A recent survey published in Statista reports revealed that spending on digital video advertisement amounted to over 176.63 billion dollars, and the US was at the top. If your business is also investing significant time and money into production, but still your video marketing is not driving results, the reason might be the wrong approach of dealing with a production agency.
It happens when you choose an incapable video production agency or don’t know how to get the best of their services. We are talking about some potential mistakes that can be prevented to achieve success, whether launching a new product, running a social media campaign, or building your brand’s story. Let’s elaborate on them!
Focusing Solely on Price
While it’s natural to consider your budget when selecting any service provider, focusing exclusively on the lowest-cost option can result in subpar quality or lackluster results.
Video production is an intricate process that involves skilled professionals, high-end equipment, and various stages such as scripting, storyboarding, filming, editing, and post-production. Agencies offering incredibly low prices often compromise on quality by cutting corners in equipment, staffing, or creative development. This can leave you with a video that lacks the polish, storytelling, and professionalism needed to engage your audience.
Therefore, look for a company that offers a good mix of competitive pricing and high-quality work. Ask for detailed quotes outlining each stage of the production process and ensure no hidden costs.
Ignoring the Agency’s Portfolio
An agency’s portfolio reflects its expertise, creativity, and technical skills. By ignoring it, you miss the opportunity to evaluate their ability to produce content that resonates with your brand and target audience. Not all agencies have experience across industries or video styles (corporate, promotional, social media, etc.), and selecting one without reviewing their portfolio can result in a mismatch.
Always request a portfolio from the video production agency you’re considering. Look for diversity in their work—have they worked with various brands or industries? Do they produce different types of videos, such as commercials, explainer videos, or corporate storytelling? This can give you a clearer understanding of their creative range and capabilities.
Overlooking Communication and Project Management
Many clients assume that the agency will automatically understand and execute their vision once they’ve handed over the project details. In reality, poor communication and weak project management can lead to delays, misunderstandings, and unmet expectations.
Video production is a collaborative process that involves multiple touchpoints, concept development, pre-production, filming, editing, revisions, and final delivery. If an agency is not transparent about its workflow or fails to provide regular updates, you could end up with a video that doesn’t match your vision or timeline.
Therefore, during your initial discussions with a video production company, assess their communication style. Are they responsive to your questions? Do they explain their process clearly? Additionally, inquire about their project management tools or practices. Many reputable agencies use project management software to track milestones, deadlines, and client feedback. A well-organized agency with strong communication practices will keep you informed and ensure your project stays on track.
Neglecting to Define Your Brand’s Vision and Goals
Another common mistake is starting the project without a clear understanding of your brand’s vision and the specific goals of your video project. Many businesses believe that the production agency will provide all the creative direction, but this can lead to a final product that doesn’t align with your objectives.
If you don’t provide clear guidance or define your video’s goals, the agency may produce something that looks great but fails to resonate with your target audience or achieve your business objectives. A video without a clear message or strategic direction can be an expensive missed opportunity.
Before approaching a video production agency, clarify your brand’s messaging, target audience, and objectives for the video. Do you want to raise brand awareness? Drive sales? Educate your customers? Understanding the purpose behind your video will help guide the creative process and ensure that the final product aligns with your vision.
Ignoring Post-Production and Distribution Support
Video production is not just about filming; post-production involves editing, sound design, color correction, adding graphics or animations, and more. Your final video may fall short of expectations if the agency lacks comprehensive post-production capabilities. Additionally, if you don’t consider how the video will be distributed (social media, website, ads), you might end up with a format or length not optimized for its intended platform.
Hence, ensure that your video production company has a solid post-production process. Ask them about their editing workflow, tools, and additional services they provide, such as motion graphics or sound mixing. Also, discuss distribution strategies whether you need the video optimized for YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or even television. Some agencies offer distribution services or can advise you on best practices for launching your video effectively on various platforms.
The Bottom Line
After this discussion, it’s clear that knowing how to choose a video production agency and avoiding the abovementioned mistakes can boost your opportunities to get high-quality video content that goes well with your vision and goals. We are also one such multi-media company delivering top-notch comprehensive video production services to our clients in the US. If your brand is also in need, consider Real Media and thrive your business with ultra-quality videos.