 2030?? With products that reduce eye strain by 51 percent, OttLite manufactures the healthiest light you can buy. Through this new partnership, EraserFarm will help OttLite reposition their story and extend their product offering to the consumers and markets they could most benefit
The Surprising Way to Win in the Digital Age
Technology has caused major disruption. The Digital Revolution has impacted almost every aspect of daily life. It’s torn down global barriers and empowered average people everywhere.
Sure it feels like digital has significantly changed the way marketers think about marketing. There’s access to more data. People have control over the conversation. And answers are expected real-time. But even with all of this change, marketing in the Digital Age is really quite simple. It goes back to mastering the basics.
Here’s an easy analogy from fellow strategist Ingmar de Lange. Take the idea of a baker.
Pre-Industrial Revolution, the baker was a central part of a small village.
- He had personal relationships with his customers.
- There was daily dialogue between him and his customers.
- There was a shared context as everyone lived in the same village.
- He offered a consistent habitual experience.
The Industrial Revolution changed things. The local, familiar butcher was replaced with the faceless factory.
- The factory had no relationship with its customers.
- Factories talked to their customers; there was no dialogue.
- With distance grew lack of shared context.
- The focus was on product and operations; there was no personal experience.
The Digital Revolution is disrupting things again. This time, it’s boomeranging marketers back to the basics. Today’s brands, big and small, are behaving like those local, familiar village bakeries from days long gone.
- Brands strive for personal 1:1 relationships with their customers.
- Rather than talking to their customers, brands are creating more dialogue with their customers.
- They embrace shared contexts with their customers.
- The focus is on brand experiences and not just functional product features.
Lesson for the Digital Age is to put focus back on the basics. Embrace the shared overlap between brand and customer. Develop a genuine relationship with customers. Live the brand’s core purpose. Have a consistent brand personality.
What Every Client Wants to Hear
I can’t tell you how many articles I’ve read that talk to what “every young account person should know.” The reality is we all need a swift kick in the keister once in a while – whether you’ve been in the business 25 years or 25 days. It’s extremely easy to become complacent and take advantage of client/agency relationships, especially when they are of the good, long-standing kind.
But, as quick as the account was once won, it can be lost because the relationship wasn’t as strong as it could have been. All kinds of issues can be salvaged if the agency/client relationship is solid. And, who normally leads that charge? Yep, you guessed it. The account person.
So what can you do, newbie or veteran, to assure you indeed have the relationship that keeps business? Here’s my client affinity model:
LEARN THEIR BUSINESS – really understand how they make money; what are their margins; ROI is extremely important to them; talk their talk, and more importantly mean it. You’ll never know as much as they do, but you should push yourself to try.
INITIATE SOLID STRATEGY – from more intricate brand positioning, purpose and voice development to something simpler like creating a brand messaging strategy, ensuring that clients understand its importance is key. This includes a full evaluation of the brands’ business objectives and KPIs, which are imperative to providing the ongoing monitoring and analytics necessary thus creating more opportunity for sales success.
SALES GROWTH AND… – are you really watching this? Both overall sales and comparable sales are key to business success. It’s not just about winning great creative awards, unless of course it’s an Effie. In that case, you’re probably already using my model.
TRAFFIC INCREASES – whether your goal is to increase visits from current brand ambassadors or drive new trial, growth in this area should be monitored and analyzed consistently. As we know, customer visits have a direct link to sales, therefore you need to know the brand’s customers – understand them – please them so they return…and bring their friends.
ENGAGE DEEP ON ALL LEVELS – make sure your relationship with your client isn’t superficial. Every business has layers and layers of systems, processes, products, etc. that can add or detract from its success. This is especially true inside of franchised businesses. Local marketing effectiveness relies heavily on solid brand strategy and leadership. Make sure you are neck deep in all of it.
NEVER STOP EVOLVING – great brands get this: Disney and Madonna are two solid examples. They continue to evolve and attract new fans/customers without alienating their strong historical existing brand base. Ensure your clients understand the importance of this. Lead this charge. Keep the brand relevant and fresh with continuous consumer insights and innovative media and creative approaches.
Of course no model is complete without an acronym, right? Can you spot it?
L-I-S-T-E-N
If there’s one thing I hope someone takes away from this post, it’s that. Please, please, please LISTEN to your clients. Most often that’s what they are begging for – even internally at their own company. So, give them just that. The rewards are truly amazing.
– Cindy
6 Reasons Why Video Content is Better Than the Written Word
1. Millennials have ADD With Twitter, Facebook feeds, and being able to text instantaneously, it’s not a surprise that younger audiences want information even faster than it already is. You’ll have an easier and better time engaging millennials with video content as opposed to making them read long blogs and articles about your product. (why turtles?) I like turtles.
2. Faster engagement Being able to say a lot more in such a shorter amount of time allows your audience to be able to respond to Call To Actions and know where to go for more information faster. You won’t be able to sell anything unless your audience is engaged and, let’s face it, even interested themselves.
3. It’s easily shareable. A clever headline for a video will grab the attention of a viewer, much like a billboard does for people in their car. After that, it’s up to the video to keep the consumer engaged. If it’s relevant and interesting, the viewers will advertise for you.
4. A picture is worth 1,000 words. Videos may be in the millions. We’ve all heard that old saying, a picture is worth 1,000 words. Well, if that was true, then a video gets more bang for your buck.
5. Pretty much everybody has a smartphone or tablet. Let’s be honest, when you go to a concert you barely see lighters in the air any more when the artist is doing their thing. What you do see is an entire stadium full of backlights from their phones as they’re recording. The net for engaging people on their phones is growing more and more every year. These devices can easily play your video content and they can look at it by themselves or even with a group of friends, all at the same pace.
6. It’s just cool. Simply put, we are an extremely visual society and video is just a much cooler, engaging way to relay a message to your audience.
– Will Rossiter, Founder of Slice