5 Tips to Start Making Money as a Videographer

Breaking into the world of videography can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can start generating income and building a career doing what you love. Whether you’re brand new or trying to turn a hobby into a full-fledged business, these five tips will help you get started.

1. Tap Into Your Current Network

The best place to start is with people you already know and trust—friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances who need video services. When you're just starting, you’ll make mistakes, learn on the fly, and refine your craft. Having a supportive first client who understands this and is willing to give constructive feedback makes all the difference.

Word-of-mouth marketing is the most powerful tool you have. When someone trusts you and loves your work, they’ll tell others. This organic growth is invaluable—referrals from happy clients bring in more business than any ad campaign ever will.

2. Set Up Freelancer Profiles on Fiverr & Upwork

Freelancer platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are a great way to gain early experience and build a reputation. The overused phrase “it’ll be good for your portfolio” applies here—you’re not looking to get rich on these platforms initially, but rather to gain real projects, get good reviews, and create momentum.

When starting out, list your editing services at lower price points, like $100-$300, depending on the complexity. Once you have a few successful projects under your belt and solid reviews, you can raise your prices to reflect your expertise. The key is to gain trust and establish credibility before increasing your rates.

3. Do Free Jobs (Strategically)

Yes, working for free sounds counterintuitive when you’re trying to make money, but it’s one of the best ways to get your foot in the door. The trick is to do free work for organizations or industries you genuinely care about—schools, sports teams, community groups, or clubs.

This not only builds your portfolio but also gets you into networks of like-minded people. Connections in industries you enjoy will pay dividends in the long run, leading to paid gigs that align with your passions. On the flip side, taking on projects in industries you dislike can quickly lead to burnout.

Similarly, build relationships with other videographers and creatives. You can’t take on every project, and some industries won’t interest you. Having a trusted network allows you to refer work to others, making you a valuable resource—and those favors will come back around when they have projects they can’t take on.

4. Focus on Recurring Clients, Not Just One-Time Projects

One-off projects can be great, but recurring clients provide stability and long-term income. Instead of constantly chasing new customers, look for ways to offer ongoing value—retainer agreements, monthly video packages, or content creation plans.

Clients benefit from consistency in their branding, and you benefit from predictable income. If you focus only on one-time projects, you’ll find yourself nickel-and-diming everything because it won’t feel worth it. The real value comes from repetition, consistency, and a deeper understanding of a client’s messaging over time.

5. Keep Learning & Stay Up-to-Date

Videography is a constantly evolving field, and staying current is non-negotiable. The difference between a thriving videographer and an outdated one is the willingness to learn new skills, techniques, and industry trends.

Study what’s working, learn new editing styles, and keep an eye on emerging trends. No one wants to hire a videographer whose work looks 10 years old. Stay sharp, keep improving, and your clients will see the value in hiring someone who’s always evolving.

Final Thoughts

Making money as a videographer isn’t about having the best camera or gear—it’s about strategy, relationships, and persistence. Start with your network, build your reputation, focus on recurring clients, and never stop learning.

If you take these steps seriously, you’ll not only start making money but also create a sustainable business that grows with you. Now, grab your camera and get to work!