Author: Cheptiony Mutai

5 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Business or Company Name To Register in Kenya
Photo by nappy on Pexels.com

Before deciding to register a business or company, having a name in mind that want to register is key. Most business name choices are dependent on many factors like brands, associations, type of business, location and more.

When choosing a business name, it’s important to draw inspiration from the popular successful businesses around you.

Ask yourself; What makes their name unique? Can you recall their name easily? These questions will be very helpful when you are deciding a business name to register.

On this blogpost, I will share with you 5 factors to consider when you choosing a business name to register.

Watch video : 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing A Business or Company Name To Register in Kenya

Choose A Name That’s Simple And Easy to Pronounce

Stick to a short name with few words. Choose a name that anyone can easily read and recall. For example, the name Lincolyn Ventures may be unique, but a bit hard for some people to read and master. On the other hand shortening the name to Linco Ventures will make it easy for anyone to read, pronounce and write.

Consider the customers you are going to interact with when telling them about your business. How easy will it be for you to pronounce the name to anyone?

Pick A Name Around Your Type of Business

What type of business are you into? Many a times, coming up with a name that is neutral or related to your business is key. Draw inspiration from other successful businesses that you see around.

For example, YUM! BRANDS owns many fast food franchise outlets across the world. These includes KFC, Pizza Hut and Tacco Bell. The first word in the business name is simple, unique and easy to master -YUM. We all know that when the food is sweet it’s ‘Yummy.’ This is what makes it easy to master.

Consider A Neutral Name

Doing business in todays fast paced world is tough. Trends change thus what we do or offer as a business entity. It’s therefore important to come up with a neutral business name that you can use in any field.

For instance, business name Dan & Jeff Consultants can only work well in consultancy type of businesses. This is unless you have different brand names operating under the company name.

Business name Linco Ventures Limited is a good example of a neutral name. If you find an opportunity to do business in any field, you can accept it without any conflict.

Think of A Name Around Your Origin And Identity

Which country do you come from? Do you come from a region with rich traditional cultures? Think of an easy name that identifies with your culture of origin. This will make your business stand out. The idea of forming a business name around your origin can be a secret that you can only share when asked.

Avoid obvious names that sounds tribal. Carefully sort out the words you use to make it neutral. Relative names will remind you of where you come from as a business person.

Follow Business Name Reservation Guidelines

When thinking of registering a business, it’s very important to first go through the business name reservation guidelines available here on the Business Registration Portal (BRS). The list outlines what one needs to have in mind when planning to apply for business name reservation.

For instance;
- Businesses with the word “Enterprises” at the end cannot use Initials e.g J.K and Brian Enterprises.
- Single words are not accepted.
- Names with the word “Foundation” must be registered as Companies limited by guarantee.
- Names starting with the word “Kenya” are only reserved for the government.
- Names with “welfare”, Organization, Association, are not allowed.
There are nine more conditions you have to adhere to when registering a company in Kenya which can be found here on the BRS portal.

Conclusion

Business registration is the first step towards starting and running a legal business in Kenya. It’s guided by the business registration service act 2015. Please take a moment to read the article, How to Start a Business In Kenya Today here to learn more.

Don’t be a in a rush to register any business name. Be patient with your yourself and take your time before going ahead and applying for a name reservation. Do it only when you are ready.

Is there any other factor that I missed out that one need to consider when registering a business in Kenya?

Please let me know by sharing your thoughts in the comments section below.

And if you are in need of professional video production services, let me know here. You may want to request a free quote on www.techtubestudio.com.

That is it from here today.

And until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.
February 9, 2022
How To Take Screenshots Inside Microsoft Word And Annotate On Them

When using Microsoft word to write step by step guides for software’s and applications, its important to know how to take and annotate on screenshots.

In this tutorial guide, I will share with you how to take and annotate on screenshots inside Microsoft word.

Watch Video: How to Take And Annotate on Screenshots Inside Microsoft Word

How To Take screenshots

Open Microsoft word. Click insert on the top menu.

Click on screenshot icon and select screen clipping.

Taking screenshots Inside Microsoft Word

Microsoft word will minimize and your mouse arrow cursor will change to a plus. Left click, hold and drag to select the section you want to screenshot. Once selected, release the mouse button. Your screenshot will be automatically taken and inserted into Microsoft word.

Screenshot Look Inside Microsoft Word

How to Annotate On The Screenshot

It’s possible to annotate on a screenshot inside Microsoft word. You can highlight and add text description to some parts of the screenshot you have taken based on the tutorial you are working on. For example, you may add a box to highlight a menu item for an app, an arrow to point on the box you have highlighted, and some texts to describe the menu item.

To do this, click on insert and select shapes. Choose rectangle shape. Click and drag to select the section you want to highlight on the screenshot.

Annotating on a screenshot with rectangle shape on Microsoft word

Click on shape fill, select none. Click on shape outline and choose a color of your choice.

Add highlight on a screenshot on Microsoft Word

Go back to insert then click on shapes and select line arrow. Click and drag to point on the box or any other place on the screenshot. Choose shape color and weight under shape outline.

Add line arrow on Microsoft word

Next, select text box under shapes. Enter a short description of the menu item you have highlighted by typing into the text box.

Screenshot annotated on Microsoft word

You can reposition the shapes to any section of the screenshot as you want.

And that is it.

It’s that easy.

You are not limited on the annotations you can make so long as they make sense to your audience. Be open and try out different shapes.

How do you take screenshots for use in tutorial guides on Microsoft word?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

And if you need someone to review your digital products or services and make a video, let me know here. Alternatively, you can request a quote here.

Until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.

February 7, 2022
6 Mandatory Requirements Needed In Order To Register a Foreign Business or Company in Kenya

The process of registering any business in Kenya online is nearly the same. However, when registering a foreign company, the mandatory requirements needed to complete the process are quite different. This is based on the companies act 2015.

You can make your application online via the BRS portal.

In this blogpost, I will highlight six mandatory requirements you need to have in order to register a foreign company.

Watch Video: 6 Requirements to Register a Foreign Company in Kenya

PS: This is just a summary of the mandatory requirements based on the information collected on the Kenya Business Registration Portal. You can find a detailed guide about registering a foreign company in Kenya here.

#1 Copy of Certificate of Registration or Incorporation

This is the copy of the certificate of registration from the country of origin. The copy of the certificate must be notarized. Also, if the certificate of incorporation and charter is not in English, the applicant must provide a translation of the same.

#2 Local Representation

This process also requires that the company or business to have a local representation.

They representative can be part of local board of directors and may be assigned specific powers in addition to it’s foreign directors.

On top of this, the applicant must also share names and postal addresses of one of the local representative in Kenya. They will be authorized to accept notices when needed to be served on behalf of the company.

#3 Companies Constitution

Attach a certified/notarized copy of of the companies constitution/ the Charter/Statutes/ Articles or other instruments defining the constitution of the company or the equivalent. If it is in other language, it has to be translated to English.

#4 List of Shareholders And Directors

In your application, you have to attach names and details of shareholders and directors of the company or business.

#5 Memorandum of Association

Attach a memorandum of association drafted locally which is certified and executed by or on behalf of the company.

The memorandum should state the powers of the directors who (a) reside in Kenya (b) are members of a local board of directors.

#6 Notice of The Companies Registered Office

When making your application, there is form that you fill and it requires you enter details of the companies registered office in its place of origin. If the company doesn’t have such an office, then it’s principal place of business in its place of origin.

There are more other requirements which are dependent on how big the company you are registering is. You can find the instruction about registering a foreign company here.

I hope to this article was helpful. If you have any questions related to business registration in Kenya, do not hesitate to consult BRS support. I wish you the very best as you set up your business in Kenya.

And if you are in need of professional video production services, let me know here. You may want to request a free quote on www.techtubestudio.com.

And until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.

January 26, 2022
5 Step Process To Producing A Professional Online Video

When planning to produce a professional video to be published online, its important to plan.

If you have little time on your side to plan, engage a freelance video producer to help you out. Processes vary depending on the kind of video you will be producing.

Watch Video- 5 Step Process To Producing A Professional Online Video

In this blogpost, I will share with you five common steps that creatives follow in all their video productions.

Ideation & Script

Photo by Startup Stock Photos on Pexels.com

A video always starts with an idea. By the time you decide to produce a video, you have an idea of what you want to communicate or share. The best way to solidify your idea is to write it down in form of a script.

By writing a script, you will be able to solidify your idea and make necessary adjustments before the actual recording. This is in reference to the final video output.

The script will also shape how you will do the presentation.

Collecting Video Assets

What assets will you need to make your video presentation worthwhile? Will you need to record yourself talking in case its a vlog? Will you need to record computer screen to demonstrate a software or website service to your audience?

If you don’t have video recording equipment’s, again consider hiring a freelance videographer to help you out on this.

All this are called video assets in video production. Its also worth mentioning the use of free photos and videos available online if you have little budget for your production.

Getting The Right Sound And Video Quality

Sound and video quality matters and it will determine how your message will be received by those who will watch the video. Do you have good equipment to capture them well? If you can’t achieve the best video quality, make sure the sound quality is right.

Photo by Kyle Loftus on Pexels.com

This way, whoever is watching can get your message very clearly. Plan this well by choosing a good location to record your video. Outdoors will be ideal if you don’t have good lighting equipment. Also, if you are you are using inbuilt microphone for camera or phone, ensure that the environment you are in have minimal background noise.

If your video presentation requires a voice over, record a very clear voice using a professional mic. Its worth noting that phones nowadays have the capability of recording very good quality voice over.

Video Editing

This is the another important and final step. Make your editing seamless by ensuring that your video sequence arrangement on the timeline delivers your message clearly to your target audiences.

If you are hiring a professional video editor, instruct them to minimize flashy animations unless its necessary.

People today are looking for straight forward videos that shares the message in the shortest time possible. Try to cut down all unnecessary information and share what you want your audience to know.

Limit yourself on edits that will take a lot of time to complete. This is unless you will be re-using them in your future videos.

All these can be done by a video editor when instructed.

Getting Better With Time

You will not get everything right on the first day. Every time you produce your videos, you will spot some minor mistakes in it. Note them done and implement the fixes in your next video.

With time, the quality of your productions will be the best. Be creative and try out new ideas by implementing them in your videos.

Conclusion

Perfection should be your ultimate goal. Every little change that you make to improve your videos will compound with time. Those who notice the improvements you make will appreciate and support your work.

And that is it from me.

If you find this article helpful, share and leave a comment below.

What are those important steps you follow when creating or producing a video?

Share your feedback in the comments section below.

And if you need someone to review your digital products or services, let me know here. Alternatively, you can request a quote here.

And until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.

January 20, 2022
4 Professional Video Editing Software’s With Fair Terms For Beginners
In this blogpost, I share 4 of the many video editing software’s I have tried and tested since I started offering professional video editing services in 2009. Since that time, I have found these 4 to have good terms for beginners.

Before I begin highlighting my picks; I assume you have the following;
1. A computer with the right specs for video editing.
2. And video editing/creation skills.
With this said, here are some softwire’s you can download and use for free and pay for it later when you have work that pays.

4 PRO Video Editing Software’s With Fair Terms For Beginners

Camtasia Studio

Camtasia logo

Camtasia studio is an easy to use software that I use all the time for my vlogs. As a beginner, you get 30 days trial when you sign up to download it. Within this period, you will be in a position to do many things with the software among them screencast video recording and editing.

You can even produce paid work using the software!

This way, when you get paid for the video editing job, you can upgrade to a paid version of the software.

DaVinci Resolve 17

Davinci resolve logo

DaVinci resolve 17 is a free video editing software recommended for creators who are into filmmaking. You can do many things using the software on a professional level for FREE.

It’s important to note that the computer specs needed in order to use this software is a bit higher. Be prepared to purchase Blackmagic products as you progress.

Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro

Final cut pro is another great video editing tool if you are a Mac user. When you download the software, you get a 90 day free trial.

This the longest window period that no other video editing software company has attempted to offer.

Their competitor Adobe premiere pro gives users only 7 days to try.

I believe they did this considering the video production industry terrain. There is no guarantee for work when beginning or at all time. Its a good offer for a starter who is hard working as they can learn to use the software and do a lot with it during this period.

Avid Media Composer

Media Composer Video Editor Software

This is another professional software that one can consider when starting up. It was widely used between 2000-2010 before final cut Pro came in for Mac. The company offers four different versions of the software.

As a beginner, you can start with the free version –Media composer first– then progress to the professional version of it once you start making money from video editing.

These are few of the many professional video editing software’s that I have tried and used for free in the past.

What About Adobe Premiere and Adobe After effects?

I know you are wondering; what about Adobe Premiere and Adobe After effects? I don’t think they are good for a starter who have no money to spend on software. 7 Days is not enough to explore a software and get comfortable with.

Secondly, I understand that many people have access and use patched/cracked version of all Adobe Software’s and uses it to do their work, am totally against piracy. I say from a businessman perspective.

If you want to organically grow your freelancing profession editing videos, I recommend purchasing software license or use the ones I have recommended above when starting up until you make money.

And that is it from me. Which professional video editing software do you recommend for beginners to use? Share your suggestion in the comments section below.

Until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.
January 17, 2022
3 Ways To Compress GIF Videos or Animations

The recommended file size for GIF video animations on various website platforms vary. As a video editor, its good to know how to compress GIF videos or animations.

Video: 3 Ways To Compress GIF Videos or Animations

In some websites, any GIF video file size will play, while in others, GIF’ whose file size is more than 5 Mbs will not play.

If the final file size of the animated GIF you have produced is larger than what the site recommends; how will you compress it without losing the video details? In this blogpost, I will share with you 3 ways of compressing GIF videos.

Reduce Video Pixels

This is the first option you have to consider. What’s your video editing dimensions?

For instance, if you want HD video and your editing dimensions are 1920×1080, you may have to consider reducing the dimensions to that of a smaller version of HD. In this case, the size will be 1280×720. This will dramatically reduce the final GIF video size by Half.
If you are using Camtasia studio, go to project settings and select 720p HD. Most sites recommend a GIF video of 1200 Pixels. So this means you will reduce the dimensions from 1280×720 to 1200×676 pixels.

Reducing the Video editing dimensions on Camtasia

Reduce Rendering Frame Rate

Popular rendering frame rate for GIF videos is 15 Frames per second. The highest frame rate recommended is 30 Frames per second and minimum is 1 Frame per second. The higher the frame rate, the higher the size, the lower the frame rate the lower the file size.

In the past, I have found out that 5 frames per second is very effective in dramatically reducing the video file size without the final GIF file lagging when you play.

To do this; in your rendering settings menu, click on the frame rate drop down menu and select 5.

GIF Video Animation Rendering Frame Rate on Camtasia studio

Using Free GIF Compressors Available Online

There are many GIF compressors available online today. If you have tried the options above and your GIF video size is still larger than the recommended size, you may have to consider this 3rd option of using a GIF compressor. I have tried and used a free GIF video compressor found here. The results was very good. I was able to reduce my GIF video size by 68% without losing the image quality.

Bonus Options

If all the above options of compressing your GIF video file fails, you may want to consider reducing your GIF Video duration. If your GIF Video is say 60 seconds, you can try reducing it by 5 seconds and see the difference.

Add clip speed to the GIF video

Another way of doing this is to speed up the video on the timeline. This will help reduce the file size by a slightly small percentage.

Conclusion

Learning how to compress GIF video files directly from your video editing suite is the best way I recommend. I know there are many other ways that one can do this.

Do you know of any other way of compressing GIF videos that I have missed to mention here on this blogpost? Please share and let me know in the comments section below and you will another freelancer out there wanting to compress GIF’s.

Until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony

January 13, 2022
8 Kenyan Websites And Apps That Toped My List in 2021

Online service delivery is proving to be very efficient and convenient in Kenya. 2 years ago, you could not get an e-mail reply from many of the government institutions’ websites if you contacted them via their contact form. That’s still the case today in a some of them.

Watch Video – Kenyan Websites That Topped My List in 2021

I used and reviewed some of the Kenyan websites in 2021 which include government, parastatals and banks. Based on my experience, all of them got good rating when it came to resolving issues related to their services.

On this blogpost, I will highlight some of the top sites and mobile applications which many Kenyans use on their daily basis. Almost all of the services that I am going to review here saved me a great deal in 2021.

Mpesa App

I love this app for what it does. Let me start with its ability to allow users to transact globally. Some of the clients I work with reside in different parts of the world and pay me using Paypal. Being able to receive payments from PayPal in minutes to Mpesa with good exchange rate is great deal.

Paypal to Mpesa and vice versa

Inside the app, you can see the link to either top up PayPal or Withdraw money from PayPal. The process is as easy as paying a bill. Also, you will receive your money within few minutes.
The second beautiful thing I love about Mpesa app is being able tag expenses each time you spend. E.g when you pay for shopping, you can tag the expense as ‘shopping.’
At the end of the month, you will be able to see how much money you spent on shopping. This really helps in managing expenses and being accountable.

The third feature I have been using and love is the Mpesa mini-apps. The mini-apps within the Mpesa app is quite convenient to those using the app. E.g With mini-apps, am able to book a flight, train, buy electricity tokens, pay for insurance e.t.c.

If you are someone who is looking for ways to save time and money, then you will enjoy using Mpesa App for the convenience that it brings.

KRA iTax Portal

KRA iTax portal services

KRA iTax portal is another very convenient website for me that I use in filling my monthly Tax returns.

I visited the iTax portal a lot in 2021 to file returns, request for waiver, update my personal information and more. The portal really saved me time and money.
You don’t have to pay someone to help you file returns if you have little transactions every month. It’s easy to file returns once you learn how to do it.
One can use iTax portal to file returns, generate payment receipts’, clear all penalties associated with their PIN and more.

Also, I used the portal to request for a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC).

For more information on the tasks you can accomplish on the kRA iTax portal, here is blogpost that I wrote on 10 things you can do there.

Business Registration Portal (BRS)

Register Business in Kenya

This is a site I like when it comes to registering and managing my businesses.

On BRS portal, I was able to update my registered businesses’ contact information directly on the portal. Also, I updated the beneficiaries of my company as per companies act 2015.

At the the comfort of your home, you can apply and pay for business registration on the BRS portal today.

Office of The Attorney General(AG) Portal

This is the site for requesting company closure or strike off.

Closing a company in Kenya

Towards the end of the year 2021, I initiated the process of striking off Trendline Network Ltd here. You can access the portal on the address www.ag.ecitizen.go.ke.
When you make an application to strike off your company, it will take up 5 days to be reviewed. It will either be approved or rejected.

Kenya Gazette Weekly

Kenya Law

You can find useful resources related to law on Kenya law website.

I found this site last year when looking for the weekly Kenya Gazette publication. The Gazette is free to download on the site.
After my application for company strike off was approved, I was advised to regularly check the weekly Kenya Gazette, for the first publication on the first month, and the last publication after 90 days.
Kenya Law website has been very helpful to me when following up on company closure.

NHIF Portal

NHIF Self Care Services

NHIF selfcare portal was very helpful to me in 2021. After many years of not paying for my medical insurance, In 2021, I was able to finally update my personal data via the NHIF self care portal.
Also, I was able to change the outpatient hospital via the portal.

It’s easy and secure to use NHIF online services besides being able to do everything at home.

Ardhisasa Portal

I did a review of ArdhiSasa portal in 2021 and published it here. During the review, I tried different things on the site and I was contented with the portal speed and ease of use.

Ardhisasa Kenya Review

On Ardhisasa, you can search and transfer property, order a plan and order a tittle of any property in Nairobi county. They say they aim to expand the service to contain land information from all other counties in Kenya.

Online Banking Service

KCB online banking services

I signed up for online banking with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), KCB Bank and I &M Bank owing to the fact that I have an account with the banks.
My experience with their online banking services was satisfying. I was very happy with each one of them.

They embrace 2 factor authentication which is a good practice when it comes to safety online.
With the introduction of online banking in Kenya, customers now have an additional option of transacting money from their bank accounts when other options fails or are not available.

From transacting over the bank counter, using mobile short codes, debit and credit cards and bank mobile apps; one is not limited on how they can transact.

Conclusion

Technology is proving to be the effective in many sectors of the economy in Kenya.
Being able access many of these services online anywhere across Kenya is a good thing. This is the way to go for many small and big companies/businesses.

And that is it from me on the 8 Top Sites and Apps I Used Most in 2021.

If you need help to create video reviews for websites, apps or software’s, you can request a free quote on www.techtubestudio.com.

Until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow on twitter on @cheptiony.

January 4, 2022
How To Kickstart Your Freelance Video Editing Career Using FREE Resources Online

You can build a very rewarding career as a freelance video editor working from home. The challenge most professional video editors have is how to get started.

In order to be taken seriously as a video editor, one needs many things. The first one, is a license to a paid professional video editing software. This is besides a computer with high specs to use in editing videos.

Watch video: How to kickstart Freelance Video Editing Career Online

Photo by Alex Fu on Pexels.com

Having a access to premium quality royalty free videos, photos, music and sound effects is an added advantage when looking for work.

With all these requirements at hand, you will be well equipped to go out and look for video editing work.

But what if you don’t have the money to purchase licenses to all the recommended software’s and you are very good at video editing? Will you opt for the cracked version of the software’s you need?

It’s obvious most people will opt to go for the later because its easy and you make all the money without paying for the software license. Sadly, it has more downsides than one would imagine when it comes to private data. I don’t recommend downloading cracked software even if your friend is using and recommends it.

In 2022, it is possible kickstart your career as video editor serving online clients using free legit resources.

In this blogpost, I will share with a sure path to success as a beginner professional video editor.

Getting The Tools You Need

By the time you are reading this, I assume you have a computer with the right specs and video editing/creation skills. With this said, here are some softwire’s you can download and use for free and pay for it later when you have work that pays.

Camtasia Studio

Camtasia studio is an easy to use software that I use all the time for my vlogs. As a beginner, you get 30 days trial when you sign up to download it. Within this period, you will be in a position to do many things with the software among them screencast video recording and editing.

You can even produce paid work using the software!

This way, when you get paid for the video editing job, you can upgrade to a paid version of the software.

DaVinci Resolve 17

DaVinci resolve 17 a free video editing software recommended for creators who are into filmmaking. You can do many things using the software on a professional level for FREE.

It’s important to note that the computer specs needed in order to use this software is a bit higher. Be prepared to purchase Blackmagic products as you progress.

Final Cut Pro

Final cut pro is another great video editing tool if you are a Mac user. When you download the software, you get a 90 day free trial.

This the longest window period that no other video editing software company has attempted to offer. Their competitor Adobe premiere pro gives users only 7 days to try.

I believe they did this considering the video production industry terrain. There is no guarantee for work when beginning or at all time. Its a good offer for a starter who is hard working as they can learn to use the software and do a lot with it during this period.

Avid Media Composer

This is another professional software that one can consider when starting up. It was widely used between 2000-2010 before final cut Pro came in for Mac. The company offers four different versions of the software.

As a beginner, you can start with the free version –Media composer first– then progress to the professional version of it once you start making money from video editing.

These are few of the many professional video editing software’s that I have tried and used for free in the past. I know you are wondering; what about Adobe Premiere and Adobe After effects? I don’t think they are good for starter who have no money to spend on software. 7 Days is not enough to explore a software and get comfortable with.

Secondly, I understand that many people have access and use patched/cracked version of all Adobe Software’s and uses it to do their work, it am totally against piracy. I say from a businessman perspective.

If you want to organically grow your freelancing profession editing videos, I recommend purchasing software license or use the ones I have recommended above when starting up until you make money.

Getting Free Video And Photo Assets Online

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Pexels.com

There are many websites outside there that offer free videos and photos. I have written a review on websites that offer free videos and photos here.

These include Pexels, Videvo, Pixabay, Vidsplay and Pikwizard. Utilize these sites when starting up to get free videos and photos to use in creating stunning videos for your clients. 0

Getting Free Music and Sound Effects

You will need music for use in video intros and general video production. For instance, some videos will not need a voice over narration but instead a background music.

You can get free music on YouTube audio Library here. This is a sure place I know. Of course google search offers you with a whole lot of other alternative places.

How Can These Resources Help You Get Work?

Creating A Video Portfolio

With the free videos and photos, you can create a nice video demo to showcase your skills. Plan this by writing a script that communicates a message. It can be a short video to market a product or service.

Create a couple of different styles of professional videos for use in showcasing your video editing skills. Each time you are requested to send a proposal, send links to the videos alongside it.

Creating Videos For Clients

Some clients don’t have a budget to purchase royalty free videos, photos and music. Having an idea on where to get free assets online will give you an upper hand on getting hired. This means that, you can use the free resources to produce videos and get paid.

And this wraps up our blogpost today on the steps you need to kickstart your video editing career online as a beginner.

Once you have earned money offering video editing services, you can invest the income in purchasing licenses to your favorite video editing software. Your video editing career path will be easy if you patiently follow this advise.

and that is it.

Which professional video editing software do you recommend for beginners to use when starting up for free? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

And if you need help to create and produce professional screencast videos and GIF’s for your business, you can request a FREE quote here.

And until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony

December 21, 2021
Ways To Edit Audio Inside Video Editor That You Must Know

When editing video on your preferred video editing software timeline, there are certain audio effects you will want to add and make the video sound good and professional.

In order to add the effects you want, you will need to know how to control the audio while editing the video on the timeline. In this blogpost, I will share with you ways to control audio while editing your videos.

Adding Audio Points

This is like the main skill you need to learn. Once you are able to master it well, you will be able to control the volume level of the background music on your videos. Audio points are small keyframes that you add to your audio in order to control the volume in different sections of the video as it plays.

The same can also be applied to video.

To add audio points on Camtasia studio, right click on the audio you want to add audio points to. From the menu that pops up, select add audio point. Repeat this process to add another audio point.

Control Audio on Your videos

Controlling The Audio Points

When you add audio points to your audio, the audio points will appear like in the screenshot below.

Audio control points

Use the control points to raise and lower volume of the audio selected. To do this, click, hold and drag the audio point(one at a time) down to lower the audio volume and up to raise the volume. You can add the control points at any section/part of the audio on the timeline.

Use The Control Points To Fade In

At the beginning of your audio, you can use the audio points to fade in. To do this, add two control points to your audio. Let the audio points be 3 seconds apart with the first control point appearing at the beginning of your audio.

Fade in using audio points

Drag the first control point down as shown in the image above. Play to listen and adjust accordingly as per the video you are editing.

Fade In Audio In the Middle of the Video

Lets say you in the middle of editing a video in the timeline, and there is a title that appears for 3 seconds. In the same video that you are editing, you have a background music playing in low volume. You want the music volume to rise at the section where the title is and fall again once the title disappears.

How will you achieve this audio effect?

You can achieve this using audio control points. To do this, add four audio points to your background music. Adjust the first 2 points to be 3 seconds apart and next to where the title begins. Have the other 2 control points at the end. (Ref. to the screenshot below).

Start by dragging the third control point up first to raise the volume to the percentage you want. Drag second control point up as well to the same level as the third one.

At the end, your audio points will look like the screenshot below but on the up side as you are raising the volume.

Fade audio in the middle of the video

Once you have mastered audio control using the audio points, other edits related to audio will be easy.

Adding Sound effects To Video

The process of adding sound effects to a video is same as the one of adding a background music. The difference is the positioning of the sound effect in question.

Drag and drop the sound effect to the position you want it to appear on your video on the timeline. Replay the video and adjust it’s position to ensure that it’s in sync with the visual effect.

Sound-effects-alongside-the-video-graphics

Trimming Audio Separately On A Video

Sometimes, you will want to trim audio separately on a video. In order to do this, you will have to first separate the video and audio. Next, right click and select separate audio and video. From here you will be able to edit audio and video separately.

Trim Audio on a Video separately

Exporting Audio Only

The process of exporting audio only from a video timeline varies with video editing software’s. To do so on Camtasia Studio, click on export on the top menu and select export audio only. Select your preferred audio file type and click save.

Export Audio Only on video

Conclusion

There is more to video editing than just trimming the video as desired. These include editing the audio, designing and adding motion graphics, adding subtitles e.t.c.

Knowing how control your audio on the timeline manually is very good. With more practice, you will be able to do them accurately and faster.

If you are a professional freelance video editor, I urge you to factor in audio editing in your quote when asked to send a proposal.

And that is.

Is there any other way to control audio in your videos? Share your feedback in the comments section below.

And if you need help to produce professional screencast videos, you can request a quote on www.techtubestudio.com.

Until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.

December 14, 2021
How To Hire A Freelance WordPress Website Designer

As one grows as a freelancer, there is a need to own a website where you can share your skills and ideas. WordPress is one of the best and most popular platform to host your website.

It’s easy to use. Moreover you can start publishing on the platform for free. All you need to do is sign up. This means that you can build your online business from scratch on WordPress.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

While anyone is capable of building their website on WordPress, along the way as workload increases, they will need a helping hand. By hiring a freelance WordPress website designer, you will save time and money.

In this blogpost, I will be sharing my process of hiring a WordPress website designer as well as some of the things I look at when hiring one.

Where to Hire

Hiring a freelancer through the freelance marketplaces is what I will focus on in this blogpost. It’s the safest and most reliable way to hire a freelancer. This is owing to it’s Escrow payment protection, ability to get a variety of freelancers, affordability e.t.c.

Of-course there are other alternative ways of hiring a freelancer.

One of them is through referrals. If you know individuals who offers web design services, I urge you to contact them directly on their websites and discuss with them your project. If their quote is within your budget, go ahead and give them a contract. It’s a good deed.

Video: How I Hire a Freelance WordPress Website Designer

With this said, lets now dive into what I look at when hiring a freelance WordPress Website designer.

It Starts With Cover Letter

If you are a freelancer, you know that cover letter is everything a client needs to make that decision of hiring you. CV’s here don’t work. Your profile and past client reviews is what someone will look at if they need further clarification on your portfolio before they hire.

That’s what I also do. I base their experience with the number of happy clients they have served.

So in this case, what do I look at when reviewing a cover letter?

Cover Letter Greetings

How do they address me? This is very important. Some addresses me personally by my name and others prefer to use ‘sir/madam.’ This tells me that the freelancer is kind and respectful.

On the other hand, someone who just writes ‘Hi or Hello‘ to me sounds a bit mean and unprofessional.

Reading further the cover letters of most of second type of freelancers confirms that truly they are unprofessional because they don’t know what they are talking about.

Most of them send generic cover letters. That is why I think every detail in the cover letter matters.

Addressing The Problem

When you Post A Job, you as the client is supposed to describe in detail what you are looking for in a WordPress web designer. Also, you need to describe the tasks you want accomplished on your WordPress website.

I expect a freelancer applying to my job post to mention something about my needs in the first paragraph.

In many occasions, I decline 40 to 60% of the applications. This is because their cover letters are generic. In this I mean they have one copy of cover letter which they reuse on all their applications.

Links To Their Portfolio

This is another most important aspect. Have they designed a WordPress website before? How do their past designs look like? Does any of them impress me? If I like some of their past designs in their portfolio, I proceed and shortlist the candidate right away.

Depending on my urgency, I can proceed and send them a message informing them that I have seen their application and I like specific website designs they have in their design portfolio.

I then remove or decline all applications without links to any past project.

This is unless I have few freelancers applying to the job post.

Cost

By the time I am looking at the applicants quoted price, I would have filtered about 80% of the applications. For the ones remaining, I will look at their costs and compare it with the value they intend to offer.

While cost does not come first, its an important aspect that I look at when evaluating a freelance WordPress designer.

Timelines

How much time do I have with me to focus on this?

While this is communicated upfront while posting the job-depending on how experienced and committed the freelancer is- I expect them to propose their own timelines for completion of the project during the interview.

If my preferred freelancer does not propose a different timeline, it means they are fine with the timeline I proposed to them. This for me is a perfect candidate for the job.

Revisions and Bug Fixes

At my early stages of hiring a freelance WordPress designer, there was a lot of bug fixes and revisions that I requested fixed each time. I suspected the errors was created by the designer so that I could give him more work and hence more money.

Today, if you are hiring a designer, you will find out that some guarantee you 30 days FREE maintenance on your site. Someone who can make such an offer knows what they are doing.

They mean business and you rarely request revisions from them.

Long Term Commitment

This for people who foresee building and making changes on their websites over time. Once you find a suitable freelancer, tell them about your plans to continue improving on your website. Having a consistent designer to your site is good. They get familiar with your website the more they work on it.

Conclusion

Communication still stands out when hiring a freelancer online. Someone who is able to communicate well via e-mail is a suitable candidate so long as they are honest. I rarely interview freelancers via video call unless its absolutely necessary.

Escrow protection on payments is a security assurance for both parties in the freelance marketplaces. You only release payment when you are satisfied with the work delivered.

So, don’t tolerate poor communication on e-mail exchanges during the interview process. It’s that important.

And that is it.

What is it that you look at when hiring a freelance WordPress website designer? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

And if you need professional screencast video production services or production of GIF’s for your website, you can request a free quote on www.techtubestudio.com.

Until next time, bye bye and take care.

Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.

December 4, 2021