What to Consider When Hiring a Videographer for Your Roofing Business

Roofing companies face a unique challenge in showcasing their expertise and craftsmanship. While words can paint a picture, there's nothing quite like a well-captured video to leave a lasting impression on potential clients. 

Whether you're looking to document a roofing project or create promotional content, hiring a professional videographer can elevate your brand and increase customer confidence. 

A videographer is essential in today's content landscape due to the pronounced shift in consumer preferences toward video consumption. While written content remains relevant, video content has become the favored medium for engaging audiences. 

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look into the essential steps in finding the perfect videographer for your roofing company.

• Why do you need a videographer?
• Determine your goals
• Budget considerations
• Communication is key
• Technical expertise
• Evaluate their portfolio
• Mistakes to avoid when hiring
• In-house vs. outsource

First things first…why should you consider hiring a videographer?

Why Do You Need a Videographer?

Creating compelling videos has become indispensable for connecting and retaining an audience's attention. Without consistent video content creation, there's a risk of missing out on a significant share of audience engagement.

A dedicated videographer is crucial because producing high-quality videos is time-consuming and demands specialized skills that benefit from focused attention. Moreover, maintaining consistency in content output is vital for sustained audience interest and brand visibility.

Although outsourcing video production is an option, it often comes with a higher price tag and might need more in-house control for aligning content with the brand's vision and objectives. (Keep reading for more on in-house vs. outsourcing a videographer)

Statistics underline the dominance of video in content consumption, with a substantial 82% of content consumed being video-based. Brands increasingly recognize the significance of video content, as evidenced by the fact that 31% of them publish 2-4 videos per month. However, despite this growing trend, we have seen that only 5-10% of content most companies create is video-based.

The preference for video content also extends to consumer behavior, with 70% of people expressing a preference for learning through video over text, particularly when making purchasing decisions. 

Having a skilled videographer onboard isn't just about meeting current content demands; it's about tapping into a medium that resonates deeply with audiences, drives engagement, and influences consumer decisions, making it an indispensable asset for modern businesses striving to thrive in the competitive digital landscape.

Determine Your Goals

Before you start searching for a videographer for your roofing company, you must articulate your goals clearly. 

Ask yourself? Can I create a captivating promotional video for your roofing website? Or do I need a videographer to document your team's roofing process? 

Seek local videographers with experience in the construction or home improvement industry. Check their portfolios and online reviews to understand their style, skills, and professionalism. Look for videographers who have a knack for capturing the essence of a project, showcasing details, and creating visually compelling narratives.

Commitment to consistently creating video content is paramount, aligned with the volume of videos sought for regular publication, which dictates the time commitment required to meet those goals. Establishing a timeline to start publishing consistently is crucial for content strategy. 

A proficient videographer should also possess shooting and video editing skills, recognizing the equal importance of the creative filming process and the precision and artistry of editing to produce engaging content that resonates with the audience. 

Seeking a candidate who excels in both areas ensures the ability to capture compelling footage and craft it into impactful videos that align with the brand's identity and objectives.

Budget Considerations

Knowing your budget is a significant factor when hiring a videographer. While finding someone who fits your financial limitations is essential, remember that quality comes at a price. 

Set a realistic budget based on the complexity of your project and your desired level of professionalism. Don't be afraid to negotiate, but also be prepared to invest in a videographer who can genuinely showcase your work in the best light.

Understanding local or geographical salary benchmarks for videographers is essential for budgetary considerations; offering a competitive salary ensures access to quality talent, even for smaller companies operating with limited budgets. 

Hiring a new videographer just beginning their video journey can be cost-effective, providing good results while keeping expenses manageable. Central to this process is securing someone in a full-time role, ensuring dedicated attention and focused efforts on video creation.

On average, a videographer is paid around $63,930 annually. To achieve optimal results with video content, the expectation would be for the videographer to create about 150 videos per year or three videos per week. 

Other expenses may include:

• travel costs for on-site filming (including airfare, hotel stay, etc.) 
• ongoing training and development for the videographer to stay updated with the latest techniques and technologies
• Filming that may take place in more than one location

Be sure to make it a point to budget all extra costs, keeping in mind experience and location. 

Related: Investing in Roofing Video Content: Understanding Costs and Value

Communication Is Key

When meeting with potential videographers, effective communication is essential. 

Discuss your project in detail, including the timeline, scope, and any specific requirements you may have. 

Determining if a videographer aligns with your project or organization's needs involves assessing more than just technical skills; it's about finding someone who resonates with your brand and culture. Look for a videographer who shows genuine interest in your brand, business, or industry. 

Passion is key—a videographer who is passionate about their craft and enthusiastic about your company's values, culture, and goals is more likely to create content that authentically represents your brand. Consider their ability to integrate smoothly with sales and marketing teams; effective collaboration is crucial for aligning video content with overall strategies. 

Adaptability, creativity, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset are crucial for seamless integration within your organization's dynamics and goals, extending beyond the technical aspects of video production.

A skilled videographer will actively listen, pose thoughtful questions, and offer suggestions to elevate your vision. Seek an individual who is open to collaboration and capable of contributing creative ideas to the project.

Technical Expertise

A videographer's technical knowledge is just as necessary as their creative skills. Inquire about their equipment, familiarity with different shooting techniques, and ability to capture high-quality footage in various lighting conditions. A versatile videographer who can adapt to different environments and produce polished end products will be a valuable asset to your roofing company.

Specific certifications or formal qualifications might not be as critical as proof of work and a robust portfolio showcasing their expertise when seeking a videographer. Look for candidates who can demonstrate their capabilities through real-life examples of video projects they've completed. 

While formal education in film studies, media production, or visual arts can be advantageous, practical experience and a strong portfolio often hold more weight in videography.

A videographer's proficiency with video editing tools at an experienced or moderate level is crucial. Look for candidates with experience or intermediate to advanced skills in editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or other industry-standard tools. Their efficiency and capability to navigate these tools to produce high-quality, engaging content are vital considerations.

Timeliness and reliability are equally important. Seek individuals who can adhere to deadlines, manage time efficiently, and deliver consistent results within the stipulated timeframes. This skill ensures that video content creation aligns with the company's publishing schedules and overall content strategy.

You must plan topics, coordinate with your team, and ensure timely publication.

While certifications and formal education can provide foundational knowledge, the ability to showcase real-life examples of work, proficiency in editing tools, and a track record of timely delivery is often more indicative of a videographer's capabilities and suitability for a role.

Evaluate Their Portfolio

Remember to ask for sample videos that showcase their previous work. Take the time to analyze their footage's quality, editing style, and ability to tell a story through visuals. Look for videos that capture the attention, evoke emotions, and effectively highlight critical aspects of the roofing process. A videographer who can create engaging content will help you stand out.

Having a portfolio or previous work samples is extremely important for a videographer. It serves as tangible proof of their skills, style, and capabilities in video production. A portfolio showcases their creativity, technical expertise, and the quality of their work, allowing potential employers or clients to gauge their suitability for a project or role.

Without examples or a portfolio to review, caution is warranted. Assessing the videographer's proficiency, style, and ability to deliver the desired results becomes challenging. An absence of previous work samples makes it harder to determine if their approach aligns with the project's needs or the company's vision.

Ideally, a videographer should have a body of work to present, demonstrating their skills in video production, including shooting, editing, storytelling, and overall content creation. This portfolio validates their abilities and provides insights into their versatility, creativity, and consistency in delivering quality work.

Having a portfolio or previous work samples significantly increases confidence in the videographer's capabilities and suitability for a project or role. It helps establish credibility, fosters trust, and provides a clearer understanding of what to expect regarding the quality and style of their work.

Mistakes to Avoid when Hiring

Several common mistakes can hinder the hiring process for a videographer. 

Let's look at a few that stand out most:

• Hiring someone who’s not the right fit for your organization, brand, or project can lead to miscommunication, creative direction, and video quality.
• Neglecting to review examples of a videographer's work before the interview is a substantial oversight. The portfolio showcases their style, expertise, and past projects, enabling you to assess their capabilities more effectively.
• Omitting a test project or trial assignment can be a mistake. Providing a small project or task allows you to gauge how the videographer works, their efficiency, and their ability to meet your specific requirements before committing to a larger project.
• Overlooking the importance of having a videographer local to your area can impact productivity. While remote work is possible in many cases, having someone local can facilitate smoother collaboration, easier access to on-site shoots, and better integration into your company's workflow and culture.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a more informed hiring decision, increasing the likelihood of finding a videographer who aligns with your needs and enhancing your video projects' success.

In-House vs. Outsource

The decision between in-house video production and outsourcing involves weighing various factors. While achieving a consistent and substantial volume of videos is crucial for maintaining audience engagement, the emphasis on consistency often outweighs the pursuit of absolute perfection in video content. Aiming to produce around two weekly videos provides a regular content stream for audience consumption, enhancing visibility and engagement.

In-house video production offers greater control and potentially lower costs, especially for companies seeking to produce a substantial amount of content consistently. While it may not always guarantee the highest production values, the ability to consistently deliver content that aligns with brand messaging and values holds significant weight.

On the other hand, outsourcing video production to a specialized production company often yields high-quality results but comes at a higher cost. These companies typically offer expertise, sophisticated equipment, and professional touch that can significantly elevate video quality. However, this increased quality and professionalism usually accompany a more expensive price tag, which may not always align with a company's budget, especially if aiming for a consistent output of videos.

Ultimately, the decision between in-house production and outsourcing should consider factors like:

• budget
• desired production volume 
• quality expectations 
• the importance of consistent content delivery 

For some, prioritizing a steady stream of content may outweigh the need for perfection, making in-house production a more viable option. However, companies seeking top-tier production quality might opt for outsourcing, recognizing the higher costs for professional expertise and polished content delivery.

Conclusion

Hiring a videographer for your roofing company can take your marketing efforts to new heights. By defining your objectives, conducting thorough research, considering your budget, communicating effectively, and evaluating your technical expertise and portfolio, you are well on your way to finding the perfect videographer. 

Remember, a compelling video can make a lasting impression on potential clients, showcasing your expertise and craftsmanship like never before.

Have questions? Interested in more information to help lead you in the right direction to make the best business decision? We are here to help! 

Reach out and schedule some time to talk with an experienced advisor today!