How To Start A Videography Business From NOTHING In 2024 (A Beginner’s Guide)

Summary

In this video, the creator shares a detailed guide on building a videography business from the ground up. After experiencing theft of camera equipment, they reflect on how to start over. The journey began in June 2019, learning the basics by shooting a friend's wedding. They emphasize the importance of starting before feeling ready, offering free services to build a portfolio, and growing a network. By December 2019, they received their first paid gig and eventually established their business, RZ Media, focusing on creating compelling offers for clients and continuously expanding their network.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start learning videography by getting out of your comfort zone and taking on real-world projects, even if you feel unprepared.
• 📷 You don't need to own expensive gear to begin; borrow equipment or use what's available to start practicing your skills.
• 💼 Gain experience and build a portfolio by offering to shoot videos for local businesses or events for free.
• 📈 Promote your services on social media platforms like Instagram using relevant hashtags to attract potential clients.
• 🏢 Package your services to address specific client needs, focusing on the solutions you provide rather than just the hours you work.
• 🔗 Network strategically to grow your business, attending industry events and collaborating with others in complementary fields.
• 💡 Be transparent with your journey to build trust with your audience and showcase your growth as a videographer.
• 🚀 Even if you lose everything, the skills and experience you've gained can be leveraged to rebuild your business.
• 📈 Continuously develop your skills and expand your network to stay competitive and grow your videography business.
• 🌟 Remember that starting when you don't feel ready is crucial; waiting for perfection can lead to inaction.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first videography experience?

The speaker's first videography experience was shooting a friend's wedding for free in June 2019, using a borrowed camera.

What did the speaker learn from their first wedding video experience?

The speaker learned the importance of getting out of their comfort zone and the rapid growth that can occur when taking on challenging projects despite not feeling fully prepared.

Why did the speaker recommend starting with free video shoots for local businesses?

Starting with free video shoots allows beginners to build a portfolio, develop skills without the pressure of charging clients, and establish connections that can lead to paid work.

How did the speaker promote their videography services initially?

The speaker promoted their services by posting portfolio videos on their personal Instagram page with relevant hashtags such as 'Sydney videographer' and 'Sydney videography'.

What are the four steps the speaker took to present themselves as a videography business?

The steps included coming up with a business name (RZ media), designing a company logo, creating a business Instagram page, and uploading portfolio videos with relevant hashtags.

Why is it important to package videography services in a way that addresses client needs?

Clients are more interested in the solutions provided by the videography services rather than the time spent on production. Packaging services to solve specific client problems makes the offer more compelling.

How did the speaker suggest growing the network to expand the videography business?

The speaker suggested doing free work in desired niches, networking with industry professionals, attending business networking events, and joining business networks like BNI.

What is the significance of the speaker's advice to start when you don't feel ready?

Starting when you don't feel ready encourages taking action and learning through practical experience, which is often more effective than waiting for perceived readiness.

What was the speaker's first paid video gig?

The speaker's first paid video gig was creating an event highlight film for a three-day Caribbean festival in early December.

How did the speaker's approach to videography change from a hobby to a professional business?

The speaker transitioned from a hobbyist to a professional by consistently offering free services to build a portfolio, actively promoting their work on social media, and eventually packaging their services to meet client needs.