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Home: Video University Forums: Marketing & Business:
Videography Marketing...Ideas?

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Ryan
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Feb 23, 2005, 10:24 PM

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Videography Marketing...Ideas?	Can't Post

Hi all! I have recently started a videography business that primarily works with schools doing promotional videos during the year and weddings during the summers. I have thought about advertising and have a small budget, but one that does exist. I spoke with the classic "knotties" to think about going with them, but they seem outrageous with their rates. Advertising with them for a year would drain the entire budget. Does anyone know any other reasonable websites to attract the brides? I am not as worried about working with private schools, but the weddings are a different deal. Additionally, I was wondering if anyone might know about a list service where I could just send out a mailer offering a free demo dvd. I know word of mouth is the most powerful tool and the bridal shows are also popular, but for the beginner, where to start? I know Hal has the ideas about press releases, but I am looking for a more direct or creative route.

Thanks,
Ryan

kedan
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Feb 24, 2005, 3:04 PM

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Re: [Ryan] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Don't advertise untill you have something good to show.

I would reccommend that you don't lowball any weddings, because once you start low its hard to get up. So do a wedding for free and then do a good 10min demo, and start at regular pricing no lowballing.

Or you can try a wedding show.

mike harvey
User

May 1, 2005, 12:07 AM

Post #3 of 28 (8505 views)
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Re: [Ryan] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Try WeDJ.com. I have their bronze(?) package, which cost me $40 a year.

You could also try Google's Adwords program as well. It's pretty cheap.

~~~~~~~~~
Veritas Vincit

(This post was edited by mike harvey on May 1, 2005, 12:09 AM)

videobear
Veteran

May 1, 2005, 10:48 PM

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Re: [Ryan] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Press releases ARE a direct and creative route...especially if you also have an ad for your business strategically placed in the periodical near the press release.

For weddings, your best bets are:
-Referrals (of course, this takes time to build up)
-Networking with other wedding service providers
-Bridal shows
-Your own website

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

vidguyz
User

May 17, 2005, 12:33 AM

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Re: [kedan] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

You've got THAT right. Lowballing screws it up, not only for the lowballer, but for everyone else. The perception out there is that if you charge over three grand for a wedding video, you're ripping people off. Well, if you think about it - three grand for a days shoot and at least three X times for editing - well, three grand is just barely enough, considering you're paying off your equipment with every shoot - and you're also wearing out that same equipment which will have to be replaced soon.

Great idea you had - if you're going to do a wedding or special event - don't lowball - just do it for free. That won't really hurt anybody then.

VideoFlyer
Novice

Jul 31, 2005, 9:08 AM

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Re: [vidguyz] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm just getting started in the Wedding Video business and I don't want to under charge. How do you decide what to charge? I plan to have several packages and some alacart stuff for custom packages. I live in North Carolina and I know prices will be different for for different locations. I've looked at other wedding video websites in my area and the price range can be very wide. Some charge as little as $400 to $1200 for their full range of packages, the upper end starts at $5500 and goes up where as the middle seems to be $1000 to $3000. Any advice on how to handle prices for someone new to this. I have been doing Photography/video wedding for about 15 years but mainly for friends and family and you know that means getting paid little to nothing. I've done 3 professiaonal weddings over the past 6 months (somebody other than friends & family). I'm about to do my 3rd one for a local photographer that I know, but I don't get as much as I should because I have been using his equipment. He's been charging the customer $1100 or $1200 and I get $700. I have everything I need except for the 3 chip cameras which I hope to have soon. I have some good 1 chip camcorders, but I know I need the better 3 chip to do this as a fulltime Wedding Videographer.

vidguyz
User

Jul 31, 2005, 6:18 PM

Post #7 of 28 (7709 views)
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Re: [VideoFlyer] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

V_Flyer: I'm certainly no expert in the Video business, but I have run a few successfuly companies - one of which was my own that I sold awhile back at a comfortable (cha-ching) profit.

That being said, I would do what all smart biz-to-be people do, emulate the masters. Check out who's charging the most, call them, ask what they give for their high fees and why they charge what the do when you could get it cheaper. My response would always be - because that's what it cost me to do business, here's my reference list - ask my customers. Except for the obvious use of higher quality equipment and that prized ref list, I'll never cut down a competitor unless that competitor is known for 'ripping' people off - then I'll just flat out tell the prospective customer about the 'ripper'. The nice thing about libel and slander is that the 'greater the truth, the less libelous it is'. Be careful, if someone is just plain downright cheap and does a good or just average job - don't slander them - they're just dumb for not charging a decent rate to run a successful business. Being dumb isn't against the law - YET !!! Shocked

.

Some say by calling the best and bugging them is just hurting their business because you never planned on buying, yadda yadda yadda. Well, that opinion is warranted but I look at it this way - by doing so, you're most likely going to charge in that higher priced range (with all the info you've gleaned from them), thereby keeping the 'standard' pricing up there - which is not going to hurt their business - and is MUCH better than them, or eventually you, losing business to a low low low baller.

Second - do your homework - if you're SERIOUS about the business, but short on cash to have the BEST equpiment, do what you can to get at least 'medium' priced equipment. The lowest price equipment will only hurt your and your professional image. That's the 'sucky' part of the video biz - it hides nothing. Bad equipment is bad equipment and it shows.

Third - Get as legal as possible, biz license (if required), insurance, etc - it will help you understand the REAL costs associated with the business - and protect you when things go wrong. Not that anything goes wrong in the video business. Lighting equipment NEVER falls on the grandmother of the bride, NEVER catches the curtains on fire Frown

, and customers NEVER sue you over the stupidest things - NOT. If your municipality requires certain things to make you legal - and you don't have them, judges might not even consider your innocence - because they can see you're acting as a fly-by-nighter.

Fourth - Work hard. Don't think because you're in your own business that you can sleep to 10, traipse around in your PJ's all day, be late for that appointment (because you can) or have a lackadasical attitude - Think Professional, Act Professional. Treat it as a full-time job.

Fifth - Learn different cultures wedding habits - Indian (the asian one) weddings are different than Mexican weddings are different than Norwegian weddings - they all have their cultures, mores and do-nots. Once you get this down, you just captured a nice corner of the market by presenting your video 'their way'.

And remember an old small business axiom ' A good plumber does NOT make a good plumbing businessman.' Take some classes at your local JC - it will be time well spent.

Best of luck,

Vidguyz

videobear
Veteran

Aug 3, 2005, 10:12 AM

Post #8 of 28 (7632 views)
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Re: [vidguyz] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Quote

Some say by calling the best and bugging them is just hurting their business because you never planned on buying, yadda yadda yadda.

I agree that you should call your competition and talk with them. But don't pose as a customer; be right up front with them and tell them that you are a videographer, you're new to the business, and looking for advice.

Some will treat you as "the enemy" and not give you squat, but most are happy to share their knowledge...just like the crew here at VU.

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

mvmaker
User

Aug 5, 2005, 11:36 AM

Post #9 of 28 (7570 views)
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Re: [videobear] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

If you do call others DO NOT let on that you're a potential threat! Do pose as a customer! If you want friendly advice than boards such as this or local videographer clubs are the only place you can talk shop openly.

Video production services, with the advent of DV, have sprung up on every corner and the competition is fierce. If you owned wal-mart you sure wouldn't call up target and say "hey dude it's me the owner of wal-mart.....say what you letting your 42 inch plasma screens go for these days?" The answer would sound something like this.....CLICK!

Granted Doug's way isn't dishonest but business is business and scoping the competition on the downlow is as old as business it's self. Stealing other's clients with dishonesty and not skill is where the line is drawn.

Doug I'm not trying to contradict you because I WOULD be one of those who WOULD share with others because I love talking shop and if you are talented then your place in the business is secure but we all know that 90% of all production companies have all the right equipment but not a single original idea between them.

WARNING READING PAST THIS MAY LEAD TO EXTREME ANGER ON SOME PEOPLE'S PART!

To me some of the worst production companies are those started by frustrated local news cameramen and editors. They rarely have talent and exhibit a dinosaur mentality concerning new technology. Give them reel to reel or beta sp analog editing and they are at peace. I've even been told by such a company back in late 97 that this digital craze would fade out. They had the fade out part right but it was their company that did the fading. OF course this is not true for all production companies started by news people but it does represent a good portion.

MV

videobear
Veteran

Aug 5, 2005, 11:56 AM

Post #10 of 28 (7564 views)
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Re: [mvmaker] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm not alone in saying that most video people will be happy to talk shop. I just read an article by David Chandler-Gick in which both he and John Goolsby recommend the open approach over trying to pose as a customer.

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

mvmaker
User

Aug 5, 2005, 12:31 PM

Post #11 of 28 (7555 views)
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Re: [videobear] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Well Doug in a perfect world that would be the way to go but honestly when you have hundreds of production companies in major cities and maybe 10-20 in smaller markets all trying to feed their families you have to admit the odds are you are not going to be well recieved by many if you let on that you are the competition.

Personally and I mean no respect here I would imagine a great many production houses would prefer you were honest that way they have a heads up on a new comer. So I am less than impressed by any veteran who claims it's cool to just be honest. To me it serves their purpose more than the man/woman asking for advice. Of course that is ok as well since as I mentioned before business is business.

MV

johngoolsby
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Aug 7, 2005, 4:50 PM

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Re: [videobear] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

We had several videographers� contact me after that article and a few did come and visit our store. We were glad to show them what we do.

I do prefer being open with all of our colleagues. Maybe there is a risk that somebody will copy something and do who knows what with it, but my experience is the rewards far outweigh the risks.

A fellow video producer can and will do the following if you are upfront and honest.

1. Make you aware of a deadbeat corporate client. You can only burn one of us once in this town.

2. Loan you gear in an emergency. I delivered a camera to a colleague on location for free several times and have had colleagues provide me with tape and once a portable monitor when mine died on a job.

3. Tell you about possible revenue streams they are not interested in perusing.

4. Refer you when they are booked.

5. Share knowledge on a new product or technology

6. Be a friend in the business.

I am sure they are plenty more. Business is business but I don't think there is any reason to be deceptive.

John Goolsby
John@JohnGoolsby.com

(This post was edited by hlanden on Aug 8, 2005, 12:22 PM)

mvmaker
User

Aug 8, 2005, 4:01 AM

Post #13 of 28 (7447 views)
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Re: [johngoolsby] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

John, all great points and wonderful stories I wish I could say it would stay that way but I deal with the up and comers everyday and the digital revolution mentality for those who are so artistic and talented that they put 20 year old companies out of business within a year just don't see things the same way as others do.

I can share ideas and tips because I am a spawn of the DV generation and could care less about industrial videos or some loud mouth used car salesman. I have a hand in everything. My tips to people on shooting wedding videos are so against the grain that old timers cringe at the thought. They forget that the same people they are shooting the wedding for are almost always of the digital age and new approaches and ideas are in order.

I have only shot 4 wedding videos 2 were for family the other 2 were test subjects for some new ideas I had and they were a hit. So in the spirit of this thread if anyone is interested in hearing a few I would be more than happy to share.

Shadow
Veteran

Aug 9, 2005, 6:22 PM

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Re: [Ryan] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Ryan,

Have you thought about attending some local networking groups? It takes a little while for that to return you some business but once people start to get to know you they will start to refer you. It takes some effort and a bit of time but it is often worth it. Your local chamber of commerce is usually a good place to start.

I've tried introducing myself to the other videographers in my area, I tried 5 other companies. 3 of them viewed me as "competition", one guy was so mean to me I came home and cried. But... the other two were able to see the value in having friends in the industry and now we refer work back and forth when we can, it is nice to know there's people for back up in emergency cases and someone to help out on a bigger project as well. If you don't introduce yourself you'll never know what can happen. You could try e-mail first - and maybe send a link to an interesting article on video production or something that will peak their interest.

But don't get discouraged if some people are reluctant. Just by reading the board here you can see there are people of different minds. It's really not a dog-eat-dog world out there unless you look at it that way.

As far as marketing on a budget I would recommend a website - even a simple but clean/professional page. And the suggestion to do a couple for free to get a good demo is key. I did that myself years ago and used that demo to get about 20 more clients until I changed it.

Another thing you can do is research a good DJ company in your area, and see if he/she would like to start to put together a combined package. Again, you'll need a good demo before you start.

Bridal shows can be expensive but great for exposure and there are many wedding related web sites that have directories. Some are quite reasonable. Frugalbride.com brings people my way. Also look up and contact some wedding planners in your area - I haven't found this brought me a lot of work but it is just one of the things you can do inexpensively.

You can have postcards made up with a photo on the front/logo/contact info and some package info at the back. Drop them off at local bridal shops and indroduce yourself to others in the wedding industry.
You could even start a referral program for the first year, say $50 for a referral. Not bad investment on a $1200 package.

The most important thing I have found is to act professional and look professional, be organized and have a good demo to show. Personality is very important.
Go introduce yourself to a few people in the industry and soon things will start to get rolling.

Good luck - before you know it you'll be busy. Let us know how it goes!

H

Brackish
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Aug 12, 2005, 9:43 AM

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mvmaker
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Aug 12, 2005, 4:25 PM

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Re: [Brackish] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Excellent points!!! I would also add that "lowballing" it is a common practice in every business. Walmart ring a bell? The person who lowballs today will eventually (if he or she is good) up their prices anyway. To suggest you can't raise prices is absurd.

The trick is not to get lazy. Keep being inventive. I have been to so many wedding sites and one I went to recently had like a ton of awards from WEVA and the videos looked no different than any I had seen on a million other sites. Is there anyone with an original idea anymore? Or is everyone just gonna keep stealing each other's look?

If I have to see a man and woman walking on a beach or the man picking the woman up and swinging her around until he looks like he is about to stroke out one more time I'm climbing the nearest watchtower and will be hurdling DVDs at random victims.

Brackish
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Aug 12, 2005, 9:31 PM

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mvmaker
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Aug 13, 2005, 4:04 AM

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Re: [Brackish] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

How come you don't post over in the Wedding and Event Forum?

You know I when I first read this I went back and reread this whole thread and realized it was more suited for the wedding event section as were most of my posts here.

I probably will make it over there it's just that as you can tell from some of my posts that I think wedding productions are so boring and lack imagination. For example if I ever met the person who came up with the sepia tone I would colorize his a$$ like I was Ted Turner on a three week crack binge.

I love the idea of wedding videos I just hate most of what I see being done these days.

See another post that should have been in the wedding section. OK, I'll give it a go.

MV

Ranko
User

Aug 17, 2005, 6:11 AM

Post #19 of 28 (6398 views)
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Re: [mvmaker] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Do share, i'm interested to hear.
feel free to drop me a pm or email at jacky@themenatwork.com if its not convinent to post here.

In Reply To

mvmaker
User

Aug 18, 2005, 11:38 AM

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Re: [Ranko] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I actually did give some of my thoughts on new ideas for wedding production in the wedding and event forum but it turned more into a rant than it should have.

To give the short version............I believe that shooting weddings should be approached in the same way one would approach making a film. I won't go back through all my ideas since the last time I did they were not well received by most but it takes time for an industry who has relied on the same tried and true methods for so long to accept new ways of doing things. It's also understandable that the people who do weddings should be this way with so much of their time already taken up with projects who has time to try anything new when you have perfected your own work flow.

I've said this before I am by trade a digital consultant who helps others within their chosen media field. I have always had a fascination with wedding videos because the people who do them have to be fearless and adaptive and that to me is exactly what a film director has to be as well. Soon the wedding and event field will have to accept this method of filming I just don't think many are ready as of yet.

Plus if I go to deep into my ideas I might have to buy advertising space........it's a joke hal.

Ranko
User

Aug 19, 2005, 12:54 AM

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Re: [mvmaker] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

sorry if my following questions sounds too newbie to you...(cos I'm...which I'm sure you already know by my avatar) Tongue

but what do you actually mean by "...approach making a film"?

film making approach as in storyboarding the whole day with the involved parties?
- but what if the people have no idea of it too?

or, film making approach as in using the equipments and lightings, etc?

mvmaker
User

Aug 19, 2005, 6:17 AM

Post #22 of 28 (6185 views)
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Re: [Ranko] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Never worry about asking a question no matter how "newbie" it may seem. That is how we learn and if people look down on you for wanting to learn move on to someone who has a better attitude.

Now as for approach to film-making. Actually storyboarding would be an excellent idea for a wedding but the costs and time consumption are too great....for now that is. As we speak they are working on new storyboard programs that will allow anyone even a novice to use virtual characters in different settings to storyboard. I have a early model of one these programs and it's not so hot but a year or two down the road who knows.

Taking control. That's the approach I am talking about. You are directing one of the most important moments in two people's lives. How much is that worth to them? I'd say every bit as much as the highest budget of any major motion picture. So while the bride and groom do have input into the process it needs to be made clear that you are the DIRECTOR and you know what you are doing and what is best for the shoot. This same confidence is what gets films funded. Make sure that the bride and groom realize that while a photographer is a "nice touch" (snicker) he or she should follow YOUR lead because if you have the right equipment you could just as easily take high quality stills your self. As a matter of fact I think all wedding videographers should employ their own photographer. The same digital technology that makes for a great wedding video can be used with high end digital still cameras.

I've said this before....we live in the age of reality tv. A production crew or even a single videographer does not have to be dressed formal. My film crew shirt idea was used to great effect on two separate occasions. Your very on film crew how cool is that compared to what ever formal attire you wear that limits your movements. Ever seen what they wear on a real movie set? You are not gonna see Spielberg in a his oscar tux. You are not there for the festivities you are there to work so to do your job to it's best capabilities you need to be comfortable.

I got a few laughs off my "yell cut" if photographer got in your shot but believe it or not I am serious. Turn the tables on him/her while everyone is looking at them as fools you stay composed and stay in control. Sure there are times like the cutting of the cake as one person mentioned that would be bad so if you have a photographer that you have deemed trouble early on pull this stunt sooner at a better time that way the rest of the day is worry free.

Never be afraid to tell a bride and groom , usually at the first meeting, that you are the alpha dog and if they accept that they will come away with a beautiful reminder of the best day of their life. Even the worst bridezilla in the world is going to respect that.

There are tons more of these half baked ideas of mine some I believe are good, some I think are great and some I think they need to up my meds on. The real deal is to keep thinking about the future not just in technological terms but in the ways in which we handle our productions. I say ours but really I am not a wedding videographer I am just the night janitor at a local TV station who uses the editor's computer to look at adult sites. (kidding.....or am I?)

Ranko
User

Aug 19, 2005, 8:23 PM

Post #23 of 28 (6111 views)
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Re: [mvmaker] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

well, from the way you describe...it seems one should be a wedding co-ordinator instead of just a videographer. that way...one will have full control of the "production" of that wedding day. well, may work, or may not...depends on how one sell it. really nice insight there...will have to spend some time to digest that.

thanks. will come back again when i got more questions. Wink

in the mean time...enjoy your posting and visiting adult sites with the editors comp.

mvmaker
User

Aug 19, 2005, 8:38 PM

Post #24 of 28 (6106 views)
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Re: [Ranko] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Sorry but I think you missed the point by a mile. They pay for a co-ordinator who basically comes in and takes over the wedding planning correct? What I am saying is a videographer should be the same way. I know what I am doing so let me do it. How you could connect the two I am not sure probably my lack of getting the point across so pardon me for that.

Ranko
User

Aug 20, 2005, 4:01 AM

Post #25 of 28 (6071 views)
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Re: [mvmaker] Videography Marketing...Ideas? [In reply to]	Can't Post

i understand what you mean but a videographer who can direct the whole flow of the wedding? maybe for your culture...but from where i'm from...it sure will gets lots of complain from the bride and whole party, etc. well, maybe not for now...it wouldn't happen so easily.

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