In recent years, businesses embracing video marketing have experienced significant growth. Chicago, being a major city, offers tremendous opportunities for starting a video production company. The city is known for its diverse culture and thriving media industry which will provide you with a host of inspiration.
However, diving into the world of videography needs careful planning and execution. We’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the initial stages. First, let’s define what a video production company does.
What does a Video Production Company do?
A video production company creates different kinds of films. From movies, documentaries, and television shows, to music videos, it’s a wide variety. Some companies have their own specialties depending on the genre or type of video they create.
It is involved in the preproduction, production, and post-production stages of a film. It has a staff and a variety of equipment to develop and produce original content. It’s also possible for them to be hired to produce videos for clients.
With that said, let’s go through the key steps to starting a video production business in Chicago.
Establishing the Purpose of Your Video Production
Based on our research, 91% of businesses use videos as a marketing tool. It’s apparent at this point that video content isn’t just a trend but a powerful marketing medium. However, you need a clear purpose if you’re going to dive into video production. Otherwise, it’s like exploring the ocean without a compass. Not only will you get lost but your business might sink too due to wrong investments
Therefore, your first step should involve identifying your goals and target audience by asking the right questions. What are you trying to achieve with the video? Do you want to showcase your business or highlight a certain product line? You might want to create educational content to show your expertise in the industry as well.
You also need to do research regarding your target demographic. To become a successful video production company in Chicago, you need to be aware of your audience. You can ask what their preferences are, pain points, and consumption habits. Once you understand the objectives, it’s easy to figure out the style and direction of the videos.
That said, how can we ensure that each video aligns with our narrative and brand image?
Structuring Topics and Consistency in Video Production
If you want to build trust and establish a recognizable brand presence, consistency is essential. Google favors regular content updates and the target audience requires consistent content. You can hit two birds with one stone by using a consistent theme in regular posts. Thus, not only are you optimizing for search engines, but also for viewer retention.
Here are some tips when structuring video topics and production schedules:
- Maintain a narrative flow by creating videos that interconnect and complement each other, whether it’s an ongoing series or standalone content. It’s crucial that everything maintains thematic alignment.
- Use a content calendar and regular release cadence. Consistent posts keep the audience engaged. It also trains them to expect new content on a regular basis.
- Optimize the titles, descriptions, and keywords you use for each video. This will boost visibility and position you as a cohesive channel.
- Utilize and analyze performance metrics to guide your future productions. Make sure to double down on topics that resonate best with your audience. The performance metrics will help you decide which topics and approaches they love most.
If you want to boost your videography business, you need to optimize topics and narratives. Consistency is also a crucial factor. That way, you can keep viewers hooked with your content strategy.
While consistency is essential, your content’s quality is just as important. These days, quality often hinges on the tools and expertise at your disposal.
Equipment and Expertise: DIY vs. Hiring Professionals
When launching a video production company, a lot of things depend on your budget. It’s also highly advantageous if you have access to existing expertise and equipment. We figured that a lot of video production businesses might start off with DIYs. We’ll go over an expanded look on that compared to hiring professionals that you might want to consider later.
DIY Production
- Invest in essential equipment like cameras, lighting kits, microphones, and editing software. Establish a starter studio space.
- Build expertise through online tutorials, video production courses, and how-to guides. Join local workshops and networking events.
- Start by producing short, simple videos to hone your skills. Experiment with editing techniques and content styles.
- Expand your knowledge into areas like storyboarding, studio setup, shooting techniques, and post-production.
- Set a reasonable pace for yourself as a beginner. Don’t overcommit to complex productions beyond your current capability.
Hiring Professionals
- Consider freelance videographers or full-service Chicago video production companies to outsource your needs.
- Seek specialists based on your specific goals. For example, product vs. brand storytelling.
- Vet potential partners rigorously by reviewing portfolios and past works. Meet to discuss vision and creative direction.
- Be clear on expectations, deliverables, timelines, and pricing. Establish a detailed brief and contract.
- Give constructive feedback throughout production. Guide the creative process while letting them focus on execution.
- Build relationships with reliable professionals. These are people you can turn to for recurring video production services in Chicago.
Evaluating these factors will assist you in making an informed decision tailored to your business’s specific needs and constraints. A hybrid approach is also possible, combining hired talent and in-house efforts.
Producing a video with the appropriate equipment and professionals is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in compelling your audience to take action after watching your content. You have to think of what will engage and amuse them enough to hook them into taking action.
Crafting an Effective Call to Action
A video lacking a clear call to action is akin to a story without a conclusion. About 92% of video marketers reported that video gives them a positive ROI. Hence, it’s crucial to guide viewers towards a desired outcome. Whether it involves visiting a website, making a purchase, or simply retaining key takeaways, your video should guide them through the entire journey.
When crafting your CTAs, ensure alignment with your video goals. Is your aim conversions? Then drive viewers to a product page with a “Shop Now” button. Looking for engagement? Ask them to “Comment below” with feedback.
Incorporate your CTAs both verbally and visually to maximize their impact. Strategically placed calls to action can transform video views into tangible business results for your production company.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the ideal length for a marketing video?
While it varies based on content and purpose, generally, videos should not exceed two to three minutes to retain viewer attention. Strike a balance between depth and brevity.
- How often should I produce and release new videos?
Consistency is key. Whether it’s weekly, monthly, or quarterly, we recommend maintaining a regular schedule. It is beneficial for audience engagement and SEO. Analyze what cadence aligns best with your production capacity.
- Is it worth hiring a professional videographer or can I start on my own?
Starting on your own is feasible with the right equipment and knowledge. However, hiring a professional can provide the expertise you’re looking for. They can also ensure quality and save time, especially when you’re just starting out. Evaluate your budget, goals, and needs.
Conclusion
Launching a successful video production company takes research, planning, and commitment. By following these steps and optimizing for local Chicago search terms, you can build a thriving videography business. You’ll also need compelling video content, strategic marketing, and consistent execution.
Competition is fierce out there, especially among video production businesses. Numerous businesses require video marketing services. However, they will always favour companies that deliver high-quality output. You must capture the audience’s attention and motivate them to take action.
Following these steps, you will witness the growth of your business. As more clients recognize your and your staff’s abilities, your endeavour will become a resounding success.