Videos are becoming increasingly in demand because they’re more engaging and entertaining. The rise in the number of freelance video editors can make businesses ponder. Should I hire a freelance video editor? Do they contribute to better visibility and awareness of my brand?
Hiring a freelance video editor is worth it if you’re currently revamping your marketing strategy and banking on videos. A video editor’s responsibilities involve:
- Uses graphics, sound, and special effects, animations to tell a story
- Creates storyboards
- Creates short-form or long-form videos for multiple platforms
- Makes decisions on maximizing the value of the content
- Aligns the final video outcome to the distribution platform
If you need help in video marketing, it’s high time you hire a freelance video editor. Here’s why:
1. Cost-efficiency
Hiring a freelance video editor is more cost-efficient than hiring an in-house video editor. When you look at freelance marketplaces, you’ll notice a high competition of freelancers bidding for projects. This will allow you to choose a freelancer that suits your budget.
Moreover, freelancers are relatively cheaper than in-house employees because they’re home-based. Plus, most freelancers don’t require the benefits you give in-house employees because the setup is different.
2. Skill versatility
Freelance video editors looking for jobs or projects on freelance marketplaces are from various parts of the world. This means there is an extensive option for you to choose the best freelancer that aligns with your style and preference. These freelancers also possess various skills that match different employers’ needs. The abundance of freelancers looking for projects gives you versatility in choosing one with a range of skill sets.
3. Speed and efficiency
Once you find the right freelancer for the job, you can specify the timeframe. This allows you to get the video within the specified deadline. That said, hiring a freelance video editor offers you speed and efficiency compared to doing things on your own. These freelancers are experts at what they do and have the appropriate tools to achieve a project. So if you’re an entrepreneur or marketer with a full schedule, having a freelance video editor will save you time.
4. Schedule flexibility
One of the questions you need to ask when hiring a freelance video editor is if they can work within your given schedule. This assures you that they’re there whenever you need to get things done or if a video needs to be revised. Working with a freelancer means communication is done online. That said, it’s convenient for you to open your preferred communication tool and collaborate with the freelancer anytime.
5. Innovation and creativity
As responsible recruiters, it’s a given that you hire a freelance video editor who has ample experience. You must consider the various niches and industries they’ve worked in. This allows you to gauge whether or not they have the necessary knowledge and creativity to whip up different videos that require other specifications.
These freelancers are also more updated on video editing trends and practices, which they can apply to projects. That said, ensure that you choose the right one by scrutinizing their experiences, former clients, and portfolio.
6. Quality videos
Some might think of DIYing their video content through accessible and user-friendly video editors. However, this route might backfire because no video editing knowledge and skill are poured into the process.
On the other hand, hiring a freelance video editor assures you of quality and professional videos. In a competitive online world, compelling videos will make or break visibility. That said, you must only entrust this crucial process to experts if you want your videos to create a buzz online.
How to Hire a Freelance Video Editor
Hiring a freelance video editor doesn’t have to be grueling if you know what you want. So here’s what you need to do:
Know your needs
Knowing what you want from a video editor is the key to selecting the most suitable one. Do you want someone who can create a video from scratch? Or would you prefer a helping hand who can put together raw footage? Or how about someone who can revise an existing video using your limited tools?
Also, identify the kind of skills you want from a video editor. Do you want someone who specializes in animations or an editor who is a YouTube guru who knows the platform’s ins and outs?
Assessing your needs will help you jot down the necessary requirements for a better and clearer job posting.
Determine a budget
Budget is one of the most crucial factors when hiring a freelance video editor. Remember that video editing is a specialized skill that people take years to master. That said, lowballing freelancers means you also get a below-average video outcome.
So how much does it cost to hire a video editor? Well, it depends on many factors. If you’re looking for a long-term editor, you may have to decide whether you want to pay hourly or per completed project. According to statistics, video editors made an average of $30 per hour in 2020. Some more experienced video editors even charge up to $150 per hour, which high-value clients are still willing to pay.
Assess skills and knowledge
Another essential thing to look for in a video editor is their skills and knowledge. As mentioned, you must scrutinize their experience, past clients, and projects. This way, you’ll know if their style fits your requirements.
Check for an updated résumé
Looking over an applicant’s updated résumé and checking their portfolio is vital. Remember that a video editor’s portfolio will be the biggest dealbreaker when looking for one. You can tell a lot about their skills through the quality of images, sound, transitions, and videos.
Check if the video transitions are seamless, flowing from one snippet to another with a natural progression.
The bottom line
Brands should weigh their needs and marketing strategy before hiring a video editor. See if this is something that will benefit you in the long run. However, if you’re still not releasing video content for your brand, you’re missing out on massive opportunities!
So if you want top-of-mind awareness for your brand, it’s highly recommended to start with video marketing. This way, your brand isn’t trailing behind its competitors.
