Starting a Drone Videography Business: What You Need to Know

Welcome to my article on starting a drone videography business! As a Part 107 certified drone pilot and experienced videographer, I’m excited to share my insights and tips on this fascinating and rapidly growing industry. If you’re interested in starting your own drone videography business, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll answer some of the most common questions about starting a drone videography business, including profitability, pricing, startup costs, and highest paying jobs.

“Is a drone videography business profitable? Absolutely. With the right equipment, skills, and business mindset, you can turn your passion for aerial photography into a thriving business. But it takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to stand out from the competition.” – Mark Laymon, Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot and Author of Drone Videography 101.

The short answer is yes! The drone videography industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.3% from 2020 to 2027, according to a report by Grand View Research. This growth is fueled by the increasing demand for aerial footage and photography in various industries, including real estate, construction, agriculture, and entertainment. Furthermore, drone videography businesses have relatively low overhead costs and can be operated from home, making them a great option for entrepreneurs on a budget.

When starting a drone videography business, it’s important to remember that the market is becoming increasingly competitive. In order to succeed and make your business profitable, you need to differentiate yourself from other drone videographers. One way to do this is by offering high-quality services that stand out from the rest. This means investing in top-notch equipment, editing software, and training to ensure that your work is of the highest quality.

Another way to stand out is by offering exceptional customer service. Make sure you are responsive to inquiries, flexible with your schedule, and always exceed your clients’ expectations. This can be as simple as providing a quick turnaround time for projects or going above and beyond in terms of attention to detail.

Specializing in a niche market is another way to differentiate yourself from other drone videographers. For example, if you have a background in engineering, you could specialize in aerial inspections of infrastructure like bridges and buildings. If you have experience in 3D modeling or photogrammetry, you could offer 3D mapping services to architects and construction companies. By specializing in a niche market, you can become an expert in that area and command higher fees for your services.

To make your drone videography business profitable, you need to offer high-quality services, exceptional customer service, and specialize in a niche market. By doing so, you can differentiate yourself from the competition and attract more clients willing to pay a premium for your services.

The pricing of drone videography services varies depending on several factors, including the type of service, the location, and the level of expertise of the drone pilot. Some videographers charge by the hour, while others offer packages that include a set number of aerial shots or footage. According to a survey by Thumbtack, the average cost of drone videography services in the US is $500 – $1,000 per project.

When starting your own drone videography business, it’s important to research your competitors’ pricing and adjust your rates accordingly. You should also consider your own skills and experience when setting your prices. Don’t undersell yourself, but don’t overcharge either. It’s better to offer competitive rates and build a loyal customer base than to price yourself out of the market.

The startup costs of a drone videography business can vary greatly depending on the equipment and software you choose, as well as any training and certification you need. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common costs:

• Drone: $900 – $20,000
• Camera: $500 – $3,500
• Gimbal: $200 – $800
• Batteries and Chargers: $100 – $300
• Liability Insurance: $500 – $1,000 per year
• FAA Part 107 Certification Course: $150
• FAA Part 107 Certification Exam: $175

Other costs may include marketing materials, website design, and business registration fees. To keep your startup costs low, you may want to consider buying used equipment or leasing it until you can afford to purchase your own.

The highest paying drone videography jobs typically require specialized skills and expertise. Here are five of the most lucrative opportunities:

• Aerial Inspections: This includes inspecting pipelines, power lines, and other infrastructure from above. Average salary: $100,000 – $150,000 per year.
• Film and TV Production: Drone videographers can provide aerial shots and footage for movies, TV shows, and commercials. Average salary: $70,000 – $100,000 per year.
• Real Estate: Drone videography is increasingly used to showcase properties from above. Real estate agents and brokers are willing to pay for high-quality footage that can help sell homes faster. Average salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year.
• Agriculture: Drone videography can be used to monitor crops, assess soil health, and optimize irrigation. Average salary: $60,000 – $80,000 per year.
• 3D Mapping: Drone videographers can create detailed 3D models of buildings, landscapes, and other objects using photogrammetry software. Average salary: $70,000 – $90,000 per year.

Of course, these salaries are just averages, and your earnings may vary depending on your location, level of experience, and the demand for your services. However, they give you a sense of the potential income you can make as a drone videographer.

Starting a drone videography business requires more than just flying a drone and taking pretty pictures. You also need to be proficient in business and marketing to attract and retain clients. Here are some tips to help you succeed in these areas:

• Build a strong online presence: Create a website and social media accounts to showcase your work and make it easy for potential clients to find you. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.
• Network with other professionals: Attend industry events, join online communities, and collaborate with other videographers, photographers, and marketers to expand your reach and learn new skills.
• Offer exceptional customer service: Respond to inquiries promptly, be flexible with your schedule, and go above and beyond to exceed your clients’ expectations.
• Be proactive in marketing: Reach out to potential clients and offer them a free consultation or a discounted first project. Create flyers, business cards, and brochures to distribute in your community.

Starting a drone videography business can be a challenging and rewarding experience. With the right equipment, skills, and business mindset, you can turn your passion for aerial photography into a thriving business. Remember to stay up-to-date on industry trends, network with other professionals, and always put your clients first. Good luck!