Learning video editing is half of the job. Finding clients who’re willing to pay for your service is a skill by itself. Many new editors find it difficult to get their client even when they are confident with their skills. The good news is that this is something you can learn. Here is what I did and my recommendations.
Start With a Good Portfolio(Most important)
Having a portfolio is the crucial step in getting your first clients. Many people make the mistake of believing they need to get their client before building their portfolio. Nothing is further from the truth. A portfolio is what gets you clients. My portfolio is what got me my leads. The portfolio gets me compliments. It makes me confident when talking to new prospects. The portfolio is one thing that sells for you even before you meet a prospect.
What to include
✔Include 5 to 8 videos (not all your videos)
✔Different styles of your work such as reels, YouTube videos and advertisements
✔Short videos to showcase your work within the first few seconds
✔A simple page or folder that is easily accessible and shareable
Some Tips
‣Focus on quality rather than quantity
‣Create sample videos for clients if you do not have any
‣Keep your portfolio updated as you grow in your career
‣If your portfolio looks bad work on it before you start looking for clients. Otherwise you will lose any leads that come your way
Create Content to Showcase Your Work
Make sure to use your work to create content that will attract clients to you. This is the way to market yourself as a video editor without spending a dime. You can use Instagram, YouTube or TikTok to post your work. The content has to be engaging to hook the right people. This way anyone searching for a video editor will find your work through these media platforms and be interested in hiring you.
Content ideas
‣Before and after editing of your work
‣Tips and tricks about video editing
‣How to do stunts or work
‣How you did a particular video (give a detailed breakdown)
‣Your journey as a freelancer and lessons learned
Direct Message People on Social Media (Dm’s)
Social media is a powerful tool and many people overlook direct messaging as the best way to connect with potential clients. You need to do your research and direct message the people. The following pointers will help.
‣People and brands that regularly post videos
‣People and brands that you notice regularly
‣People and brands that have things in common with your niche
How to Dm
‣Always personalize your DMs. Avoid using the script for everyone you message
‣Do not send long messages. Keep it short and engaging
‣Always mention something about the brand or person you are contacting. Avoid messages
‣Send a sample of your work and not your entire portfolio
‣Do not be pushy or desperate
‣Avoid using copy paste messages
Email Outreach
Emails are more professional. Some clients prefer communicating via mails. Sending an straight-to-the-point email with a portfolio link can be more effective than using social media.
How to do it
‣Keep your email short and within 120 words
‣Write a line that catches the recipient’s attention e.g. ‘video editor for your YouTube channel’
‣Mention something specific about the brand or person in your email
‣Explain briefly how you can help them in 1-2 sentences
‣Attach your portfolio link
‣Follow up 2-3 times and then delete the contact if they do not respond
Important : Not everyone will reply to your emails and that is normal. Focus on the responses received. If you sent out 20 emails and received 5 responses consider it a good day. You stand a chance of getting a response if you send personalized emails. Avoid using the email template for everyone.
Use AI to Find Leads
Using intelligence can help you with finding and contacting leads faster. My experience has shown me that AI is a tool for finding leads.
How to use AI to find clients
‣Identify businesses and people that may need a video editor
‣Niche suggestions
‣Edit and rewrite your outreach emails
‣Improve your email writing
‣Organize your outreach and keep track of your leads in a spreadsheet
Do not use AI to generate emails or messages. Most people are good at identifying emails and messages so avoid using chatbots to reach out to people on social media or via emails.
Network in Communities such as WhatsApp Groups and Discord
Many people miss out on the power of networking. I have had the chance to grow both my Instagram and YouTube channels through these platforms. Communities are made up of people who are looking for solutions to problems. Therefore the important thing is to address their problems before you try to sell to them.
Use Video Editing Platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork
Most people overlook Fiverr and Upwork as a source of clients. You may want to consider using these platforms as they help you build your reputation and get your reviews. Focus on a few platforms and avoid using too many as that can stretch you thin.
Make Sure to Keep Your Clients Satisfied
After getting your client it is essential to focus on keeping them happy. This way they will keep paying. Refer others to you. Your regular clients are the ones that will keep you in business for a time.
How to Keep Clients Satisfied?
✔Respond to their requests promptly. Professionally
✔Deliver your work on time or inform them in advance if you will be late
✔Listen to their feedback and take it into consideration for future projects
✔Be polite and professional even when faced with challenges
✔Go the extra mile e.g. by doing additional work
✔Request feedback and reviews after a project is completed
Final Thought
Getting clients for video editing is not as hard as it seems. All you need to do is focus on creating a portfolio create content to market your services, network and use social media to your advantage and use emails and direct messages to communicate with your prospects. Keeping your existing clients happy is key to a career, in video editing.
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