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How to Make a Corporate Video Production Successful

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How To Create a Successful Corporate Video Production

Creating a successful corporate video production requires careful planning, scripting, filming, and editing. Here are some tips from Plum Productions that will help you plan and execute a successful corporate video production:

  1. Define Your Goals & Objective. Before beginning, have a clear understanding of what your goals are for your video. In order for it to be a success, you need to know what is the benchmark for success. Do you want the viewer to take action, like call you or make a purchase? Do you want them to learn about what you do and move on? Your goals and objectives should include specific, measurable actions that you want them to take before ever trying to create a successful corporate video production.
  2. Identify and Define Target Audience. This is one of the most underrated activities most companies do. By defining who your target audience is, you can speak to them in the terms they need. If you do not have a clear idea of who your target audience is, we can help with that, but most people have an idea of who they want to talk to. One thing to keep in mind, if it includes the phrase, “anyone,” or ‘anybody,” you are not being specific enough. By clarifying and fine-tuning this, you’ll be able to create impactful content that will resonate with them.
  3. Select The Video Production Company. You have many to pick from. Choose wisely. They should be someone who understands your target audience and how to present the information you want to present so they understand and know what to do. You can spend a lot or a little on video, but if you don’t have the right company who can do it correctly, you won’t have a successful video to show. It’s not always about having the prettiest reels either. They should be able to show you a video they did for a client that matches the objectives you want to achieve. It doesn’t have to match visually what you’re thinking, rather, it needs to match the objective. Also, know that reels only show their best work…not their normal work.
  4.  Scripting. You likely are not sure how to craft the perfect script and you shouldn’t need to either. That’s the production company’s job. Your job is to approve the script they provide. Let them craft the message and the visuals so you know what you’re getting. A well-written script or carefully planned list of questions are essential to making a successful corporate video production. Make sure the messaging and branding match your needs. The script and video should be concise, easy to understand, and engaging.
  5. Preproduction. This phase is the most important phase of the entire process. Most people like to skip it and move right into the production, but that’s a surefire way to not create a successful video production. This is where the details are worked out, the plans are made, and the schedule is confirmed. All the moving parts need to be mapped out at this point and finalized before the shoot. Anything short of that and you should move the shoot date back. Keep in mind, whatever is recorded during the shoot is what you have to work with in the edit. Make it count.
  6. Production. This is the easy part. It’s very important to have the right equipment, the right team, and all the supporting people; however, this part is simply working the plan created during the preproduction. The best video producers are simply executing what was planned at this point. It makes the shoot day go by quickly and efficiently, and everyone can have fun.
  7. Post-Production. In this phase, the video is simply being put together; however, we also like to think this is where the magic happens. The video is cut together, color-corrected, white-balanced, sound mixing, and any other items that need to be added to the video are completed here. Many times we add some 2D graphics to make the video even more interesting. Once this phase is done, you should have a video that closely resembles the preproduction plan.

 

Successful AND Fun

Remember, you’ll want to pay attention to any details along the way. The more you plan, the better the outcome. Sometimes we get a job that needs to be rushed. We always work to make things as perfect as possible, but when anyone is rushing, small details can be missed. It’s always smart to allow a little breathing time to get things perfect.

That’s how you have a successful video production… from start to finish. A successful video production is not only about creating visually attractive content but also about delivering the right message. It’s important to communicate with your video production team what you need to get out of the video and target the right audience.

If we can help you in any way, we’re here to help make your next corporate video production a success!

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How to Generate Sales Leads with Video

sales, handshake

Investing in video may or may not be a difficult decision. Some think of video as a tool in a larger process to help prospects work their way to a purchase. Others think of video as a line item expense that must have a return on the investment. Both are technically correct, but which one you are can determine if you view video as a good thing or simply an expense (therefore a waste of time and money). In this post, we’ll consider both and how to use video to generate sales leads.

Video as a Tool

If you view video as a tool, you’re probably one step ahead of your competition already. You know that it is necessary to make a solid connection with your prospect and may even know how to use video to guide them through the process. While you might still consider video production a line item on the P&L, you also recognize there isn’t always a direct correlation between watching a video and making a purchase, except in certain circumstances. For example, product videos on product pages have been tested and found to have a strong correlation to purchase intent and making a purchase (source: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/EJM-11-2016-0619/full/html). Those who believe video is a tool in a greater process of marketing also understand that it is more difficult to measure the impact of a video advertisement when use as a YouTube ad or on broadcast television. It’s difficult because the viewer can’t be directly tracked when they call (except by some savvy video marketers who do it right by using specific phone numbers in their videos, etc.). What video does is reinforces the several other tools being used to get a potential buyer to heed a call to action and make the call.

Video as an Expense

On the other hand, if you believe that video is simply an expense and must have an ROI, you feel like every dollar spent must retrieve a multiple in return. This is a great way to ensure success, but it can also be a difficult way to grow a business. When we grew as a company, we knew we had to invest in some high-quality equipment. We borrowed a little money and invested it into a high-quality 4K camera and other equipment. While this was difficult to do at the time and it showed no direct return on investment; however, it has provided us with high-quality footage that helps us stand apart from our competitor…thus nudging the prospect one step closer to giving us a call. Is there a direct correlation? No, but that camera has made Plum successful and allowed us to grow. This is something that is difficult to measure. The same goes with video content.

How to Use Video to Generate Sales Leads

The ultimate goal of generating sales leads is obtaining contact information (such as an email address), bringing a buyer to a landing page, and bringing the prospect to the sales team. While you can achieve this via text-based pages, the conversion rate may not be as high as a highly interactive or engaging lead generation process. By creating video, you will begin the prospect on a journey to discovering their needs and ultimately giving you (or someone else) a call. The next question might be, “What video do I need to create?” Whether it’s a YouTube video, a video for your website, or a video series, it must be interactive. Let’s explore the types of video you should consider for your business. Below are the types of issues you might be trying to resolve along with the type of video that will help you illustrate that you can solve it.

Trust and Confidence. Typically, people or businesses trying to build trust and confidence are the professional services field. These individuals are trying to illustrate how they can achieve goals for their clients and want to do so with a high level of authenticity. Videos that can capture the individual’s genuine personality are videos like Testimonial, About Us, and Meet Me videos. These videos usually include the person or people involved in the process achieving the client’s goals. They introduce the viewer to the people involved, explain what they bring to the job that’s special, highlight experience and credentials, and include personal details to help the viewer feel comfortable and connected.

Establishing Credibility. If you’re trying to accomplish this, you’ll want to explain why you’re covering the topic, talk to the viewer, and leave them wanting more. This type of video is typically a case study video, explainer video, product demo video, or advice video blog.

Product Explanation. A product or service that is a little more complex and requires some more detail typically needs a product demonstration video. These videos typically explain why the product exists, highlight specific components of the product, and show the end result or effectiveness of the product. These videos can be highly effective the more complex the product or service.

Recruitment. If you’re trying to recruit more and better talent to the organization, you might try a Culture video or a Position Profile video. A culture video will provide the viewer with a strong sense of what it’s like to work at the company. The position profile video is like combining a job description and job posting while showing some of the important elements of the job. Be very explicit that you are hiring and be sure to include specific details about benefits. Most of all, make it fun! Lastly, these get the best results when shared via social networks and social media. You might even be able to create this using some existing video you already have!

If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us! We’d be happy to answer any questions!