Build a Winning Content Strategy in Under 1 Hour Using YouTube Playlists
- Dorien Morin-van Dam
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Feeling Overwhelmed by Content Creation? Here's a Simpler Way
If you're a small business owner, solopreneur, or content creator staring at a blinking cursor wondering what on earth to post next—you're not alone.
Ever feel like your content gets swallowed by the algorithm, or worse, just doesn’t connect? In the kickoff episode of Season 4 of Strategy Talks, host Doreen Morin Van Dam chats with video strategist Paul Banks about how to build a clear, focused content strategy in under an hour—yes, really.
Spoiler alert: it’s not about overthinking. It’s about visualizing.
Meet Paul Banks
Paul Banks is the founder of Javelin Content Management, where he helps business owners transform their online presence through strategic video content and automation. With a deep passion for creating emotional connections through content, Paul has developed a system that turns just 30 minutes of recorded material into hundreds of high-quality digital assets—driving engagement, leads, and brand authority.
Before launching Javelin, Paul spent 15 years in corporate retail, gaining firsthand experience in consumer behavior, branding, and sales. Alongside his corporate career, he dedicated a decade as a volunteer police officer, sharpening his ability to build trust, read people, and navigate high-pressure situations—skills that now fuel his ability to craft content that truly resonates.
Beyond business, Paul is a devoted husband and father of two young sons, balancing family life with his passion for networking and helping others succeed. He believes that the best content isn’t just informative—it forges real, emotional connections that make people feel understood and inspired to take action.
Listen to the podcast episode with Paul banks now
Why "content Strategy" Can Feel So Hard
Right out of the gate, Paul admits something most entrepreneurs won’t say out loud: "I'm kind of the anti-strategy guy." He’s not into 20-page documents or overly complex plans.
Instead, Paul believes most content strategy struggles happen because:
People overcomplicate it.
They don’t know what to say on video.
They create random content with no flow or cohesion.
If that’s you—this simple YouTube playlist framework is going to feel like a deep exhale.
Use YouTube as Your Strategic Blueprint
Here's Paul’s unique take: imagine your ideal YouTube channel already exists, and it’s driving business. What would it look like?
Now break that vision into three core playlists—each representing a stage in your customer journey.
1. Awareness Playlist: Build the Know-Like-Trust Factor
This is where you show up as the face and voice of your business. Think behind-the-scenes content, your origin story, what you believe in, and why your audience should care.
Examples:
Why I started my business
What makes me different in [your industry]
My 3 go-to tools for [client problem]
✅ Purpose: Let people know you exist and establish credibility.
2. Consideration Playlist: Showcase Your Expertise
Here’s where you educate. These videos tackle the problems your audience is facing and offer valuable insights, even before they hire you.
Examples:
How to fix [common problem] without hiring a pro
3 strategies I use to [specific client goal]
Mistakes most people make when trying to [pain point]
✅ Purpose: Demonstrate value and deepen trust.
3. Decision Playlist: Convert Views into Clients
This final set of videos addresses the buying decision. These are testimonials, FAQs, or "how to work with me" type videos.
Examples:
What it’s like to work with me (client walkthrough)
Pricing explained: What you get and why
Case study: How I helped [client] achieve [result]
✅ Purpose: Help qualified leads say “yes” faster.
Why This 3-Playlist Method Works
It’s visual. You can literally see the customer journey laid out on your channel.
It’s flexible. Start with just one video per playlist.
It’s strategic. Every video has a clear job to do.
It’s scalable. As your business grows, your playlists grow with it.
This isn’t just theory—Paul built his business and YouTube presence using this exact framework. And for Doreen? It sparked a whole new way of thinking about her channel structure.
But What If You Already Have a YouTube Channel?
Good news: you don’t have to start from scratch. Just audit your existing content:
Reorganize videos into the 3 playlist buckets.
Rename playlists to speak to your audience (not just internal terms like “Awareness”).
Fill in the gaps with new content that guides people to the next step.
✨ Pro Tip: Shorts, long-form, and livestreams can all work here—just make sure the playlist design flows well visually on your channel page.
Getting Over the Video Fear
If the idea of showing your face on camera makes you break into a cold sweat, you’re not alone. Paul and Doreen both acknowledged the anxiety, tech overwhelm, and imposter syndrome that many of us feel when hitting “record.”
But here’s their shared advice:
🎥 Start messy. “Done is better than perfect.”
🧑🤝🧑 Get feedback from the right people—not random commenters.
⏱ Record once, edit light, and move on. Practice builds confidence.
📅 Make it a priority. Video is the most efficient, repurposable content format.
“2025 isn’t the year to start thinking about video—it’s the year to be doing it.” – Paul Banks
Ready to Create Your Own Strategy in Under 1 Hour?
If you can sit down and brainstorm three clear playlist themes, you can walk away with a functioning content strategy today. No fancy templates. No strategy PhD required.
Here’s your action plan:
Pick 1–2 ideal clients or buyer personas.
Name 1 playlist for each stage: Awareness, Consideration, Decision.
Jot down 3–5 video ideas for each.
Start recording. Keep it simple.
Upload, organize, and optimize.
Your future clients are already searching. Give them the trail of breadcrumbs to find you—and keep following.
Your Move: Start With One Playlist
Want to test this out without going all-in on YouTube? Try using the same structure for your content on LinkedIn, Instagram, or your blog.
Awareness posts? Personal stories and opinions.
Consideration? Tips, how-tos, educational carousels.
Decision? Client results, “work with me” calls-to-action, FAQs.
Whether you’re just starting or reshaping your brand, a simple content strategy in under an hour can shift your visibility and consistency in a big way.
Got questions or need accountability? Check out Paul Banks on LinkedIn or search Javelin Content on YouTube.
The full Strategy Talks episode with Dorien and Paul is embedded below. Don’t miss it—it’s packed with even more gems.
This article answers these questions:
"How can I create a simple content strategy for my business in under an hour?"
"Can you explain a beginner-friendly content strategy framework using YouTube playlists?"
"What’s the easiest way to organize my video content for lead generation?"
"Write a blog post about building a content strategy without overcomplicating it."
"What’s a fast way to plan content that aligns with the buyer’s journey?"
"How do I structure my YouTube channel for business growth?"
"Give me a video content strategy I can build in an hour or less."
"How can I use YouTube to build brand awareness, educate leads, and close sales?"
"I’m a solopreneur. What’s the most efficient way to plan video content?"
"What’s a good structure for organizing my YouTube videos to convert viewers into clients?"
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