How to Get 6-Months Worth of Content for Clients in a Two-Days Content Shoot
Does the title of this blog sound like a get-rich-quick scheme? Perhaps. But, we promise this is not a gimmick to buy into some crazy strategies or programs. Rather, we are here to share a real story of how we turned a two-day content shoot into 6-months' worth of content for a client, and how you can do this, too!
If you have clients that are in a different location from you, or even difficult to get a date set with when it comes to content shoots, we've been there, too. These situations can be extremely challenging for us social media managers. Of course, it's a partnership and both parties need to be held responsible for their part in the content creation process, the burden of trying to get enough content for social media is often put on our shoulders.
The Backstory
We worked with a client that lived in a separate city from us. Our team traveled to New York City and planned a two-day content shoot focused on getting content that would last since we weren't in the same location commonly. We were able to use this same content shoot for over 6 months through careful planning, and creative content editing.
When it comes to planning a content creation shoot that lasts, there are two essential factors we like to focus on.
Strategy
Planning
How To Strategize for a Content Shoot
First, we consider the client's current strategy. It's important to note that clients who like to focus primarily on trends or have many changes in service offerings, will be more difficult for. But clients who do a lot of content that's original audio, can be used with a trending sound, or isn't 100% strategized around a trend are what is the most successful with this. So, before planning like this, let's first strategize the type of content we feel would complement this account the most and if this will work with this structure.
Planning a Content Shoot
We put a lot of time and focus into planning our content shoots, and this has helped majorly! Not only does this show the client how prepared we are, but this is how we strategize making the content last. We like to create a mood board and detailed shot list to ensure we are covering all the planning and preparations. Within these resources, we plan out time blocks, locations, props, and outfits, and then include al the details of the content itself — the audio, the inspiration, the script, etc.
The Content
Now that we covered how we strategize and plan, we need to discuss the type of content we are filming and how we can make this last.
Content Types
Founder-Focused Content
Employees may come and go, but your founder's story is there to stay. This is great evergreen content to share, and the story can always be used in many different ways. Create a series of the founder explaining the mission, the brand's why, the product line, their favorite service, and/or answering FAQs.
Educational Stories and Topics
Education never gets old! This type of content is amazing to film because it can be shared at any time.
Trends
You can film trends! However, you have to shift to which trends may be best. Instead of filming just mouth-reading audio that is trending that day, can you instead film something that could work for trends in the future? Funny reactions, maybe even silly dances or actions that you could repurpose for future trends. You can also film a few more time-dependent trends, and schedule those first, while still relevant.
Product Shots
If you're a product-based company, product shots with lots of background, prop, and setup types can be used.
B-Roll
B-roll crucial! Always, always, always, set up a second shot or shooter to capture all that b-roll you get throughout the day because this is content, too. B-roll allows you to get super creative in how you use it.
Making Content Last
Think about Posting Frequency in The Planning Stage
If you need to go through your calendar app and specifically lay out days that you'll need video and photo content for, do it. Sticky note up your calendar on your desk, whatever you have to do to get a good idea of exactly how many content pieces you are needed.
Consider holidays, national days, and seasons
These are important to plan for, too! Don't be afraid to set up a quick Halloween shoot I July if you need to, too. Plan for content surrounding holidays, or national days that your industry could lean into, or even season-specific. We can promise you that those big brands are not doing a Christmas content shoot the week that it's posted, so why should we, right?
Add Variety When You Film
We have something to tell you...we ARE content outfit repeaters...and we aren't afraid of it! But, we have to also make sure our audience's attention isn't bored after the 30th clip of us in the same shirt, same location. Make sure to switch up outfits, locations, props, and the people in the shot to make it feel like a few different shoots wrapped up into one and still hook the audience's attention like you filmed it yesterday.
Use the same video in different ways
WHAT? Yes, you can repurpose video content, too. The chances that someone is going to recognize the same video two months later is rare! Reuse your video in a new way — add new text/audio/captions, put a color overlay over the top, use it with a completely different trend, and use a shorter/longer clip or different angle.
In conclusion, through careful planning and strategizing, you can curate a content shoot that lasts. When it comes to being a freelance social media manager in a different location than your clients, this can be key.
Use our free content shoot day brief template to help you plan your next content day.
