How to Turn Your Videographer Skill Into a Business in NZ (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Launching your videography business in New Zealand can be a rewarding way to turn your passion into profit. But juggling filming, editing, client communications, and business tasks can quickly cause overwhelm. This guide offers 10 practical tips tailored for Kiwi videographers to attract local clients and create a sustainable business with grace.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Know the NZ Videography Market
New Zealand’s videography demand is growing in weddings, corporate videos, and digital marketing content, with peaks during summer and festival seasons.
Weirdly enough, many local clients prefer personal recommendations and seeing demo reels over traditional ads.
For example, Auckland videographers often thrive through local networks and referrals from event planners and businesses.
2. Define Your Videography Niche
Specialising in areas like wedding films, corporate videos, or social media content helps you stand out and target the right clients.
Some Wellington videographers focus on storytelling for Maori cultural projects, opening niche opportunities.
Clarity in your niche makes marketing and client pitching clearer and more effective.
3. Set Up Your Business Properly
Register your business and learn about local filming permits, copyright, and data protection laws relevant to your services.
Joining groups like the Screen Production and Development Association NZ offers industry insight and networking.
Many successful videographers start as sole traders, gradually expanding with equipment and team as demand grows.
4. Create a Professional Online Portfolio
Build a simple website or join Yada to showcase your work and connect with clients without lead fees.
Yada’s chat and ratings system helps build client trust and enables easy communication on any device.
Think of Yada as a tool that lets you focus on filming while it helps find and manage client enquiries.
5. Use NZ Directories and Social Communities
List your business on New Zealand directories like NoCowboys, Trade Me Services, and Localist to boost local visibility.
Engage with Facebook and Neighbourly groups where local businesses and individuals seek videographers.
Sharing helpful tips or behind-the-scenes glimpses builds your reputation organically.
6. Gather and Highlight Testimonials
Ask clients for reviews and permission to share testimonials and sample videos to build social proof.
A Christchurch videographer increased bookings by showcasing client feedback and event clips on Yada and Instagram.
Positive testimonials help prospective clients feel confident hiring you.
7. Set Clear, Fair Pricing
Communicate your rates clearly upfront, factoring in filming time, editing, and project complexity.
Yada’s zero commission model means you keep more and can offer honest pricing that appeals to Kiwi clients.
Offer packages or custom quotes tailored to client needs for better transparency and satisfaction.
8. Manage Projects and Communication
Use project management and scheduling tools to keep track of shoots, editing deadlines, and client communications.
Yada’s internal chat reduces email clutter and speeds up client approvals and feedback.
Good organisation helps prevent overwhelm during busy project periods.
9. Build Local Partnerships
Connect with event planners, photographers, and marketers for referrals and collaborative projects.
In regions like Auckland or Queenstown, videographers often partner with wedding planners and corporate event hosts for all-in-one services.
Strong community ties increase your steady work opportunities and business resilience.
10. Keep Learning and Sharing
Stay abreast of new video technologies, editing software, and storytelling trends through courses and local workshops.
Sharing your learning journey or behind-the-scenes insights on social channels or Yada connects you with future clients.
Consider hosting local webinars or short tutorials to showcase your expertise and build your audience.