Videos, whether short or long-form, are dominating social networks. Algorithms favor fun and engaging video content online, and with the surge of video content, your content creation strategy has to change. If you have never created or organized a video shoot, that can become quite overwhelming. So I compiled six steps that you can use to plan and execute video shoots.

Why should business owners care?

If you look around, short-form videos are everywhere nowadays. The algorithms favor videos over still images. Every time I open my Instagram app, I see reels first. If you are not creating and posting reels, you miss out on tremendous opportunities like getting seen online and growing your follower count. Since reels are being favored online, you can have fewer followers but still, get thousands of eyeballs on your video without putting any budget behind your post. That's huge!

But Creating short, engaging video clips can easily take 30 minutes or more to produce, not including the idea creation. Planning and the correct execution are everything.

As a chief marketing officer, I work closely with the content creation team. I develop strategies and guidelines to streamline the process. There are six steps that I not only use in my work as a CMO but also as a solopreneur to ease the video production process.

Let's review each step at a time.

#1 Idea brainstorming

Before you start anything, you need to brainstorm. Brainstorming builds the foundation for a successful project. I start by digging through current trends online and on Tiktok. Whenever I see a trend that could be used for my business, I write down the idea or trending sound on an excel sheet.

In the brainstorming process, you want to gather ideas, regardless if you end up using them or not. If you are working with a team, this is a great way to approve ideas before your team creates the content. In the long run, it saves time, and you can choose what idea is on brand and which one is not.

I found it more efficient if you only create one type of content per filming session. What do I mean by that? Let's say, and I am making up stuff here, you post a video for motivational Monday, a tip for Tuesday, business wisdom on Wednesday, a behind the scenes on Thursday, and on Fridays, you post something goofy that get's your audience ready for the weekend.

Instead of filming each video per week, you should create five ideas for, let's say, motivational Monday and film them all in one session. Number one, you are "mentally prepared" to only film motivational content, which helps to be in the right mindset. Number two, you will have content for the next five weeks, so you don't need to stress about constant filming. Number three, this process will make it easier for you or your team to create scripts. I will be talking about scripts next. But in my experience, it is much easier to write about one topic than to switch between topics.

#2 Creating scripts

After you have compiled a list of ideas, you want to start writing scripts for each video idea. The purpose of scripts is to stay on track when filming and make sure nothing is left out. If I have a script, you might think I sound like a robot, or people can tell that I am reading off a script.

The purpose of using scripts is not to read them line by line like a news anchor but more as guidance. You create scripts to make sure everything is covered in the video. You create talking bullet points that will help you speak more freely while covering everything out of the scripts.

I recently created some motivational videos with my team during my daytime job as a CMO. When we first started filming these videos, my colleagues improvised in front of the camera, which led to quite a few "hmm", repeated information, and videos that were longer than what we needed.

This was the first and last time we created videos without a script. The second time around, we had scripts in place, which allowed us to make tons of content in a shorter amount of time that was super engaging and to the point.

When creating scripts, write down the headline and what to say. If the video has multiple locations, indicate that as well on the script.

If you work with someone to create your video content, I suggest sharing the script in advance so any questions can be answered and by the time you are shooting, everyone is on the same page.

#3 Choosing locations

Choosing locations goes hand in hand with writing the scripts. When compiling video ideas, I see what's trending and think about where could I produce my videos. What would make an eye-catching background or location that hooks the viewer? What locations could you use if you are talking about starting a business? Think about something out of the box that's so different that it will hook the viewer instantly; for example, you can record yourself in the bathroom getting ready or in the kitchen preparing your lunch.

You want to keep your viewers engaged, and this can be done by using different locations. If you don't have the space, switch up the angles of your videos. For example, you could do some videos standing up, sitting on a chair, holding the phone in your hand, or using a tripod.

#4 Choosing outfits and props

Choose outfits and props before starting to record videos. Note down your outfits and props on the scripts to be more organized.

When it comes to outfits, choose something you are comfortable in because an outfit can give you confidence. Everything you produce for your online channels should be intentional. To create a brand and be recognizable online, you need to think about how you want to present yourself.

I'll always choose an outfit that provides some contrast to the background to stand out a bit more.

If you are shooting videos outdoors, you can organize your outfits by packing them in piles in a small suitcase or bag. I put my jewelry in zip lock bags and attach them to the outfits. This way, everything stays together.

#5 Equipment check

What's needed for videos? Depending on what you have in mind, you need to ensure you have the proper equipment. My go-to essentials for professional-looking videos are a tripod, studio lights or ring light, and a phone to record the videos.

Also, make sure you check your phone or camera's battery before heading out to shoot. I can't tell you how many times I forgot to check my battery level from my camera while everything was already set up and ready to go.