The Video Production Process for Small Business

In today's digital age, video marketing has become an essential part of any business's marketing strategy. According to a recent survey, over 80% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, and this number is only increasing. Video production can be a daunting task, especially for small businesses with limited budgets and resources. Here we will walk you through our video production process for small businesses.

Step 1: Define your goals and audience

Before starting the video production process, it's essential to define your goals and target audience. What message do you want to convey through your video? Who is your target audience? Answering these questions will help you create a video that resonates with your audience and achieves your marketing objectives. This is our first step at Firwood, and one of the first questions we’ll ask in our discovery meeting.

Step 2: Develop a concept

Once you have defined your goals and audience, the next step is to develop a concept for your video. Your concept should be based on your marketing objectives and should engage your target audience. For example, if you're promoting a new product, you can create a product demonstration video. If you're trying to create brand awareness, you can create a brand video that showcases your company's values, mission, and vision. Don’t know what will work best? We’ll figure it out together!

Step 3: Write a script or develop an outline

For a certain type of video, a script is an essential element of the video production process. It's the blueprint of your video and guides the entire production process. Your script should be engaging, informative, and relevant to your target audience. It should also be concise, as the attention span of viewers is limited. We will work closely with you to write and develop this script.

For other videos, such as “run-and-gun” documentary-style videos and interview-driven videos, a detailed outline will help make sure we capture everything we need to capture.

Step 4: Plan the shoot

Once you have your concept and script, the next step is to plan your shoot. This includes determining the location, casting talent, and hiring a crew. This is where we shine. We know many very talented people who will make your video the best it can be.

Step 5: The shoot day

With your script and plan in place, it's time to shoot the dang thing! We’ll do everything it takes to get the content we need to make your video phenomenal. This is the fun part, and where all the prep work come into play.

Step 6: Edit your video

The editing process involves selecting the best footage, arranging it in a logical sequence, and adding any special effects or music. This is the also stage where we’ll add any necessary motion graphics and branding elements such as logos, taglines, and calls-to-action, ensuring that the editing is consistent with your brand identity.

Step 7: Publish and promote your video

Once you have edited your video, it's time to publish and promote it. You can upload it to your website, social media platforms, and other video-sharing platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo. Promote your video through email marketing, social media, and other marketing channels to increase its reach and engagement.

Video marketing can be a powerful tool for small businesses. By following the video production process outlined here, we will create a video that engages your target audience and achieves your marketing objectives.