Let’s be honest—video is NOT optional anymore. If you’re not using it to drive leads, educate your audience, and SELL, you’re leaving money on the table.
But before you rush out and throw cash at the first marketing video production company that pops up on Google, you need to get your act together. Because here’s the deal: a video is only as good as the strategy behind it.
This marketing video production checklist will make sure you’re not just another company wasting time and money on videos that do nothing. Let’s dive in!
1. What’s the Goal? (No, Seriously—What’s the Goal?)
Too many businesses make videos just because “we need video.” That’s like running a Super Bowl ad without knowing what you’re selling.
Are you trying to:
✔ Generate leads and sales?
✔ Educate potential customers?
✔ Boost brand awareness?
✔ Explain something complex in a simple way?
Figure this out FIRST. Because if the video company doesn’t ask you about this right away, run. They’re just order takers.
2. Who the Heck Are You Talking To?
One-size-fits-all does not work in marketing. Your audience determines everything—tone, script, visuals, length, and even WHERE the video should live.
- Are they C-suite executives? Keep it polished.
- Millennials on TikTok? Make it snappy.
- Decision-makers who have zero time? Get to the point FAST.
If you don’t know WHO the video is for, you’re just guessing. And guessing is expensive.
3. What’s the Budget? (Aka, Stop Thinking Everything Should Cost $500)
Let’s get real—video production is an investment. If you want top-tier results, but expect bottom-barrel prices, you’re in for a rude awakening. Gisteo is more affordable that many marketing video production companies but, come on, we’re not Fiverr!
Key factors that affect cost:
Live-action vs. animation (Live-action = more $$$)
Length (A 30-second ad is not half the cost of a 60-second one)
Quality level (DIY iPhone video ≠ professionally produced content)
Custom scripting & storytelling (The real secret sauce)
If you think quality video is expensive, wait until you see how much BAD video costs you.
4. Pick the Right Style (Or Get Stuck with Something That Doesn’t Work)
Not all videos work for all brands. Are you better off with:
Explainer videos – Clear, concise, and SELLS
Live-action product demos – Show it in action
Promo videos- create a sense of hype and excitement
Customer testimonials – Leverage social proof
Talking head interviews – Thought leadership that builds trust
Figure this out NOW so you don’t waste time (and money) later.
5. Script or No Script? (Hint: You Need One.)
Want to know the fastest way to tank a video? No script. Or worse—a bad script.
Before you hire a marketing video production company, have at least a rough outline of:
✔ The key message (What should people remember?)
✔ The problem you solve (Why should they care?)
✔ A strong call-to-action (What should they do next?)
Good scripting isn’t an expense—it’s an ASSET. You wouldn’t write a sales letter without strategy. Same goes for video.
6. Vet Your Video Production Company (Because Most Are Clueless)
🚨 Not all marketing video production companies are created equal. Some are great. Some are decent. Some just take your money and spit out generic, forgettable content.
Before hiring, check:
Portfolio – Have they done what YOU need?
Client results – Do they have case studies and great reviews, or just pretty pictures?
Process – Do they guide you, or do they just shoot and hope for the best?
Industry expertise – Do they understand YOUR business?
If a company can’t show you real, measurable results from past clients, why trust them with your money?
7. Know the Timeline & Process (Or Be Ready for Endless Delays)
Great video doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process. Ask them upfront:
How long will it take? (And what’s realistic for YOUR needs?)
How many revisions are included? (So you don’t get nickel-and-dimed)
Who is your point of contact? (Because ghosting is real)
What formats will you get? (So you don’t end up with unusable files)
Set clear expectations early, or get ready for headaches later.
8. How Will You Get Eyes on It? (Because Just Making a Video Isn’t Enough)
Here’s the mistake most businesses make: they spend all their energy making a video, then just throw it on their website and hope people see it.
Hope is not a strategy.
Before you even START production, plan your distribution:
Website (Landing pages, homepage, sales funnels)
Social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
Ads (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram)
Email marketing (Videos increase click-through rates)
If you don’t have a promotion plan, don’t expect results.
Gisteo: The Marketing Video Production Company You Can Trust
Now, let’s talk about who can actually help you get all this right—without wasting time or money.
Meet Gisteo. We’ve been in the game since 2011—long before every freelancer with a laptop started calling themselves a video expert.
We Specialize in Videos That SELL
From animated explainer videos to product demos, testimonials, and brand stories, we’ve produced thousands of videos for businesses across industries.
We don’t just make “pretty” videos—we make videos that get RESULTS.
Beyond Animation: Reel Interviews & Remote Customer Testimonials
We don’t just do animation. Our latest services help brands capture authentic voices and social proof:
🎤 Reel Interviews – We handle the entire interview process, turning conversations with your team into powerful marketing assets.
📹 Remote Customer Testimonials – No more begging customers to record testimonials. We make it easy, professional, and high-impact.
Why Gisteo?
✅ 13+ years of experience – We’ve seen it all and know what works.
✅ No bloated agency pricing – Just efficient, no-nonsense production.
✅ Clear process & fast turnaround – No endless back-and-forth.
We take your story, your message, your business—and make it IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a marketing video production company is a big investment. If you don’t want to waste time and money, use this checklist before making a decision.
And when you’re ready to work with a team that knows how to make videos that actually move the needle…
Gisteo is your answer.
Let’s make a video that WORKS. Contact us today or schedule a free consultation to discuss your project(s).
