Our Video Production Company's Revenue Soared To Over $622K In 2022! [Update]
This is a follow up story for D-MAK Productions. If you're interested in reading how they got started, published over 3 years ago, check it out here.
Hello again! Remind us who you are and what business you started.
Hi there! I'm Joe Forte, and I'm thrilled to introduce myself and D-MAK Productions, my passion-driven Arizona video production business located in the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona.
With years of experience and a deep love for the art of storytelling, I co-founded D-MAK Productions to bring creativity, professionalism, and excellence to every video project we undertake.
At D-MAK Productions, our main focus is providing a wide range of top-quality video production services tailored to the unique needs of our clients. We excel in crafting engaging corporate videos, captivating commercials, and comprehensive event coverage.
From concept development and scriptwriting to filming, post-production, and editing, our dedicated team ensures that every aspect of the video production process is handled with precision and finesse. With state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge techniques, we guarantee visually stunning videos that leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Our clientele at D-MAK Productions is diverse and varied. We work with small businesses looking to create an impactful online presence, large corporations seeking professional commercials, marketing agencies in need of top-notch video content, non-profit organizations aiming to raise awareness, and individuals who want to capture their special moments memorably.
We pride ourselves on delivering personalized attention and exceptional results, fostering long-lasting partnerships with our clients across various industries.
Since we last spoke in our original starter story, we have practically doubled in size. Last year in 2022, we had gross revenues of over $622,000. And this year, just in the first half of the year, we have gross revenues above $400K.
Tell us about what you’ve been up to. Has the business been growing?
Since we last talked in June of 2021, I am delighted to share that D-MAK Productions has experienced remarkable growth and achieved new milestones. Our dedication and hard work have paid off, resulting in a significant increase in our revenues.
In 2022, our gross revenues soared to over $622,000, surpassing our previous average of $350,000 over three years. The upward trajectory continued in the first half of 2023, with revenues already reaching an impressive $400,000.
To fuel this growth, we recognized the importance of increasing our online visibility and attracting more customers through strategic marketing efforts. We made substantial investments in our SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategy, which included revamping our website and launching an offsite SEO campaign.
We invested around $20,000 in a revamped website and invested close to $10,000 in an off page link building campaign to increase our rankings on the search engines, which we currently dominate in the Phoenix market.
These efforts have significantly improved our search engine rankings and generated a steady stream of organic traffic, leading to increased sales and inquiries. The majority of our business now comes from online sources, solidifying the value of our SEO investments.
Instead of spreading ourselves too thin by pursuing various marketing strategies, we decided to double down on what was already proving successful: our website and SEO campaign.
As part of our expansion plans, we welcomed a new team member who joined us at the beginning of 2022. This addition has been instrumental in enhancing our operational efficiency and expanding our capacity to handle larger projects.
With their expertise and dedication, we have been able to maintain our high standards of quality while taking on a greater volume of work.
In response to market demands and customer feedback, we have also expanded our audio/visual offerings. By diversifying our services, we have not only met the evolving needs of our existing clients but also attracted new customers seeking comprehensive audio and visual solutions.
This strategic move has opened up a new revenue source for our company and further propelled our growth.
A key factor in our success has been our ability to cultivate strong relationships with our clients. By delivering exceptional results and providing top-notch customer service, we have managed to keep our existing customers satisfied and returning for their video production needs.
Simultaneously, our reputation for excellence has spread, resulting in a steady influx of new clients seeking our services.
I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made since our last conversation. Our commitment to quality, investment in SEO, expansion of our team, and diversification of services have all contributed to our substantial growth.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building upon our success, forging new partnerships, and pushing the boundaries of video production innovation.
What have been your biggest challenges in the last year?
Over the past year, one of the most significant challenges we have faced at D-MAK Productions has been the task of growing beyond my capacity.
As a co-founder and one of the driving forces behind the company, it was initially challenging to relinquish control and delegate responsibilities to others. However, I quickly realized that to sustain and scale our business, we needed a team of talented individuals who shared our passion and vision.
Finding the right individuals to join our team and ensuring a seamless integration was another hurdle we encountered. It was crucial to identify team members who not only possessed the necessary skills but also aligned with our company culture and values. While we successfully hired a new employee who has been a valuable addition, it took time and effort to identify the right fit for our team.
To overcome these challenges, we implemented a thorough hiring process, focusing not only on technical skills but also on cultural fit and shared values. We invested time in training and onboarding new team members, ensuring they were equipped with the knowledge and resources to excel in their roles.
Additionally, we fostered a collaborative work environment that encouraged open communication and creative problem-solving.
While the process of growing beyond myself presented its fair share of obstacles, it has been a rewarding journey. I have witnessed the positive impact of a dedicated and skilled team, and the collective efforts have propelled our growth beyond what I could have achieved alone. As we continue to expand, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the potential for even greater success as a cohesive and collaborative unit.
What have been your biggest lessons learned in the last year?
The past year has taught me some invaluable lessons about investing in what is already working. One of the most significant lessons was the importance of recognizing and capitalizing on our strengths.
Instead of spreading ourselves too thin by pursuing various marketing strategies, we decided to double down on what was already proving successful: our website and SEO campaign. By investing more resources into these areas, we saw remarkable results in terms of increased online visibility, organic traffic, and ultimately, new clients.
Another crucial lesson learned was the power of adaptation and continuous improvement. In the fast-paced digital landscape, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing trends and algorithms.
Our decision to invest in a new website and optimize our SEO campaign was a testament to our commitment to staying relevant and providing an exceptional online user experience. This lesson has reinforced the importance of keeping a finger on the pulse of our industry and constantly seeking ways to enhance our services and offerings.
What’s in the plans for the upcoming year, and the next 5 years?
As we look ahead to the upcoming year, and even beyond that, we have ambitious plans to propel D-MAK Productions to new heights. In the immediate future, our goal is to surpass the $800,000 mark in gross revenues for 2023.
With the solid foundation we have built and the momentum we have gained, we are confident in our ability to achieve this target. To support our growth, we intend to hire additional team members who share our passion for video production and can contribute their expertise to further elevate our services.
Looking further into the next five years, our vision extends toward even greater success. We aim to reach the milestone of clearing $2 million in gross revenues annually. This ambitious goal reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and delivering outstanding results for our clients.
To achieve this level of growth, we plan to expand our offerings to include high-end ad campaigns, engaging documentaries, captivating television shows, and even full-feature films. By diversifying our portfolio, we will tap into new markets and cater to a broader range of clientele, positioning D-MAK Productions as a versatile and sought-after video production company.
What’s the best thing you read in the last year?
One of the most impactful reads from the past year for me was "Implementing Value Pricing: A Radical Business Model for Professional Firms" by Ronald J. Baker. This book opened my eyes to a transformative approach to pricing and billing in the professional services industry. It challenged conventional billing practices and introduced the concept of value pricing, which resonated deeply with me.
The book emphasized the importance of understanding and quantifying the value we provide to our clients, and how this should be the driving force behind our pricing strategy. It offered practical insights and strategies to shift away from time-based billing and instead focus on delivering value and building long-lasting relationships with clients.
This book has not only influenced my approach to pricing but has also ignited a passion for finding innovative ways to provide exceptional value to our clients while ensuring the growth and sustainability of our business.
Advice for other entrepreneurs who might be struggling to grow their business?
To my fellow entrepreneurs who may be facing challenges in growing their businesses, I offer this advice based on my own experiences. Firstly, embrace the power of adaptability and continuous learning.
The business landscape is ever-evolving, and what worked in the past may not be as effective today. Stay open to new ideas, emerging trends, and changing market dynamics. Be willing to adjust your strategies, pivot when necessary, and embrace innovation.
Continuously educate yourself about your industry, seek out mentors and experts, and stay connected to the latest developments. The willingness to adapt and learn will position you to seize opportunities and overcome obstacles.
Secondly, prioritize building meaningful relationships. Business growth is often fueled by strong connections and partnerships. Invest in nurturing relationships with clients, suppliers, and fellow entrepreneurs. Take the time to understand their needs, exceed their expectations, and foster long-term trust.
Networking events, industry conferences, and online communities can be invaluable resources for connecting with like-minded professionals. Collaboration and cooperation can lead to new opportunities, referrals, and shared knowledge. By building a supportive network around you, you'll have access to a wealth of expertise and support that can propel your business forward.
Remember, growth takes time and persistence. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. Stay focused on your goals, be adaptable, nurture relationships, and continue to innovate. With dedication and a resilient mindset, you can navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and achieve the growth and success you aspire to.
Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?
At D-MAK Productions, we are constantly seeking out talented individuals to join our team and contribute to our ongoing success. While we are always on the lookout for skilled freelancers in various production roles, including cinematographers, audio techs, grip/gaffers, art directors, and hair and makeup artists, our current focus is on expanding our team of producers.
We are actively seeking experienced producers who can effectively manage projects, oversee logistics, and ensure seamless execution from start to finish. Additionally, we value individuals who possess strong business development skills and can help us cultivate new opportunities and partnerships.
If you have a passion for video production, a knack for project management, and a drive to contribute to a growing company, we would love to hear from you and explore how you can be a valuable addition to our team at D-MAK Productions.
Where can we go to learn more?
If you have any questions or comments, drop a comment below!
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