20 September 2022 Video production tips and best practices

Pros and Cons: Hiring a Promotional Video Company vs. DIY

Explore the pros and cons of hiring a promotional video company versus creating your own DIY videos. Find out which option best suits your brand's unique needs.

 I've seen all kinds of content – from dazzling promotional videos crafted by professional companies to DIY clips that still manage to pack a punch. In an era where video content is king, businesses everywhere are leveraging this dynamic medium to grab attention, tell their story, and engage their audiences.

However, a question that invariably pops up is whether to invest in a professional promotional video company or to brave the DIY route. Both have their pros and cons, and the choice ultimately depends on your budget, time constraints, and what you aim to achieve with your video marketing.

Going Pro: The Ups and Downs

Pro: Top-Notch Quality

First up, let's talk about professional promotional video companies. Their biggest draw is, undoubtedly, the promise of professional quality. Equipped with a team of experienced professionals, top-notch equipment, and expertise across scripting, shooting, editing, and post-production, these companies are geared to deliver videos that are visually stunning, technically flawless, and engaging.

Con: Looser Purse Strings

While professional video companies can whip up some serious magic, they often come with a price tag to match. Depending on your video's complexity and length, the cost can rack up pretty fast. While some businesses may find the investment worthwhile, for others, especially startups or smaller businesses, it could be a stretch.

DIY Videos: The Good and The Not-So-Good

Pro: Budget-Friendly

DIY videos score big on the affordability front. If you or someone in your team is a bit of a video whizz, you're in for considerable savings. With an array of free or reasonably priced editing software, and smartphones equipped with great video features, creating a decent promotional video has never been easier or more accessible.

Con: Time is Money

While your pocket might thank you for choosing the DIY route, your watch might not. Learning the nuances of video production, from scripting to shooting and editing, takes time. This effort could be channelled into other business areas, so it's worth considering whether you can afford to dedicate this time to video creation.

Pro: Full Creative Control

One of the most rewarding aspects of DIY videos is the creative control you hold. You get to shape every little detail, ensuring it fits your vision and reflects your brand identity. This level of control can sometimes be hard to achieve when collaborating with external teams.

Con: Lacks the Professional Sheen

Despite your best efforts, it's tough to match the finesse that professional video companies offer. The learning curve is steep, and without hands-on experience, your video might not carry the same impact or polished finish that a professionally produced one would.

The Final Frame

The decision between a promotional video company and a DIY video hinges on your unique circumstances and resources. If budget isn't a constraint and you're looking for high-impact, top-quality content, a professional company could be the way to go.

However, if your budget is tighter, you have some video editing know-how, and are willing to dedicate the time, then the DIY path could be an equally rewarding option.

At the end of the day, the goal is to produce a promotional video that clearly conveys your message, captivates your audience, and boosts your brand.

Whether that's best achieved with a professional video company or a DIY endeavour is a decision that rests solely on your business' unique needs and circumstances.

Emily Malone

Written by Emily Malone Marketing Manager for Venture — a full-service video production agency that specialises in producing creative videos & campaigns that get real results.

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