Start Your Channel with a Few Videos

There are advantages to launching your channel with a few videos on your channel. While some users may start subscribing with an almost empty channel and wish for a brighter day, others may be hesitant to subscribe to a channel that doesn’t appear to be consistent with its uploads. Consumers are also likely to look for videos that they want to watch. If you have multiple of those down to only maybe two, the likelihood of them clicking on one of your videos is then very high. Try to launch with at least three videos if at all possible. Eventually maybe your channel only has one video, but it may be easier to engage the viewer when they have multiple videos to watch on a similar topic.

Promotional Strategy

Once you have 7-10 videos loaded on your channel, you can begin to invite your list and social media networks to engage with the videos and give you thumbs up or leave some comments or suggestions. A good promotional strategy means that you have engaged in plenty of calls to action during the video, and ended with a call to action to engage your audiences. Notify them that they can find the video where to subscribe. Also, tell them that they can hit the notification bell so they can be the first to be alerted when you post new content to your channel.

Building High-Quality Content with Consistency

It goes without saying that quality matters. If your videos are badly filmed, have no focus, or are irrelevant, your audience will skip to the next video. You don’t need the latest and greatest gear, but you should be striving for clear imagery and clear audio. The value in the content is more important anyway. Your content should educate, entertain, inspire, or solve an issue. Once you have that quality, then you can be consistent.

Using SEO to make your content discoverable

Even though YouTube isn’t actually a search engine, it still functions like one. Optimizing your content is key to getting it seen. Tools like TubeBuddy or vidIQ can be a great way to find keywords that your audience is searching for.

Connecting with Your Audience

YouTube is more than just a platform to share content; it is a community. If someone feels like you have acknowledged what they have said, they will stay and support you. All those calls to action (CTAs) – “like, comment, and subscribe” – are helpful, but don’t make them too forced – be natural and authentic. You can also connect with your audience through community posts, polls, or live streams, giving you a chance to engage more personally and in real time.

Analyzing Your Analytics

YouTube Studio has lots of powerful analytics to show you what’s working for you, and what’s not. If a lot of viewers drop off early in your videos, maybe your introductions are dragging on too long. If one video is doing significantly better than the rest in a given period of time, look into that. What was the topic, title, or thumbnail of that content? Utilizing these will allow you to improve your content strategy and make informed decisions.

Collaborating and Networking

Collaboration is a clear method to expedite channel growth.  As a result, both creators grow their visibility and credibility. But networking matters outside of collaboration too! A good activity to do is engage with creators on social media, find Youtube communities, and engage in conversations. Building relationships with creators not only opens you up to new opportunities but also can keep you informed with the trends of the platform and fresh ideas.

Staying Flexible and Patient

YouTube is always changing and trends shift quickly. What works today may not work tomorrow. This is a part of the reason for staying flexible, to ensure you are consistent and relevant. Keep an eye out for trending content, but also continue to develop different types of content too. Whether that is Shorts, tutorials, or vlogs, consider how you can sample formats in your niche. However, be mindful when you take the trends that you don’t take them blindly. You will need to adapt the trends to meet your own niche and style. Along with being flexible, patience is just as important.

Monetization & Long-Term Strategy

Once your channel begins to grow, monetization will be a natural milestone. But this will never be the first thing you want to focus on. First to grow your audience and find a way to bring value to their lives through your content. Monetization, through ads, sponsorships, membership, merchandise, etc. will come later. Think long-term! Even if your channel is successful, success is not measured by numbers alone. Success is measured by impact, and if your videos are genuinely helping or entertaining people, your success is sustainable.