EP. 028 | How I Batched My Short Form Videos for a MONTH in ONE Day
Podcast Summary
I did something a LITTLE crazy… I decided to batch create an entire month of short form videos in just ONE day. Yeah. It was a bit bold and a bit tiring, but I did it. And I want to walk you through the process of how I got it done! In this episode you will learn about content batching strategies, from planning YouTube videos to repurposing for short-form content. You will also get to explore efficient content production workflows, including tips for entrepreneurs and those with ADHD. I also walk you through how to transform one YouTube video into 50 pieces of content across platforms.
Episode Highlights
1:32 - Batch Create 4 YouTube Videos
4:07 - Batch Create Short Form Videos Using YouTube Outline
7:57 - Batch Create Additional Content Ideas + B-Roll
resources + tools
🔗 Want to build a content system for your small business? Join the waitlist for my signature program, The Content System - https://www.amberfiglow.com/thecontentsystem
How I Create a Month's Worth of Content in Just One Day: A Detailed Guide to Content Batching
As a content creator and entrepreneur, I've developed a method that allows me to create an entire month's worth of content in just one day. This approach, known as content batching, has revolutionized my workflow and dramatically increased my productivity. Let’s dive into my step-by-step process for content batching, including how I plan, create, and repurpose content across multiple platforms.
The Power of Planning: Setting the Stage for Content Success
My content batching strategy begins with thorough planning. Once every quarter, I evaluate my content strategy. This involves analyzing past performance, considering upcoming events or sales campaigns, and identifying industry trends. From this analysis, I plan out 12 weeks' worth of content ideas.
This quarterly planning sets the foundation for my monthly batch outlining sessions. During these sessions, I create detailed outlines for each YouTube video I'll produce in the coming month. This preparation is crucial for the efficiency of my content creation day.
YouTube Video Creation: The Core of My Content Strategy
On my designated content creation day, I focus on producing 4-6 YouTube videos. These form the backbone of my content strategy. To maximize efficiency, I've developed a specific structure for my videos:
A short, engaging introduction
Three main topics, each with three talking points
A brief, impactful conclusion
This structure not only works well for my audience but also sets me up for easy content repurposing later in the process.
From Long-Form to Short-Form: Repurposing YouTube Content
Immediately after recording my YouTube videos, I transition to creating short-form content. Each YouTube video typically yields at least three pieces of short-form content for platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
The process is straightforward: I refer back to my YouTube video outline and use each of the three main topics as standalone short-form content. This approach ensures consistency across my content and saves significant time in ideation and planning for short-form videos.
Creating Supplemental Content: B-Roll and More
Next, I focus on creating supplemental content. This includes B-roll footage and other visual elements that can enhance my videos or be used as standalone content. I capture clips of myself working, setting up equipment, or engaging in various business activities.
These supplemental clips serve multiple purposes:
They can be used to add visual interest to longer videos
They provide material for jumping on trends or creating fun, short content
They offer flexibility in content creation, allowing me to produce diverse content types
Addressing Community Engagement: Q&A and Trending Topics
An important part of my content strategy is maintaining engagement with my audience. I keep a running list of questions from my community and note trending topics in my niche. During my content batching day, I create quick response videos addressing these points.
While these videos may not always align directly with my main content themes, they play a crucial role in keeping my audience engaged and demonstrating responsiveness to their interests and concerns.
Tailoring the Content Process to Your Needs
It's important to note that this content batching process is tailored to my specific needs as an entrepreneur, a woman, and someone with ADHD. I've designed it to honor my energy levels and work patterns. This includes:
Avoiding editing on the same day as recording
Allowing for rest periods after intense batching sessions
Structuring the day to align with my peak productivity times
The Benefits of Content Batching
This approach to content creation offers numerous benefits:
Time Efficiency: I only need to set up equipment, do hair and makeup, and prepare my recording space once a month.
Consistent Output: I have a full month's worth of content ready in advance, ensuring regular posting across all platforms.
Flexibility: With the bulk of my content prepared, I have the freedom to focus on other areas of my business or create timely, responsive content as needed.
Strategic Message Delivery: By repurposing content across platforms, I can reinforce key messages in various formats, improving retention and reach.
Reduced Stress: Knowing that my content is prepared in advance significantly reduces the day-to-day pressure of content creation.
Adapting the Process for Beginners
While my current process allows me to create a month's worth of content in a day, it's important to recognize that this level of output took years to achieve. For those new to content batching, I recommend starting small.
Begin by batching three videos for the upcoming week. As you become more comfortable with the process, gradually increase your output. Don't be afraid to experiment with different structures and workflows to find what works best for you. Remember, the goal is to find a system that enhances your productivity without causing burnout.
Remember, the goal is to find a system that enhances your productivity without causing burnout.
Overcoming Common Challenges in Content Batching
While content batching offers numerous benefits, it's not without its challenges. Here are some common issues and how I address them:
Maintaining Authenticity: When creating multiple pieces of content at once, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of authenticity and spontaneity. I overcome this by staying true to my personality and allowing for some improvisation within my structured outlines.
Staying Current: Creating content in advance can sometimes make it difficult to address timely topics. I reserve some time in my schedule for creating reactive content when necessary.
Energy Management: Content batching days can be intense. I manage my energy by taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and giving myself permission to stop if I feel my quality is dropping.
Embracing Efficiency in Content Creation
Content batching has transformed my approach to content creation, allowing me to produce more high-quality content while reducing stress and freeing up time for other aspects of my business. While creating a month's worth of content in a day may seem daunting, with practice and the right strategy, it's an achievable goal.
Remember, the key to successful content batching is finding a system that works for you. Start small, experiment with different approaches, and gradually refine your process. With time and persistence, you too can reap the benefits of efficient, strategic content creation.
By embracing content batching, you can break free from the daily grind of content creation and focus on what really matters: growing your business and connecting with your audience in meaningful ways.