Escaping the week to week content creation cycle can be challenging. After burning out last week, I decided to put my thinking cap on and discover a method to PLAN AHEAD so that I can avoid burnout in 2020.
The goal of this exercise is to pinpoint potential roadblocks before they arise so you aren’t reacting in the moment. Then you’ll be scheduling your batch recording dates so you never fall behind. Only once we’ve done that, we can brainstorm topics.
Step 1: Outline the number of weeks in each month
Let me shortcut this process for you. Copy and paste the following and put this into a Google Doc.
January: 4 weeks
February: 4 weeks
March: 5 weeks
April: 4 weeks
May: 4 weeks
June: 5 weeks
July: 4 weeks
August: 4 weeks
September: 5 weeks
October: 4 weeks
November: 4 weeks
December: 5 weeks
Step 2: Under each month, write out any potential personal roadblocks
Go through the year, month by month and add bullet points for any personal roadblocks you might face during that month.
Consider…
Is there a month where your lease is up and you’ll need to move?
Are you planning to take a vacation?
When is your birthday, will you take time off?
What holidays fall into that month?
Step 3: Under each month, write out any potential business roadblocks
Go through the year, month by month and add bullet points for any business roadblocks you might face during that month.
Consider…
When are your heavy seasons for business?
Do you have a promotional you’re planning for?
What conferences do you plan to attend?
Step 4: For each quarter, brainstorm the mindset within your industry
This can be helpful for planning content ideas.
Consider…
The emotional feelings throughout the year (ex. January = excitement, by April people are burned out)
Your local mindset (typical travel periods, big conferences or festivals, etc.)
Business trends in your industry
Step 5/6: Analyze the remaining days & mark batch recording days
I’m combining these steps because I think it makes more sense to do this. Your goal in this step is to CHOOSE the dates where you will film 4-5 videos in one sitting. This way, you are only having to record content once per month instead of once per week. It helps make weekly content much more sustainable and also allows for efficiency in the editing process.
Once you’ve chosen your dates, put them into your Google Calendar so you don’t accidentally overlook them. If you have a time conflict later, MOVE the date, do not just cancel or else you will fall behind.
Step 7: Troubleshoot when batching seems impossible
When reviewing your calendar, you might find that some months are insanely hectic and there is no way you can create content at that time. If this is the case then you’ll need to plan to mega batch content the month before. This means that you’ll need to film 8 videos in one sitting, or within a 2 day period.
Step 8: Mark your editing deadlines
Filming isn’t the only thing you need to consider, editing can be extremely time-intensive so there needs to be a plan for that as well. Do you plan to outsource or do-it-yourself? Either way, you must have a deadline for when the videos will be completed. I would recommend aiming for a due date of 1-2 weeks after filming. And give yourself about a 2 week grace period before you need to post your first video.
So if you’re planning to release a video on February 25th then your editing due date would be two weeks before that on February 11th. Then your batch recording date would be two weeks before that on January 28th.
Step 9: If hiring, consider your budget
Under each month, write down the dollar amount you will need to pay for a local videographer or outsourcer to help you execute on the videos you need to create. This is going to vary depending on who you work with so start doing research and finding someone.
Planning ahead is a great way to ensure they will be available. Consider raising their rates every quarter so they are incentivized to keep working with you. There is nothing worse than relying on someone to help you create something and then they quit.
This is another potential roadblock that you might consider. You could avoid this by consistently meeting new videographers and editors so you don’t have one point of failure in your system.
Step 10: Brainstorm your video topics
Yay! Now that your content calendar is laid out, it’s time to brainstorm your topics. Consider adding topics that fit for the month you’re creating it in. For example, will you create a Christmas episode? Or maybe there is a big conference you’re planning to attend - plan to make a recap video from that conference.
As the year goes on, you’ll naturally think of new ideas as you go. As you do, trade out the titles so that you can continue to stay on track. Keep everything in your Google Calendar so you never miss a deadline.
Let’s make 2020 the best year yet
I’m very excited to do this activity myself. I truly believe it’s going to be a game-changer for staying on track! I’m planning a weekend retreat where I spend one day focused on my content calendar. If you can, I highly recommend doing the same!