4 Sketches To Clarify Jumbled Idea Messes
Sketching is essential for Making thing so that builders get an idea of what something looks like ahead of assembling components.
Almost all my favorite builds I've ever made started as a sketch in a pocket notebook. Not that the sketches have to be good (at least I hope not because mine are terrible). The rough little drawings have also helped highlight what won't work, what has to change, and what I haven't thought through enough.
As I've worked on my online business, I've gone back to my Maker roots and used 4 types of sketches to help clarify ideas.
Sketch 1: Product or Service Stack
As online businesses start, it's essential to have an idea of how customers and clients can flow through different product and service stacks.
Getting an idea of the different ways your audience hears about your offers, engages with you, which entry-level ones flow where, and what up and down sell options flow from each keeps you sane. Plus, even if you only have 1 offering so far, having an idea of the future guides decisions made now.
Sketch 2: One-Pager Ideation
Giving potential customers a sheet to help them visualize how things work and how much better they will be by purchasing is a great idea.
However, mocking them up is time consuming if starting from a blank canvas. Instead, sketch out the general areas to make sure you have everything in place so it flows well, then invest the time to create a pretty version.
Sketch 3: Video Background Concepts
Having an intentional background for both short and long content adds a level of professionalism and intention to content.
Instead of throwing things around video to video, sketch out a few ideas of what your ideal background would be, how you'd infuse your personality into it, where lighting would go, and how the room would feel. I say this like my background isn't currently a mess, but I have sketches to turn it into a smuggler's ship in the (hopefully) near future.
Sketch 4: Pillar Content Connections
Most content creators have heard about the concept of pillar content, which are different topic categories you talk about consistently.
Instead of having loose connections between pillars, sketch out how the ideas are related to each other, how they layer, what viewers need to know ahead of time, and how they can get to the next topic. Understanding these pillar interactions is especially helpful for YouTube content to increase watch session by recommending the right next video at the end of each.
