As an entrepreneur, time is money. And in 2023- creating video content is money too.

So don’t let a busy schedule keep you from becoming a thought leader on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook or our favorite- YouTube. These time-optimizing tips will not only help you make time but help you add a punch to the time you spent.

Creating video content is a powerful marketing strategy for brands and businesses in 2023 because it has the ability to engage and connect with audiences in a way that written content cannot. And in the end- video is the preferred method of digesting content by most consumers!

Videos can be used to tell a brand’s story, introduce products and services, and provide information in a way that is easy to understand and remember.

According to recent studies, video made over 85% of all internet traffic in 2023 (Demandsage). Videos on social media generated 1200% more shares than text and images combined in 2021 (Buffer). Also, using the word “video” in an email subject line boosts open rates by 19% and click-through rates by 65%. These statistics show the potential of video as a marketing tool (Syndacast).

The benefits of creating video content as part of your marketing include:

• Increased engagement and connection with audiences
• The ability to convey complex information in a simple and easy-to-understand format
• Increased brand awareness and recall
• The ability to drive website traffic and conversions
• The ability to use video across multiple marketing channels and platforms
• The potential for higher ROI compared to other forms of content.

Video has been proven to be one of the most effective types of content for engaging audiences and driving conversions. Our clients make 6-7 figures a year just from their video content efforts alone – most of them being consultants, coaches, and agents with mid-high ticket offers.

So how do you start creating video content successfully and consistently for your brand or business?

Here are 4 Essentials that have helped brands and entrepreneurs make it happen.

Schedule your Video Recording and Editing like a Boss:

If it is not in the calendar, creating video content will not happen. So put it in the calendar and block out a specific time each week or month, to record and edit your videos. This way, you’ll stay organized, on track and crush your goals.

Schedule recording for mini or batch recording sessions:

You can choose to block out enough time to film one long-form video and one micro video for shorts or reels. Or you can block out a larger amount of time to batch-record a few videos. We have clients who can batch record 12-24 in a day!

With micro-content- you can batch-record scores of content that you can use to reach your audience for weeks or months.

The key to being able to batch record videos successfully requires a few things: planning content ahead of time, having a consistent background to make your videos look cohesive, and setting boundaries and support in place.

Schedule (and ideally outsource) your Editing:

Schedule out another day each week or better yet- outsource this to contractors who design their whole schedule around editing video content. We have contractors who can produce a few videos a week for us. You send them your batch-recorded raw videos and give them a turnaround schedule so you can publish them consistently.

Reels and Vertical Videos can be simple or edited- A lot of times you can do this right in the social media platform you record in or using easy-to-use phone apps like Inshot. Do these yourself you enjoy it. Or outsource it.

Long-Form videos tend to need more time, but if you use our GREAT video format, this can make editing way easier because it keeps you focused and if you mess up you just start at the top of that segment again so it’s faster to snip together.

Plan Ahead like a Champion:

Creating video content requires planning in advance. At least if you want it to be good. This way, you’ll save time on recording day, and you’ll always have a clear idea of what you want to say in each video. This will also help you create more engaging and relevant content for your audience.

Depending on how many videos you want to record, will determine how much time to schedule planning. With the help of AI like ChatGPT and VidIQ technology as well as video formatting tools like the GREAT video Run of Show and our live stream RoS, you can significantly cut down your planning time. Especially if you bullet out your content rather than write out complete scripts. Scheduling an hour each week to plan your video content will make recording days way more effective. Here’s what to consider when planning.

1. Define your video goals:

Before you start planning your video, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve with the video. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, or generate leads? Knowing your goals will help you to create a video that is tailored to your target audience and that will achieve the desired results.

2. Know your audience:

Understanding who you’re creating the video for is crucial. Identify your target audience and create personas that represent them. This will help you to understand what type of content will be most engaging for them.

3. Outline your video content:

Once you know your goals and your audience, create an outline of the key points that you want to cover in the video. This will help you to stay on track and ensure that all of your videos are consistent in terms of content and style.

4. Expand to script or stick to bullet points:

Whether you choose to write a full script or just bullet points depends on the type of video you’re creating and your personal preference.

We highly recommend scripting your hook, intro, and outro. Then using bullets for the meat of your content. The reason is- it takes less to plan. It sounds more authentic. And in the end, you are the expert so speak from your heart.

But having a scripted hook, intro, and outro gives a more polished and professional look and ensures you don’t forget any engaging elements you brought in to get their attention and keep them interested in the rest of your video.

This is really needed for all your videos whether they are micro-videos in vertical format or longer form. With micro-content though- hook them and go. No intro is needed other than the hook. CTA should be short and sweet for micro-content.

5. Key ingredients when creating video content:

To make your video engaging, it’s essential to have a strong opening that hooks the viewer’s attention, a clear and concise message, and a strong call-to-action.

Additionally, adding visual elements such as b-roll from another video you have recorded or from stock footage, screenshots and images, infographics, and even animation can help to make your video more engaging. The GREAT Video Formula will help you know what to say. And when you join our mentorship program we can show you powerful ways to plan in the visuals so it’s easy and efficient.

Get Technical like a Pro:

You can do this without already being a pro it requires getting the best equipment for you and your learning curve.

Set up your camera, lighting, and audio equipment ahead of time, so that you can start recording quickly and smoothly. Make sure you have the best possible sound and video quality. You can do this with simple and more fancy gear that we include in our GEAR GUIDE.

Use a high-quality camera:

A high-resolution camera with good low-light performance will help you create sharp, clear videos. Your smartphone camera if it fairly new can do a great job, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera is a good option for beginners, as they offer a range of automatic and manual controls that are fairly simple to use.

Invest in a good microphone:

Good audio quality is just as important as good video quality. A directional microphone, such as a lapel microphone or a shotgun microphone, will help you capture clear audio.

Use a ring light:

A ring light will help you achieve a professional-looking lighting setup, with even, diffused light that will help you avoid harsh shadows.

Use a tripod:

A tripod will help you keep your camera steady and prevent shaky footage. A fluid head tripod is a good option, as it allows you to make smooth panning and tilting movements.

Practice and experiment:

The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with your equipment and the better your videos will become. Experiment with different lighting setups and camera angles to find what works best for you.

When you download our Videopro checklist you will get access to our suggestions for backgrounds, specific gear to buy, and other tips for creating video content.

Don’t Create Video Content Alone:

I mean you can and shoud of course, if you are able. But if you’re struggling to find time to record and edit your videos, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Enlist the help of team members, colleagues, a friend or family member, or even consider hiring a professional video production company. Divide and conquer, my friend!

We offer virtual videography in our Accelerator and Elite programs and even help you plan out your first 24 videos.

Remember, as a high-performing entrepreneur, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to launching a successful YouTube channel and establishing yourself as a thought leader in no time. Let’s do this!

Ready to get the foundations for launching or revamping a YouTube channel that establishes you as an industry leader, attracts viewers looking for your expertise, and opens up opportunities and revenue for you to make a huge impact? Find out more about our upcoming full-day virtual YouTube workshop!