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How I Plan, Script, and Organize My YouTube Videos (+ Notion Template - GAME CHANGING!)

Education

Introduction

In this article, I’ll share my exact process for generating video topics for my YouTube channel, scripting those videos, and organizing everything using my newly updated Notion system. This guide is part of a six-part series where I reveal the behind-the-scenes process of bringing my YouTube videos to life. If you haven't watched the previous videos, be sure to check them out!

Finding Content Ideas

The first question I often get is, "Where do you get your content ideas?" My creative process involves sourcing ideas from five main areas:

  1. Personal Experiences: Initially, I relied heavily on observing my competitors for content inspiration, often choosing topics based on popularity. Over time, I discovered that creating content from my own experiences felt more authentic and genuine. I revamped my Notion dashboard to focus on "thoughts, experiences, lessons, and stories." This shift encourages me to reflect inward and draw from my life, leading to more relatable content.

  2. Journaling: I’ve found immense value in journaling, particularly through the practice outlined in the book "The Artist's Way” by Julia Cameron. This consists of writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness thoughts every morning. The therapeutic nature of journaling helps me recognize thoughts and feelings I might otherwise overlook, allowing me to harvest gems of content ideas for my videos.

  3. Titles from Outside My Niche: I often browse titles from videos outside my niche to refine my own titles. For example, after seeing a compelling video titled "How to Start Running and Actually Enjoy It," I might reframe that concept into something like "How to Start a YouTube Channel and Actually Enjoy It."

  4. Comments from Previous Videos: After uploading list-based videos, I closely monitor which tips resonate most with my audience. If a particular lesson gains traction, I consider creating a dedicated video to explore that subject in depth.

  5. YouTube Analytics Inspiration: My YouTube analytics provide valuable insights into what my audience is searching for. The 'inspiration tab’ highlights content gaps where quality search results are lacking, providing excellent opportunities for new video topics.

Organizing Content in Notion

Now that you know where I draw my creative inspiration, let’s talk about organization.

I’ve created a comprehensive Notion dashboard that serves as my content home. In this section, I’ll give you a peek into how I organize my YouTube video ideas. Instead of labeling it simply as "content ideas," I’ve categorized it to reflect my thoughts and experiences.

When I plan new videos, I include the title, format, planned publication date, and status (scheduled, filming, or just an idea). Each video idea has sections for:

  • Ideas: A space for brainstorming potential titles and thumbnail concepts.
  • Seeds: An initial brain dump of the video’s direction.
  • Expanded Thoughts: A more detailed script where I flesh out my content, while noting down potential b-roll ideas and any shots I want to capture.

One fantastic feature of my Notion setup is the interconnectedness between sections. For instance, if I jot down a b-roll idea while scripting, I can effortlessly link it to my b-roll library for easy access later.

Scripting and Content Creation

When it comes to scripting my videos, I find that the most engaging content comes from authentic experiences. Instead of focusing on prescriptive "how to" formats, I frame my content as "how I do things." This change reduces pressure, allowing me to speak from a place of personal experience, which, in turn, engages viewers more effectively.

Using AI for Inspiration: An emerging tool in my workflow is ChatGPT. When unsure about what to cover in a script, I ask ChatGPT for relevant questions that potential viewers might have. This technique helps ensure that my content remains relevant and informative.

Filming and Next Steps

After organizing my thoughts and completing my script, the next crucial step is filming. In my upcoming video, I will share insights about how I film my content. Remember, a script is just a step—if you don't film your ideas, they remain unexpressed!

Each moment spent mapping out my creative process leads to a more effective video, which viewers appreciate. If you’re interested in my Notion template setup, you can find it linked below.

Thanks for joining me in this exploration of my YouTube creation process. I look forward to sharing more insights soon!

Keyword

FAQ

1. Where do you get your YouTube content ideas?
I source my ideas primarily from personal experiences, journaling, external titles, audience feedback, and YouTube analytics.

2. How do you organize your content in Notion?
I organize my content by categorizing ideas into sections like "thoughts," "experiences," and "lessons," along with detailed scripting and b-roll ideas.

3. What tools do you use for scripting your videos?
I use my Notion dashboard for scripting and also leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to help refine my ideas and ensure relevancy.

4. How do you know what to say in your videos?
I speak from personal experience and often use AI to gauge what potential viewers might want to learn about, shaping my script around those insights.

5. What will you cover in your next video?
In my next video, I'll detail my filming process and share tips on how to convey content naturally on camera.