Part of 💼 MODULE 5: Packaging & Selling the Service (Articles 18–21) in Crash Course: Starting an AI Video Generation Business from Scratch
Because “just run Facebook ads” is not a real strategy when you’re broke and new
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the Zoom room:
You’ve been learning all these cool video AI tools—turning talking heads into snappy shorts, crafting captions with perfect timing, maybe even generating entire faceless YouTube videos with eerie voiceovers that sound better than your own.
But now it’s go-time. You need clients. Paying ones. And no, your mom’s “maybe I’ll need a video one day” doesn’t count.
So what do you do when you’ve got skills, but no testimonials, no ad budget, and no connections?
Take a deep breath, grab a snack, and let’s get into it.
🚫 First Off: Why We’re Not Starting With Ads
Quick rant (with love):
Too many beginners get lured into “just run ads” advice like it’s a silver bullet.
News flash: Ads are expensive, finicky, and require testing. Lots of testing. And unless you’re cool with burning through money to maybe get one warm lead, there’s a better way.
So no, we’re not going to throw $300 at Facebook and hope Mark Zuckerberg blesses your inbox. We’re going grassroots, baby.
🎯 Step 1: Start Where You Already Are
Let me ask you something:
Have you told your people what you’re doing?
No really—have you gone to your Instagram, your LinkedIn, your group chats, and said:
“Hey friends, I’ve been learning how to use AI tools to create short-form video content. If you or someone you know is building a brand, podcasting, or has a business that needs video, I’d love to help. DM me—I’ll send some samples!”
If not, why not?
People can’t hire you if they don’t know what you’re doing. And let’s be honest—half your friends have a side hustle or know someone launching something.
We always overthink this. You don’t need to sound “professional.” You just need to sound like a person who’s excited and ready to help.
Try this:
“Okay, I’ve officially entered my video era. Been learning some wild AI tools that turn talking heads into high-quality reels. If you’re a creator, coach, or know someone who wants video content done fast + affordable, hmu. Seriously—don’t sleep on this.”
Boom. Friendly. Real. You’d be surprised what comes from just putting it out there.
🕵️‍♀️ Step 2: The DMs Are Your Friend (Yes, Really)
Now before you panic, I’m not saying cold-message 200 people with “hey boss, love your content, wanna collab?”
Gross.
But what I am saying is—start conversations.
Pick 5–10 creators, coaches, podcasters, or local businesses you genuinely like. Comment on their stuff. React to stories. Slide in their DMs as a fan first.
Then when the time feels right, drop something like:
“Hey! I’ve been experimenting with AI tools to repurpose podcast episodes into short videos (like clips for IG + TikTok). I love your show and think it could work really well for you. Would you ever want to try a couple clips for free?”
Yes, I said free.
You can absolutely offer the first piece as a sample. It builds trust. It starts the convo. And if they like it? You can say:
“Glad you loved the sample—would you want me to handle a few clips like that every week? I’ve got a simple package I can send over.”
Now you’re not a random stranger. You’re a trusted helper. That’s where sales happen.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Step 3: Tap Into Online Communities (The Right Way)
Facebook groups? Still alive.
Reddit subs? Surprisingly helpful.
Slack communities, Discords, small business circles? Goldmines.
BUT—and this is crucial—you have to bring value, not desperation.
Let’s say you join a “Coaches and Consultants” group. Instead of posting “Anyone need video editing?”, do this instead:
“Hey folks—just wanted to share something cool I’ve been working on. Using AI, I took a 30-min webinar and turned it into 7 social media clips in under 2 hours. If anyone wants to try this with their content, I’m offering 2 free makeovers this week while I test my process.”
That’s irresistible. It’s specific. It feels collaborative, not salesy.
Also, make sure your personal profile is clean—pin your best portfolio video, list your offer clearly in your bio, and use a real photo. No anime avatars, please.
📍 Step 4: Local Gems You’re Probably Ignoring
Yep, real-life clients still exist.
You’ve got:
- Local real estate agents who hate social media
- Restaurant owners who could use promo videos
- Fitness coaches who need reels but don’t have time
- Hair salons, dentists, nonprofits—you name it
Go old-school. Walk in. Compliment their business. Be a human.
Say something like:
“Hey! I’ve been building my portfolio with short-form videos using AI tools, and I’d love to offer your business a free 30-sec promo video to try it out. If you like it, I’ve got affordable monthly packages too.”
Bring your phone. Show examples. Keep it low-pressure. You’re not selling snake oil—you’re literally offering something they probably need but don’t know how to get.
And best case? They refer you to everyone they know.
🧠Real Talk: You Don’t Need 10 Clients—You Need One
I know it’s tempting to think you need a full roster to be legit. But honestly?
One paying client. That’s the breakthrough. That’s proof.
And the wild part is, once you get one, you’ve got:
- A testimonial
- A case study
- A referral pipeline
- A confidence boost like you wouldn’t believe
So don’t aim to build an empire overnight. Just focus on one real, paying relationship.
Build it with care. Treat them like royalty. Overdeliver. And guess what?
They’ll bring friends.
🥲 Emotional Moment (Because We’re Not Robots)
I see you. Sitting there with five open tabs, unsure where to start. You’ve probably redone your portfolio eight times, rewritten your bio twenty.
It’s scary, this whole “putting yourself out there” thing.
But please remember—nobody is born with clients. Everyone starts somewhere.
And offering your skills—even imperfectly—is an act of courage. It’s saying, “I’m willing to try. I’m willing to help. I’ve got something worth sharing.”
That’s powerful.
So start messy. Reach out awkwardly. Laugh at the silence and celebrate every “hey, I’m interested.”
Because that’s where your business begins.
💬 TL;DR (But Let’s Be Real, You Should Read It All Anyway)
- Don’t wait for clients—go create them.
- Start with your network. Use your voice. Be real.
- Offer samples, start conversations, don’t be weird.
- Focus on humans, not hacks.
- One good client > 100 views.
✨ Want Feedback on Your First Outreach Message or Post?
Drop it here. I’ll roast it gently. Or maybe cry a little because it’s that good.
We’re in this together. Let’s go get your first client—the right way.
End of lesson, but beginning of your new client journey.