If you are interested in YouTube video production then you need to see what Roberto Blake is doing. Roberto Blake has over 200,000 followers on his YouTube channel and has produced and edited over 1,000 videos. He had a lot to offer in this Social Media Marketing World 2017 presentation.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” ~ Chinese Proverb

This is the same with YouTube. According to Blake, “an idea is only as good as its execution.” If you wish to be successful on YouTube, you need to start producing videos on YouTube.

Why YouTube? YouTube is the second largest search engine next to Google, and Google owns YouTube.

In this presentation, Blake touched on a number of important points to help with pre-production, production, and post-production. Here are some of the key points he addressed:

Pre-Production

Pre-production is when you do all the planning and preparation for creating your video. It is perhaps the most important part of the YouTube video production process.

Idea Generation

Blake shared ideas to base videos around.

• Solve problems – Keep an eye out for struggles that your customers or followers are having and solve them.
• Curate a list – Keep a running list of ideas. I log all my content ideas in Evernote.
• Ask questions and provide answers – You can distribute surveys or ask questions on your social media channels.
• Challenge assumptions – Do you have a theory that runs against the grain, you could share your thoughts.
• Crowdsource material – Poll your followers for their input and use it to pull together lists.

Research

Once you have generated ideas, you need to flesh it out with some research. Part of the research is ensuring you get your keywords right. This will help your video be found.

Blake also recommended making data-driven decisions. ?If one keyword is trending higher than another, then use that keyword. Twitter hashtags are another place to focus your research attention.

Search is the foundation of YouTube. Blake advised being the answer someone is looking for.

Script

Once you have pulled together all your research, it is time to script out your video. Blake pointed out that he no longer uses a full-blown script rather he uses a list of key points he wishes to address. Many of the presenters script out their intro and outro while using key points for the body.

You need to use the tools that work. I have invested in a teleprompter application for my iPad to help with the intro and outros as well as keep me on track.

Scripting your video provides a number of benefits: it helps give the video structure, it keeps you organized and succinct, helps you communicate clearly, and it is a guide for production.

Impromptu video production also has benefits: you tend to be more authentic, you can naturally pivot especially in live situations, and you can create a stronger bond with viewers.

Regardless of which method you use, you are trying to create a situation where your viewers will know, like, and trust you.

Production

Production is the actual creation of your video. Blake discussed equipment needs and video basics.

Equipment

In terms of video equipment, Blake recommended keeping it simple. In fact, he noted that your phone is good enough to capture video.

Here is some equipment you will need to think about:

• Video camera
• Microphone
• Lenses
• Tripods
• Memory cards
• Lighting

Here are a video and article where Roberto Blake discusses equipment needs.

Video Basics

Blake suggested doing YouTube video production in-house. Key positions you will need to fill are director, videographer, and video editor. He recommended this because you then maintain control of the product.

Here are the steps Blake outlined for video production:

• Setup your scene and lighting
• Check your equipment
• Conduct an audio check
• Review your notes
• Set your framing and composition
• Shoot your A-roll footage
• Shoot your B-roll footage

Not sure what the difference is between A-roll and B-roll, then check out this video:

Post-Production

Post-production is all about editing. This is where you clean up the flaws. Blake actually suggested outsourcing your video editing. I am personally not in the position to do that yet. I first need to sort out my system before I can pass it on to someone else.

Blake outlined the steps for editing your video:

• Import and organize all your footage
• Add all your assets?such as titles, action graphics, overlays, etc.
• Cut out unnecessary footage mistakes
• Add and synchronize B-roll
• Add audio and music tracks
• Finally, export your video

Conclusion

I am a huge fan of Roberto Blake and his YouTube video production system. He regularly shares lots of great advice on his YouTube channel.

While I am not the best person to help you create a video, I do know folks who could help you. However, I can help you get eyeballs on your videos. If you are interested getting more traction for your videos, let’s connect and explore some ideas.