Throwback Thursday: What Should You Charge for Video Production? (Then vs Now)
On January 10, 2017, I made a video called "What should you charge for video production?" and it came from a very real place: freelancers trying to survive that awkward middle zone where you’re good enough to get hired, but not established enough to feel secure.
If you want to watch the original first:
Original throwback video: What should you charge for video production?
In that video, my core thesis was simple: there isn’t one universal pricing formula. Pricing is contextual, and your goal is to find numbers that keep both you and your client feeling respected while allowing your business to actually grow.
I still believe that. But from today’s perspective, a lot has shifted.
Why this mattered then
When I published that video, a huge number of creators were moving from hobbyist to paid work and asking the same question: "What do I charge without scaring people away or underselling myself?"
Back then I emphasized a few practical anchors: don’t quote fantasy rates on day one, cover your costs, negotiate payment terms up front, and avoid the trap of staying too cheap forever. There were lines in that episode that still sum up the mindset: "It’s all about what feels right.", "You can never guarantee it.", and "If you have too much work but no money, you’re probably charging too little."
What changed since
The market is noisier and faster, deliverables have multiplied, and AI changed client expectations around speed. One project now usually means multiple formats and ongoing optimization—not just one polished timeline export.
At the same time, business maturity matters more than gear maturity. The premium now is often process reliability, decision-making, and communication—not just owning one more piece of hardware.
What I’d do differently today
If I made that same video now, I’d spend less time on raw day-rates and more time on value architecture: a core production fee, a distribution package fee, and a retainer option for consistent publishing cycles.
I’d also push harder on pre-qualifying clients and tightening scope. Most pricing pain is scope drift in disguise.
This is exactly why I now direct creators toward structured support like Content Consulting and a focused 1-Hour Virtual Consult when they need clarity fast.
What still holds up
Mutual fairness still beats one-sided wins. Clear payment terms still prevent chaos. Consistency still beats occasional giant invoices. And your rate should track your reliability, not your ego.
I also still stand by selective low/experimental work when there is strategic upside—but done intentionally, not indefinitely.
Practical takeaway for creators now
If you’re stuck on pricing in 2026: define one starter package with strict scope, add a growth package with repurposing included, require deposit + revision limits in writing, and raise rates in small steps once your calendar is consistently full.
Then strengthen your delivery system so quality and client experience rise together. If you want a hands-on reset, start with the One Day Content Creator Virtual Bootcamp.
You don’t need a perfect formula. You need a pricing system you can defend, deliver on, and grow with.
