Potential customers usually turn to social proof to decide whether to trust a company or not. While written testimonials are useful, a testimonial video adds real credibility. Watching someone talk about their experience can create ripples rather than just reading and understanding words.
But is it possible to create a testimonial video on a limited budget without compromising quality? This article will explain how to do it and maximise your budget to the last cent.
Filming on a Budget
You don’t need expensive equipment to shoot a testimonial video in Melbourne. You only need to make good choices and manage the recording process smoothly.
Pull off budget-style video testimonials with these steps:
1. Plan Before You Film
A good plan still makes a difference in your video, even if you have a limited budget. You should know your audience and be clear about who you want to see the testimonial.
From there, choose your clients with genuine success stories who can speak naturally on camera. It would be easier to pick people who are eloquent with their words and don’t shy away from the spotlight.
Prepare simple, direct questions that make the testimonial seem more like a casual chat than an interview. For example, you can ask the person how your product or service has improved their lives and what made them choose your brand.
2. Craft the Story
Focus on one story only. Don’t overload your video with random details and highlight only the best ideas. Here’s a simple structure:
- Problem: State the challenge the customer faces.
- Solution: Tell how your product or service solves the problem.
- Results: Show a before-and-after comparison to highlight the main point.
This structure can transform simple customer testimonials into viral success stories, convincing potential customers to take your call to action.
3. Use What You Already Have
Spending money on new gear is expensive. If your budget doesn’t allow it, a smartphone with a decent camera will do when taking the video. Use free or low-cost editing software to turn your video into a professional work of art.
4. Film the Video According to Plan
This is where the bulk of the work happens. When filming the video, you should:
- Focus on the person alone.
- Record in a quiet room to avoid capturing background noise.
- Ask the customer to speak their mind without a script for a more authentic feel. Give them time to think before you take the video.
- Keep a good headroom and the person in the centre of the camera.
- Use plain backgrounds to put the spotlight on the person.
- Allow multiple takes so the speaker can relax and improve with every attempt to answer the question.
- Shoot near a window to use natural light coming from the sunlight.
In the editing phase, add closed captions and subtitles to help viewers watch the video without sound on social media.
5. Take Care of the Audio
Clear sound matters in a great testimonial video. Aim for a good sound when shooting your content. Use a low-cost external microphone when you have one.
When recording, remind your speaker to talk slowly and steadily so you can capture their statement clearly.
Stretching Your Budget Further
You can make the most of your budget when shooting customer testimonial videos with these tips:
- Record the video testimonials in batches in one session only.
- Repurpose the testimonials as shorter clips for social media and Google Ads to generate a potential steady cash flow when your products and services are sold.
- Upload your content everywhere—on your website, sales presentations, and socials.
- Share the video testimonial in a newsletter to win over hesitant clients.
Reusing the same testimonial video across various channels helps you maximise its impact without spending another dollar.
Why Testimonial Videos Matter
Testimonial videos may appear as simple as they seem, but they impact on the marketing strategy. Here’s why:
- These videos act as online proof and influence one’s purchasing decisions.
- They show authentic reviews and feedback, which some new clients trust more than ads.
- These videos add more life and personality than written testimonials.
A testimonial showing a real person talking about a service may be more convincing than a polished Google Ads campaign. It’s like letting your customers sell your product and service for you.
Mistakes to Avoid
Even when your team is on a limited budget, avoid these mistakes that can make your testimonial look staged or wrong from all angles:
- Don’t script what the customers say—let them speak naturally.
- Don’t use cluttered backgrounds as they can distract the viewers from the person.
- Don’t ignore the sound quality. Your audience should hear the person telling the story.
- Don’t make it long, as most viewers will stop watching after a few minutes.
Parting Thoughts
A testimonial video is doable on a budget if you have a solid plan, smart ideas, knowledge of video creation basics, and the will to improvise in a given situation. You can shoot genuine videos that make a lasting impression for your business and for your customers.
Authentic customer testimonials shine bright in the crowded world of marketing. Real people telling real stories help your business gain more trust, clients, and sales while staying on budget.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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