5 Common Mistakes Marketing Directors Make When Hiring Video Production Companies
Choosing the right video production company is a crucial decision for any marketing director. The right partner can elevate your brand, while the wrong one can lead to missed opportunities and wasted budgets. At Fragrant Film, we’ve worked with many brands and have seen firsthand the common mistakes companies make when hiring video production teams. Here are the top five mistakes to watch out for—and how to avoid them.
1. Focusing Solely on Price Instead of Value
While staying within budget is important, focusing too much on the lowest price can be a mistake. High-quality video production is an investment that, when done well, pays off in increased engagement, conversions, and brand loyalty. Cheap production companies might save you money initially, but the results can end up costing you more in the long run—both in terms of brand image and effectiveness.
Pro Tip: Look for value over cost. Consider the production company’s portfolio, experience, and the quality they consistently deliver. A higher upfront investment often means a better return when it comes to the final product and the impact it has on your audience.
2. Not Reviewing the Production Company’s Portfolio Thoroughly
One of the biggest mistakes is not taking the time to carefully review a production company’s portfolio. It’s crucial to ensure their style aligns with your brand’s vision and aesthetic. A portfolio gives insight into their range, quality, and creativity, but it’s also important to check if they have experience in producing the type of content you need.
Pro Tip: Look for consistency in quality across different projects. Does the company have experience with lifestyle brands or projects similar to yours? The right production partner should demonstrate versatility while maintaining a high standard across all their work.
3. Overlooking the Importance of Collaboration and Communication
Even the best video production company can fall short if there’s poor communication. A successful project requires a collaborative effort where both parties are aligned and working towards the same vision. Some companies may have great technical skills but lack the communication needed to keep clients informed and involved throughout the process.
Pro Tip: Before hiring, assess the company’s communication style. Are they proactive, transparent, and responsive? A good video partner keeps you involved, values your input, and ensures that your voice is reflected in the final product.
4. Neglecting to Set Clear Goals and Metrics for Success
Sometimes, marketing directors dive into video production without a clear idea of what they want to achieve or how they’ll measure success. Without a defined strategy or set of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), it’s difficult to assess whether the video achieves its intended purpose.
Pro Tip: Start with a clear objective—whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving traffic, or boosting conversions. Share these goals with your production partner so they can tailor their approach and ensure the video meets those specific objectives.
5. Ignoring Post-Production Capabilities
Video production doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling. Post-production is where much of the magic happens, from editing and color grading to adding sound design and motion graphics. Failing to consider a company’s post-production capabilities can result in a video that doesn’t reach its full potential.
Pro Tip: Ask about the company’s post-production process. Do they have a dedicated team with experience in editing, audio work, and visual effects? High-quality post-production can elevate your video from good to great, making all the difference in how it’s perceived by your audience.
Final Thoughts: Choose Your Production Partner Wisely
Hiring the right video production company is about finding a partner that aligns with your brand’s vision, values, and goals. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on value, communication, and quality, you can ensure that your next video project is a success.
At Fragrant Film, we prioritize collaboration, quality, and results. Let’s work together to create video content that truly elevates your brand. Visit Fragrant Film to start your next project with a team you can trust.
