Skip to main content

Small Business Week Day 4: Myths About Video For Small Business

 

In today's digital age, video is becoming an essential tool for businesses to connect with their audience. However, many people believe that creating videos is too complicated, expensive, and time-consuming. In this article, we will debunk the most common myths about video production and explore how to create great videos on a budget. By understanding the basics of pre-production, production, and post-production, as well as having a solid strategy in place, anyone can create a compelling video that resonates with their audience. So, let's dive in and explore the truth behind the most common misconceptions about video production

1. Video Is Too Complicated

Preproduction (Planning)

Preproduction is the planning stage where you decide on the video's purpose, target audience, message, and script. This stage is crucial because it sets the foundation for the entire video. Plan your video carefully by defining your goals and target audience, and write a clear script to ensure your message is communicated effectively.

Production (filming)

Production is the filming stage, where you record the video according to your preproduction plan. It involves setting up equipment, finding a location, and capturing footage.Record high-quality footage with good lighting and sound, and make sure to follow your preproduction plan.

PostProduction (Editing)

Post-production is the editing stage where you bring all the footage together and edit it into a polished final product. This stage involves adding music, sound effects, and transitions to make the video engaging.
Edit your video carefully, paying attention to details such as color correction, audio balance, and pacing. 

Promotion

Promotion is the distribution stage where you share your video with the world. This stage involves choosing the right platform, creating a thumbnail, and using SEO strategies to optimize your video's visibility. Share your video on relevant platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, and use tags and descriptions to help it appear in search results.

2. Video Is Too Expensive

I totally get where you're coming from - it can seem like creating a video is just too expensive. And yeah, if you're working with big video production companies, it can definitely get pricey. But the thing is, there are actually plenty of ways to create a video without breaking the bank. For small businesses in particular, you can definitely create videos inexpensively. You don't necessarily need all the fancy "professional equipment" that big companies use. In fact, you can often get great results just by using your smartphone or a simple camera. 

3. It takes too much time

Yeah, a lot of people believe that, and it's partly because of video production companies. When you work with them, they bring in a whole team of people - a camera operator, a grip, someone to handle audio, a producer, and a director. And of course, all that equipment! 

More people and equipment mean more time to set up and shoot, which can add up to a big bill. But the truth is, you don't always need all that fancy equipment and a big team to make a great video. Especially for small businesses, you can create videos inexpensively. And with my experience in shooting videos over the past 10 years, I've learned how to be more efficient and minimize disruption. 

4. You Can Just Pick up a Camera and Start Shooting

So, have you ever been told that creating videos is something you should leave to the professionals because it's just too hard to do on your own? Well, I have a bit of a controversial take on that. See, video agencies like to scare people into not DIY-ing their own videos by making it seem like it's way too difficult. But here's the thing: it's not as hard as they make it out to be! Sure, you might not create a masterpiece right off the bat, but that's okay. You can start small, maybe with a DSLR camera you got for Christmas or even just your phone. With a little bit of planning and some basic knowledge of video fundamentals, you can actually create some pretty impressive videos!

5. A Video Will Solve All My Problems

Some business owners are resistant to starting with video because they think they need it, but aren't sure why. It's important to remember that you may not actually need a video. It all depends on your audience and strategy.Before diving into video production, it's important to consider what you hope to achieve with the video. 
  • What message do you want to convey? 
  • Who is your target audience? 
  • What kind of response are you hoping for? 
These are all important questions to ask yourself before getting started.If you're not sure whether video is the right approach for your business, consider your goals and the type of content that would best resonate with your audience. Sometimes, other forms of content, such as blog posts or social media updates, may be more effective. Make sure you have a solid strategy in place and that video aligns with your overall goals before investing time and resources into its production.

6. I Can Just Wing It

When it comes to making a video, you need to have a plan. You need to know what type of videos you want to create, what you want to say, and how you want to say it. This means that you need to have a script or at least an outline of what you're going to say.

Creating a video without a plan can result in a lot of wasted time and effort. Plus, it might not even be effective in getting your message across. So, it's important to take the time to think about what you want to achieve with your video and how you're going to achieve it.

Remember, a video can be a powerful tool for your business or brand, but you need to have a strategy in place to make it work for you. So, take the time to plan out your video, write a script, and figure out how you're going to promote it to get the best results.

7. Fix it in Post

You can't just shoot a video any old way and expect to fix everything in post-production. Sure, some things can be fixed, like audio issues, but other problems will require reshooting the scene altogether.

So, instead of relying on post-production magic to fix everything, it's better to have a solid plan before you start filming. Take a few minutes to check your equipment and make sure everything is working properly. And most importantly, have a script or at least a general plan of what you want to film. This will save you time and frustration in the long run.

8. Quality doesn’t matter for online video or Youtube

I know, it sounds crazy, but it's true. Some people think that since online video is meant for the internet, you don't need high-quality footage. But let me tell you, that's not true at all.

Think about it, have you ever watched a video on YouTube or social media that looked blurry or had bad sound? How long did you stick around to watch it? Probably not very long. And with so many videos out there, you want to make sure that yours stands out, right?

Nowadays, with high-speed internet and new technology, people expect to watch videos in HD, 4K, and even higher quality. So, if your video looks grainy or the sound is muffled, people will quickly lose interest.

Of course, that doesn't mean you have to go out and spend a fortune on equipment. But you should aim to produce the best quality video you can within your budget. That way, your video will not only look good, but it will also leave a positive impression on your viewers.

9. Videos Are Only Good For YouTube

Well, this not exactly true. Nowadays, YouTube has become a major marketing channel for businesses to reach their target audience, but that's not the only place where videos can be useful.

In fact, videos can be a great addition to your website too! They can be used to showcase your products or services, provide a behind-the-scenes look at your company, or even to explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

Having a video on your website can also improve your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) since search engines like Google tend to favor websites with video content. So, don't underestimate the power of video and the different ways in which it can be used to benefit your business.

10. Video is Only Good For Ads

It's actually a common misconception that videos are only good for ads. In fact, videos can be incredibly useful for many different purposes. For instance, creating content videos that educate your audience about your industry or products can be a great way to establish yourself as an authority and build trust with potential customers.

Explainer videos that introduce your product or service can also be very effective in capturing people's attention and getting them interested in what you have to offer. And if you work in real estate or a dealership, property or vehicle videos can be an excellent way to showcase your offerings and give people a closer look at what they might be interested in.

The point is that video can be used in a variety of ways to achieve different goals. It's not just about creating ads to bring in business, although that can certainly be a part of it. So if you're thinking about incorporating video into your marketing strategy, don't limit yourself to just one type of video.

11. I can only create short videos

So, some people believe that videos should only be short because people's attention spans are getting shorter. However, I think that's not entirely true. While it's important to be mindful of viewers' time, videos should be as long as they need to be to convey a message effectively. Our videos are usually around 5 to 10 minutes long, and we find that people will watch them if the content is good and engaging. It's not about making videos short for the sake of being short, but about making them engaging and informative. So, don't be afraid to make longer videos if it makes sense for your content!

12. My Business Doesn't Need Video

The truth is, almost every business can benefit from using video in some way. It all depends on your marketing strategy and target audience. Think about it, video is a great way to showcase your products or services, explain how they work, and provide value to your audience.

For example, if you run a bakery, you could create a video showcasing the process of making your signature cake or highlighting the unique ingredients you use. Or, if you run a software company, you could create a video tutorial explaining how to use your product.

The possibilities are endless, and by using video, you can engage with your audience in a more dynamic and impactful way. So, don't be too quick to dismiss the idea of using video for your business. Take some time to think about how it could fit into your marketing strategy and reach your target audience.

Conclusion

Creating a video for your business doesn't have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. With the right mindset, equipment, and knowledge, anyone can create a great video that resonates with their audience. By understanding the importance of pre-production, production, and post-production, as well as having a solid strategy in place, you can create a powerful tool that will help your business stand out in today's digital age. So, start planning, grab your camera, and get ready to create a video that will take your business to the next level!

Comments