Promo video with a budget of only $100: How and why

An ecstatic promo video can be a game changer for a brand. It can send viewers buzzing about your product on their feeds, share insights on review platforms, or even kick in the nostalgia that would make them comeback to the video time again. 

But, most people tend to sway away from the idea of a promo video. Sadly, promo videos don’t even make it to the strategy of small brands. It is so since there’s a misconception going around that a quality promo video is a rip-off. 

When actually, it isn’t. 

Yes, you can create your own promo video for nothing more than a $100. With a touch of creativity and strategic execution, you’ll be done with your video before you know it. 

So, in this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own promo video, step-by-step. 

1. Define Your Objectives and Message (Cost: $0)

Before you delve into video production, it can be worthwhile to have a creative brief for your promo video. Ask yourself who’s your audience, what are their needs and aspirations, what would make them to take an action, what type of story would resonate with them? 

If you haven’t already, you can always ask an animated video agency to do it for you. And, they’ll deliver it for absolutely no charge. You can guide yourself by answering the above questions and set goals for your video. 

2. Script and Storyboard (Cost: $0)

Crafting a compelling script and storyboard is crucial for any successful promo video. Plan your shots, outline your dialogue, and visualize the flow of your video. 

Tools like Celtx or even a simple pen and paper can be used for this step. By having a solid plan in place, you’ll minimize unnecessary shooting time and ensure that every second of your video serves its purpose.

3. Go for Free Video Editing Tools (Cost: $0-$50)

I DaVinci Resolve and Shotcut are excellent free options, while Adobe Premiere Rush and FilmoraGo are more budget-friendly choices. Invest time in learning the basics of your chosen software to make the most out of your limited budget.

We won’t be surprised if you can’t do that. Video editing is an art, and going through these tools will take you some time to get a hang of things. So, in case you find it too much for you, there are promotional video services out there that can help you with affordable video editing. 

4. Shoot with Your Smartphone (Cost: $0)

Gone are the days when expensive cameras were a necessity for creating quality videos. You no longer need professional cameras. You can start off with a smartphone too. Smartphones today have professional cameras than can record high-quality footage. To add a layer of depth, you can make use of natural light or your environment to perfection. You can even switch between angles and focus to make the video more engaging for the viewers. 

5. DIY Lighting Solutions (Cost: $10-$20)

Good lighting can significantly enhance the overall quality of your video. Invest a small portion of your budget in affordable DIY lighting solutions. Desk lamps, LED light strips, or even natural light can be harnessed to create a professional-looking setup. Experiment with different lighting angles to find the one that best complements your video’s mood.

6. Royalty-Free Music and Stock Footage (Cost: $0-$30)

Elevate your promo video by incorporating royalty-free music and stock footage. Platforms like YouTube Audio Library, Free Music Archive, and Pexels offer a wide range of high-quality assets that you can use without breaking the bank. Just be sure to check the licensing agreements and give proper attribution if required.

7. DIY Props and Set Design (Cost: $0-$20)

If your promo video requires props or a specific set design, get creative and find budget-friendly alternatives. Visit thrift stores, repurpose items you already have, or consider DIY solutions. With a bit of ingenuity, you can achieve a polished look without spending a fortune on professional props and set designers.

8. Voiceovers and Audio Enhancements (Cost: $0-$20)

Voiceovers are free. Special thanks to the advancement in AI, we no longer need professional voiceover artists especially when we’re on a tight budget. You can even use your own voice or ask a friend who has a crispy voice to add a professional touch to your video. It takes nothing to invest in a quality microphone, and a small AI tool to enhance the voiceover, and minimize filler words from the audio. 

9. Effective Call-to-Action (Cost: $0)

A compelling promo video should conclude with a clear call-to-action. Whether it’s directing viewers to your website, encouraging them to subscribe, or promoting a limited-time offer, ensure that your message is concise and actionable. Crafting an effective call-to-action is free but can significantly impact the success of your video.

10. Test and Gather Feedback (Cost: $0)

Before finalizing your promo video, share it with a small audience and gather feedback. This step is invaluable for identifying areas of improvement and ensuring that your video effectively resonates with your target audience. Utilize social media, forums, or ask friends and colleagues for their input.

Bottomline

In conclusion, producing a captivating promo video on a $100 budget is not only possible but also an exciting challenge that can lead to innovative solutions. You can always create your own promo video without creating a hole in your pocket. 

Here’s a summary of the strategy given in this blog post; Start with low-cost tools, mostly free tools, take a course in video editing, or go through a series of DIY video tutorials on YouTube. 

Edit and share for feedback in Subreddits. Lots of experts can provide you insights on your work you never thought of. So, you can always create an ecstatic promo video without breaking the bank.