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Producing promo videos is something that organizations of all sizes are expected to do in the era of social media’s ubiquity.
A lot of smaller organizations might feel that it’s not possible to get good results without a huge budget to back up your promo video efforts. The good news is that with the right approach, you can create professional quality clips without breaking the bank.
Here’s how.
Use Stock Footage Where Possible
You don’t need to shoot your own footage thanks to the vast amount of stock clips that are available affordably or even free of charge today.
Best of all, modern stock libraries cover all sorts of subjects with the videos they host, so it really doesn’t matter what message you’re trying to convey or what market you’re targeting with your promo efforts.
For instance, Videvo’s serene ocean video clips provide a tranquil and captivating backdrop that can elevate any promotional material you create. So you really don’t need to splash out on expensive equipment, scout out locations or hire actors if you’re working with a shoestring budget; stock footage is a perfect choice..
Get Creative with Your Existing Assets – Make Use of What You’ve Got
Another way to wring more out of your marketing spend is by thinking outside the box and harnessing existing assets when developing promotional videos.
Start by taking stock of what resources are already available and how they can be repurposed for video content. This could include photos, text documents, logos or other visuals that have been used in previous campaigns.
With a bit of creativity, these elements can be combined into something new that won’t leave you destitute, yet will still capture attention online. Most importantly, this will also allow you to present your brand in a consistent way, bringing the same aesthetics and personality to different platforms so that recognition can grow organically.
You should also consider leveraging customer-created content, such as user reviews or interviews, which provide an authentic voice while keeping costs low at the same time. Leveraging all available resources helps ensure maximum return on investment, and helps to justify your past marketing spending even further.
Find the Right Platform for Optimal Exposure Without Compromising on Cost
When it comes to getting your promotional video out there, selecting the right platform is essential. As a small business owner on a budget, you’ll want to ensure that you’re reaching as many people as possible without spending too much money in the process.
Consider mainstream platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo to host your content. These are free and easy to use, with embedded analytics tools so you can track engagement metrics.
Other options include paid advertising services like Google Ads or social media campaigns tailored towards specific audiences – this will help get your message across while still staying within your budget. So long as you are taking stock of paid ad performance metrics, you can keep costs in check and see solid ROI.
You should also look into other cost-effective solutions, such as partnering with influencers who have an existing following of potential customers. This way they can spread awareness about your brand in a more targeted way, and ultimately get the ball rolling on customer-backed content sharing and promotion. Unlocking the power of word of mouth marketing in this way is well worth it.
Embrace DIY Editing and Production Tools
If you’re looking to update your digital marketing strategies with video promos, you don’t have to be an expert in video production. There are a number of easy-to-use tools available that are inexpensive and easy to get to grips with.
Consider free editing software such as iMovie or Adobe Premiere Rush, which provide all the necessary features for basic promo videos at no extra cost.
You can also play around with online audio mixing services like Soundstripe if music is needed for your project.
Consider Outsourcing Wisely: Know When It’s Worth Investing in Professional Services
Even if you are eager to make savings on promo video production, outsourcing is sometimes necessary. It’s all about being smart when it comes to how and when you outsource services.
Carefully assess which tasks are best left to professionals, whether that’s shooting footage, editing clips, recording voice-overs or writing scripts. Hiring freelancers who can provide quick turnaround times at an affordable rate will make more sense if you don’t have the skills or tools necessary in-house.
Final Thoughts
The affordability of conjuring up promo clips for your business is increasing all the time, thanks to technological advancements and the rise of easily accessible online tools.
However, it’s worth restating that you’ll still need to analyze how well clips perform, and adjust your strategies going forward, if you want to keep seeing a solid ROI, regardless of your budget.
