Should You Hire an External videographer or Do It Yourself?

Video has become an essential marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're promoting a product, telling your brand story, or creating social media content, video helps you connect with your audience in ways text and images simply can't.

But when it comes to creating video content, one big question often comes up:
Should you hire an external videographer or try to do it yourself?

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each approach to help you decide what’s best for your business.

Option 1: Hiring an External Videographer

✅ Pros

1. Professional Quality
From lighting and audio to camera movement and editing, professional videographers bring a level of polish that DIY often can’t match. This can make a major difference in how your brand is perceived.

2. Strategic Storytelling
Experienced videographers don’t just film—they help you shape your message. You get creative input, fresh ideas, and help with everything from scripting to post-production.

3. Time Efficiency
Video production is time-consuming. Hiring a pro frees up your team to focus on other important tasks, like marketing, sales, or running operations.

4. Access to Equipment & Expertise
No need to invest in expensive gear or learn new software. Professionals come with the tools—and the know-how—to deliver results quickly and efficiently.

❌ Cons

1. Cost
High-quality work comes with a price. For startups or small businesses with tight budgets, hiring externally might be seen as a luxury—though it’s often a worthwhile investment.

2. Less Immediate Control
You’ll need to communicate your vision clearly, and there may be back-and-forth before you get the final product. It’s not as quick as grabbing your phone and hitting "record."

3. Scheduling & Coordination
Working with an external team may require more planning. You’ll have to align calendars and make time for briefings, shoots, and revisions.

Option 2: Doing It Yourself (DIY Video Production)

✅ Pros

1. Cost-Effective
DIY video is budget-friendly. With a smartphone and basic editing software, you can start creating content immediately—no big investments required.

2. Quick Turnaround
Need to post something today? DIY gives you instant control. You can respond to trends, customer questions, or internal updates in real time.

3. Authenticity
Sometimes, raw content resonates better than polished video. A behind-the-scenes clip or casual update can feel more relatable and human.

❌ Cons

1. Lower Production Quality
Even with the best smartphone, you might struggle with lighting, sound, framing, or editing. These things can affect your brand’s credibility if not handled well.

2. Time-Consuming
Learning to shoot, edit, and produce video eats into your schedule. And for beginners, what should take one hour might take six.

3. Limited Scope
DIY works great for quick updates or social media clips—but for commercials, client case studies, or promotional videos, the lack of expertise can show.

So... Which One’s Right for You?

It depends on your goals.

• For quick updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and internal use?
  DIY video is often more than enough.

• For customer-facing videos, product promos, or building your brand long-term?
  Hiring a professional videographer ensures your message lands with impact.

Final Thoughts

DIY and professional video aren’t enemies—they’re teammates. In fact, many businesses do both: they hire professionals for major campaigns, and use DIY for day-to-day content.

At PocketStudios, we help businesses strike that balance. Whether you need full-service production or just want help elevating your DIY efforts, we’re here to bring your ideas to life—beautifully and strategically.

Need help deciding what’s right for your business?
Let’s talk. Book a free consultation with PocketStudios and let’s build your content game—together.