In this video, I want to talk about seven things to do before recording your next YouTube video. Before recording your next YouTube video, it is worth taking a few minutes to think through what you are about to create. Many people press record too quickly, without checking whether the topic is right, whether the title is strong enough, or whether the video has a clear purpose.
In this post, I want to share seven things to do before recording your next YouTube video. These are simple questions, but they can make a major difference to the quality of your content and how well your video performs.
I have been creating videos for several years, and one of the training programmes that has helped me is Sean Cannell’s Video Ranking Academy from Think Media. I have been a member for over five years, and I still refer back to the training regularly.
If you would like to read more about my experience with the course, you can see my post here: Sean Cannell’s Video Ranking Academy Review – Is It Worth It?
Join Video Ranking Academy Here
1. Is There Real Demand For This Topic?
Before recording a video, it is important to ask whether people are actually interested in the topic. A great video on a subject that nobody is searching for is unlikely to perform well.
This does not mean that every topic has to be huge or highly competitive. Sometimes a smaller niche subject can work well, especially if you bring your own experience and personality to it. However, there still needs to be some evidence that people care about the subject.
Look at YouTube search results. See whether similar videos are getting views. Check the titles, thumbnails and comments. This can help you understand whether there is real interest in the topic before you spend time recording.
I have also talked about finding YouTube ideas and keywords in this post: How To Find 100 Powerful YouTube Keywords And Video Titles In Minutes
2. Does My Title Make People Want To Click?
A title can make a huge difference to whether someone clicks on your video or scrolls past it. You may have excellent content, but if the title does not create interest, many people will never watch it.
A good title should be clear, focused and interesting. It should give the viewer a reason to click without misleading them. There is a big difference between a strong title and clickbait. A strong title creates curiosity and then the video delivers on that promise.
For example, the title “Seven Things To Do Before Recording Your Next YouTube Video” makes a clear promise. The viewer knows what the video is about and what they should expect to receive.
I have written more about YouTube titles here: Why Most YouTube Titles Fail And How AI Can Help Fix Them
3. How Will I Hook The Viewer?
The first few seconds of a YouTube video are extremely important. If the introduction is too slow, viewers may leave before the main content begins.
This is something I am still learning myself. I naturally like to introduce myself and explain who I am, but the advice from many YouTube experts is to get straight into the subject. Viewers clicked because of the title, so it makes sense to start by addressing the topic quickly.
A good opening should tell the viewer what the video is about and why they should keep watching. It does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be direct.
4. Have I Planned The Main Points?
You do not always need a full script, but it helps to have a simple outline. A few notes can stop the video from wandering off-topic and make the recording process much easier.
I normally use notes on one of my screens while recording. Some people use a mobile phone, a printed outline or a teleprompter. The method is not the main issue. The important thing is to know where the video is going before pressing record.
A simple outline also helps prevent that frustrating moment when you finish recording and realise you forgot to mention something important.
I wrote about asking better questions before creating content in this post: After 20 Years Online These Are The Questions I Ask First
5. Am I Delivering On The Promise Of The Title?
Every video should fulfil the expectation created by the title. If the title promises seven tips, the video should clearly provide seven tips. If the title asks a question, the video should answer that question.
This matters because trust is important on YouTube. If people feel misled, they may not watch future videos. It is far better to be clear, honest and useful.
Of course, we want people to click on our videos. That is part of YouTube. However, once they click, we need to deliver genuine value.
6. Have I Prepared Everything I Need?
Good preparation can make recording much smoother. Before starting, it helps to gather your notes, open any websites you want to show, prepare screenshots and make sure your equipment is ready.
I often use Chrome tabs when recording so that I can move from one page to another. In other videos, I may use a Word document as a guide. Whatever system you use, the aim is to avoid stopping and starting unnecessarily.
Preparation can also reduce editing time. If everything is ready before recording, the video is more likely to flow naturally.
7. What Is The Purpose Of This Video?
Before recording, it is worth asking why you are making the video. The purpose may be to gain views, attract subscribers, build authority, generate leads or recommend a product or service.
Different videos can have different goals. Some videos are designed to help people find your channel through search. Others may build trust with your audience. Some may introduce viewers to a course, product or service that you recommend.
In this case, one of the purposes of my video is to talk about the value of having a clear system for YouTube. That is where Video Ranking Academy has helped me. Rather than guessing what to do, it gives me a structure to follow.
You can find Video Ranking Academy here: Video Ranking Academy
Why Video Ranking Academy Has Helped Me
I purchased Video Ranking Academy over five years ago, and one of the things I appreciate is that the training has continued to be updated. YouTube changes regularly, especially with the introduction of AI tools, and it is helpful to have training that keeps pace with those changes.
Think Media has also added various tools and resources over time, including help with niches, titles, keywords and ranking strategy. These tools can help you brainstorm ideas and think through your videos before recording.
I have written more about this here: How Do You Get More From Video Ranking Academy?
Final Thoughts
Recording a YouTube video is not just about turning on the camera and talking. A little preparation beforehand can make a significant difference.
Before recording your next YouTube video, ask yourself these seven questions:
- Is there real demand for this topic?
- Does my title make people want to click?
- How will I hook the viewer?
- Have I planned the main points?
- Am I delivering on the promise of the title?
- Have I prepared everything I need?
- What is the purpose of this video?
If you can answer those questions clearly, you will be in a much better position before pressing record.
For more posts about YouTube growth and building an online business, visit the YouTube section on Roy Bretton Online.