They say that learning from your mistakes is a good way to learn. But a far more effective, less costly and less time-consuming method is to learn from the mistakes of others, so you can avoid making them in the first place.
In this post, I’ll outline five common mistakes that are made in corporate video production. By avoiding these costly errors, you will end up with a piece of communication that is clearer, more concise, and more effective.
Too Long
It’s a safe bet that most viewers of your corporate video are short of time and have ever-diminishing attention spans. They’d like you to get to the point so that they can gather the information they’re looking for and then move on to their next task. If your corporate video is too long, you risk viewers switching off before they’ve received your core message.
Too Many Messages
Often, there can be a temptation to try to cover as much as you can in a corporate video. But by cramming too much disparate information together, you run the risk of diluting the message. It’s far more effective to focus on one clear goal and communicate that directly and succinctly.
Inauthenticity
Contrived scenarios, overacting and fake situations are a turn-off. Viewers are far more interested in genuine stories, real people, and situations that they can relate to. Often, it’s more effective to feature real people in your videos who are familiar with the situation, rather than casting actors who lack empathy for its challenges and requirements.
Style over Substance
Sophisticated motion graphics and rapid-fire editing look cool, but do they enhance the video’s ability to communicate? Sometimes, over-editing or too many effects can obscure a video’s power. Often, simple, direct and professional is the way to go.
No call to action
Once viewers reach the end of the corporate video, it’s essential to let them know what the next action would be to help them best. Would you like them to contact you, fill in a form, or visit your website? If so, let them know.
Having a strategy or plan to begin with can help you avoid these mistakes. Have a look here at our tips for making a video production plan.
If you have questions about how to get the best results for your corporate video, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne-based video production company established in 2002. With more than two decades of experience, Ryan has helped leading Australian businesses, government departments, and non-profits communicate their message with clarity and impact through video. He’s known for his strategic approach, reliable process, and commitment to producing videos that deliver measurable results.
