4 biggest mistakes to avoid when hiring a video editor and how to ensure you find the perfect fit for your YouTube channel.
1. Focusing Solely On Price
When hiring a video editor, it’s tempting to focus on price, especially if you’re on a tight budget. After all, saving money is always a good idea!
But when it comes to video editing, you often get what you pay for.
Focusing only on price can lead you down a dangerous path. While it might feel like you’re getting a great deal, opting for the cheapest editor can impact the quality of your content.
Viewers are quick to notice poor editing, and this can affect everything from audience retention to subscriber growth. Moreover, a lower price often comes with hidden costs – missed deadlines, lack of professionalism, and a general lack of investment in your project.
An editor who charges rock-bottom prices may be juggling multiple clients, leading to rushed work and little attention to detail. Worst of all, they might not have the experience needed to understand the nuances of your content, resulting in edits that miss the mark entirely.
So, how do you balance quality and cost?
First, don’t just look at the price tag – examine the editor’s portfolio, ask for client references, and assess the value they bring to the table. Remember, a higher price often reflects experience, reliability, and a commitment to delivering quality work.
One strategy is to establish a budget range instead of a fixed price point. This allows you to explore different options within your financial limits without compromising on quality.
Additionally, consider the long-term value. Investing in a skilled editor might cost more upfront, but it can lead to better videos, more subscribers, and ultimately, more revenue for your channel.
2. Not Testing The Editor With A Trial Project
Another big mistake you can make is getting straight into a long-term commitment without first testing the waters. That’s where a trial project comes in.
Hiring an editor without a trial project is like buying a car without a test drive. No matter how impressive their portfolio looks, you won’t truly know if they can deliver the results you need until you see them in action with your specific content.
A trial project helps you understand their editing style, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines
To set up a trial project, choose a small piece of content – perhaps a short video or a specific segment of a large project. Provide clear instructions and expectations, just as you would for a full project.
This will give the editor a fair chance to showcase their skills while giving you a realistic preview of what it would be like to work with them.
Pay attention to not just the final product but also the process –
- How do they communicate?
- Are they timely and responsive?
- Do they ask questions to better understand your needs?
All of these factors contribute to a successful working relationship.
After the trial, evaluate the results. If the editor meets or exceeds your expectations, you can move forward with confidence. If not, it might be best to continue your search for a better fit.
Once you’ve found an editor who passes the trial with flying colors, the next step is to formalize the relationship. But here’s where many creators make another mistake by not establishing a clear contract.
3. Not Establishing A Clear Contract
A contract isn’t just a formality; it’s the foundation of a successful working relationship. Without a clear contract, you’re leaving too much to chance.
Misunderstandings can arise over deadlines, payment terms, the scope of work, and even ownership of the final content. These issues can cause significant delays, strain your relationship with the editor, and, in the worst cases, result in legal disputes.
For example, what happens if the editor misses a deadline? Without a contract, you might find yourself with no options. Or, what if there’s confusion about the number of revisions included in the project?
A contract ensures that both parties are on the same page from the start, preventing these kinds of conflicts.
A solid contract should also address intellectual property rights.
Who owns the final edited video? Can the editor use the content in their portfolio? These are important questions that should be clearly outlined to protect your brand and content.
You don’t need to be a legal expert to create a contract. There are plenty of templates available online that you can customize to fit your needs.
However, if you’re working on a long-term collaboration, it might be worth consulting with a legal professional to ensure everything is in order.
4. Rushing The Hiring Process
If you rush the hiring process, you might overlook important details that can lead to a disorganized working relationship. It also means you don’t thoroughly check the editor’s portfolio, talk to references, or have a good interview.
When you rush, you might settle for someone who’s “good enough” instead of finding the editor who’s truly the best fit for your channel. In the long run, the wrong hire can cost you both time and money.
To avoid these issues, take your time to carefully check each candidate.
Start by clearly defining what you’re looking for in an editor. Look closely at their portfolios, ask for references, and have detailed interviews where you talk about your expectations and vision for your channel.
If possible, don’t decide after just one interview or portfolio review. Compare multiple candidates and consider running a trial project with your top choices. This will give you a better idea of who is the best fit and how they handle your content and feedback.
The interview is your chance to get to know the editor, and if you’re wondering what questions to ask, then check out – 7 Questions To Ask When Hiring A YouTube Video Editor.