How to start a video editing business with no experience, Have you ever dreamed of starting a video production business but lacked industry experience? With determination and the right guidance, it’s possible to launch a successful editing venture even as a beginner.
This step-by-step guide breaks down everything from acquiring editing tools to finding clients, allowing you to gain skills and build your portfolio until “no experience needed” becomes your reality. Follow this roadmap to turn your video editing aspirations into a thriving business.
How to start a video editing business with no experience : 10 Simple Steps to Launch a Successful Video Editing Business Without Experience
An Introduction to the Video Editing Business Landscape
Video editing involves digitally assembling raw footage, adding music and effects, and modifying pacing to create compelling videos. Video editors are increasingly sought after as businesses and creatives recognize video’s marketing power.
Though competition exists, the entry barriers are reasonably low. By mastering editing basics, strategically gaining experience, and pitching clients effectively, beginners can gain a foothold and prosper in this growing field.
Some advantages of launching a freelance editing business with no experience include:
- Low startup costs – Besides a computer and editing software, overhead expenses are minimal.
- Flexible schedule – You can work around existing commitments while building initial clientele.
- Potential for high earning – Experienced video editors can charge $50-250+ per hour. Steady practice builds up to these rates.
- Ability to start out part-time – Early on, editing can be a side business allowing you to gain experience before committing fully.
- Chance to turn a passion into a livelihood – If you love the filmmaking craft, why not monetize those skills?
- Opportunity to build a scalable company – Over time, you could bring on other editors as subcontractors to grow.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, With hard work honing your expertise, the possibilities in video editing are almost endless.
1. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Gathering the Necessary Editing Tools and Software
While a major studio isn’t required to start out, having the right editing tools allows you to gain skills. Recommended equipment includes:
A sufficiently powerful computer – Faster processing and graphics cards mean smoother video render times and the ability to use advanced software. Look for at least 8 GB RAM and 1+ GHz processor speed.
External storage drives – As local files pile up, you’ll need ample external hard drive storage space. Look for at least 1 TB.
Video editing software – Invest in respected programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Many offer free trials or discounted student pricing. iMovie comes free on Macs and has decent basic features.
Audio equipment – Recording crisp audio may require items like microphones and mixers. However, you can start with stock music sites and your computer mic.
Other – Devices like stabilizers and lighting kits can be helpful but not essential when starting out. Consider tripods and drones for establishing shots.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, You don’t need ultra high-end equipment immediately. Let your nascent business income guide purchases. Begin with the necessities.
2. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Learning Video Editing Basics as a Newbie
Gaining fundamental editing skills gives you the confidence to deliver client work. Useful resources for newbie editors include:
- Lynda, Skillshare, Udemy, and YouTube – Well-regarded tutorials are available for nearly all editing programs, including keyboard shortcuts and best practices.
- Adobe help docs – Detailed user manuals break down key features and tools if you use Creative Cloud.
- Local colleges – Many offer intro editing classes open to the public at reasonable rates. Invest in foundational knowledge.
- Groups and forums – Communities like Reddit’s r/videoediting provide support troubleshooting projects or technical challenges.
- Entry-level editing jobs – Look for assistant gigs doing basic cuts for marketing firms to gain insider experience.
- Video editing blogs – Insider blogs detail tips and trends for aspiring editors looking to excel. Sign up for email newsletters.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Don’t allow inexperience to breed imposter syndrome. Consume all educational resources you can while actively honing skills. Your confidence will grow.
3. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Building a Video Editing Portfolio from Scratch
A portfolio showcasing your editing mastery helps attract clients, even as a beginner. Strategies for starting a portfolio include:
Volunteer through nonprofit programs – Local organizations often need pro bono video work in exchange for portfolio samples. Helping good causes builds real-world experience.
Take on pro bono client work – Edit sample videos for small businesses looking for budget help in exchange for a credit on the final pieces.
Create personal and passion projects – Produce your own content highlighting hobbies like cooking, sports, or gaming that displays editing skills.
Enter contests – Competitions like those on Tongal reward entrants with published work regardless of outcome.
Re-edit public domain content – Search sites like Pexels and Pixabay for creative commons footage you can legally recut into speculative concept pieces. Show your unique style.
Offer discounted student rates – If eager to start paid client work immediately, offer student discounts to build initial samples and referrals.
Showcase varying formats – As you gain experience, curate pieces that highlight diverse skills – promotional spots, short films, concept reels, wedding videos etc.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Don’t let a sparse portfolio deter pitching clients. Everyone starts somewhere. Use available resources to gain project samples demonstrating your burgeoning talent.
4. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Finding Your First Video Editing Clients
Landing those crucial first paid editing gigs to build your portfolio requires persistence and savvy. Useful client hunting tips include:
Take on pro bono passion projects – Reach out to nonprofits or independent artists whose work inspires you and offer complimentary editing. Helping good causes builds real portfolio samples.
Search online job boards – Check sites like UpWork, Freelancer and Indeed regularly for entry-level video editing projects to bid on. Low fees are expected when starting out.
Offer student rates – If taking on paid work immediately, set reasonable hourly fees but note you are building portfolio experience through a student discount. Price competitively.
Network locally – Attend chamber of commerce mixers and filmmaking meetups to connect face-to-face and share work samples with potential local clients. Follow up.
Run social media ads – Once you have a reel and website, run inexpensive, hypertargeted Facebook/Instagram ads promoting your editing services. Have a lead capture offer.
Approach small businesses – Contact real estate agents, fitness studios, restaurants etc. directly pitching very affordable rates to create promo spots. Stress your creative vision.
Maximize LinkedIn – Update your LinkedIn profile to highlight video production skills and past projects. Connect with those needing editing expertise.
Offer limited-time deals – Promote special intro offers via social media like a December holiday video for 10% off. Adds urgency to sign first clients.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, With relentless and strategic outreach, you’ll convince early adopters to give you a chance and build all-important portfolio samples.
5. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Setting Up Your Freelance Video Editing Business
Once you’ve honed editing basics, it’s time for the logistics of launching your freelance editing business:
Select a business structure – Common options include sole proprietorship, LLC, or S Corp. Consider liability protection and tax implications.
Register your business – File necessary documents and permits based on your location and business structure.
Open a business bank account – Keep your business income and expenses separate with a dedicated account.
Establish your brand – Create a logo, color palette, and professional style to look polished and memorable.
Make a website – Use affordable DIY sites like SquareSpace or Wix to showcase your portfolio, services, and branding.
Determine pricing – Calculate your rates factoring in labor time, overhead expenses, and market benchmarks. Make them competitive but fair.
Draft service agreements – Legal contracts protect both you and clients by defining project scope, timeline, deliverables, payment terms, and more.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Laying this groundwork legitimizes your freelance editing services and allows you to present a professional front to prospective clients.
6. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Low-Cost Marketing to Attract Early Clients
Once established, implementing marketing strategies tailored to video production attracts clients on a budget:
- Search engine optimization (SEO) – Optimize your site with editing-related keywords so you rank on first Google pages. Create solid informational content.
- Social media – Share portfolio samples, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and value-adding tips to build an audience and get referrals.
- Join industry groups – Network through local chambers of commerce, filmmaking guilds, or Meetup groups. Build genuine relationships.
- Freelancing sites – Create profiles on UpWork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to access global project bidding opportunities.
- Referral programs – Incentivize referrals with discounts or bonuses. Satisfied early clients become evangelists.
- Offer free consultations – Getting on calls to provide free guidance builds trust and converts prospects.
- Run local ads – Once cash flow allows, expand reach with paid Google, Facebook and Instagram ads targeted locally.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Take initiative pitching clients, too. Don’t wait on inbound leads. Call local businesses explaining how you can meet their video needs at friendlier rates.
7. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Equipping Your Home Video Editing Studio
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Working from a home studio can launch your freelance editing business affordably. Key elements for a functional home setup:
A quiet, dedicated workspace – Claim a private area without noise or distractions. Pay for soundproofing if needed.
Sufficient processing power – Video editing demands it. Invest in computers with at least 16GB RAM, 1+ GHz processor speed, and dedicated graphics capability.
Dual monitors – Editing requires previewing on one screen and working on the other. Avoid constant toggling.
External hard drives – Store raw footage locally on high-capacity external drives. Keep organized.
Cloud backup – Also back up files offsite using cloud storage services in case of equipment issues.
Comfortable chair – You may spend hours editing daily, so splurge on an ergonomic chair providing lumbar and arm support.
Fast internet connection – Faster upload and download speeds greatly facilitate transferring hefty video files and seamless streaming.
Card readers – Quickly pull footage from cameras using universal card readers attached to your computer.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, With core gear secured, a home studio keeps overhead low while accommodating your clients professionally.
8. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Key Video Editing Software Programs to Master
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Experienced editors fluidly utilize the major editing programs in demand. Useful ones to learn include:
Adobe Premiere Pro – The industry standard used by video pros. Available by paid Creative Cloud subscription. Offers robust tools and seamless integration with other Adobe applications.
Final Cut Pro – Created by Apple exclusively for Mac. Powerful program popular with filmmakers and YouTubers.
Davinci Resolve – Free yet full-featured alternative with expansive capabilities rivaling paid options. Used widely.
Vegas Pro – PC-based nonlinear editor by Vegas Creative Software. Very user-friendly interface great for beginners looking to build skills.
iMovie – Free basic editing included with Macs. Limited capabilities but good for entry-level video creators getting started.
Adobe Rush – Streamlined cloud-based Adobe mobile app for shooting and cutting clips on phones or tablets. Ideal for social media content.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Learning Premiere and Resolve at minimum ensures you can meet most client video editing needs skillfully.
9. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Building Client Rapport and Reviews
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Cultivating strong client relationships leads to ongoing and referral business. Useful rapport-building tips:
Personalize your approach – Learn each client’s style preferences and communication quirks. Adjust accordingly.
Meet virtually first – Brief video calls to discuss project needs make relationships feel more personable.
Show interest beyond the project – Get to genuinely know clients as people. Ask about their ventures, passions, and families.
Be transparent about the process – Set realistic expectations upfront around timelines and workflow. Avoid surprising clients.
Manage expectations – Underpromise and overdeliver on deadlines, turnaround times and revision limits.
Stay patient with feedback – If clients require excessive changes, politely stand your ground on work parameters while making reasonable accommodations.
Ask for reviews – Upon project completion, request written or video testimonials speaking to your professionalism, talent and customer service.
Keep gratefulness at the core – Thank clients sincerely for opportunities to showcase your creative skills through their brand stories.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, With remarkable service and genuine connections, you earn word-of-mouth referrals that money can’t buy.
10. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Managing Client Projects Successfully
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Provide superb service by mastering client project management:
- Clarify needs upfront – Have thorough intake calls to identify required footage, brand style, timelines, ideal outcomes and technical specifications.
- Get approvals in writing – Document all guidelines so expectations and scope are clear. Have clients sign off on outlines before major work commences.
- Over-communicate timeline – Provide frequent progress updates to alleviate client anxiety over video completion and reassure them you’re on track.
- Send preview clips – Seek periodic feedback by sending short preview excerpts rather than waiting until a final reveal. Welcome constructive input.
- Ask questions proactively – If you need more details, don’t hesitate to reach out politely. Avoid guessing.
- Be transparent about challenges – Alert clients immediately if delays arise, along with solutions for getting back on schedule.
- Highlight client benefits – Upon delivery, explain specifically how you optimized their video and why edits were strategically made. Share metrics if possible.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Professionalism ensures clients become raving fans who refer others, growing your business.
11. How to start a video editing business with no experience : Continuously Improving Your Video Editing Skills
Complacency kills creativity in video editing. Make learning an ongoing endeavor:
Consume cinema – Study techniques of master directors. Analyze scene transitions, pacing, and framing that engage viewers.
Stay on top of software updates – Regularly review new features in editing programs. Become fluent in the latest tools.
Follow video editing publications – Sites like PremiumBeat inform editors on trends and innovations in the field.
Take advanced courses – Expand technical skills through online classes on animation, sound mixing, color correction etc.
Experiment with unique styles – Try new editing effects and graphics to expand your repertoire beyond standard techniques.
Solicit client feedback – Ask what they liked and ways to improve after project completion. Refine based on genuine critique.
Build knowledge breadth – Learn adjacent skills like storyboarding, lighting, scriptwriting, and acting that inform better editing.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, Make learning fun rather than a chore. Curiosity and playfulness prevent you from stagnating as an editor.
Watch the video : Editing is a skill
Read the books on editing:
Wrap Up and Final Takeaways
The path to launching a freelance editing business with zero experience is an attainable reality. Summing up:
- Master baseline video editing skills through affordable online education platforms.
- Gain hands-on experience volunteering or taking pro bono clients. Build a portfolio.
- Incorporate your business affordably. Develop branding that conveys your professionalism.
- Implement marketing like SEO optimization and social media while pitching clients directly too.
- Deliver superb service and communication to delight early customers, earning referrals.
- Continue enhancing expertise as you gain experience. Learning never stops for editors.
- Take pride in helping clients share stories and engage audiences through video.
How to start a video editing business with no experience, With passion for the craft and smart strategy, beginners can launch a thriving video editing career. Let this guide set you on that path to creative prosperity and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of videos will I be editing as a beginner freelancer?
Common starter projects include editing social media promos, intros and outros on podcasts/livestreams, event recap highlight reels, Kickstarter campaign videos, and interviews for businesses. Avoid overpromising on more advanced editing services initially.
How much should I charge when first starting out?
It’s reasonable to charge around $15-25 per edited minute as a beginner depending on complexity, with minimums of $150-200 per video. Be upfront if you need added time due to learning. Raise rates incrementally as you gain experience and your portfolio justifies higher fees.
What contract terms should I include with clients?
Contracts should include video specifications, price, editing timelines, number of revisions allowed, content rights usage, payment schedules, cancellation policies, liability limits and other terms like providing raw footage. Have an attorney review your template.
Should I specialize in certain video styles or offer general editing services?
It’s okay to start as generalist taking various editing jobs to build skills. Once you gain expertise around specific styles – like social media, narrative, or commercial editing – transition to specializing in your niche. This attracts premium clients.
What if a client isn’t happy with my editing work?
If issues arise, politely ask how you can improve the project to their liking within reason. Avoid taking criticism personally and rectify issues promptly. Refund a portion if unresolvable. Even mistakes become learning opportunities building your skills.
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