Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors you should consider before making a decision
Hiring a professional video marketing agency is worth the investment for most businesses. Agencies bring pre-production planning, professional equipment, lighting and sound expertise, post-production speed, and distribution strategy that DIY or freelance solutions simply can't match.
In today's economy, video is more important than ever before. The content, including video and images, that you post on your website and via social media is a direct representation of your brand. The higher quality the video, the more people are going to trust in your product.
When it comes to content, nothing can beat video. Often, businesses that want to incorporate video content into their marketing strategy have no idea where to start. Smartphone cameras, friends or family with DSLRs, or recent graduates looking for experience can lead to subpar content and disappointment. While professional video production can seem like a significant expense, the return is almost always greater than the investment, especially if you do your homework first.
Professional video done right should enhance your company's brand, engage and inform customers, and involve a comfortable on-set experience. According to Wyzowl's video marketing data, 92% of video marketers report video gives them a positive ROI, which is a record high. The process also develops strong relationships with professional creatives in your area and generates more clicks and conversions for your company.
Every business owner knows that it's important to have high-quality, reliable products and services. But how you present those products and services to your potential customers is equally important, if not more so. So why try to cut corners when making your video content? Poorly made video will only reflect poorly on your brand and will be money wasted.
While there's certainly a case to be made that authentic smartphone content has a role to play in effective marketing campaigns, even then it has to be done with an eye on bolstering your brand image. Video content will be more effective at reaching your audience, whether through traditional marketing channels or social media, but if that content reflects poorly on your company, any attention it draws will have a negative impact.
The best way to avoid such problems is to hire a professional video production company that has the experience, gear, and style to execute on your vision. Content is king, but only if that content is high quality. For small businesses especially, that first impression on video can be the difference between earning a new customer or losing them to a competitor.
The best part about video is how it's able to convey a story in an engaging manner. This makes it the perfect medium for companies that want to connect with their customers and create a lasting impression. Professional videographers almost always got into this career because they want to tell stories, which is why partnering with them can be so effective.
Make sure that during the hiring process you identify a video production company that aligns with your business's sensibility and aesthetic. Make it clear what you want to convey to your audience, and find out if they have previous client work that aligns with your vision. There are a lot of talented filmmakers out there, but not all of them will be the right person to tell your story effectively. You can review our case studies to see examples of how we've told brand stories across different industries.
In 2024, cell phones have reached the point that they are capable of filming Hollywood movies. But those movies are being made by trained directors who could make beautiful footage from a thirty-year-old camcorder. The fact that technology has advanced so far actually means it's more important than ever to hire a professional, because that's the only way to ensure your content will stand out.
Besides, there's a lot more that goes into making a beautiful-looking video than just the camera. Lighting, sound, stabilization gear, editing, motion graphics, and more all come into play. That's what separates the professionals from the amateurs: all of the ancillary equipment and skills.
The most important factor that goes into whether your video will look good is the lighting. Professional photographers and videographers are so focused on lighting because they know the secret to great images is great light. The sunlight in the early morning and later evening is softer and has a golden hue that is naturally more attractive, especially compared with the harshness of the midday sun.
The same is true for indoor shoots. A professional video production team will have lighting equipment that they either rent or own that will be able to mimic whatever sort of lighting conditions you want. This allows them to create the style and aesthetic that matches your brand. For examples of how professional lighting actually works in practice, see our deep dive on Godox lights for events.
Nothing ruins a video shoot like lousy audio. You can have the most beautiful images in the world, but no one will care if the sound is inaudible or scratchy. And unless you're a librarian, it's likely that your office, factory, retail space, or production facility is usually noisy and chaotic. Capturing quality audio in that environment is not easy and definitely requires a professional with professional sound equipment.
Sound is one of the most challenging parts of quality video production, not least because many videographers are more interested in capturing images. That's why a professional video production team will include a dedicated sound technician. Their one and only job is to capture crisp, clean audio so your shoot isn't ruined. They will have lavaliers, wireless microphones, multi-channel recorders, wind guards, and more. For a guide on the specific microphones professionals use, see our breakdown of microphones for live streaming.
Whether it's writing a script, preparing interview questions, staging the set, properly dressing your talent, hair and makeup, or any one of a million other little details, the best way to ensure that your shoot comes off without a hitch is to plan ahead carefully. Work with your video production team to establish your expectations as early as possible, and then take all necessary steps to execute on that vision.
One of the biggest obstacles is that often the people in your videos will not be professionals, and in fact will be staff or clients who may be extremely nervous at the thought of being on camera. Video professionals have seen it all, and they will have mastered techniques for coaching talent to relax and be more natural. Another option is to have a teleprompter on set to make it easier on your talent.
Before hiring a video professional, you should put a lot of thought into how your video is going to be incorporated into your overall marketing strategy. This will make it easier for your videographer to match your intentions, while also ensuring you get maximum value out of your video content. Repurposing the same video for multiple channels is also a good idea.
If you want a landing page video for your site, you might also ask for several short cutdowns for social media. You might want the video exported in different orientations for different platforms. For commercial production specifically, think about how each asset will extend the campaign's reach across digital, social, and paid media channels.
For a full picture of what professional video production typically costs, our blog on corporate video pricing breaks down the day rate model, low-cost options, and what drives production budgets up or down. Resources like HubSpot's video marketing guide also provide a useful benchmark for understanding how video fits into broader digital marketing investment.
Hiring a video marketing agency is one of the smartest investments a business can make in its brand. The difference between a self-produced video and a professionally produced one is visible from the first frame, and it shapes how potential customers perceive your company before they ever speak to anyone on your team.
The right agency doesn't just show up on shoot day. They plan alongside you, coach your talent, solve problems before they happen, and deliver a final product that serves your marketing goals for years. When you factor in the time, equipment, and expertise involved, the professional route is almost always the better return.
Portland Production Services has helped businesses across Oregon and Washington produce video content that genuinely moves the needle. Get in touch today to talk about your brand, your goals, and what a professional video partnership looks like.
Ready to stop cutting corners and start creating video that converts? Book your free discovery call!