How Much Does it Cost to Make a Video for My Business?

The cost variance to create a video for your business is based on several key factors that I’ve listed here for your convenience:

• Complexity of your message – The amount of work required and level of expertise needed varies by project (i.e. showcasing a product, telling your company story, creating a testimonial, or highlighting an event)

• Length and scope – A basic 20-second social media video vs a cinematic, 3-minute company overview

• Number of shoot days and locations – Filming for multiple days or at multiple locations vs. a single day shoot at the office

• Crew size and specialized equipment – Some projects may only need a videographer and a single camera; others need a full crew with lighting, sound, and specialized gear

• Post-production needs – Basic editing vs. motion graphics, animation, and sound design

Here's the honest answer — Most of my small to medium-sized business clients invest between $4,000 and $8,500 for a professional video project that includes pre-production planning, filming, and post-production.

The BIGGEST decision that will impact your cost is this: Do you want to create video content for your business as “one-off” projects or on a monthly retainer?

THAT decision will have the greatest impact on your cost and, more importantly, your business’ visibility to your customer. I would be doing a disservice to you if I didn’t share the differences of each. So, please feel free to take a look:

Creating Content as “One-Off” Projects vs. A Monthly Retainer

These are the two fundamentally different approaches to creating video content for your business, and each serves a different purpose in your growth journey.

• One-off projects are exactly what they sound like — you hire me for a specific video need. Maybe you're launching a new product, hosting an annual conference, or finally ready to create that company overview video you've been putting off. We collaborate from concept to completion, I deliver a polished, professional video, and the project is done. It's transactional in the best sense — you get exactly what you need, when you need it, with no strings attached. This works beautifully for businesses who have occasional video needs or are just testing the waters to see what video can do for their brand.

• A monthly retainer, on the other hand, is a partnership. Instead of creating one video and walking away, I become your dedicated video resource — someone who understands your business deeply, plans content strategically with you, and consistently creates videos that build momentum over time. Think of it like this: a one-off project is like hiring a personal trainer for one workout session, while a retainer is like committing to train with that coach month after month to transform your health. With a retainer, we're not just making videos; we're building a content engine that keeps your brand visible, relevant, and growing. You receive priority access to my time and expertise, predictable monthly budgeting, and the kind of consistent presence on social media and digital platforms that actually moves the needle for your business.

Both approaches have value, but they solve different problems. Let me outline the pros and cons of each so you can decide which path makes the most sense for where you are right now:

Option 1: One-Off Projects

Best for: Businesses who need a specific video for a particular campaign, event, or launch.

How it works: We collaborate on a single project from concept to delivery — whether it's a company overview video, commercial, testimonial, or event coverage.

Investment range: Most projects run $4,000–$8,500 depending on scope, crew size, locations, and production complexity.

PROS:

✅ No long-term commitment – Perfect if you're testing video for the first time
✅ Focused on one goal – All resources go into making that one piece of content exceptional
✅ Budget predictability – You know exactly what you're paying upfront

CONS:

⚠️ Limited content output – You get one video, then you're done until the next project
⚠️ Higher per-video cost – Each project requires full pre-production, planning, and setup
⚠️ Inconsistent presence – Your audience doesn't see regular content from you
⚠️ Reactive, not strategic – You're creating content as needs arise, not building momentum

Option 2: Monthly Retainer

Best for: Businesses ready to build a consistent content strategy and grow their brand visibility.

How it works: I become your dedicated video partner. We plan content monthly, shoot regularly, and create a steady stream of videos optimized for your marketing goals and social media platforms.

Investment range: Retainers start at $4,500/month and scale based on content volume and complexity.

PROS:

✅ Consistent content creation – Regular videos keep your brand top-of-mind with your audience
✅ Better ROI over time – MUCH lower per-video asset cost because we're working together ongoing
✅ Strategic planning – We build content that compounds, tells your story over time, and creates growth
✅ Priority access – You get my time, expertise, and flexibility without competing for my schedule
✅ Budget management – Predictable monthly expense that's easier to plan for than sporadic large invoices
✅ Deeper partnership – I learn your business inside-out and become an extension of your team

CONS:

⚠️ Requires commitment – You're investing monthly, which means you need to be ready for ongoing content
⚠️ Initial mindset shift – If you're used to one-off projects, retainers require a strategic approach

Here's the Truth, and Why This Matters:

I offer both solutions because I truly want to meet you where you're at. If you need a single high-impact video, I'm all in and will create a turnkey video for you — ready to publish.

But if you're ready to take your marketing to the next level and experience the freedom of having a dedicated videographer who knows your brand, your goals, and your audience — a retainer definitely offers significant advantages to you and your business.

Tell me what you're trying to achieve, and I'll help you decide which approach makes the most sense. No pressure — just honest guidance from one business owner to another, who genuinely wants to help your business succeed.

You can request a free consultation by clicking the link below.

For your reference, here’s a higher-end, large budget sample of a corporate demo for Aalto Marble Inlay. You can view several more samples of my work at the link below that span a wide range of client needs and budgets.