8 Things You Must Do Before You Hit Record on YouTube
After producing and strategizing YouTube channels for nearly 10 years, I can tell you this: the difference between creators who succeed and creators who struggle happens before you ever hit record.
Most people jump straight into filming, then scramble to fix things in editing. That backwards approach leads to burnout, frustration, and videos that just don’t perform. The truth? YouTube success is about intentional planning.
I use the same methodology with every client and every video I produce, and today I’m breaking down the 8 steps that set successful creators apart.
Why Planning Matters for YouTube Success
When you don’t plan properly, your videos feel rushed, unfocused, and rarely connect with viewers. On the flip side, when you follow a clear process, filming becomes easier, editing is faster, and your content actually drives results.
My 8-Step Pre-Filming Process
Here’s what I (and my clients) do before pressing record:
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Nail Your Topic – The #1 growth factor. Without the right topic, nothing else matters.
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Craft Your Title – Your title sets expectations and guides the entire video.
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Conceptualize Your Thumbnail – Keep it simple, clear, and aligned with your title.
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Write Your Hook – The first 15–30 seconds make or break retention.
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Create an Outline – A roadmap that keeps you focused and viewers engaged.
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Write Your Script (optional) – Especially useful for research-heavy or detailed videos.
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Prepare Editing Notes – Capture your creative vision before you forget.
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Then (and only then) Film – Filming becomes the easiest step when you’ve planned.
The Bottom Line
YouTube growth doesn’t come from hustling harder—it comes from being strategic and intentional. When you plan your videos in this sequence, you’ll finally create content that works as hard as you do.
This is exactly the system I teach inside my YouTube Bootcamp, where I help women creators build a signature channel that grows their income, impact, and influence.
So, let me ask you—how do you plan your videos right now? Is this 8-step system something you’re ready to start using?
FREE RESOURCES
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- Register for my FREE Masterclass
YOUTUBE COURSES AND COACHING
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- CLICK HERE to get the Audience Attraction System Mini Course
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- YOUTUBE BOOTCAMP FOR WOMEN: Are you looking for support, coaching, community and proven systems that will help you achieve your YouTube goals? Join a unique, comprehensive YouTube growth bootcamp that will help you 10x your growth on YouTube and bring you the financial and creative freedom you want. Add your name to the YouTube Bootcamp waitlist so you are notified when space becomes available!
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- 1:1 YOUTUBE COACHING: Are you wanting to go full time on YouTube within 3 months or are already full time and are wanting to invest in 1:1 coaching for your YouTube channel for rapid growth? Click here to apply!
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- STRATEGIC CHANNEL MANAGEMENT: Are you a business looking for strategic channel management? Please email my team at support@erikavieira.net with Strategic Channel Management in the subject.
TRUSTED YOUTUBE TOOLS
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- Poppy AI: my new favorite AI tool for YouTube creators! Click here to get Poppy and use code ErikaV for $25 off plus theres a 30 day money back guarantee!
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- TubeBuddy: Click here to get TubeBuddy and use the code ErikasBuddy to get 20% off
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- Kajabi: All-in-one course creation platform I use and LOVE! Click here to get Kajabi.
RECOMMENDED YOUTUBE/PODCASTING EQUIPMENT:
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- Click here for my Amazon storefront to see my favorite products for YouTube creators
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***Disclaimers: all opinions are my own, sponsors are acknowledged. Links in the description are typically affiliate links that let you help support the podcast at no extra cost.
