We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nick Deraney. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nick below.
Nick, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
The big trend right now is vertical video. From TikTok, Instagram Reels, and now YouTube Shorts, vertical video has taken over. Most people nowadays are consuming the majority of content through their smartphones, therefore creators are starting to switch from filming and publishing widescreen content to vertical.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Nick Deraney, and I am a videographer living in Fargo, North Dakota. I got into film about 4 years ago when I took a job as the social media manager for a local gym. After two years of gaining experience I went off on my own and have been ever since. I primarily create promotional content for businesses (mostly videos 60 seconds or less) and I absolutely love what I do. I always loved marketing throughout high school and a bit of college, but I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to do in marketing. I’m not a wedding filmmaker and I don’t make movies, so promotion and advertising is where you’ll find me.
I like to think my price for quality provided is what sets me apart. If you’re a small business looking for video content for your business, you have a few options. You can hire a big production company and shell out a large sum of money for maybe one or two pieces of content. You could hire someone with less experience, but you may receive a lower quality product, or you can go with someone like me who lies somewhere in the middle. Being independent I’m able to keep prices more affordable, and my years of experience ensure a quality product that doesn’t empty your pockets.
The thing I love most about my work is the creative process of storytelling. Whether it’s a big production movie, a short social media ad, or even an Instagram Story; every video starts with an idea, or concept. From there, for me it’s all about reverse engineering how am I going to get from where I am now to that end result. A lot of time is spent in pre-production coming up with shot lists, location scouting, set designing and much, much more. Then onto production, and finally post production. Everything we do as videographers should be done intentionally with the story in mind. It’s always fun to get deep into the whys and hows of storytelling and I don’t think many people realize the thought process that goes into making that commercial on TV or Netflix show.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Have a good product and more importantly, have good intentions. Nowadays everyone wants to talk about business coaching, sales funnels, algorithms and all these things that are promised to grow your clientele. Not to say some of those things don’t work, but I personally think more business owners need to focus on their client experience with their current clients instead of worrying how to get more. Treat people like human beings, have their best interest in mind and if your product is good on top of that, your clientele will grow simply via word of mouth.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Seeing the heartfelt reactions from my clients. Most of my clients are the direct owners of the businesses themselves, so of course they have an emotional connection to their business. It’s always a privilege to help bring people’s ideas to life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nderaney_
- Facebook: Nick Deraney