How much does it cost to run a video ad
Marketers spent over $35 billion in video marketing in 2021 alone, and that number is growing all the time. Such promotional tools are very effective at starting people on the customer journey. So, if you wanted to do the same how much would a video ad cost and why?
This article will enlighten you on the ad costs of a single video and how you can adjust that based on your choices. As you read through, consider each element of a video and which ones you want to spend your budget on. Each could impact how people perceive the video and you through it.
How Long Is a Piece of String?
We can’t assign only one price for any video you might make. There are far too many variables that might affect the cost of video ads, and each one compounds all the others too. So, here are some of the things you might want to think about that might affect the price of a video.
Length of the Video
Of course, the longer the video is, the more time you will have to take up recording it. On top of that, any editing or post-production you take time to complete will need even more work with a longer video. If you also record more takes, many of them might end up on the cutting room floor too, each of which will be wasted time and effort.
You should make sure your video is short enough to keep people’s attention but long enough to communicate everything you need it to. You might even want to think about making several videos, each communicating a different USP.
If you choose to make a longer video, you might also need to shoot it in more than one location. This might end up taking you a long time to travel between places and set up lighting and camera in each one, which can eat further into time and money.
Quality of the Video
There are many different ways you could increase the quality of a video. For example, while many smartphones can capture video these days, if you want better audio you might need to pick up specialist equipment. Smartphones are also not able to use many professional features.
Also, having a tighter and more professional video might need you to invest further. This might mean high-quality visuals or more experienced editing in post-production. Each of these can increase costs further.
You might want to use a lot of the more advanced features of cameras or editing software. For each of these, you will also need to either invest in people who can do that for you, or take time to learn it yourself. These will eat into your time or your wallet, and thus affect your profits.
Types of Video
There are many different types of ads you could look into making. Many modern business videos, for example, use drone shots or slow-motion action videos showing off their products.
Either of these will need you to pick up specialist equipment and invest the time into learning how to use it. You also need to edit them in ways to maximize the effect of what you have captured. Thus, you need the expertise to apply post-production effects.
Each of these can end up costing you that much more money. Many professional video makers have already got the software, equipment, and experience. They can put together something for you in a way that might end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Crafting Your Own Video
If you want to look into creating your own video, you should understand some of the steps you will need to take to get that done. Remember, each of these will end up costing you extra if you want to create a higher-quality ad.
Buying and Hiring the Right Equipment
If you are ok with simple videos you want to throw on TikTok or other social media, you can often work with only a smartphone and a tripod. This can allow you to create videos that have a homemade feel to them, and if you are a scrappy underdog that might be exactly what you need.
As you expand, though, you might want to think about more professional equipment. While you can buy them, some locations do rent out such tools, though you will need to take time to learn how to use them to their full potential.
Hiring Actors
Marketing videos need people who appear as though they know what they are talking about. Pulling people in from your own office might not give you a professional look. They might have less suitable voices or appearances, or a lack of on-screen confidence.
Instead, by hiring actors you can have the assurance they will present your company well. These people will also follow your instructions without question. They can communicate your USP in a professional and upbeat manner.
Editing and Post-Production
It is not only the recording of the video you need to complete. On top of that, you must work on edits to ensure the ad presents you in the best light. If you have recorded several takes of each scene, you will need to cut these together to ensure a fluid video, too.
On top of this, you might need to adjust the lighting and color of each scene. Also, if you have completed any advanced filming, such as slow motion, you will need to edit this in a way to suit the format.
This will all take a lot of work, it can demand anything from several hours to several days. So, make sure you have the time to set aside for it.
What If You Can’t Make a Video Ad?
Putting together a video ad for your business can be effective, but it can also take a lot of work, and you might not have the experience to do it yourself. It might be better to get a professional third party to do the job. This is where we come in.
We have people ready to talk to you about your needs and help you refine your idea, then turn it into a complete video. All you need to do is give us a call and we can get started, so what are you waiting for?
