Services and Costs examples
RMHC-Madison
Overview
Planning your next project
Below you will find:
• An overview of video marketing
• Examples of different types of video production I can help with
• Examples of low, medium, and high costs, as well as associated use-cases and services
• Frequently asked questions
Video Marketing and Strategic Storytelling
As we begin talking about video marketing, it’s important to understand what video marketing is and how it can help your engagement efforts. Put simply, video is a business and communication tool.
I specialize in Strategic Storytelling. Strategic Storytelling is all about showing people why they would want to work with you, rather than simply telling them. We do this by finding your stories that will resonate with people, and telling them in dynamic and engaging ways.
Some things to know about video storytelling:
It works best when it's targeted
It’s important to know who you want to speak to, so that you can craft something that will reach them in a meaningful way
It should have a clear goal
It could be as simple as making someone feel good about your business, or as complicated as helping them understand health insurance policies–as long as you know the goal from the start.
It's a give and take
You work to give your audience something fun, interesting, educational, or important, and in return they give you their time and attention.
Examples
Types of videos
There are many different types of videos, from talking head interviews, to montages, to animated explainer videos–but I group them into two categories:
- Traditional – Real people and places, a camera or cameras, and microphones. May also include animated graphics, but may not.
- Motion Graphics Animation – 2D graphics and animations. May contain photos or videos, but may not.
Traditional
Motion Graphics Animation
Costs
Examples of Low, Medium, and High
These estimates are intended to give you an idea of costs associated with the planning and production of different pieces of media and scopes of video marketing efforts. However, projects will be quoted based on the final concept and the work and expenses it will require to produce.
For instance, we might land on a concept that fits into the middle tier, but it we’re able to streamline the production and logistics to where we can keep it in the $5500 range.
$3000
Essential
Streamlined production, focused messaging
A single video, traditional or animated (1-1.5 minutes)
Basic planning and concept development
1 half-day shoot (if traditional video)
Music + graphics
$7000
Enhanced
Multiple touchpoints, deeper storytelling
A primary video with 2-3 short supplementary pieces
More involved brainstorming, concepting, and strategy
1 full-day shoot, or up to 3 half-days
Music + graphics
$11000
Campaign
Multifaceted storytelling or promotion over time
Multiple videos or a multi-part series tailored to different platforms or audiences
Comprehensive pre-production, including strategy sessions, scripting, and storyboarding
Multiple shoots
Music + graphics
FAQ
Frequently Asked
+ What are the costs that go into my videos?
Video production involves a lot of expensive equipment like cameras, microphones, lights, high-powered computers, and specialized software. Much of the work in video production happens behind the scenes: pre-production planning and post-production editing. Editing includes things like color grading, audio mixing and mastering, the creation of animated graphics, and producing or finding and adjusting music. While the video shoot itself may seem like the main focus, it’s often the shortest and simplest part of a much larger process.
+ How long does a video take to produce?
There are many factors that determine production time. The biggest factor is scheduling: how many shoots do we need to plan, and how quickly can we arrange for all of the people, places, and things to be available?
Once everything is filmed, I usually aim to have a finished draft edited within seven days.
+ What takes longer to produce, traditional videos or animations?
With animation work, I am able to control most of the variables that we can’t always control with traditional videos. However, animation is tedious work, so it often breaks out to be around the same amount of time, assuming we can schedule our video shoots relatively quickly. That said, if you need something quick, animation can be a safer bet for last-minute needs.
+ What kind of video is most effective? Traditional? Animation? Talking head? Explainer?
It’s less about which style of video is most effective, and more about what concept will be most effective for reaching your target audience and working toward your primary goal. For instance, if your goal is to teach your Gen Z customers about your checking account features, an animated explainer will probably be most effective. If your goal is to encourage donations from your 55-65 year old donor base, a testimonial might work best.
+ How long should my video be?
While it depends on the platform, audience, topic, and goal–making your video as short as you can without compromising your story is always best. I always liken it to a billboard:
On average, you have about 7 seconds to read a billboard while driving. A detailed story might be compelling, but it’s likely to be missed because people don’t have time to read it. In contrast, a clear, simple message like “Hartwell Family Furniture: Great furniture, helpful staff, fair prices. Next exit on the left.” ensures the message is understood instantly. Simplicity and clarity often make all the difference.
+ Do I even need a video?
It’s a great question! Videos are most effective when you already have well-established platforms (website, Social Media accounts) to publish them to. Videos are also most effective when they’re part of broader marketing and communications strategies. If all you have is a video, and no other content for people to engage with, the value will be limited. However, if you’re already marketing your business and communicating your mission consistently, video can be a dynamic way to boost and enhance that messaging.