From Overthinking to Creating: A Business Owner's YouTube Roadmap
1. Never Run Out of Ideas Again
The "Content Multiplier" method:
- Take your last successful piece of content (blog, email, social post)
- Break it into subtopics
- Expand each subtopic into its own video
- Look at frequently asked client questions
- Check your competition's most viewed videos and add your unique angle
Pro Tip: Keep a "Spark File" on your phone. Every time you solve a client problem or share advice, jot it down. You're creating content ideas without even trying!
This newsletter is based on many of our clients in our Studio (community) who mentioned that they are procrastinating and are not consistent in their uploads.
2. Script Writing Made Simple
Follow this proven structure:
- Hook (0-30 seconds): Start with a bold statement or unexpected fact
- Introduction (30-60 seconds): What they'll learn + your credibility
- Main content: Break into 3-5 clear points
- Call-to-action: One clear next step
Quick Hack: Record a voice memo explaining your topic to a friend. Transcribe it. That's your first draft done!
To make this even easier, use AI. Yes, use it, not to write your word-for-word script but the structure it so it's easier for you to complete it. It's perfect for creative block, again this was exactly what I did for this newsletter.
We use Claude Ai and I have a project that has all the information of what we do, what we talk about, and what our audience needs and wants.
My prompt:
Based on everything you know about us and what we do, help me write a newsletter about the struggle to create YouTube videos consistently and avoid procrastinating.
Provide tips and hacks to improve the creation of content
Of course I don't use the first draft and keep tweaking it and write the rest myself.
3. The "Just Press Record" Method
Here's the truth: The first 2 minutes are always the hardest. Try these approaches:
The Warm-Up Technique:
- Start recording with the intention to delete
- Tell yourself "This is just practice"
- Do a terrible version on purpose
- Keep rolling - the good stuff usually comes after 5 minutes
Camera Confidence Boosters:
- Talk to your camera like you are in a conversation
- The hook and intro need the most attention, the rest will come more naturally.
- Start with bullet points instead of a full script
- If the teleprompter doesn't work well for you, it's unnatural, record in paragraphs
4. Studio Setup for Success
The 10-Minute Setup:
- Dedicated recording space (even a corner works)
- Basic lighting (window + desk lamp)
- Simple mic setup (phone headphones work!)
- Clean background (or just a plain wall)
- Your phone works well and can be a teleprompter (use the "teleprompter" app)
Environmental Hacks:
- Face a window for natural lighting
- Record standing up for more energy
- Use airplane mode to avoid distractions
- Time block: Record first thing when your energy is high
5. The Creation Process Breakdown
Instead of seeing it as one big task, break it into:
Day 1: Idea & Research (30 mins)
- Choose topic from your Spark File
- Write 3-5 main points
- Find one relevant story or example
Day 2: Script Framework (30 mins)
- Write your hook
- Bullet point your main sections
- Note your call-to-action
Day 3: Recording (60 mins)
- 10 mins setup
- 20 mins warm-up and practice
- 30 mins actual recording
Quick Tips for Better Videos:
- Speak 10% faster than feels natural
- Gesture more than feels comfortable
- Look into the camera lens, but don't be locked in
- Pause instead of saying "um"
- Smile before you start speaking
The biggest tip is to batch everything so you only have to do it once in a while, else be consistent and create a habit every week to do one video.
6. Simple Editing Solutions (Without the Headache)
Let's be real - editing can be a time-sink. Here are two paths forward:
Path 1: Quick Self-Editing for Beginners
If you're editing yourself, keep it simple:
- Work in a layered aproach
- Use basic cuts (remove mistakes and pauses)
- Add text for key points
- Include simple transitions although a jump cut is the best transition
- Drop in background music subtly
Pro Tip: Look for "Edit Ready" software like CapCut or OpenShot - they're free and much simpler than premium editors like Premiere Pro
Path 2: Finding the Right Editor
If editing isn't your thing (and that's okay!), here's what to look for in an editor:
What to Look For:
- Experience with your content type (business/educational)
- Understanding of pattern interrupts and hooks
- Clear communication and turnaround times
- Ability to match your brand style
Where to Find Them:
- Ask in creator communities
- Check portfolio websites (Upwork, Fiverr)
- Look at channels similar to yours and reach out to their editors
- Join editing-focused Discord servers
Expected Investment:
- Basic editing: $50-150 per video
- More complex editing (lots of B-roll, effects): $200-500 per video
- Custom quotes for specialized content
Before Hiring, Ask For:
- Examples of similar content they've edited
- Their process for implementing feedback (we use frame.io)
- Typical turnaround time
- Their backup plans for technical issues
Test Project Tips:
- Start with a short video (3-5 minutes)
- Provide clear reference examples
- Give specific feedback
- Set clear expectations for revisions
Remember: A good editor is an investment in your time. The hours you save can go into creating more content or running your business.
This Week's Action Plan
- Today: Start your Spark File with 10 ideas
- Tomorrow: Pick one idea and write your bullet points
- Day 3: Set up your recording space
- Day 4: Record (even if it's not perfect!)
Remember: Your audience needs your expertise more than they need perfect production value. Start sharing!
The Mindset Shift
Stop thinking about "making YouTube videos" and start thinking about "documenting your expertise." You already know this stuff - you're just turning on the camera while you share it.
What's one topic you could easily talk about for 10 minutes without preparation? That's your first video!
