Questions to Ask a Video Production Company Before Hiring One

Learn which questions to ask a video production company to ensure it can execute your video strategy.

Video is a powerful tool for brand connection and audience engagement—92% of marketers believe that video provides a good return on investment.^[1]

By leveraging the expertise of a reliable video production company, businesses can create compelling videos that align with their brand reputation and maximize the impact and effectiveness of their video marketing efforts. 

A recent Capterra study on business-service purchasers found that qualities such as brand reputation, location, and integration capabilities are important considerations when selecting a video production company. This highlights the significance of finding a trusted partner that can effectively meet the needs of businesses seeking flexible providers. 

To make an informed decision and hire a video production agency that will help you achieve your content marketing goals, it's essential to ask the right questions during the decision-making process.

What is video content marketing?

Video content marketing is a strategy for creating and using videos to promote and market products, services, or brands. It involves the creation, distribution, and optimization of videos to attract, engage, and retain a target audience.

Video content can take various forms:

• Explainer videos

• Product demonstrations

• Customer testimonials

• Brand stories

• Tutorials

• Vlogs

These videos are typically shared on websites, social media platforms, video-sharing platforms such as YouTube, and other online channels.

Some of the most significant benefits of video content marketing include:

• Enhanced engagement: Video content has the ability to capture and hold viewers' attention, leading to increased engagement.

• Increased reach: Videos can be easily shared and distributed across multiple platforms. This lets businesses reach wider audiences and expose the brand to a fresh pool of potential customers.

• Improved conversion rates: Videos have a proven positive impact on conversion rates. In fact, a staggering 89% of people say they've been convinced to buy a product or service by watching a brand's video. What's more, 79% report being convinced to buy or download a piece of software or app by watching a video.^[1]

• Better storytelling: Videos provide a dynamic medium for storytelling, allowing brands to evoke emotions, create compelling narratives, and connect with their audience on a deeper level.

• Increased brand trust and credibility: Well-produced videos can establish a sense of professionalism and expertise. This can help enhance a brand's reputation and foster trust among viewers.

• Higher retention and understanding: With 65% of the population being visual learners, it's no surprise that visual content, especially when infused with elements of humor, emotion, or other engaging factors, is easier for viewers to comprehend and remember.^[2]

7 things to look for when hiring a video production company

Here are key things you should look for when reviewing video production company services:

1. Versatility and innovation

In an era where audiences are constantly bombarded with content, it's the ability to produce unique and creative videos that sets a great video production company apart. 

A versatile video production company will have a wide range of capabilities. Its portfolio should demonstrate a rich diversity of styles and formats, from explainer videos, commercials, and training videos to the latest trends, including TikToks and other viral content. Reviewing the company's portfolio provides valuable insights into its creativity, visual storytelling, adaptability, and ability to cater to diverse project requirements and audience demographics.

2. Creativity

Creativity lies at the heart of video production, and the best video production companies know how to effectively harness it. These companies bring much more than just technical expertise to the table; they bring fresh, original ideas that help your brand stand out and make a lasting impression on your audience.

3. Communication and collaboration

Exceptional video production companies prioritize transparent and consistent communication with their clients. Good communication is key to them understanding your brand, your objectives, and your target audience, which are all essential elements for producing a successful video.

These companies foster a collaborative environment where your ideas and feedback are welcomed and valued.

4. State-of-the-art equipment

The quality of the videos produced significantly depends on the equipment used. Therefore, it's important to choose a company that uses state-of-the-art video production gear.

5. Strong client reviews

Look for a company with strong client reviews and testimonials. This can indicate a consistent track record of delivering high-quality work and satisfying customers.

6. Value for money

While cost shouldn't be the sole deciding factor, you still want to make sure you're getting a good return on your investment. The company should be able to deliver high-quality videos that meet your requirements and have a meaningful impact on your marketing goals, all within your budget. Remember, value for money doesn't necessarily mean the cheapest option but rather an option that brings you the best results within your budget.

7. Adherence to deadlines

In the fast-paced world of marketing, schedules are crucial. A good video production company will respect your timelines and consistently deliver high-quality final products on time. This not only indicates the team's professionalism but also ensures that your marketing campaigns can run as scheduled.

Questions to ask a video production company

Before diving into the project or signing on the dotted line, it's crucial to ask your potential service partners some important questions:

What is your experience with my industry? Have you previously worked on projects that are similar to what we're looking for?

You're seeking their depth of knowledge and experience in your specific industry. It can make a significant difference if they understand your target audience, industry jargon, and the key messages that will resonate most.

What kinds of videos do you specialize in? Are there specific styles or formats that you're most comfortable with?

Different companies may excel in various types of videos—some might be experts at explainer videos, while others are pros at corporate branding videos. Knowing their specialty can help you determine if they're the right fit for your project.

Do you have any case studies or a portfolio you can share? We'd like to see some examples of your past work to understand your style and quality of work.

By reviewing their past work, you can assess the quality, creativity, and consistency of their work. Case studies can also provide insight into how their videos have helped other businesses achieve their goals.

What does the video production process look like from start to finish? Could you provide a brief overview of the stages involved?

Understanding their workflow can give you an idea of how organized they are and how they manage their projects. It also provides insight into what you can expect at each stage of the production process.

Who is responsible for the video's distribution? Will you handle the dissemination of the final product, or is that our responsibility?

Some video production companies may offer distribution services, helping to get your video in front of your target audience, while others might not. Knowing this upfront can help you plan your marketing strategy accordingly.

How involved is my team expected to be throughout the process? What levels of input and approval will we have at various stages?

Every company has a different approach to client involvement. Some prefer to handle everything independently, while others expect more collaboration. Knowing the level of involvement expected can help ensure a smooth working relationship.

What additional services do you offer? Do you provide script writing, animation, drone videography, post-production editing, or other specific services?

This question can help you understand the full scope of their capabilities. It's particularly important if you're looking for a one-stop shop that can handle every aspect of video production, from scripting to post-production.

Choosing the right video production partner

When choosing a video production company, the aim is to find a partner that understands your vision, has the expertise to execute it, and can deliver a final product that aligns with your goals. 

By asking these video production questions, you can gain a better understanding of the company's capabilities, processes, and how well they fit with your team's needs and expectations.