How to Make Promo Videos That Steal Bookings

Are you a performing artist looking to take your career to the next level? Have you looked hard enough at creating professional promo videos to land you more gigs and steal bookings from your competition? In this article, we’ll explore what promo videos are, the hidden benefits of making them, the unexpected types of promo videos you can create, tips on making them look upscale on a budget, and how to promote them smartly. And—action!

What Are Promo Videos for Artists, Musicians, and Dancers?

Professional promo videos are catchy tools to showcase your work and promote your skills. They typically feature your performance, such as a dance, music performance, or other type of performance art. You can create a promotional video for yourself, or for your group of performers, such as a band or dance group. Promo videos are usually short in length, between one and three minutes. Dynamic and easy to consume, they’re meant to quickly grab the attention of potential fans and bookers. They’re also a great way to build your brand and show what you’re uniquely made of.

Unlike shorts and reels that you can create on the go for a quick bite, professional promo videos have that polished feel that makes them rewatchable. There is a story in them; it pulls a viewer in. They become an MTV-class gem that clients want to share, and say with pride: “I once hired them!”

Take a look at this video to see what we mean:

11 Benefits of Making Promo Videos

There are quite a few benefits to making professional promo videos. Some are obvious and boring (still needed to be mentioned), some are hidden or unexpected. Let’s go through them.

1. Expand your fan base: With a dazzling promo video, you can reach and captivate a wider audience, expanding your fan base and fanfare in ways you’ve never dreamed of before.
2. Forge a stronger bond with your fans: Connect with your fans on a deeper level with promo videos that showcases your creativity, personality, and passion, leaving them starry-eyed and wanting more.
3. Showcase your talent like a superstar: Let your talent shine brighter than the stars in the night sky with a promo video that puts your unique style and performance front and center.
4. Create an authentic brand image: With a captivating promo video, you can establish a unique, authentic brand image that sets you apart from the competition and positions you as a rising star in the music industry.
5. Skyrocket your album and ticket sales: Generate excitement and anticipation for your upcoming releases and shows with a promo video that leaves viewers clamoring for more, translating into increased album and ticket sales.
6. Supercharge your marketing efforts: With a high-quality promo video, you can supercharge your marketing efforts and get your name and music out there with minimal cost and maximum impact.
7. Boost your street cred: Establish yourself as serious about your craft and investing in self. You’ll be that big-ticket artist with a top-notch promo video that enhances credibility with fans, promoters, and industry insiders.
8. Help you secure sponsorships and endorsements: Many sponsors are looking for promo videos that showcase the talent of their sponsored artists and entertainers. Show potential sponsors what you’re capable of!
9. Unlock collaboration opportunities: Attract exciting collaboration opportunities with other artists and industry professionals, fueling your growth and paving the way for a long, successful career.
10. Tell your story with a Zen: With a promo video that speaks your story and shares your passion with the world, you can inspire and touch the hearts of countless fans and fellow artists alike.
11. Just bask in the limelight: Take center stage and bask in the limelight with a promo video that showcases your talent, creativity, and magnetic personality, leaving fans cheering and critics raving.

Types of Promo Videos

There are several types of promo videos to consider. Some stem directly from the artist’s niche. The most popular among them are music videos, dance videos, and performance art videos. Naturally, each type has its own unique style and purpose.

However, there are promo videos that can equally work for almost any creative art niche. They could and should be adopted by anyone. Let’s take a look at them all.

1. Music videos: These videos are a way for artists to showcase their music and creativity. They often feature a single or album. Usually a combination of performance footage and creative visuals, they are a great way to get a representation of an artist’s style and sound.
2. Live performance videos: These videos capture the excitement and energy of a live show, and are a way for artists to connect with their fans especially when they can’t attend a concert in person.
3. Behind-the-scenes videos: These reels give us a behind-the-scenes look at an artist’s creative process, and can be fascinating to watch. We get to see how the artist develops their ideas and turns them into a finished product. They can help connect with or even relate to the artist, as if invited to the inner circle for the shoot. The peers may find inspiration or even knowledge, boosting the artist’s following and cred.
4. Interview videos: These videos are a chance for us to get to know the artist on a personal level. They often share their motivations and creative process, which can be both insightful and inspiring. This is one of the most powerful tools to develop the personal brand.
5. Dance reels: These promo videos showcase the amazing talent of dancers and the beauty of dance. They often feature a compilation of performances or choreographed routines. Not requiring an extensive editing or visual effects, they are quick to produce and a great way to appreciate the pure artistry of dance.
6. Concept videos: These videos are like short films that tell a story or convey a particular message through music and visuals. They can be thought-provoking and emotionally powerful, and can leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Having such promo videos place the artists on the next level of mindfulness and human essence, making them stand above the crowd.

Music Video Production Steps

Because music videos are among the most popular, attractive, and fun to produce creativity, let’s focus on them. First, we’ll take a high-level look at their production steps. They address the creator/videographer but if you’re a self-producing performer, just switch the hats or bring a friend ready for your directing or collaboration.

1. Concept development. Come up with a cool idea for the music video that matches the song’s vibe. Work with the artist, label, and creative team to make sure everyone’s on the same page.
2. Pre-production. Plan everything before filming starts. This means finding locations, hiring crew, casting talent, and making a schedule. You’ll also need a shot list and storyboard.
3. Production. Film the music video. Set up the shots, direct the talent, and start rolling! Make sure to stay on schedule and keep things organized.
4. Post-production. Edit the footage. Once you’re done filming, it’s time to select the best takes, add special effects, and make everything look great. The director and editor will work together to bring the video to life.
5. Distribution. Share the video with the world. When the music video is complete, it’s time to promote it. Share it on the your social media pages and website, and reach out to media outlets to get more exposure. You can also run ads to get the word out to more people.

Overall, a successful music video production requires planning, creativity, and teamwork. With a great concept, solid pre-production, and a good distribution strategy, you can create a music video that will make waves on your audience, or even go viral.

Ways to Create Your Promo Video

So, you’ve created your strategy and decided what to include. Time to bring your video to life!

There are two main ways to create promo videos: shooting it yourself and then using a video editing software if you have ardor, talent and spare time, or hiring an experienced freelance videographer to take care of everything for you.

If you’re using a video editing software, you should first select the type of video you’re creating and the visuals you want to include. You can then begin adding your performance footage and the visuals. After that, edit your video and add music and captions, if needed.

Hiring a freelance videographer will take the creative load off your plate if you’re lacking it or simply don’t have time to exercise it.

Once you hired a freelance videographer or editor, you will provide them with your strategy and the visuals you want to include. If the videographer is hired to also film your footage, it would also help to reference music videos of other artists (or your own) to help with the direction and styling. The freelance videographer will offer vision, professional tips, polished skills, and an arsenal of creative editing tools.

10 Tips For Making an Engaging Promo Video

When creating your promo, it’s important to make sure it’s likable and captivating. Here are some tips for making such engaging promo videos:

1. Know your crowd: Get inside the heads and hearts of your target audience and create a promo video that speaks to their souls.
2. Keep it snappy: With attention spans shorter than a beat drop, keep your promo video short, sweet, and attention-grabbing. It’s a safe bet to stay in 30-60 seconds but if you can develop a story that drags the viewer in (think of TV shows), you can test out 3-5 minutes.
3. Flaunt your flair: Let your unique style shine through in the video, highlighting your awe-inspiring talent and making jaws drop.
4. Dazzle with high-quality footage: Make sure your promo videos are a feast for the eyes by using top-notch, visually stunning footage that leaves viewers mesmerized. It starts with the setup, then subject, moments, framing, lighting, and finally, dynamic editing, smart transitions, and possibly cool FX.
5. Groove to the perfect music: Pair your performance with a track that gets your audience moving and grooving, perfectly complementing your every move.
6. Shoot from all angles: Capture your mesmerizing performance from every angle, giving viewers an immersive experience that leaves them stunned.
7. Weave a captivating tale: Take viewers on a journey with promo videos that tells a story, highlighting your creativity, passion, and dazzling talent.
8. Keep your brand consistent: Create a consistent image and brand across all your promotional materials, from your website to your social media profiles.
9. Make the call to action irresistible: End your promo videos with a compelling call to action that urges viewers to follow you on social media or snag tickets to your next show.
10. Share like crazy: Take your promo videos viral by sharing them on all your social media channels and beyond, spreading the word about your incredible talent and leaving audiences hungry for more.

16 Ways to Film Music Videos on a Budget That Look Like a Big Production

There are several trade secrets for filming cool music videos on a budget that look like a million-buck production. Here are a few tips:

1. Plan your shots: Plan out your shots in advance to make the most of your shooting time. Create a shot list and storyboard to ensure you get all the shots you need.
2. Location, location, location: Finding the right location is key to creating a visually stunning music video. Look for unique and visually appealing locations that don’t require a lot of set dressing.
3. Collaborate with other artists: Collaborate with other artists, such as visual artists or dancers, to add another layer of visual interest and creativity to your music video.
4. Incorporate dance: Incorporating dance into your music video can add an additional layer of creativity and visual interest. Look for simple but effective dance moves that you can perform yourself or collaborate with a local dance group.
5. Use costumes and props: Costumes and props can add visual interest to your music video without breaking the bank. Look for unique and interesting pieces that can be incorporated into your music video.
6. DIY special effects: There are many DIY special effects that can be created using simple materials, such as smoke bombs, sparklers, and water. These effects can add a unique and visually stunning element to your music video.
7. Use creative lighting: Lighting is crucial to creating mood and atmosphere in a music video. Experiment with different types of lighting, such as colored lights, practical lights, natural light, and mini LED light bars to create unique visual effects.
8. Choose the right camera: You don’t need the most expensive camera to create a great music video. Look for cameras that offer high-quality video and the ability to shoot at different frame rates to create slow-motion or time-lapse shots.
9. Experiment with camera angles: Try different camera angles, such as high and low angles, and handheld shots, to add visual interest to your music video.
10. Keep It tight: Nothing makes promo videos as boring as shooting it exclusively with a wide angle lens (12-24mm). Mix it up with a portrait lens, (50-85mm) or even a long zoom lens (200-300mm).
11. Keep It smooth: Stabilize your camera, whether it’s DSLR, mirrorless, or a phone. Investing into a quality gimbal will be a fail-safe ROI. It’s sometimes difficult to tell a cheap plastic $50 lens from a premium $3,000 glass but if you spend the difference on a gimbal, your footage will jump up a few levels above any newbie.
12. Get creative with sound design: Sound design can add another layer of depth to your music video. Experiment with different sound effects and foley to create a unique and immersive experience for your audience.
13. Keep it simple: Sometimes the simplest ideas can be the most effective. Look for simple but visually striking ideas, such as shooting in black and white or using silhouettes to create a striking visual effect.
14. Use natural lighting: Natural lighting can be a great way to save on lighting costs while still creating visually stunning shots. Look for times of day when natural light is most flattering, such as during the golden hour, and plan your shoot around these times.
15. Utilize creative editing techniques: Use creative editing techniques, such as jump cuts, transitions, and color grading, to give your music video a polished and professional look.
16. Embrace imperfection: Sometimes imperfections can add charm and character to a music video. Don’t be afraid to leave in shots that aren’t perfect or are a little rough around the edges. These imperfections can add a unique and authentic element to your music video.

By utilizing these trade secrets, musicians can create visually stunning music videos that look like they were produced with a big budget, even if they were produced on a shoestring one.

Finding the Right Freelance Videographer

If you’re looking for professional help with creating your promo videos, you can hire a freelance videographer or a professional video production company. If budget allows, you can also hire a highly specialized music video production company to create premium professional music videos.

When on the hunt for a freelance videographer to create promo videos for your dancing or music career, here are some steps that might help you find the right creative:

1. Set a budget: Before you start looking for a videographer, figure out how much you’re willing to spend. Knowing your budget will help you narrow down your options and find someone who fits your price range.
2. Look for pros near you: Start by looking for videographers in your area. You can search online through Google Maps, social media, gig listing services, or directories to find potential candidates.
3. Check out their work: Once you find a few potential candidates, check out their portfolio to see if they have experience creating the type of video you’re looking for. Look for samples that match the style or theme you want to portray.
4. Read reviews and testimonials: Check out reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of their experience working with the videographer. You can learn about their reliability, communication skills, and the quality of their work.
5. Reach out and set up a meeting: If you find a videographer that seems like a good fit, reach out and schedule a meeting to discuss your project in more detail. This will give you a chance to see if they understand your vision and answer any questions you have.
6. Hammer out the details: During the meeting, talk about the specifics of your project, such as timelines, deliverables, and budget. Ask about their creative process and how they can work within your budget.

By following these steps, you can find a freelance videographer with the skills, experience, and communication style needed to create promo videos that shows off your dancing or music career.

7 Creative Ways to Hype Your Promo Video

Once your promo video is complete, it’s time to start push it around. There are several traditional ways to promote your video, such as posting it on your social media channels, sending it to potential bookers, and creating a website or blog to showcase it. Here are a few more creative ideas:

1. Spread the word on social media: Share your video on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag relevant people and use hashtags to increase visibility.
2. Partner with influencers: Collaborate with influencers in your niche or related industries to help get your promo videos in front of their followers. You can offer them an incentive in exchange for sharing your video.
3. Host a screening event: Showcase your promo video by organizing a screening event. This can be a great way to connect with fans and make new ones.
4. Utilize email marketing: Send out an email to your fanbase with a link to the video. Personalize the email with a message and make it visually appealing to increase engagement.
5. Run a contest: Host a fun contest or giveaway that is related to your promo video. Encourage your fans to share the video and enter the contest for a chance to win a prize.
6. Engage with fans through live streaming: Host a live Q&A session on Instagram or Facebook to talk about the video and answer questions, or even perform live on streaming platforms like Twitch.
7. Use paid advertising: Take advantage of paid advertising on social media or Google Ads to target your audience and promote your video. This can be an effective way to reach a large number of people in a short amount of time.

Remember, the key is to be creative and think outside the box to get your video in front of as many people as possible!

How to Use Promo Videos to Boost Bookings and Gigs

Promo videos could be the most powerful tool for any dancer or musician to boost bookings and gigs. Let’s start with the basics:

1. Show off your unique style: Your promo videos should highlight your skills and what makes you different from other performers. Use it to show off your unique style and personality.
2. Share the video on social media: Be sure to share your promo video on all your social media accounts to reach a wider audience. This will give potential clients a chance to see your work and talent.
3. Add the video to your website: Your website is the perfect place to showcase your promo videos. Potential clients will be able to see your skills and learn more about the services you offer.
4. Send the video to potential clients: Consider including your promo video when you reach out to potential clients. This will give them a chance to see your skills in action and increase the chances of booking a gig.
5. Run ads to get more exposure: You can use social media platforms such as Instagram or Facebook to run targeted ads and get more exposure for your promo videos.

Sounds obvious, right? You gotta do it, anyway. The above-mentioned ways are tired and tested but surprisingly, some artists overlook them in their urge go off the beaten path. Don’t replace but complement them!

1. Use video email signatures: One creative way to get your promo videos in front of potential clients is to sneak it into the signature of your emails. That way, potential clients will be caught off guard and more likely to pay attention.
2. Use video testimonials: If you’ve worked with happy clients in the past, consider asking them for a video testimonial. You can include these testimonials in your promo videos to give potential clients a better understanding of your skills and professionalism.
3. Host video contests: Host a video contest on social media and encourage your followers to submit their own dance or music videos. Choose a winner and feature their video in your promo video. This will generate buzz and get your audience involved.
4. Use video QR codes: Create a QR code that leads to your promo video and put it on your promotional materials such as business cards, flyers, or posters. This way, people can scan the code and easily access your promo video.
5. Create mini-series: Create a series of mini-videos that showcase different aspects of your skills and post them on social media. This will keep your audience engaged and interested in your work.
6. Use interactive videos: Create an interactive video that allows viewers to choose their own adventure. This will create a unique and engaging experience for potential clients and help you stand out from the competition.
7. Music video release parties: Host a music video release party and invite fans, clients, and industry professionals. This will create buzz and help you network with potential clients and collaborators.
8. Use 360-degree videos: Create a 360-degree video that allows viewers to experience your performance from all angles. This will create an immersive experience and show off your skills in a unique way.
9. Create a video podcast: Launch a video podcast that features your music or dance performances, interviews with other artists, or industry insights. This will help you establish yourself as an expert and give you a platform to showcase your work.
10. Behind-the-scenes videos: Create behind-the-scenes videos that show your preparation, rehearsal process, and the team behind your performances. This will give your audience an insider view and create a sense of connection.
11. Collaborate with other artists: Collaborating with other dancers or musicians and creating a joint promo video can be a fun and effective way to promote your skills. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your versatility and reach a wider audience.
12. Offer video packages: In addition to offering your services as a performer, consider offering video packages to clients. This can include not only the performance, but also a professionally edited video that they can use for promotional purposes.

By using these lesser-known methods, dancers and musicians can create unique and effective promo videos that help them stand out from the competition and increase their bookings and gigs. Just make sure to update your videos regularly to keep your audience engaged.

Conclusion

Creating professional promo videos can be a great way to showcase your talent and boost your bookings and gigs. Professional promo videos can help you stand out from the competition, attract more bookers, and score more fans. They can also be used to help you secure sponsorships and endorsements.

When creating your promo videos, it’s important to create a strategy, decide what to include in your video, and create an engaging video. You should also make sure to promote your video on your social media channels and to potential bookers and fans. By following these steps, you can create a professional promo videos that will not only steal booking from competition, but also help you take your career to the next level.

Behind the Scenes

A note from Ed, Zorz Studios founder: When working on this article, I started using a brand new approach to digital art. Besides filming, I am foremost a professional photographer and have been using fantasy art to add a new dimension to my regular portraits for over a decade (some examples). And now, I’m embracing AI to combine with my Photoshop skills, discovering new exciting opportunities.

The cover of this article was created that way. In essence, it’s unreal, made up. Here are two other alternatives I worked on. Curious to see how this new brave skill will integrate into my future creative projects… 🙂

I do have a bit of behind-the-scenes from that Fantasy Amazonians music video, including a slight fire mishap. We had a fire extinguisher handy, of course, and I almost used it but things stayed under control:

You can hire these performers for your talk-of-the-town event or party at Aisha Dance.