Author: Cheptiony Mutai

  • 4 YouTube Studio Hacks to Skyrocket Your Video Views

    Struggling to get your YouTube videos seen?

    You’re not alone! In this video, I’m breaking down 4 essential YouTube Studio features that every creator should be using to optimize their videos for maximum visibility. Learn how to leverage these tools to improve your SEO, engage your audience, and ultimately, get more views!

    If you have any questions and want to talk business, you can reach out to me here.

    For full video production services click here.

  • 6 Websites To Find Tenders And Consultancy Opportunities Online in Kenya

    6 Websites To Find Tenders And Consultancy Opportunities Online in Kenya

    Are you a business owner or consultant in Kenya looking for new opportunities? Finding and applying for tenders and consultancy projects can be a game-changer for your growth. In this video, I’ll walk you through the process of how to effectively search and find these opportunities online in Kenya. I’ll cover the best websites, search strategies, and tips to help you identify the right projects for your business.

    Share your thoughts and feedback on the comments section below here. For all enquiries reach out to us on the contacts page here.

    For full video production services, request for services here.

  • 6 Things To Do To Make Your Online Business Trusted And Recommended

    6 Things To Do To Make Your Online Business Trusted And Recommended

    In today’s competitive business marketplace, it is essential for individuals to demonstrate a higher standard of excellence to ensure their business distinguishes itself. Clients in the current landscape are increasingly sophisticated and well-informed about the characteristics that define a legitimate business engagement.

    People are constantly updating their verification checklist before making a purchase, using tips from others who have been scammed online by fake vendors or suppliers.

    close up of human hand
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    In this article, I’ll walk you through the essential steps you need to take to pass verification checks, especially if you’re looking to establish your business online.

    Establish Your Company First

    Find out the process of registering your company or business in your country and take the necessary steps to get it officially recognized. This one-time action not only boosts your business’s credibility but also ensures legal protection.

    In the event of disputes, scams, or complaints, having a registered business strengthens your position and makes it easier to resolve issues with government authorities.

    People love to trade with legitimate businesses. Be the legitimate business they can trust from the word go.

    Be Tax Compliant

    When running an online business, it’s crucial to register for taxes with the relevant government authorities in your country. This ensures compliance with the law and protects your business from potential legal issues.

    Research the tax obligations specific to your industry, including income tax, value-added tax (VAT), or sales tax, and determine how much tax you should charge customers for your goods and services.

    tax documents on the table
    Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

    Additionally, keep accurate records of your transactions and file all necessary tax returns on time to avoid penalties. Consulting a tax professional can help you navigate complex regulations and maximize any available deductions or exemptions.

    Get a Physical Location/Office

    Absolutely, running a business entirely remotely is possible and, for many entrepreneurs, highly efficient. However, having a physical location can add significant advantages.

    A brick-and-mortar presence enhances credibility and trust, reassuring potential customers that your business is legitimate and accessible.

    Studies show that after discovering a business online, many consumers prefer to visit in person or at least confirm its physical location before making a purchase. This is especially true for service-based businesses, retail shops, and professional offices.

    white ipad
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    Even if your operations are primarily digital, maintaining a physical address—whether it’s a storefront, office, or co-working space—can strengthen your brand and improve customer confidence.

    Get a Website and Business Emails

    Having a professional website and business emails is crucial for establishing credibility and trust with potential clients.

    A website serves as the online home for your business, providing potential customers with information about your products or services. Business emails, on the other hand, help you communicate professionally.

    Benefits of Having a Website:

    • 24/7 Online Presence – Customers can find you at any time.
    • Brand Credibility – A well-designed website enhances trust.
    • Marketing & SEO – Helps attract organic traffic from search engines.
    • Customer Convenience – Provides a platform for inquiries and purchases.

    Benefits of Business Emails:

    Trust & Security – Business emails are more secure than free personal emails.

    Professionalism – A custom email (e.g., yourname@yourbusiness.com) looks more credible than a generic Gmail or Yahoo email.

    Branding – Every email you send reinforces your brand.

    Have Functional Contact information

    Having functional contact information is crucial for any business, whether online or offline. It serves as the primary bridge between you and potential customers, clients, or business partners. Without clear and accessible contact details, you risk losing trust, credibility, and sales. Below, we explore the importance of functional contact information, what it should include, and best practices for making it easily accessible.

    a person dialing a hotline
    Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

    Why Functional Contact Information is Important

    Reduces Customer Frustration
    If customers struggle to contact you, they may become frustrated and abandon their inquiries or complaints, leading to negative reviews and lost business.

    Builds Trust and Credibility
    Customers feel more confident dealing with a business that has transparent and reliable contact details. If people struggle to find a way to reach you, they may doubt your legitimacy.

    Enhances Customer Support
    A direct way for customers to reach you ensures that they can get answers to their questions, resolve issues, and receive assistance when needed. Prompt responses improve customer satisfaction and retention.

    Improves Business Opportunities
    Potential partners, investors, or suppliers might want to collaborate with you. If they can’t find your contact details, they may move on to competitors who are easier to reach.

    Boosts Local and Online Visibility
    Search engines, business directories, and review platforms value businesses with complete and accurate contact details. This can help improve your local SEO rankings and online presence.

    Get 3 Social Media Handles For a Start

    person holding iphone showing social networks folder
    Photo by Tracy Le Blanc on Pexels.com

    When starting a business, having at least three social media handles is essential for building an online presence, engaging with potential customers, and establishing credibility. Here’s why:

    1. Diverse Audience Reach – Different platforms attract different demographics. For instance, Instagram appeals to a younger, visually-driven audience, LinkedIn caters to professionals, and Facebook has a broad user base. Using multiple platforms ensures you connect with various customer segments.
    2. Brand Visibility and Consistency – Having multiple social media accounts allows you to reinforce your brand message across different channels, making it easier for potential customers to recognize and trust your business.
    3. Backup and Adaptability – Social media trends shift, and algorithms change. Relying on just one platform is risky, as sudden policy changes or account restrictions could limit your reach. With at least three platforms, you have alternatives and can adapt to changes more easily.

    Starting with three accounts ensures manageable growth without being overwhelmed. Once you’ve established a routine and engagement strategy, you can expand to more platforms as needed.

    And that is it from me here. I hope you have found this article helpful. Let me know what you think in the comments section below.

    If you need help to create and produce professional digital content let me know here. I will be happy to help.

    Up until next year, bye bye and take care.

  • 6 Essential Measures Kenyan Entrepreneurs Must Take to Stay Business Compliant

    6 Essential Measures Kenyan Entrepreneurs Must Take to Stay Business Compliant

    Ensuring business compliance in Kenya requires entrepreneurs to adhere to essential legal and regulatory practices.

    In this blog post, I will discuss five critical measures that startups and established businesses must implement to maintain compliance.

    1. Register Your Business Properly

    Registering your business with the Registrar of Companies is the first and most important step. You need to choose the appropriate legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company) and ensure the company is officially recognized by the government.

    This process involves:

    • Name reservation: Ensure your business name is unique and approved by the registrar.
    • Incorporation: Complete the incorporation process and submit necessary documents, such as identification, proof of address, and the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
    • Certificate of Incorporation: After registering, you’ll receive a certificate that establishes your business as a legal entity in Kenya.

    2. Comply with Tax Obligations

    It is crucial to register with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for tax purposes and ensure you meet all tax obligations. Failure to do so can result in penalties or legal action.

    These steps should be followed:

    • Taxpayer Identification Number (PIN): Obtain a PIN from KRA for tax purposes.
    • Value Added Tax (VAT): If your business turnover exceeds KSh 5 million per year, you must register for VAT. You can register for this obligation if your business charges its clients VAT.
    • Pay As You Earn (PAYE): If you employ staff, you must withhold PAYE from employee salaries and remit it to KRA.
    • File Tax Returns: Submit regular returns such as monthly VAT returns and annual income tax returns (self-assessment) to avoid non-compliance.

    3. Adhere to Labor Laws

    Compliance with Kenyan labor laws is essential to avoid disputes with employees and ensure their rights are protected.

    Key labor regulations include:

    • Employment Contracts: Provide written employment contracts to all employees, outlining terms and conditions of employment.
    • Minimum Wage Compliance: Ensure that wages meet or exceed the minimum wage requirements set by the government for your industry. For instance, the minimum wage for House managers & Cooks is now set at Kes 9,129 per month, unskilled workers set at Kes 7,997 per month and drivers is set at Kes 11,719 per month.
    • Contributions to Social Security (NSSF and SHA): Deduct and remit contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Social Health Authority (SHA) for all employees.

    4. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

    Certain businesses in Kenya require specific licenses and permits depending on the nature of the business. Failure to acquire these licenses can lead to fines or closure.

    Some common licenses include:

    • Business Permit: A local county business permit, issued by the relevant county government, is required to operate within a specific region.
    • Sector-Specific Licenses: Depending on your industry (e.g., health, food, tourism, education), you may need additional licenses such as the Health License, Food Safety Certification, or Tourism License.
    • Environmental Compliance: Businesses that impact the environment may need an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report approved by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

    5. Maintain Accurate Financial Records

    Proper accounting and financial reporting are vital for tax compliance and business growth. Regular bookkeeping helps businesses meet legal requirements and makes it easier to file tax returns accurately. To remain compliant, ensure that:

    • Proper Accounting System: Set up and maintain a sound accounting system for tracking income, expenses, and assets.
    • Audit Reports: Depending on the size of the business, you may be required to have an audit of financial statements annually.
    • Retain Business Records: Keep business records for at least seven years, including receipts, invoices, tax returns, and any other financial documents.

    6. File Annual Returns with the Business Registration Service (BRS)

    In Kenya, it’s mandatory for companies to file annual returns with the Business Registration Service (BRS) to maintain their status as an active entity. Filing these returns is a legal requirement and helps keep your company records up to date with the government. Failing to file annual returns on time can result in penalties or even the striking off of the company from the register.

    This process involves:

    • Updating Company Information: Ensure all details about the company, such as directors, shareholders, and registered address, are current.
    • Timely Submission: Submit the returns before the deadline (usually within 18 months after incorporation and annually thereafter).
    • Payment of Fees: A nominal fee is required for filing the returns.

    Conclusion

    Ensuring business compliance in Kenya is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of startups. By registering your business properly, meeting tax obligations, adhering to labor laws, acquiring necessary licenses, maintaining accurate financial records, and filing annual returns with the Business Registration Service (BRS), you can avoid legal pitfalls and build a strong foundation for growth.

    Compliance not only helps you stay on the right side of the law but also enhances your business’s credibility, attracts investment, and fosters trust with customers and partners. Stay compliant to safeguard your business and thrive in a competitive market.

    And if you are looking for a sustainable way to market your business online through video, I can help you out. Contact me here or through my company Techtube Video Studio. I am professional video producer with over 10 years of experience in digital video production.

    Up until next time, bye bye and take care.

  • My YouTube Earnings with 500 Daily Views (Detailed Breakdown)

    Video – My YouTube Earnings With 500 Daily Views

    In this video, I share with you how much I earn on YouTube with 500 daily views. I hope this video will inspire you.

    Follow me on social media @cheptionymutai

  • Understanding Your Tax Obligations As a Freelancer & Consultant Living in Kenya

    Understanding Your Tax Obligations As a Freelancer & Consultant Living in Kenya

    When it comes to taxes in Kenya, individual consultants and freelancers are subject to the same regulations. This is because they have multiple sources of income. Their income is determined by their productivity.

    In this article, I will shed a light on the kind of tax obligations that consultants and freelancers needs be enrolled in.

    Income Tax

    This is compulsory tax for all people with a Tax PIN. Income tax is filled annually by the taxpayer on iTax portal. This is the direct tax on income and is charged for each year of income on all the income of a person, with resident or non resident that is accrued in or was derived from Kenya.

    As of July 2023, tax rates now vary depending on the amount of income you earn per year. Here is table.

    Tax BandAnnual Income ksh.Monthly Income Ksh.Rate
    On the first 288,00024,00010%
    On the next100,0008,33325%
    On the next5,612,000467,66730%
    On the next3,600,000300,00032.5%
    On the excess of9,600,00032,33335%
    Source : Kenya Revenue Authority.
    Watch Video – Understanding Tax Obligations as a freelancer or consultant

    Every individual tax payer is entitled to get a Personal Relief of Kshs. 28,800 per annum (Kshs. 2,400 per month). This only applies to resident tax payers. Non residentials are expected to pay their taxes at the rates indicated above with no relieve.

    Most consultancy clients will withhold 5% of the total cost of services and remit the amount to Kenya Revenue Authority. This amount reflects in your account and deducted from tax payable at the end of the year. E.g if your tax payable at the end of the year is Ksh. 50,000 and your total withholding tax credit amount is Ksh. 20,000, then you will pay Ksh. 30,000 as tax payable.

    Penalties – If you don’t file your income tax returns 6 months after your annual accounting year has ended, you will be penalized Ksh. 20,000.

    VAT Tax

    VAT tax is an indirect tax that is paid by person who consumes taxable goods and services supplied and consumed in Kenya. This is another tax obligation that a freelancer or a consultant needs to voluntarily enroll in order to benefit. Its not mandatory but necessary if you are charging VAT on your services or your client is withholding VAT tax on the services that you have rendered.

    Additionally, it benefits you as all the VAT tax on purchases on your PIN will be credited into your tax account via ETIMS. This is accounted for when you file your return at the end of the month.

    Unless otherwise, VAT tax rate for freelancers and consultants is 16% of the total cost of goods or services.

    Once you are enrolled for VAT tax, you will be required to file return before the 20th date of every month. As of November 2024, most of the purchases and sales tax are prepopulated into the downloadable return excel sheet to simplify the process.

    How To Claim VAT Tax

    1. In order to claim VAT tax on all your purchases, you need to first enroll for VAT tax via iTax portal. Once the VAT obligation is added to your PIN, you can start claiming VAT on all your purchases while filling your monthly returns.
    2. When making purchases, ask your seller for VAT tax receipt. They will request that you give them your PIN number. This way your purchase will qualify as it will be registered on ETIMS.
    3. Keep all receipts with claimable VAT in your file for easy reference.
    4. File your VAT returns before 20th day of the following month for previous months return. e.g. You file January VAT returns before 20th Feb.
    5. You will be penalized Ksh.10,000 if you file your returns later than 20th day of the month.

    Digital Marketplace Supplies Registration

    If you’re a non-resident freelancer or consultant selling goods or services in Kenya over the internet, an electronic network, or a digital marketplace, you must register for Value Added Tax (VAT). This applies even if your sales are less than the usual KES 5 million annual turnover threshold.

    Paying Your Taxes

    You can pay your tax online on iTax portal. You can pay via Mpesa or Bank. You will first need to generate a payment slip on iTax portal then use the payment slip No. for the payment to be processed. If you have any problem, its advisable to contact KRA support for assistance.

    Conclusion

    Understanding your tax obligations makes navigating the tax system straightforward. Paying taxes is essential for the growth and expansion of your freelance or consultancy business. Don’t be misled into avoiding your tax responsibilities.

    Tax-compliant freelancers and consultants are often the preferred choice for businesses and individuals seeking services. Adhering to tax regulations also opens doors to higher-value contracts, as many organizations require proof of tax compliance before awarding significant projects.

    And that is it from me here. I hope you have found this article helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. And if you need help to create content, you can reach out to me here.

    Up until next time, bye bye and take care.

    Follow me on social media @cheptionymutai

  • Get Ahead of the Curve: 5 Creative AI Tools to Explore in 2025

    Get Ahead of the Curve: 5 Creative AI Tools to Explore in 2025

    The future of work is being shaped by AI, and the creative industries are no exception. From streamlining workflows to sparking new ideas, AI is transforming how creatives bring their visions to life. I’ve compiled five AI tools that I think will be essential for creatives in 2025.

    Suno AI

    Looking for the perfect custom intro music for your podcast? Suno makes it easy. This AI-powered song maker lets you create original tunes, whether you write the lyrics yourself or use ChatGPT to generate them based on any theme. Just tell Suno what instruments or overall tone you’re looking for, and it will compose a unique track in your desired genre.

    I used ChatGPT to write a song about freelancing, business, and my website, cheptiony.com. Afterward, I pasted the lyrics into Suno AI, which quickly composed a beautiful melody with drums and flute. The results were impressive! You can listen to the song here. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

    Watch Video – 5 AI tools to try in 2025.

    Microsoft Clipchamp

    Microsoft Clipchamp has taken the place of the traditional Windows Video Editor, and while it might be overlooked by some, this app packs a surprising number of powerful features. Beyond basic video editing, Clipchamp allows you to create screencast tutorials with a picture-in-picture view of yourself, and even offers a text-to-speech function with a wide selection of high-quality voiceovers.

    Text to speech is my favourite feature. I use it to generate voice overs for any video project that I am working on. Here is the voice over I generated from this app for an ad video. 

    Aside from this, Microsoft clipchamp has several templates that you can use in your video. One downside of Microsoft clipchamp is that it only works when you have your internet connection on. 

    Adobe Express

    Adobe Express empowers you to create stunning visuals and videos from text or images. Beyond that, it simplifies the creation of consistent characters, avatars, and animations. From graphic design and slideshow presentations to video animations, audio generation, text-to-speech conversion, and social media publishing, Adobe Express handles it all.

    Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this tool makes content creation accessible. It’s available for free, with a premium version offering additional features.

    Gemini AI for Text editing

    Struggling with grammar or clarity in your writing? Gemini can help. It offers writers quick fixes and enriches text with helpful context, providing different versions of your work, sometimes even adding details for improved understanding.

    I use Gemini to polish the grammar and improve the clarity of my blog posts. My process is simple: after drafting a post, I copy each paragraph, paste it into Gemini, and ask it to rewrite the text. The results are always excellent. I then copy the revised paragraph and replace the original version on my blog.

    Elevenlabs AI

    ElevenLabs is well-known for its impressive text-to-speech capabilities, but they’ve been busy adding even more powerful tools. Beyond just generating speech, they now offer a voice changer feature, allowing you to record your own voice and then transform it to sound like someone else.

    In addition, ElevenLabs now offers voice dubbing, voice cloning, and text-to-SFX. I encourage you to visit their website and explore these exciting new additions.

    And that is it from me here. I hope you have found this article helpful.

    Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.

    Up until next time, bye bye and take care.

  • Redistributing the Video Production Budget: A Comprehensive Overview

    Redistributing the Video Production Budget: A Comprehensive Overview

    Many individuals and businesses, particularly small ones, prioritize cost-effectiveness when it comes to video production. This is often reflected in their event budgets, where video production and media relations typically receive a smaller allocation of funds.

    Why? Because of the misconception that video production is easy which stems from the belief that most production tasks can be completed quickly, often within hours or days.

    But is this really true? Consider a scenario where a client engages our services for video production. Their project involves creating a documentary. This will require on-location filming of various subjects to effectively convey the intended narrative.

    Prior to commencing video production, producers or production companies must develop and submit a budget outlining the anticipated costs.

    Here is how the budget is arrived at.

    Preproduction

    Preproduction marks the beginning of the video production journey. In close collaboration with the client, the team meticulously plans every aspect of the video shoot, guided by the client’s project brief. The time dedicated to this crucial planning phase is included in the client’s invoice.

    Preproduction for a project may include the following activities;

    Recce /Reconnaissance Location Visit

    Before embarking on any filming project, conducting a location visit is crucial. This on-site assessment allows filmmakers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the environment. Such knowledge is essential for selecting the appropriate equipment.

    For instance, underwater marine videos necessitate the use of water-resistant cameras. By carefully considering the specific demands of the location, filmmakers can ensure they have the necessary tools to capture high-quality footage effectively.

    Funding for this initiative must be allocated and should be borne by the client. Following the reconnaissance visit, the transport and logistics team will be able to determine various factors, including hotel accommodation costs.

    Moreover, you’ll be better equipped to plan your itinerary based on the local weather conditions.

    Storyboarding And Subject Contact

    During preproduction, the team will develop a project storyboard and identify all individuals who will be featured in the video. This proactive step allows for timely contact and preparation of all participants prior to the actual day of filming.

    A key portion of the video production budget is allocated to fairly compensating the team. This includes those who work on the storyboard and draft script, as well as those who reach out to the subjects featured in the video.

    Administration

    Administrative tasks encompass a wide range of responsibilities within an office, including but not limited to: managing quotes, maintaining accurate records through filing, processing payments, and overseeing financial accounts.

    These duties are typically shared among the office staff, contributing to the overall administration and successful execution of projects. Recognizing the crucial role of administration, every budget allocation includes a dedicated line item for administrative expenses.

    Production

    The production budget is allocated to various crew members and includes funds for transportation and logistics. These include;

    Transport and logistics

    Transport and logistics costs encompass expenses incurred for transportation and associated services throughout the production process.

    These include costs for hiring vehicles, fuel, accommodation for the production crew, meals for the team, and any other logistical expenses necessary for the smooth operation of the production.

    Production Crew

    The production crew comprises a videographer, photographer, writer, sound recordist, and the producer. Each crew member receives a daily stipend (per diem). Importantly, the compensation rate for each individual may fluctuate based on the specific tasks and requirements of the project.

    Contingencies

    It’s essential to allocate funds for unforeseen circumstances during travel and filming. Unexpected events can arise, such as equipment malfunctions, travel delays, or unforeseen medical needs, which can significantly impact progress and require immediate attention.

    Contingency funds are specifically allocated to address unforeseen circumstances.

    Postproduction

    Post-production involves a multifaceted process, encompassing a range of crucial steps. These include meticulous script editing, professional voiceover recording, skillful video editing and sound design, captivating animation, and dynamic motion graphics, among others.

    Each of these post-production tasks typically requires a dedicated individual to perform them effectively. Since most post-production work is billed on an hourly basis, employing a separate person for each task significantly increases the overall production cost.

    This is a key factor contributing to the high cost of production in many creative projects.

    Conclusion

    Beyond the direct production costs, several other expenses often go unaccounted for, such as the time invested in revisions and the time spent waiting for client payments. It can be beneficial to occasionally offer discounts that encompass some of these hidden costs.

    Video production is a multifaceted field that necessitates a robust team to consistently deliver high-quality services. Assembling a strong team requires significant investment, but a well-compensated team consistently exceeds expectations.

    This is the ultimate objective: cultivate a high-performing team capable of delivering exceptional results on schedule.

    And that is it from me here. I hope you have found this article helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.

    Up until next time, bye bye and take care.

    Follow me on social media @cheptionymutai

  • How to Start or Open A YouTube Channel in 2025

    In this video, I am going to show you step by step how to start or open a YouTube channel.

    Follow me on YouTube @cheptionymutai