I’ve made over $100,000 in the last twelve months, an active income with no media presence. I started video editing with almost no experience and no social following, and now I have created multiple viral videos and generated over five million views, making my services almost irresistible.
If you follow the blueprint that I’m going to share with you today, I can guarantee that you will have even better results and profits if you start today. I have seen 99.9% of video editors struggle with landing their first YouTuber and wasting hours without any results.
Finding the Right Client
Step one is finding the right client. Most video editors go looking for low-quality clients that will pay them less and demand more, and the reason for that is fear of being rejected. So where do you find these clients? The answer lies within YouTube-suggested content or by searching for the niche you are interested in. After that, head to the about section and this is where you’ll find the contact information you need to reach out to them.
Here is a quick list of the type of YouTuber you want to work for. Aim for YouTubers with a subscriber base ranging from 10,000 to 50,000, and seek clients whose video quality has room for enhancement. Your skills should be a valuable addition to their content. Working in a niche that isn’t oversaturated can give you an edge. My very first client had around 30,000 subscribers at the time. To put this into perspective, I had only created one video for myself, which garnered a mere 25 views. You might be wondering, but how did I convince him to pay me to work for him? Well, it comes down to the offer and proving yourself.
Creating The Perfect Offer
So with that, let’s move on to step two creating the perfect offer. Here’s the secret sauce I reached out to my initial client through Instagram, presenting an offer that was impossible to turn down. I provided him with a one-minute edit of his most recent video It Becomes The Cup. This was the legendary fighter Bruce Lee’s philosophy around life, training, and fighting.
However, I needed to replicate the existing style of his niche. Instead, I introduced a distinctive touch to ensure his video would truly stand out. It’s important to remember that our primary goal as editors is to enhance the viewer’s experience. We aim to captivate them to the point where they lose track of time. If, upon reviewing the edit, I find myself getting even slightly bored, I’ll go back and refine it. That’s the level of dedication we’re talking about.
In addition to this attention-grabbing edit, I also proposed a trial price that was both competitive and appealing. This step is crucial in demonstrating to potential clients that they are receiving exceptional value for their investment. But why did he choose me over the 100-plus other editors who are doing the same? The real magic happened when I asked him to pinpoint the differences that made the video more engaging.
Additionally, I added something extra that would prove indispensable down the line. But don’t fool yourself. The visuals must also be great before you can even ask this question, and I will speak about that later. So when you’re creating your offer, remember to go above and beyond. Show your potential client that you’re not just an editor, but a partner dedicated to their success.
Payment Can be a Roadblock for Many Clients
Step three the payment can be a roadblock for many clients. One effective way to establish trust is utilizing a platform like Fiverr as an intermediary. This approach benefits both parties in several ways. Not only does it expedite the process of building your portfolio, but it also opens doors to potential clients from Fiverr in the future.
Keep in mind, that when I did this, the gig was brand new and I was relatively unknown. However, this platform was a trustworthy middleman between me and my clients. All right, here’s where the magic truly happens. After you’ve knocked it out of the park with 2 to 3 videos for your client, it’s time to talk about the next level becoming a retainer. But there’s a crucial catch in those videos you’ve created. They need to have not just impressed but improved the viewer metrics.
We’re talking more views and more likes. This is the proof in the pudding that you’re not just editing, you’re adding real value. Now let’s address the scenario where your client hesitates. It’s your time to shine. You’ve got to express that this arrangement doesn’t align with your current goals. It’s not about just doing the work. It’s about doing it in a way that benefits both parties.
This is the turning point. This is where most clients see the light and convert to a retainer model. It’s the moment when they recognize the immense value you bring to the table.
Bonus tip by the way, there are some clients that you should always avoid working with. Here are some red flags you should keep an eye out for that. I wish I had known sooner, always asking for more and being stingy with money doesn’t reward you when you produce a viral video. Does not give credit or recognize that you improved his videos.
Now keep in mind it’s up to you to see these signs because they won’t be as obvious as I have stated, and oftentimes they will be wrapped up in excuses. With this type of client, you will never progress as a video editor and will be burned out. And trust me, he will never send you referrals and he will try to gatekeep you.
Build a Website
Step five build your website. Now let’s talk about a game-changing step. Once you’ve spent around two months in the game or after crafting at least ten impressive videos, it’s time to take this pivotal step. Trust me, it’s not just about ease, it’s about transforming your entire approach. Here’s the magic with your own website.
You won’t need to sell your services. Why? Because your portfolio will do all the talking for you. Picture this potential clients will land on your website, see your work, and be blown away. It’s a powerful testament to your skills and expertise. This isn’t just about convenience, it’s about making a statement. Your website becomes your professional showcase, a space where clients can witness firsthand the quality and creativity you bring to the table. So whether it’s been two months or ten videos later, it’s time to make your mark online.
Be consistent
The final step in this blueprint comes down to you. Video editing is a skill that has a lot of demand, especially in the past few years with the rise of new influencers. And a lot of that has to do with TikTok. But if you want to make it in this field, you need to improve your skill set. You cannot be charging $1,000 for your service when you don’t have the skill set for it.
Don’t worry about being the best right away. Worry about being consistent. The first video I created, took me two weeks, it was really bad, but I stayed consistent and always tried to improve.
