by Michael Palmrose
The ideal marketing budget for a small business or a nonprofit is tough to build. How do you know what you should be doing it yourself (DIY) instead of hiring a professional for your video needs? It’s all about your brand and where you want to take your business.
When it comes to live streaming or video recording, here is a helpful checklist to keep in mind.
The best case scenario for a DIY video budget
If you’re budget is under $100-$200 per episode, it’s best to do it yourself. This is a great fit for personal and informal human interest stories. Take vloggers for example - they tend to do very well using just a high-end webcam and mic to publish vlogs that generate thousands of viewers. If your show doesn’t require a set, showing specific products, tools or items off in the spotlight, it’s best to stick to this DIY budget. Examples of shows include:
○ Daily Vlogging
○ Political Editorials
○ Advice Shows
○ Pet Shows
Shows that require professional services
If you can allow for a budget of $300+ per episode, you should definitely invest in a videographer who can do both social media live streaming and professional recording. At this point, you should have surveyed your audience about whether you SHOULD do a live stream or not, and the overwhelming majority has answered “Yes!” It’s definitely good to do a focus group for your show before you invest in professional services. Another sign that you should invest in a videographer is that your show has reached over 1,000 followers on social media - whether it’s on YouTube, Instagram, or any other social platform. It means your content is worth investing in and enhancing.
Most importantly, your show needs professional video services because of logistics:
● You need a consistent, fast and high-throughput internet connection that only comes with professional equipment. You can’t rely on public WiFi or cell service any longer.
● You need specific shots that consumer cameras just can’t provide:
You need macro close ups
You need multiple angles at the same time
● You need clear audio - no background AC noise, no airplane noises, etc.
Here are some examples of shows that are best-suited for video live streaming and recording:
● Culinary shows:
Shows that require you to zoom in on the delicious food sizzling in the pan. Like this great example from Guga Foods.
Cocktails being poured via slow-motion into the fancy glass. How To Drink owns the slow motion pour.
● Sporting events:
Lots of action that needs multiple slow-motion shots, angles and high resolution to show crystal-clear detail. These are all on display in this tutorial video from Braille Skateboarding.
● Trade show pop-up studios:
Q&As with experts live from the show floor - requiring professional lighting and audio equipment that can quell the show floor noise and make on-camera talent look well-lit, polished and professional. Click here to see a wonderful example from a recent trade show I participated in.
Have a question about whether you should go DIY or professional when it comes to video? Leave us a comment or fill out our contact us form below for assistance.