Why hiring a freelance video professional is better for small business

As the march towards video continues to dominate the discussion around marketing for small and medium-sized businesses, the inevitable question becomes, “Which is better, hiring a freelance videographer or bringing video production in-house?” No one can argue that video has recently become an integral part of any effective marketing campaign – and for good reason; a good marketing video is usually fast-paced, engaging and can capture and hold the attention of the audience within a matter of seconds. For these reasons and others, the use of video as a marketing tool is projected to continue to skyrocket. As a matter of fact, video marketing is projected to increase by more than 25%, making it a $140 billion industry.

But, as a business owner, how exactly do you get started with video production? You generally have a choice: You can hire an in-house all-in-one video professional (videographer, editor, producer), or you can contract with a freelance video professional, or a videography company. In today’s business climate, small to medium-sized businesses are generally better off hiring a freelance videographer for several important reasons. While you may pay a bit more upfront using a freelance video professional, the overall cost savings and finished product usually always outweigh hiring a dedicated video production employee.

Six reasons why hiring a freelance videographer is a better business decision

1. CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

It is a commonly known fact that freelance videographers and freelance video editors are very competitive and will go to great lengths to maintain their competitive advantage – usually in the form of “gear envy.” It is very common for a professional freelance videographer or freelance video editor to invest in the newest camera equipment, upgraded video production software & hardware and using cutting edge video editing techniques. If your business cannot afford the tens of thousands of dollars required to set up an in-house video production studio, then hiring a freelance videographer who has his or her own gear makes perfect sense!

2. EXPERIENCE

Since freelance video editors and entrepreneurial filmmakers have been shooting videos for years, they have an enormous amount of experience under their belt. Additionally, they have a proven track record of continuously improving their technique and have the time and motivation to learn to produce a wide variety of video styles. Another benefit of hiring freelancers is that you have ready access to video professionals with skills in a diverse set of disciplines. It is very unlikely that you will find one employee that is capable of handling all of these types of processes in video production. Successful freelance videographers and editors have faced and overcome the challenges of freelancing through passion, perseverance and developing their talent. Hiring a freelance videographer means that you are benefiting from that hard-won experience.

3. CREATIVE VISION

A marketing video can help your business gain the traction necessary to grow, but it will only be as successful as the creative vision and video advertising fundamentals. While an in-house videographer can shoot and edit a video, experienced freelance videographers are able to guide you through your ideas and help you clarify the creative vision of your brand. They often have the benefit of an outsider’s perspective and seeing what has worked and hasn’t work in other businesses’ video marketing campaigns.

4. EMPLOYEE COSTS

The cost of hiring a freelance videographer in-house goes well beyond the salary you are paying him or her. You are also going to pay for:

• Employment taxes
• Social security payments
• Healthcare and benefits
• Training
• Vacation and sick days
• Human resources

Using the services of a freelancer means that you will pay one price based on an hourly rate.

Comparison of In-house vs. Freelance Video Professionals