5 Essential Tips for High-Quality Video Content

As a top-notch group of marketing pros, Team TRIO loves wowing audiences with high-quality video content. But as a savvy small business ourselves, we also understand the importance of the almighty budget! 

Throughout our 20-plus years in operation, we have watched technology evolve in front of our eyes (and our fingertips). Though professionally produced content from a knowledgeable crew is still the way to go (????????), there are shortcut solutions available today that small businesses can use. It is easier now than ever for marketing teams of all sizes to produce quality videos with a handful of gadgets and some creative problem-solving.

1. Get creative with the tools you have.

Today’s smartphones are a viable solution for creating great video content. With the updated cameras on iPhones and Androids, creating high-quality content is as accessible as ever. 

But while these cameras can make filmmaking seem easy, their full potential lies in the techniques you use. Adopting a few pieces of additional equipment, such as a smartphone microphone to record clearer audio, will also help elevate your production. We suggest a well-lit area, but mother nature can also help if you don’t have any lighting on hand.

2. Cut and paste with free-editing software.

Ok, you’ve shot your scenes. You’ve found your footage. Now it’s time to clean up. With the tools at your fingertips, editing can now be done on the go.

iMovie and Movie Maker are excellent examples of free-to-use tools that achieve results. Don’t believe us? Check out this ad for Bentley’s luxury car brand. Shot on an iPhone 5 S and edited on an iPad, this video shows that the tools used are only as good as the talent behind them.

Pro Tip: The Great Zoom Boom of 2020 was good for more than video conferences and at-home teaching. This app has a feature that allows you to record yourself and save videos directly to your desktop – perfect for creating last-minute announcements.

3. Experiment with free stock image sites.

While it’s always best to shoot footage when funds allow, there are ways to compensate for smaller budgets. Websites like Pexels and Unsplash offer public access to an expansive library of royalty-free stock images. Simply enter your need in the search bar and browse a wealth of options.

Stock imagery is useful for creating shorter, informative videos for social media and beyond. Couple this with some creative editing and royalty-free music, and you’ve got yourself a video. 

4. Rock out with royalty-free music.

Similar to the tip above, royalty-free music sites provide users with a library of free-to-use-and-download audio options. Sites like Music Vine, Soundstripe, and Bensound give content creators the power to enhance productions without fear of a lawsuit. Choosing the right tune can help set the tone and enhance your message.

5. Teamwork makes the dream work!

When operating on a tighter budget, you can source your existing staff for their expertise and insights. You never know what hidden talent may be on your team. It may sound cliche, but teamwork really does make the dream work! 

Pro Tip: We’re never done learning! If you or your team need to brush up your skills, YouTube is a viable solution for finding quick tutorials for editing, filming and more.

And while learning the ins and outs of in-house video production is easy, putting them into practice can prove much more challenging for some. If you’ve got your next great marketing masterpiece in mind, Team TRIO is always ready and able to help bring your vision to life! Contact us today to learn about all our agency has to offer.