10 Common Video Mistakes

You Can Avoid

Whether you're creating a short promotional video, a full-length feature film, or an animated explainer video, the process can be complex and time-consuming. But don't worry, we've got your back. We've compiled a list of 10 common mistakes to avoid when undertaking a video or animation project. Trust us, avoiding these mistakes will save you time, energy, and a whole lot of headaches. So, let's dive in!

Keeping It Vague

 

Firstly, let's talk about the importance of having a clear and well-defined concept or brief. It's like having a recipe for the perfect cuppa - you need to know exactly what you're doing to get the desired result. With a solid concept or brief, you'll be able to make sure that the final product meets your stakeholders' expectations and effectively communicates the desired message. And let's be honest, nobody wants to waste their time and money on a project that misses the mark. So, take the time to get your concept or brief just right and you'll be well on your way to creating a video campaign that'll knock your audiences socks off!

For help getting started, make sure to check out our free video brief template!

Not Taking the Time

 

Budgeting time is essential for ensuring that your video or animation project is completed to a high standard, avoiding delays in the production process and allowing for any tweaks or adjustments.

By including a clear timeline in your initial brief, you can ensure the project is completed to a high standard, which in turn saves you both money and stress. This means it's well worth putting in some extra effort at the start of your next campaign to ensure that everything runs smoothly!

Let's Get Resourceful!

 

So, you've got an amazing video marketing campaign idea, but have you thought about all the resources you might need to make it a success? Exploring all the resources available to you is an essential part of creating a successful campaign that resonates with your target audience. Whether it's finding the perfect video partner, scouting locations, sourcing props, or hiring the right talent, taking the time to explore your options can make all the difference. Plus, it can help you avoid any last-minute panic when you realise you're missing a key component to your campaign. So, don't skimp on your preparations and get exploring those resources - your campaign will thank you for it!

Pay Attention to Pre-Production

 

Pre-production is where you'll do all the planning, researching and preparation before any filming or animation begins. Think of it like building a house - you wouldn't start without blueprints or a solid foundation, right? Similarly, pre-production sets the stage for a successful project. It's where you can iron out any kinks, identify potential pitfalls and make sure everyone is on the same page. Plus, it gives you the chance to get creative and come up with unique ideas that will make your project stand out from the crowd. So, take the time to get your pre-production just right and you'll be well on your way to creating an amazing video or animation that your audience will love!

Have a Back-Up Plan

 

We all know that things don't always go according to plan, especially when it comes to filming or animation. That's why it's crucial to have a backup plan in place for those unforeseen issues that can crop up at any time. Whether it's equipment failure, weather-related problems, or an actor getting sick, having a contingency plan can help you stay on track and avoid any major disasters. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing that you have a Plan B ready to go if something does go wrong. So, take the time to think through all the potential problems and come up with solutions that can help you get back on track quickly. With a little bit of preparation and a solid backup plan, you'll be able to handle anything that comes your way and keep your project on course.

Alternatively, it can help to engage with a reliable video partner in order to ensure that things run according to plan - check out our blog on why a long term video partner might be a good fit for your next campaign!

Nail Your CTA

 

When it comes to crafting a successful video marketing campaign, it's important to remember that it should have a clear call to action. What's a call to action, you ask? It's basically a fancy way of saying that your video should encourage your viewers to take a specific action, whether that's buying a product, signing up for a service, or spreading awareness about a particular issue. Without a clear CTA, your video or animation project may fall flat and fail to achieve the desired results. So, take the time to think about what action you want your viewers to take and make sure your video or animation leads them there. Whether it's through clever scripting, engaging visuals, or a well-placed message, a strong call to action can help make your campaign a success.

Post-Production is Key

 

You know that old saying, "it's not about the destination, it's about the journey"? Well, when it comes to video production, that couldn't be more true! Sure, pre-production and filming are crucial parts of the process, but don't forget about post-production! That's where the real magic happens! Taking the time to edit, colour correct, and add sound and visual effects can make all the difference in the final product. After all, a beautifully-shot video or animation can lose its impact if it's not polished and refined in post-production. That's why it's important to give post-production the time and attention it deserves to ensure that your final product is of the highest quality!

Test Your Assets

 

Testing is key to ensuring your video is working as expected and free of any pesky technical issues that could ruin your viewer's experience. It's also crucial to make sure your video is fit-for-purpose. That means taking the time to ensure your outputs are tailored to the specific platforms you plan to use. Whether it's Instagram, Facebook, or even good old-fashioned email, you need to make sure you're using the right specifications for the job. After all, you don't want to put in all that hard work, only to have your video looking pixelated or taking forever to load.

 

So, in short, don't forget the importance of testing and platform optimisation. Your audience will thank you for delivering a smooth and polished video, and you'll thank yourself for avoiding any potential disasters. It's a win-win!

Have a Plan to Reach Your Target Audience

 

After all the hard work that goes into creating a video, you want to make sure it doesn't just sit on a shelf gathering dust. You want it to be seen by as many people as possible, right? That's where promotion and distribution come in.

Now, we know it can be tempting to just upload your video to YouTube and call it a day. But if you want to truly maximize your reach and engage your audience, you need to put some effort into promoting and distributing your video. That means sharing it on social media, emailing it to your subscribers, and maybe even running some paid ads.

But don't worry, it's not as daunting as it sounds. With a little planning and some smart marketing tactics, you can get your video in front of the right people and generate some serious buzz. So, don't neglect this crucial step in the video production process. Promote and distribute your video like a pro, and watch it soar to new heights of success.

Listen to Feedback

 

It's easy to get tunnel vision when you're knee-deep in a video project. You might think everything looks and sounds perfect, but a fresh pair of eyes can often spot things you missed. That's where feedback comes in. By sharing your work with others and soliciting their opinions, you can identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes before it's too late.

But it's not just about getting feedback during the project. You also need to integrate long-term audience feedback into your plans for future video campaigns. Your audience is the ultimate judge of your video's success, and their input can help shape your future video content and strategy.

So, don't be afraid to seek out feedback at every stage of the video production process. It might not always be easy to hear criticism, but it's an essential part of creating great videos. And by integrating feedback from your team and audience, you can create videos that truly resonate and engage with your target audience.

Let's Be Friends!

Instagram   LinkedIn   Vimeo   TikTok