Does your mind go blank as soon as a camera is on you? You need a script. We’ve got some hints on writing scripts that’ll make your vlogs more engaging!

When it comes to vlogging, there is a lot to consider in order to create an interesting and quality piece of content. On the technical side of things, you need a decent vlogging kit and access to powerful video editing software. Depending on the type of vlogs you make, or want to make, you’ll need other gear too. For instance, travel vlogging must-haves might include more camera mounts and portable kit. Whereas, a beauty vlog might rely more heavily on clever lighting set-ups.

Besides all the gear and tech, a crucial part of vlogging to nail is the tone and structure. This all comes down to the script. If you’re not used to writing scripts, it may be difficult to appreciate their significance.

Why Do Scripts Matter?

Even if you’re creating relatively short videos on YouTube, a script will change whether your content is jumbled and messy, or engaging and well-timed. First of all, let’s look at what a vlog is, so we can understand everything that could go wrong without a solid script…

A vlog is a portmanteau of “video blog”. Quite simply, a vlog is a type of blog where, instead of written word, video is the medium. They can cover any topic, be made in varying styles, and be shared across numerous platforms, like YouTube, Vimeo, or social media channels like Instagram.

Even though a vlog might not have as high production value as a feature film or TV show, they can still be just as important. Many vloggers earn money for their videos on YouTube, helping them to turn vlogging into a career.

If you want to turn content into your career, making use of scripts will help. If your videos don’t follow a defined format, and are just 15-minute rambles, viewers are going to quickly switch off. Like most types of video content, there needs to be a compelling hook at the start. What you say at the beginning of your video will determine whether audiences stick around.

If your vlog seeks to inform and educate (by the way, this type of content is consistently popular on YouTube), then you need to organise how you’re going to deliver this information. Without a script, you risk missing important points or giving scrambled instructions. This won’t add value to your viewers’ lives, and could confuse them further.

So, how do you use a script to make sure you are being helpful and watchable at the same time?

Structuring Vlog Scripts

The simplest approach to structuring anything is including a beginning, middle, and end. If you cast your mind back to English class in school, you might remember structures made up of an introduction, build-up, climax, and resolution. Somewhere between the two is ideal for writing scripts for vlogs.

The structure of a vlog script needs to focus a little more on the reaction of your audience, and the engagement between them and the vlog. For example, the introduction needs to be more than just an explanation of what will happen in the video. It needs to hook viewers. This can be done by identifying pain points and promising to resolve them. You can pique people’s interest much more easily if you’re promising them some kind of benefit right off the bat.

Continuing with the idea of pain points and problem-solving, we’ve laid an effective script structure that will pull in viewers and keep them watching.

1. Hook – grab people’s attention and connect with them, so they’re intrigued by what else you have to say.
2. Outline the problem you’ll be solving – break down the issue you’ll be solving and how exactly the video is going to run.
3. Give the solution – show your audience how you fix the issue, and how they can also fix it, remembering to keep things simple and easy to follow.
4. Summary and CTA – sum up everything you’ve covered, so it sticks in your viewers’ minds, then give them a call to action, so they have some direction going forward.

The type of content you share in your vlogs will mean this structure varied in propriety for you. Secondly, sticking very strictly to a script may not work for you. You can go off-piste and improvise a little if you’re comfortable. It’s also important not to sound too stiff or robotic when using a script.

Whether you use a full-blown script, or more of a prompt sheet behind the camera, we’ve got some handy hints to help you engage your audience with content that flows.

Show your Style

If you’re a beginner vlogger, it can be difficult to find your style right away. A lot of what you do will be inspired by vloggers you admire. Taking ideas from other creators in your niche is helpful up to a point. You shouldn’t try and copy them too closely – they already exist so why try and replicate them.

Identify things that make you different from your vlogging heroes, and highlight this. These characteristics could be the thing that make you somebody’s favourite fashion vlogger or games content creator. This will help you avoid blending too much into the background of the vlogging world.

Be Relatable

When sharing the solution to the problem you’re addressing with your audience, it helps to be relatable. This is something that can easily be overlooked when riffing, but writing scripts for can lock in to your content.

Helping your audience to relate to you will create a connection between yourself and them. They’ll trust your word much more, and value your advice and help. In terms of vlogging and a content creation career, this equates to increased views, more subscribers, and more revenue.

You can be relatable by simply sharing your own personal experiences. You’re probably sharing how to solve a problem with your audience because you’ve been through it yourself, and wished you’d been giving advice before. Sharing your account helps viewers to place you in the real world, just like one of their friends or family. This should keep them coming back to your content for more.

Don’t Skip the CTA

When writing scripts for vlogs, people tend to get very hung up on the hook and intro, and forget about the ending. It’s important not to just trail off at the end of a video. Doing this can leave your audience feeling lacklustre and unsure of what to do with the information they’ve just received.

Depending on your overall goal, you should give viewers a clear and compelling call to action. If your aim is to increase engagement on your YouTube channel, you can urge viewers to comment with their own experiences, opinions, or alternative takes.

Using features like YouTube cards paired with a CTA is great if your aim is to increase views and keep people on your channel. If you’ve got a video that relates to the one you’re wrapping up, you can direct viewers there. Creating a content web on YouTube is an incredibly reliable way to boost your analytics as well as authority.

In Summary

Writing scripts for vlogs might seem like adding extra effort to your content creation process, but it will pay off in dividends.

Once you get used to structuring the video and find a rhythm you’re happy with, the writing process will become much quicker. You’ll be able to cover a range of topics without having to start from scratch each time with your script. Although, be careful not to fall into the trap of sounding too formulaic and predictable.

Using a well-written script will ensure your content is clear, concise, and valuable. If you keep sharing videos like this with people, they’re going to keep coming back to you.