Creator Blog #21 - Batching and Automation

The time tested cheat code for productive people is batching and automating. This is how I multiply my time and energy. When possible I batch as much work as I can, then automate its distribution.

Here are some examples of batching and automating.

Social Media

All social media posts are created one day out of the week. All the copy is written out and graphics made. Those that can be scheduled to publish ahead of time (ex. Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube community) are scheduled. Posts that need to be manually published (ex. Instagram reels) are prepared and there’s an alarm set so I can manually hit the “share” button at the right day and time.

There are third party apps that can do this better, but they require a subscription. Given my small following at the moment, I’d rather not pay for that service.

Video Creation

Brainstorming for ideas on videos are done every quarter. So for every three months, one day is dedicated to coming up with 12 videos ideas. (But since I’m publishing every other week for the next few months, I just need to come up with 6 video ideas.)

I used to write two scripts at a time, but after a few trials it didn’t really work out for me. I only write one script at a time.

When it comes to creating the video itself: I create the graphics all at once, and color grade footage all at once. Then assemble both footage and graphics according to the script. At this point all that’s needed are the voice over and sound effects. (Easier said than done 😅)

Patreon Posts

The blog posts on Patreon are written in batches four at a time, then get scheduled to automatically publish at specific dates. As a result, I only end up dedicating a couple days a month to writing for Patreon.

The other tool that helps me other than batching and automation, is having lists. Lots and lots of lists. 📝🤓