How To Get Your First Video Client (with free email template)
So you want to get into freelancing? You’re looking to land your first client? How ambitious of you! Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here are four steps you can take to get your first client.
Have something to show
The first step is to have something to show. You can offer to make videos for a small business, but if you’ve never made a video before, they won’t hire you. But if they don’t hire you, then how do you get something to show? By doing your own work on your own time with your own money. The main rule of thumb is to do the kind of work that you want to be doing. If you want to make videos for a clothing brand, take a trip with some friends and capture the kind of content you’d love to get paid for. Once you have a few pieces to show, put them on a simple website or Vimeo channel. You’’ send this later as your portfolio.
Offer to do something helpful
Don’t just offer to do something you like doing. Offer services that would be helpful to the brand. If a brand doesn’t have any social media at all, and doesn’t have any video content on their website, it’s probably not part of their strategy. Maybe they need photos for direct mail. Maybe they need images for their blog. Take a look at what the brand has and imagine what they need more of.
It’s ironic, but brands that already have the kind of work you do are more likely to hire you. They’re already spending money on the work you do, and chances are they need more help. Brands who have no video content at all probably don’t have any budget for it because they don’t value it.
Make it low-risk
You need to make your offer low-risk for the brand, and low-risk for yourself. A brand isn’t going to hire a stranger to create their first television campaign, and they also probably won’t spend more than $1,000 on a new new vendor. Come up with an offer that gives them real, tangible assets or services in just one day. This way, they won’t feel locked in with a stranger, and you won’t have to do a lot fo work over time for someone you don’t like working with. If it goes well, then great! Do it again.
No one cares how old you are
Your first client doesn’t care how old you are. They don’t care where you went to school. They don’t care about your passions, how long you’ve been doing video, or anything like that. They care about how you can help them make more money. Contrary to what your teachers have been telling you, I’ve been freelancing for six years and no one has ever asked what my major was, where I went to school, or how old I am. But their ears have perked up when I’ve talked about how I can help them get more business.
Email Template
Hey [name of contact or brand],
Good to be connected! I’m a videographer and editor based in [where you live]. My portfolio is linked here.
I noticed [brand or company name] has [perceived need for content]. I create videos that [solve perceived need] at an affordable rate. If you’re interested in hearing more, I’m flexible on [day this week] to talk more about it.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for any video needs you have in the future.
Have a great day!
P.S. I really like the [product / video / content of theirs you actually enjoy]. Great work!
Here’s an example of the email template filled out.
Hey Sarah,
Good to be connected! I’m a videographer and editor based in Nashville. My portfolio is linked here.
I noticed Sarah’s Diner has some content on Instagram, but not much video or Reels content. I create videos that showcase different dishes you have, and increase engagement on social at an affordable rate. If you’re interested in hearing more, I’m flexible on Thursday afternoon to talk more about it.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for any video needs you have in the future.
Have a great day!
P.S. I really love your banana cream pie! Can’t get enough!
