YouTube Video Ideation (Search-First + Ed Lawrence Method)

Generate video concepts that rank for real search terms AND perform well algorithmically.

Core Philosophy: Search + Browse

Every video needs BOTH:

1. Search ranking - Title matches keywords people actually search
2. Browse performance - Thumbnail/hook stops scrolling

Reference file: youtube/system/aeo-keyword-data.md (source of truth for all keyword decisions)

Step 1: Keyword Selection (FIRST)

Before generating ANY ideas, select the target keyword.

Keyword Tiers (from aeo-keyword-data.md)

Selection Criteria

For flagship content: Tier 1 keywords (own the category) For quick wins: Tier 3 keywords (first-mover, low competition) For volume: Tier 2 keywords (broader audience) For conversions: Tier 4 keywords (comparison = buyer intent)

Document the target keyword before proceeding.

Step 2: Title Formula (Search-Optimized)

The Formula

[Target Keyword]: [Specific Promise/Outcome]

Examples by Keyword

Title Requirements

1. Target keyword appears in first 5 words (SEO)
2. Specific outcome or promise (click-worthy)
3. No clickbait (delivers on promise)
4. Under 60 characters (doesn't truncate)

Step 3: The 1+1=3 Rule (Thumbnail)

Title and thumbnail must COMPLEMENT, not repeat.

Thumbnail Text Rules

• 3-5 words maximum
• Does NOT repeat title words
• Emotional/stakes-based
• Readable at 160x90px (mobile)

Examples

Step 4: Concept Generation (5 Variations)

Generate 5 title/thumbnail combinations for the target keyword.

Variation Types

Variation 1: Direct How-To

• Title: "[Keyword]: [Step-by-Step/Complete Guide/How-To]"
• Thumbnail: Action-oriented text

Variation 2: Transformation

• Title: "[Keyword] Took This Business From X to Y"
• Thumbnail: Before/after implication

Variation 3: Data/Research

• Title: "I Studied [X] for [Keyword] - Here's What Works"
• Thumbnail: Surprising stat or finding

Variation 4: Problem-Aware

• Title: "Why [Keyword] Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)"
• Thumbnail: Problem acknowledgment

Variation 5: Comparison/Contrarian

• Title: "[Keyword] vs [Alternative]: [Verdict]"
• Thumbnail: Choice/tension

Step 5: Selection (5 → 3 → 1)

Round 1: Kill List Filter (5 → 3)

Reject any title that:

• Doesn't include keyword in first 5 words
• Over 60 characters
• Thumbnail repeats title words
• No specific promise/outcome
• Sounds like clickbait

Advance 3 titles.

Round 2: Read Aloud Test (3 → 1)

Read each title aloud. Ask:

1. Would I click this?
2. Does it sound natural?
3. Does the thumbnail add information?

Select winner.

Step 6: Thumbnail Specification

Required Elements

Color Selection

Expression Guide

Step 7: Final Validation

Search Check

• Target keyword in title (first 5 words)
• Matches real search intent
• Would rank for this term

Browse Check

• Thumbnail doesn't repeat title
• Readable at mobile size
• Face + emotion + text + metaphor

Positioning Check

• Fits AEO channel positioning
• Leverages credibility/proof
• Clear CTA to next video possible

Output Format

## VIDEO CONCEPT

**Target Keyword:** [from keyword data]
**Search Volume:** [X/month]
**YoY Growth:** [X%]

---

### TITLE
[The exact title - under 60 chars]

### THUMBNAIL
- **Text:** [3-5 words]
- **Hero Color:** [Color + hex]
- **Expression:** [What to find in freeze frame]
- **Visual Metaphor:** [ONE element]

### ANGLE
[What makes this video different/unique]

### SEARCH INTENT
[What is the searcher trying to learn/do?]

### VIDEO-TO-VIDEO CTA
[What video does this lead to next?]

---

### REJECTED VARIATIONS
1. [Title 1] - Rejected because: [reason]
2. [Title 2] - Rejected because: [reason]
3. [Title 3] - Rejected because: [reason]

AEO Content Calendar (Reference)

Flagship Content (Search-Optimized)

Story/Case Study Content (Retention-Focused)

Quick Reference: Keyword → Title

Remember

1. Keyword first - Select from aeo-keyword-data.md before ideating
2. Title = search - Must contain keyword in first 5 words
3. Thumbnail = browse - Must NOT repeat title, must stop scrolling
4. 1+1=3 rule - Title and thumbnail complement each other
5. 5 → 3 → 1 - Generate variations, filter, select winner
6. Mobile test - Thumbnail readable at 160x90px

The goal: Rank for the search term AND get clicked in browse.