Why Planning is the Secret to Video Batching Success
Video batching sounds like a dream—create weeks of content in one session and free yourself from the content hamster wheel. But here’s the catch: if you don’t plan your batching session properly, it can quickly turn into a chaotic mess.
The good news? You can turn a single day into a video content goldmine with the right preparation. Here’s how to plan your video batching session like a pro.
1. Define Your Goals
Why It Matters:
Without clear goals, you risk wasting time creating content that doesn’t align with your business objectives.
How to Set Goals:
- What do you want to achieve? Are you building brand awareness, driving sales, or educating your audience?
- Who is your audience? Tailor your videos to their needs, preferences, and pain points.
- What’s your timeline? Plan enough content to last until your next batching session.
Pro Tip: Prioritize videos that align with upcoming campaigns, launches, or seasonal events.
2. Brainstorm Video Topics
Why It Matters:
Having a variety of pre-planned topics ensures your content stays engaging and diverse.
How to Brainstorm:
- Answer FAQs: Address common questions from your audience.
- Repurpose content: Turn blogs, podcasts, or popular posts into video scripts.
- Create a themed series: Focus on a single topic over several videos to build momentum.
Pro Tip: Use tools like AnswerThePublic or Google Trends to identify trending topics in your niche.
3. Write Scripts or Outlines
Why It Matters:
Wing it, and you’ll end up with rambling, unfocused content. A script or outline keeps you on track.
How to Prepare Scripts:
- Keep it conversational: Speak naturally and avoid sounding robotic.
- Highlight key points: Focus on value-packed information your audience will find useful.
- Include CTAs: What action do you want viewers to take after watching?
Pro Tip: Use bullet points for outlines if you prefer a more natural delivery.
4. Prepare Your Setup
Why It Matters:
A smooth setup saves time and ensures your videos look and sound professional.
Checklist for Your Setup:
- Lighting: Use natural or softbox lighting for a clean, bright look.
- Audio: Invest in a quality microphone to capture clear sound.
- Background: Keep it clean, uncluttered, and relevant to your brand.
- Camera: Whether it’s a DSLR or smartphone, ensure it’s stable and at eye level.
Pro Tip: Test your setup before recording to troubleshoot any issues.
5. Plan Your Recording Order
Why It Matters:
Jumping between topics can waste time and drain your energy.
How to Optimize Recording Order:
- Group similar videos: Record videos on related topics back-to-back for smoother transitions.
- Start with easy wins: Begin with shorter, simpler videos to build confidence.
- Save the best for last: Record your most important or complex videos when fully warmed up.
Pro Tip: Have a glass of water and take breaks between recordings to stay fresh.
6. Schedule Enough Time
Why It Matters:
Rushing through your session leads to mistakes and missed opportunities.
How to Plan Your Day:
- Block off a dedicated chunk of time—ideally 3–5 hours.
- Factor in setup, breaks, and re-takes.
- Set realistic expectations: aim for 5–8 videos per session, depending on length and complexity.
Pro Tip: Overestimate how much time you’ll need—finishing early is better than running out of time.
7. Organize Your Files
Why It Matters:
Disorganized footage can turn post-production into a nightmare.
How to Stay Organized:
- Label each video file with a clear name (e.g., “Video1_HowToTips.mp4”).
- Create folders for raw footage, audio, and final edits.
- Back everything up immediately to an external drive or cloud storage.
Pro Tip: Use a color-coded system to differentiate between completed and in-progress files.
8. Plan for Post-Production
Why It Matters:
Batching doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling. Editing is where the magic happens.
How to Streamline Editing:
- Use templates for intros, outros, and graphics.
- Batch similar edits (e.g., adding captions) to save time.
- Plan your publishing schedule alongside your editing timeline.
Pro Tip: Outsource editing if it’s not your strong suit—focus on what you do best.
Why Effective Planning Leads to Better Batching
A well-planned video batching session isn’t just about saving time—it’s about creating consistent, high-quality content that engages your audience. With clear goals, a solid strategy, and a little prep work, you’ll walk away with enough videos to keep your marketing machine running smoothly.
We Make Video Batching Simple
At All In Content, we handle everything from planning to post-production so you can focus on running your business. Ready to maximize your content strategy with a single batching session? Contact us today, and let’s get started!