The winds of change are blowing through YouTube’s Partner Program—and creators across the globe are about to feel the breeze. In a move that seems aimed at empowering smaller channels while tightening the screws on content quality, YouTube is lowering the threshold for monetization, but with a few new strings attached.
Previously, aspiring creators had to hit 1,000 subscribers and rack up 4,000 public watch hours within 12 months to apply for monetization.
Now, YouTube is opening the gates wider. Channels can now apply once they reach 500 subscribers, three public uploads in the last 90 days, and either 3,000 watch hours in a year or 3 million Shorts views over 90 days.
That’s a huge win for up-and-coming creators, especially those focused on Shorts—the platform’s TikTok-style video format. It acknowledges the evolving ways people consume content and offers a more realistic path to monetization for today’s creators.
💳 But Here’s the Catch…
With easier access comes increased responsibility. YouTube is cracking down on what’s acceptable monetized content. Channels that consistently violate its ad-friendly guidelines may face demonetization or be denied access to the program altogether.
So while you might get in the door sooner, staying inside will take more diligence—especially as YouTube continues to protect advertisers’ interests.
🚀 Why It Matters
This change could redefine what it means to be a YouTuber in 2025 and beyond. Small creators finally have a tangible shot at turning their passion into profit. But more importantly, it’s a reminder that quality, consistency, and community-building still reign supreme in the world of content creation.
So, whether you’re uploading your first gameplay reel or already riding the Shorts algorithm wave, now might be the perfect time to level up.
And that’s it. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.
If you need help to produce quality videos, let me know here.
Does AI simplify video creation? Many clients seeking creative services believe it should, expecting lower prices as a result. This creates a significant disconnect, as their cost expectations often don’t align with the time and effort truly involved, especially when aiming for high-quality, AI-assisted output.
What’s often overlooked is that AI, while powerful, isn’t a magical button that instantly translates a script into a perfect video. Achieving the desired outcome with AI currently requires extensive prompt engineering and fine-tuning to make the video look realistic.
Furthermore, many advanced AI features come with subscription costs that should be factored into the client’s budget, not solely borne by the creator.
In this article, I’ll address the false assumptions about how AI affects video production expenses.
Misconception 1: You Should Charge Me Half The Price Because You Are Using AI
This common misconception stems from a misunderstanding of how AI integrates into video production. As a professional, it’s crucial to clearly outline where AI contributes and how it impacts pricing. For example, AI can significantly streamline the creation of a script, voiceovers, and background music, potentially allowing for cost reductions in these specific areas.
However, once you move into the video editing and visual assembly phase, the value of human expertise becomes paramount. Clients need to understand the distinction between AI-generated assets and the nuanced, often iterative process of human editing.
To navigate this, consider itemizing your quotes. Clearly separate the costs for AI-assisted elements versus human-intensive tasks. Better yet, employing an hourly rate often proves to be the fairest approach.
This way, if a client initially opts for a more AI-driven video but then decides they prefer human-edited refinements or a complete shift away from AI-generated visuals, they’ll understand the increased cost reflects the additional time and specialized skill involved.
This transparency manages expectations and ensures you’re compensated fairly for all your efforts.
Misconception 2: Its Easy to Create Videos With The Help of AI. Anyone Can Do it.
While it’s true that even basic prompts on premium AI video editors can generate video quickly, this simplicity comes with significant drawbacks. The core issue is that the assets and templates used in your video are often generic and widely available, meaning your content risks looking identical to others.
Over time, you’ll likely encounter videos similar to your own, which dilutes your unique brand or message.
Moreover, relying solely on AI output often means you’ll have to learn video editingyourself to truly customize the video. Tasks like adjusting audio levels for a voiceover or fine-tuning transitions require human intervention to achieve a polished, professional look.
You might end up spending more time refining AI’s raw output than if you’d engaged a professional from the start, effectively wasting time to save a small amount of money.
Beyond technical tweaks, successful video creation demands creativity. If you lack a creative eye, your AI-generated videos might feel generic, uninspired, and frankly, inhuman.
An experienced video producer brings years of creative insight, ensuring your project stands out and connects with your audience in a meaningful way. So, while AI handles the prompts, human creativity and expertise are essential for crafting truly unique and engaging content.
Misconception 3: Quantity, Not Quality, Matters.
While it might seem tempting to churn out a high volume of videos with AI, this approach often overlooks the critical role of brand identity.
How do you want your audience to perceive you?
Strong brands are recognized by consistent elements like specific colors, fonts, and a unique voice. Unless your AI tool allows for precise adherence to your brand guidelines, you risk ending up with a chaotic mix of styles that confuses your audience and dilutes your identity.
Focusing purely on quantity over quality means your brand’s voice and visual identity will likely be inconsistent, making it hard for people to recognize and connect with your content.
A professional video producer, on the other hand, prioritizes aligning your videos with your company’s mission and vision, meticulously adhering to brand guidelines during editing.
Once that strong, recognizable brand identity is established—where people can instantly identify your videos—then you can strategically scale up your content quantity. Building a high-value brand takes significant effort and a clear perception of how you want to be seen, not just a high volume of generic videos.
Conclusion – Debunking AI Video Production Myths
As we’ve explored, the world of AI-assisted video production is ripe with misconceptions. It’s clear that the belief you should charge half-price because you’re using AI often overlooks the nuanced skill and time involved in prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and integrating AI output with human expertise.
Similarly, the idea that it’s easy for anyone to create quality videos with AI dismisses the critical need for creative vision, brand consistency, and often, additional human editing to achieve professional results.
Finally, prioritizing quantity over quality with AI can dilute your brand identity and fail to resonate with your audience.
While AI is a powerful tool, it’s an accelerator for skilled creators, not a magic wand that eliminates the need for human input, creativity, and strategic thinking.
Understanding these distinctions is key to setting realistic expectations and valuing the blend of technology and talent that truly delivers impactful video content.
Do you have other misconceptions about the cost of AI assisted video production? We’d love to hear them! Please share them in the comments section below.
If you’re looking for professional AI-assisted video production services, contact me here.
You can also follow me on social media @cheptionymutai for more insights and updates.
In Kenya, individuals and business owners typically file two main types of tax returns: Income Tax and VAT (Value Added Tax). Income Tax returns are filed annually and are mandatory for all taxpayers. VAT, on the other hand, is declared monthly and is only compulsory for businesses with an annual turnover exceeding KES 5 million; otherwise, registration is voluntary.
In this article, I’ll explain two expensive mistakes every taxpayer should avoid when filing their returns.
Counter Check The Type of Withholding Tax Client Has Withheld
When a company engages your services, they are often required to withhold tax from your payment. This typically includes both VAT and income tax, depending on the invoice you’ve issued. It’s crucial to pay close attention to these withholdings.
Be careful: some clients might mistakenly withhold 2% VAT even if you haven’t charged them VAT on your invoice. You’ll receive an email notification each time they declare this withholding. It’s crucial to cross-check these notifications immediately. If they’ve withheld 2% VAT but should have instead withheld 5% income tax, KRA will assume you did charge VAT. This could lead to KRA expecting you to pay the 14% difference between the actual VAT rate and the incorrect 2% withheld.
Failure to declare this monthly incurs a penalty of KES 10,000. Neglecting this obligation can lead to prolonged resolution efforts and prevent you from obtaining a Tax Compliance Certificate.
A crucial point to remember is that if a client withholds VAT from you when you aren’t registered for VAT obligations, it can lead to significant issues. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will likely forcefully add the VAT obligation to your account, compelling you to declare the return regardless
It’s crucial to consistently verify the accuracy of any withholding tax declared by clients on transactions you’ve completed. This proactive step helps ensure everything is correctly accounted for.
Expense Data in The Profit Loss Page
For income tax filers, particularly consultants, freelancers, and sole proprietors, the profit and loss account section on the second page of the income tax return excel sheet requires meticulous attention. Errors in data entry here can lead to significant issues.
When classifying expenses for individuals paid daily or per job, who are not permanent employees, the most accurate categorization is often Direct Wages or Contract Labor/Freelance Fees.
While “salaries and wages” typically refers to permanent employees, and “direct expenses” is a broader term, “direct wages” specifically applies when these payments are directly tied to the production of goods or services.
If they are providing services that aren’t directly part of your core product/service creation (e.g., a one-off IT fix), “contract labor” or “freelance fees” might be more appropriate.
It’s crucial to distinguish these from regular salaries and wages for tax and accounting purposes.
If you employ permanent staff in Kenya, you are required to register for P.A.Y.E (Pay As You Earn). This system mandates that you deduct income tax directly from your employees’ earnings and remit these amounts to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
It’s important to note that the PAYE rates starts from 10% for every KES 24,000 and only applies to the first KES 24,000 of monthly taxable income (or KES 288,000 annually). KRA utilizes a graduated tax scale, meaning different portions of an employee’s income are taxed at varying rates, ranging from 10% to 35%. Additionally, a monthly personal tax relief of KES 2,400 is also applied.
For accurate calculations, you’ll need to refer to the latest KRA PAYE tax bands and rates, which are subject to changes based on the Finance Act.
It’s therefore crucial to correctly categorize expenses, especially when it comes to salaries and wages. If your company doesn’t have employees, avoid listing expenses under “salaries and wages.”
Instead, these should be recorded under direct expenses (direct wages). This accurate classification will prevent issues and ensure a smoother process if the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) audits your tax return.
Get A Professional With Accounting Background to Assist
For those new to income tax filing, don’t hesitate to visit your local KRA office where you can get direct assistance with your return.
If you have numerous transactions, it’s highly advisable to consult a professional accountant to assist with your tax filings. While there’s a fee involved, their expertise can save you a significant amount of time and eliminate potential headaches.
Conclusion
We all learn from our mistakes, and when it comes to tax returns, some lessons can be quite expensive. I’ve identified two common and costly errors that taxpayers frequently make. Failing to avoid these can lead to the denial of a Tax Compliance Certificate, a document often required by businesses and organizations before considering you for work.
And that is it from me here. Are there any other costly mistakes that people should watch out for? let me know in the comments section below.
If you need content creation and content marketing services, do not hesitate to reach out to me here.
Ever feel like your brilliant video content disappears into the social media ether after just a few fleeting views? You poured your heart and soul into creating it, yet its lifespan seems so short. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way!
What if you could breathe new life into your existing content, transforming it into something fresh that could capture the attention of a whole new audience?
To truly maximize the reach of your video content, consider tailoring it to fit the diverse formats favored by different social media platforms. The two most common video orientations you’ll encounter are landscape and portrait.
Landscape, with its wider aspect ratio, is the traditional video format. Typically sized around 1920 x 1080 pixels (for full HD), it’s ideal for platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and even as embedded content on your website or blog. You can share landscape videos directly to these platforms, often with options for creating playlists or embedding them into articles.
Portrait video, on the other hand, with its taller and narrower frame, has gained significant traction with the rise of mobile-first content consumption. A common size is 1080 x 1920 pixels. This format shines on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Facebook/Instagram Stories. Sharing portrait videos on these platforms is usually done through their dedicated features, often involving vertical scrolling feeds designed for this orientation.
By adapting your original video content into both landscape and portrait formats, you ensure it looks and feels native to the specific platform where your audience is most engaged.
Also, with this, you can create a YouTube short that leads to a long form video.
2. Captivating Snippets: Transforming Video Moments into Engaging GIFs
Want to bring out the essence of your longer videos in a flash? By rendering portions of your video into the universally shareable .
GIF format, you can distill key moments into bite-sized, attention-grabbing visuals perfect for social media. Imagine highlighting a powerful quote, a funny reaction, or a crucial demonstration as a short, looping animation. To amplify its impact, always accompany your GIF with a concise and compelling text description.
This allows you to provide context, ask a question, or add a call to action, making your repurposed content even more engaging and shareable across various social platforms.
3. Picking Key Moments and Sound Bites: Sparking Curiosity
Imagine your longer video as a gold mine of engaging content. Within it lie those sparkling nuggets – the most impactful moments, the most insightful quotes, the most visually arresting segments. By strategically extracting these key moments and concise sound bites, you can craft compelling teasers for your social media audience.
Think of it as creating captivating trailers for your main feature. A short, punchy clip showcasing a surprising revelation, a powerful statement, or a humorous interaction can pique viewers’ curiosity and leave them wanting more. Pair these snippets with text that provides just enough context to intrigue, hinting at the richer content available in the full video.
For instance, if your long-form video features an expert sharing a groundbreaking statistic, a short clip of that moment with the accompanying text, “Did you know X% of [topic]? Find out more in our latest video!”, can be incredibly effective in driving traffic to the complete piece. The goal is to offer a tantalizing glimpse that answers a small part of a question while igniting the desire for the full explanation and deeper understanding found in the original video.
4. Reimagining Existing Videos Into Compelling Mini-documentaries
Let’s reimagine your existing video library! Consider taking raw footage or even polished explainer videos and transforming them into compelling mini-documentaries. By strategically adding a voice-over narration, you can weave a new narrative, provide deeper context, or highlight previously unseen angles.
Think about those behind-the-scenes clips, customer testimonials, or even segments of longer presentations. With thoughtful editing and a well-crafted voice-over, you can unearth the story within your existing content and present it in a fresh, engaging documentary format perfect for capturing attention on social media.
5. Create Keyword Driven Driven Short-Form Videos
Leverage the power of keywords to create engaging short-form video content from existing video content. This approach involves identifying the terms your target audience uses when searching for information related to your business.
For example, a food company that excels in “fried fish” can create a compelling video showcasing the versatility of this product – perhaps different preparations, sides, or even customer testimonials. This targeted approach ensures your videos reach the right eyes and drive relevant engagement.
Conclusion
There you have it.
As we’ve explored, your existing video library holds a wealth of untapped potential for your social media strategy. By creatively applying these five techniques – adapting formats, GIF creation, sound bite extraction, mini-documentary production, and keyword-driven short videos – you can extend the lifespan and reach of your valuable content. Embrace these strategies and discover how to make every video work harder for you.
And that is it from me here. What are some of the additional ways you use to repurpose your video content for social media? Let me know in the comments section below.
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.
Sarah Guantai, the founder and CEO of Kijani Curlcare and Skincare shares her story on building and launching a Kenyan beauty Brand out of her hair and skin struggles.
We visited her at an exhibition stand at KICC Nairobi for an exclusive interview. Sarah and her Co-Founder and Husband Rodgers Egesa shared their journey from a passionate entrepreneur to a beauty brand owners.
Join us as we delve into the secrets behind building a successful Kenyan brand.
Do you have an inspiring story that you would like to share? let me know here.
If you need video production services, you can reach out to by clicking here or visit our video production consultancy website here.
Many clients who seek the services of video editors are not fully aware of the intricate processes involved in video editing. This lack of clarity often emboldens them to challenge the video editors they engage in attempts to get them to accept low pay for the comprehensive services provided.
Unfortunately, some video producers in the industry offer low wages to video editors, promising higher pay once they secure more projects. However, this often leads to a situation where editors find themselves overwhelmed with work, leaving little time for their personal lives. While it’s true that increased editing hours can result in higher earnings, this can come at the cost of work-life balance.
Given the potential negative impact on mental health caused by excessive workload, video editors should prioritize their well-being by setting fair rates for their services. Instead of undercutting their value, editors should establish a standard hourly rate that reflects the complexity of the project and the time required to complete it. By valuing their work and charging accordingly, editors can achieve a healthier work-life balance and enjoy their profession
If editors adopt this approach, it could revolutionize the post-production sector. However, for such a transformation to occur, it’s essential that every professional video editor meticulously records and assesses the frequent obstacles encountered during the editing process. By doing so, they can accurately gauge the time invested in each client’s project.
So What are the typical challenges faced by video editors during the creation, editing, and production stages of video content?
File Download Time
Video assets play a crucial role in the video editing process. However, the file size can significantly impact the workflow. Professional video editors should consider the time it takes to download large files from clients when estimating project timelines and setting rates.
Why? because you pay internet service providers (ISPs) for internet access, which you use to download files. Since internet usage often involves costs, it’s reasonable to consider charging for large file downloads. Implementing a fee for files exceeding a certain size, such as 5GB, can help offset the costs associated with high-bandwidth usage, especially considering varying internet speeds across different regions
Even when the download occurs in the background, it utilizes your electricity, computer, and paid internet service. In recognition of these resources, there should be a corresponding benefit provided by the client.
It’s important to account for all costs, including those that may seem minor. If a client shares large video files, such as 20 or 100GB, and expects you to download and edit them, the time spent waiting for the download can be significant. Depending on your internet speed, this could take several hours. It’s reasonable to consider charging for this time, as it represents a valuable resource that could have been used for other tasks.
System Upgrade
Many video editors face challenges due to inadequate computer systems. Video editing performance is heavily influenced by factors such as disk space, disk type, graphics card, and RAM. While most computers can handle basic video editing, high-quality or complex projects require more powerful hardware. This can lead to increased editing times, which clients may not fully understand or appreciate.
A video editor’s performance in terms of speed and efficiency is directly tied to the fees they command for their services. To deliver optimal results, a high-specification computer is essential. Should this not be feasible, upgrading certain hardware and software components becomes necessary to enhance processing speeds. However, consistently low service charges may render such improvements unattainable, thereby limiting the editor’s ability to work at their best.
To improve their efficiency and well-being, video editors should consider adjusting their pricing to reflect the value of their services. Clients who understand the importance of efficiency and are willing to invest in quality will appreciate the premium pricing and support the editor’s efforts to provide exceptional work.
Payment Frequency
Prioritizing payment for your editor post-delivery is essential. The promptness of your payment upon work approval is significant. It’s important not to presume that the editor is in a stable financial situation, which would allow for delayed payment at your convenience.
delivery can serve as a significant motivator. Should you entrust them with future projects, this timely remuneration may inspire heightened creativity in their approach to your assignments. Moreover, such prompt payment positions you favorably as a top-tier and preferred client in their considerations.
Gaining the respect of an editor is crucial, especially when your livelihood hinges on content creation. The manner in which you value and honor the editor’s time will shape the nature of your collaboration. Furthermore, the editor’s benevolence is a significant factor in your path to success.
Conclusion
Video editors, like any creative professional, face unique challenges in delivering high-quality work. It’s essential for clients to recognize the value of their time and creativity. These qualities are crucial for crafting compelling visuals that effectively market products or services. By appreciating the efforts of video editors, clients can contribute to a sustainable and rewarding career for these skilled individuals.
Seeking top-tier video editing services? Look no further. As a seasoned professional, I offer expert video editing solutions tailored to your specific needs. Working collaboratively with a talented team, I provide services to clients worldwide. To learn more about my work and explore my portfolio, please visit my company website here.
Up until next time, bye bye and take care.
Follow me on all social media networks @cheptionymutai
The gap between sending a quotation to provide goods or services and securing a contract can be frustrating. Many vendors wonder why their quotes are often overlooked. Common questions include whether their price was too high or if there were factors that favored other bidders.
I’ve personally encountered cases where vendors have directly asked clients why they weren’t chosen. In many instances, clients are hesitant to provide specific reasons, often preferring to keep their decision-making process confidential. However, there are several factors that can influence a client’s choice, and it’s important to understand that these reasons shouldn’t discourage you.
Your Worth Matters
Before drafting your quote, have you taken some time to reflect on your value? Ensure that the figure you’ve proposed is sufficient to not only meet the anticipated costs of the project but also to secure a profit. If affirmative, you’re on the trajectory to prosperity. Remember, clients often base their decisions on the balance between cost and perceived value.
In a competitive marketplace, it’s common for service providers to attract new clients by reducing their prices. Although this approach can be seen as a generous offer, it also sets a precedent for the client’s expectations of low rates, which they may communicate to others when recommending your services.
It’s important to remember that repeat clients may anticipate consistent pricing or even a discount for the same services. However, this can lead to a challenging cycle that might be difficult to break from over the years.
To protect yourself from this potential issue, it’s crucial to always be aware of your value when creating a quote. Make sure to quote appropriately and avoid the temptation to undercharge.
Your Posture Matters
In the business world, maintaining the correct approach is crucial for survival. It’s essential to be decisive, making choices swiftly and adhering firmly to those decisions. Following up on a job after submitting a quotation is a common practice, driven by various motivations. However, it’s important to be judicious with the frequency of follow-ups to avoid annoying potential clients.
It’s essential to cultivate self-assurance while engaging with others. Acquiring and utilizing courteous business terminology is key. Ensure you’re well-dressed for client meetings or when presenting proposals.
Make every interaction with the client meaningful. By doing so, you’ll earn their respect, which will be evident when you assertively communicate that discounts are not available, should they inquire.
Surround Yourself With Good People
In the realm of business, when I refer to commendable individuals, I’m speaking of those who know their value and refuse to accept anything less. These individuals are a scarce breed, but they’re worth the search. They are the true achievers, always staying abreast of the latest developments in their field. They are dedicated to innovation, always seeking methods to provide superior results more efficiently and economically.
This is the reason they command a higher fee for their services compared to their counterparts. It’s also important to fulfill your own responsibilities. Don’t rely solely on them for guidance; take the initiative. Likewise, be generous and foster the development of your relationships by involving them in some of the projects you undertake.
Conclusion
Be assured that if your quote truly reflects your best work, then patience is your ally as you await a reply. The right clients will recognize and value your offerings. Don’t be swayed by those who question your rates—they simply don’t align with your business vision. Remember, recognizing your worth is paramount; a handful of the right clients can be enough to achieve your annual goals.
And if you need professional Video production services, you can contact me here on my company website. Video Production is our core business and we will give you our best.
Up until next time, bye bye and take care.
Follow me on all social media networks @cheptionymutai
In the early days of my entrepreneurial journey, I offered predefined service bundles for weddings and events through my video production company. As a seasoned video producer, I eagerly awaited responses from potential clients after presenting them with these packages. However, I often encountered ‘crickets’(silence):-). This pattern gradually diminished when I discovered that clients preferred personalized quotes tailored to their unique requirements, leading to a shift in my approach to better accommodate their desires.
Currently, I offer exclusively tailored service packages designed for recurring needs that share common specifications. This approach stems from my observation that potential clients within my specialty in media tend to have meticulous and discerning preferences.
To streamline communication, I present them with a selection of pre-priced options, allowing them to make a choice that aligns with their financial plan. Should they desire additional features beyond their selected package, an extra charge will be applicable.
This brings us to the question on which between custom quotes and service packages is right for your business? To begin with, lets first delve into why the two are necessary in any business.
How Much Do You Charge For Your Services?
This is a common question that service-oriented business owners get asked by potential clients a lot. If this question is new to you, you may find yourself responding without fully grasping the client’s requirements. It’s crucial to understand the underlying needs behind the inquiry to provide a satisfactory and comprehensive answer.
Many new clients who ask this question do not really know in detail what they really want. For example, someone may specify in their request that they want drone footage incorporated into their video not knowing that this will cost them extra money.
The first thing that you do when a client reaches out to you enquiring about the services you offer is to interrogate them properly so that you understand what they really need. Are they familiar with the service you are providing? Do they have a brief or terms of reference of what they want delivered to them?
Once you know the type of client you are dealing with, you are able to easily decide whether to send them a custom quote or your rate card. Some clients requirements do not require rate cards, they require custom quotes.
With this said, lets now look at the pros and cons of each item.
Service Packages and Custom Quotes Pros and Cons
Packages Pricing/Rate Card
Custom Quotes
Only works for some services.
Works well for all the services you provide.
Ideal for recurring events with similar deliverables e.g. wedding, photography e.t.c
Popular for request with clearly outlined requirements and deliverables.
Can save one time they could have spent preparing a quote.
You are not limited on the amount you charge. You can charge whatever amount you want.
You leave it to the client to make a choice. Only serious clients will follow up on it.
Ideal for requests by companies and government entities.
You are in control. You only deliver what you have outlined in the package. No more no less.
You deliver what the client wants.
Your rate card/ Packages may be cheaper to some clients making you to loose them.
Can send different quotes to different clients based on your evaluation of their requirements.
Needs revisions over time based on demand.
It requires time to draft one and its not guaranteed your client will accept it.
Table comparing the pros and cons of of packages and custom quotes
In the business world, there are diverse strategies for setting service prices. Some individuals find it straightforward to provide custom quotes, tailoring prices to each client’s needs.
Others prefer the simplicity and transparency of a fixed rate card, detailing their service fees, which suits their business model effectively. Both methods have their merits and cater to different preferences and operational styles.
The variety of services you provide may warrant the inclusion of both options. This approach ensures that you’re well-equipped to handle any inquiries that come your way, utilizing the most suitable option for each situation. I hope you have found this article helpful.
You can always reach out to me for a quote on video production services here. I can help you out on that line.
