How to Make Big Profits In Your Own Specialty Video Production Business

There is an almost unlimited opportunity to produce videos because almost any area of interest can have a demand for them.

One of the best kinds of videos to produce are instructional videos. Because people are buying the information, the quality of the video doesn’t have to be like a Hollywood movie. It can’t look like you shot it in your garage with your camcorder and edited it on your VHS player, but it doesn’t have to look like a broadcast television show.

If you think about your areas of expertise you may very well know have the knowledge to create your own instructional video. But, if you don’t want to be on camera yourself or don’t feel that you have the knowledge to create a video, it’s no problem. All you have to do is hire someone that does have the skills or knowledge.

In one instance I came across a fitness instructor who had what I considered to be an awesome system for stretching the back that really helped me. I knew that there were lots of people who also suffered from back pain and might be interested in her system. So, I offered to hire her to be on an instructional video tape that I would produce.

The results were nothing short of fantastic. I made a $5000 profit within the first weekend of putting the video up for sale. And, I did this without having any personal expertise in this field.

But, I’m far from the only one who’s been able to do this. K.H. came across an amazing man who was in his sixties that was in better shape than most twenty years old. His muscles were ripped and he had amazing energy and vigor. The man agreed and within 30 days of K.H. producing the video, there was a $10,000 profit. And the best part was that this profit was generated from a $250 investment.

Now, if you do have an area of expertise yourself, then all the better. I’ve also been fortunate enough to earn a nice stream of income from a ballroom instructional video I created using my expertise that I gained from the years I spent working as a ballroom dance teacher.

Here are the steps to get going:

1. Choose a subject for the video

You'll want to try and choose a subject that will have a large enough market to be profitable. However, that doesn't mean you can't go after a niche. In fact, as a small and new competitor in the market, going after a very specialized market segment may serve you well.

2. Either plan to be in it yourself or hire someone who is qualified

If you hire someone to be in it, you must make sure to get them to sign a contract that specifies what they will be paid. It's best to just pay them a small flat rate. I'm not a lawyer and can't tell you how to write your contracts, but I always put in a clause that clearly states the amount they will be paid and that is the only compensation that they will receive. You can find various releases and contract samples from books on the subject or hire a lawyer to prepare a simple contract.

3. Either rent or buy the camera and editing equipment

Unless you're sure that you are going to want to stay in this business, you might as well rent for your first video. I recommend using mini-dv which will give you a great picture, is cheap, easy to edit and can be downloaded into your computer easily.

Many new computers come with basic video editing software programs. Or for a matter of several hundred dollars you can buy excellent programs. The only other thing you will need is enough storage on your computer for the video. I recommend buying an external drive that connects with a simple USB plug. They're as cheap as about $100 and will give you all the storage you need. The final thing you'll need is a computer with a firewire. This is a connection that will allow your mini dv camera to dump the video directly into the computer.

4. Shoot and edit the video

Try to keep the video shoot simple. It's much better to shoot inside where you can control the light and sound. Use a monitor and playback some of your footage so you're sure that you're getting usable video. If your people on camera will be talking, it's much better to use little wireless mics that will pick them up. But you can use a boom mike or if your budget is really small, then just make sure they talk loud and you can get away with the microphone on the camera.

5. Direct market the video to your marketing target

Creating a basic website is an excellent way to market your video. Using pay per click and working on getting yourself listed on search engines, you can sell quite a few videos this way. You can also advertise in e-zines and you can experiment with space ads in magazines that cater to the audience you're marketing to or you could even consider renting lists and doing a direct mailing.

The other great thing about creating a video that you sell is that there can be a continuing income stream. Once you’ve made the video all you have to do is fill orders. And, if you have a topic that continues to interest people, the video can go on forever.

The video business is a business that can be started on a part time basis with little capital that can grow into a major business enterprise and it’s easy to begin. For more information on starting your own specialty video business follow this link:
http://www.smallbizriches.com/videobiz/