Did you know that more than 2 billion people get on YouTube each month? YouTube is one of the largest search engines in the world. It provides an amazing opportunity to meet new people, grow your brand, and earn a monthly income.
You might be surprised to learn how much money the top YouTube channels earn. In 2020, Mr. Beast made approximately 24 million dollars with his YouTube channel. The good news is that with some effort, you have the opportunity to earn that much as well!
Are you wondering how to start a YouTube channel? Keep reading for 8 tips to help you learn how to start a successful YouTube channel.
1. Determine the Focus of Your Channel
Before you start your YouTube channel, you need to determine what your channel is going to be about. What type of videos do you want to make? Is there an audience for that type of video?
While you can make your YouTube channel broad and make videos about a variety of different topics, the YouTube channels that grow the fastest start out with a narrow scope.
This is because YouTube determines those channels to be an expert in their topic, and YouTube is more likely to show those videos in search results.
Whether you decide to niche down or have a general YouTube channel, you should have a good idea of your target audience. If your audience is moms that love to travel, you should make videos about traveling with kids instead of traveling solo.
2. Set up Your Youtube Channel
Once you have determined what your YouTube channel is going to be about, you can set up your channel. Setting up a YouTube channel is simple, and all you need is a Google account.
Once you have set up your account, you should customize the aesthetics of your channel. YouTube allows you to edit your cover photo and personal icon.
These should match your brand and the vibe of your channel because they are the first thing viewers will notice when they visit your channel.
3. Have the Right Equipment
The next thing you need to do is make sure you have all the right equipment for starting a YouTube channel. If you don’t have a lot of money, it is okay to start by using your cell phone and laptop.
Eventually, you will want to invest in new equipment. Having good equipment is what sets apart mediocre YouTube channels and successful YouTube channels.
Here is some useful equipment to help you make higher quality YouTube videos:
- Mirrorless or DSLR camera
- Tri-pod
- Studio lighting
- Lenses
- Microphone
While you don’t have to start with this equipment, it will make the sound and video quality of your videos much better.
4. Create a Content Calendar
One of the hardest parts of starting a YouTube channel is staying consistent. Creating a content calendar will allow you to plan your content and stick to a consistent publishing schedule.
To create a content calendar, decide how often you want to upload a video. The more often you upload videos, the more likely you are to be found. Don’t try to upload too much or you may experience burnout.
5. Optimize for Search Results
Did you know that YouTube is a search engine? Because YouTube is a search engine, you have to optimize your videos so that viewers can find them. Like with internet search engines, you need keywords.
For example, if you plan on making a video about cooking lasagna, your title should be something like “How to Make Lasagna” instead of “Time to Cook.” This will allow people that are interested in making lasagna to find your YouTube video.
You should include your keywords in the video title and video description.
6. Market on Social Media
One of the best ways for viewers to find your YouTube channel is through search results, but it can take a while for YouTube to start showing your videos. What should you do to promote your videos in the meantime?
One of the best ways for you to start marketing your YouTube videos is through social media. Social media marketing makes it easier to connect with your target audience and allows you to get to know them.
When you are first starting, try to focus on one or two social media platforms. Trying to grow them all is too overwhelming. Choose the platforms that are most fitting for your audience.
Even though you should only start with a couple of social media platforms, it is a good idea to reserve your name on all platforms. This will ensure that no one uses your name, and you can use it in the future if you want to.
7. Interact With Your Subscribers
Subscribers are one of the most important parts of any YouTube channel. They are your biggest fans, they allow your channel to grow, and eventually, they will make you money.
Because subscribers are so important, you should try to interact with them as much as possible. When you release a new YouTube video, stick around to respond to their comments. When they ask you questions through social media, answer their questions.
Building a solid relationship with your subscribers will allow them to trust you. They will look forward to every new video you upload!
8. Ignore Negative Comments
While most YouTube comments are helpful or friendly, some are not. No matter what you do, you will eventually experience negative comments if your YouTube channel continues to grow.
Some of the comments are good feedback, but others are hurtful and untrue. If you get any of these comments, delete them. Don’t let them bring you down.
Are You Ready to Start a YouTube Channel?
Starting a YouTube channel is a great way to grow your audience, build your brand, and make a full-time income. Because there are so many YouTuber’s, you should use these tips to help your channel stand out from the rest.
Are you ready to start a YouTube channel? If so, check out these 7 video editing apps for YouTubers!
