How to Market Yourself as a Videographer
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Most of the better DSLR and mirrorless cameras on the market today are every bit as capable of making outstanding videos as they are creating superb still images.
This opens up the possibility of marketing yourself as a videographer and a photographer. How would you go about doing this? What marketing tips for videographers are useful?
Start With the Basics
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Starting with the basics in this instance includes making sure that you can actually produce high-quality videos with your equipment.
One aspect of this is evaluating your videography skills. Having awesome photography skills means you could probably make good video, but it’s not a guarantee.
Many of the principle skills and techniques crossover from still imaging to videography. Good lighting techniques in particular work well in both arts.
Filmmakers studying cinematography concentrate more on lighting than on camera operation. And rightly so, since light is the essential element of imaging of any kind.
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A second aspect is to know exactly what your equipment is capable of in regards to videography. Some cameras, even from the same brand, will have better video capability than others. If your current camera needs an upgrade, a full service camera store such as Samy’s is a good resource for you.
Well, that’s enough of the basics, let’s examine how to market yourself as a videographer.
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Marketing Tips for Videographers
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There are several types of videographers that need to market themselves.
Type 1 is an established professional photographer in any genre of still imaging but who wishes to expand into video.
If this is you, you are familiar with marketing techniques in general but will need to learn some new marketing strategies. Just like you had to learn new things to include videography as a skill set.
Type 2 is a professional videographer who wants to expand their business in some way. If this is you, you either already have local clients or you have worked for someone else doing their videography.
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In order to expand, you need to know good marketing techniques in general and the special considerations of how to market yourself as a videographer
Type 3 is a skilled photographer/videographer that is very capable in either still or video or both but who has yet to market themselves.
If this is you, it’s likely you have done some for profit work, but just need some guidance and maybe a good push in order to go to the next level.
Create a Stellar Demo Reel
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An essential step in learning how to advertise video services is having something to show potential clients. A demo reel to include on a website or to send to people is how you show that you are a videographer worthy of their consideration.
That term “Demo Reel” goes way back to the predigital world of music and film. An actual reel of tape or movie film was played for clients or sent to them by courier or mail. We still use the term even though we are now referring to digital files.
For you Type 1 and Type 3 videographers listed above, this is the same thing as maintaining a portfolio of still images.
Be a Social Media Star
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Sure, there are already lots of videos being shown all over social sites. In order to effectively market video services for yourself, join the crowd. You won’t ever be noticed if you’re not there.
Your demo reel will need to be eye-catching in order to stop the scrolling or swiping. This means you may also have to edit it down a bit to fit the upload parameters of the major social media sites.
Editing a shorter version is okay, you can always include a link to a webpage with your longer demo reel or multiple files or your work. Editing software and hardware from Samy’s can make that job easier for you.
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Target Specific Markets
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Among all of the fine discussions concerning how to market video services, this simple concept sometimes gets overlooked.
If you want to sell ice-cold drinks to thirsty people, you go to where you know there will be thirsty people hanging out, right?
Same with your video marketing strategy. Perhaps you are currently concentrating on wedding videography. Joining message boards or other online communities for wedding planning is a good way to get in front of potential clients.
Be mindful of forum rules, though. Don’t be the annoying guy who gets banned for spamming!
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Print magazines and newsletters still exist, too. Buy a small ad in a pet magazine to advertise the pet video services you’re already providing.
Maybe the music scene is what drives you. Go to local festivals, again being mindful of rules and regulations, and show your face to up and coming acts.
It couldn’t hurt to have with you a device with your demo reel loaded on to it so you can show others what you are capable of. Print business cards with your demo reel or portfolio link on it.
That’s just three brief ideas of how to market yourself as a videographer. You can probably come up with several more simply by extrapolating from these.
Take the Leap
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All of the best ideas and methods of how to market yourself as a videographer won’t even have a chance of working if you don’t try it out in the first place.
What’s holding you back? Is it worries about your equipment? That’s one of the more simple things to fix. Examine your current equipment - cameras, lenses, lighting, editing software and hardware. If you want to upgrade, look at a top retailer like Samy’s to choose what works best for you.
Are you concerned that you’re not good enough yet? Two things I will say about that. You are probably already quite skilled in many aspects of videography. You can improve anything at any time by taking classes, online or in person.
Does marketing yourself as a professional videographer scare you? Understandable. But like a certain shoe manufacturer says, just do it.
You have to start somewhere. Use these marketing tips for videographers to either get started or get better at marketing yourself as a professional videographer.
