2 Years On YouTube: I Wish I Knew This Earlier

Starting a YouTube channel is an exciting journey, full of new experiences and opportunities. Reflecting on my own path, I wish I had realized the importance of not waiting too long to start. It took me six months after creating my personal brand to actually begin my channel, which delayed my progress. The key is to overcome procrastination and take that first step, but also to spend a little time figuring out the basics like your content focus and who your audience will be. Having a simple brand with a clear color palette and logo can help make your channel more recognizable.

Commitment to consistency is crucial. Over the past two years, I've put out content every week without missing a beat. Consistency builds up your channel over time, even though it's not a quick process. Watching my channel's progress has taught me that patience is necessary as this growth often happens slowly. Analyzing traffic sources early on can help guide your strategy. Understanding where views are coming from and ranking for keywords are key strategies. Persistence pays off when aiming to improve visibility on platforms like Google, helping your content reach more people.

Key Takeaways

• Start your channel early and define your audience.
• Consistency in content is essential for growth.
• Patience and data analysis aid in improving search visibility.

Beginning Your YouTube Journey

Stop Delaying, Just Begin

When I first thought about launching my YouTube channel, I kept putting it off. I spent six months building my personal brand before actually posting my first video. Looking back, I wish I had started sooner. The most important step is to dive in and begin, even if it’s just small steps at first.

Doing Initial Research

Before creating content, I realized the need for some basic research. Understanding what my channel should focus on was key. I spent time observing successful channels, especially their oldest videos, to see how they started and grew. This helped me form ideas about how to shape my channel.

Building Visual Consistency

Having a unified look for my channel was important. I took simple steps like choosing a color scheme and designing a logo, which was the only task I outsourced. This gave my channel a professional feel right from the start and made it memorable.

Finding The Right Audience

Knowing who I wanted to create content for was crucial. I focused on the people I wanted to help and the value I could offer them. This meant understanding their needs and how my videos could make a difference.

Being Dedicated To Making Videos

Consistency became a promise I made to myself. I committed to posting every week. This wasn’t just about uploading videos but also making sure the content was meaningful. Over time, this dedication is what helped my channel grow and reach more people.

Content Consistency and Growth

Steady Video Posting

I wish I had realized early on how crucial it is to post videos regularly. In the past two years, I've kept a weekly schedule without missing a week. It really pays off over time. Sticking to a consistent posting schedule is key for growth.

Building Long-Term Viewer Loyalty

Engaging viewers over the long haul is vital. I try different strategies, such as producing content that matches my audience’s interests, to maintain their loyalty. I've found that focusing on audience needs keeps them returning for more.

Analyzing Channel Data

Using YouTube analytics has been eye-opening. It allows me to track what works and what doesn’t. Evaluating my uploads helps me make improvements and develop content that can grab more attention.

Monitoring Viewing Duration and Subscriber Growth

Keeping an eye on watch time and subscriber rate is important. Watching these metrics over time shows whether my content is resonating with viewers. I've noticed trends that indicate growth, even if it’s slow and steady.

Modifying Money-Making Approaches

Experimenting with monetization strategies can impact channel growth. While ads can bring in revenue, they aren’t always beneficial for viewer experience. I’ve tested turning ads off on some main videos, which sometimes improves engagement. Balancing financial goals with viewer satisfaction is essential.

Insights on Engagement and Visibility

Reviewing Sources of Traffic

When I look into my channel analytics, I always start by examining where the viewers are coming from. Knowing whether they find me through search, suggested videos, or other sites helps me understand what strategies are working.

Using YouTube Search

A significant portion of my traffic comes from YouTube search. I spend time on keyword research to figure out which topics might be best for me to create videos on. Ranking well in these searches means more people discover my content.

Looking into Suggested Videos

Suggested videos have been a bit unpredictable for me. Sometimes my videos are recommended alongside much larger channels. This fluctuation can be tricky, but it's a great opportunity when it happens.

Increasing Traffic from External Sources

I also pay attention to traffic originating outside of YouTube, especially from Google. This is where patience really pays off. Over time, I’ve seen my content start ranking better in search engine results, which drives more views to my videos. My aim has always been to improve these external traffic figures, as they support the long-term growth of my channel.

Ranking on Google Search

Enhancing Google Search Position

To increase visibility on Google, it's crucial to focus on creating regular and valuable content. Starting as early as possible allows a head start, and each new piece of content adds to the potential for search engine visibility. Being consistent with weekly uploads helps maintain a steady presence. It's important not just to upload but to consider what the content should be about and how it aligns with the audience’s needs. This regular schedule contributes to a slow upward trend, as seen through analytics, showing an increase in important metrics such as watch time.

Making Use of Keywords for Better Results

Keywords play a significant role in ranking both on YouTube and Google. Conducting keyword research to identify which terms the audience frequently searches for can improve search results. It’s interesting to see how some of my videos, when searched with particular keywords on Google, appear before even the official website listings of well-known companies. As Google owns YouTube, video content often ranks higher than text-based content on Google's search engine. This enhances visibility beyond just YouTube search results.

Cross-Platform Ranking Analysis

When comparing ranking across both platforms, YouTube and Google, it's clear that video content enjoys a strong position on both. For instance, content I create often ranks high on Google under the video section, demonstrating the power of video content in search rankings. The visibility of videos above comprehensive articles is notable, and leveraging this can be a strategic advantage. The combined results from these platforms show how video content helps achieve better search engine placement, thus attracting more traffic.

Review of Performance and Future Plans

Analyzing Top Videos

Observing successful videos can reveal patterns for what works well. I focus on Zoom webinar and Hotjar tutorials, both ranking on Google and in YouTube searches. The Zoom webinar tutorial is especially noteworthy, consistently appearing near the top of search results. This visibility suggests that providing useful, relevant content can lead to high engagement.

Comprehending Google Video Positioning

Getting videos ranked on Google is crucial. When I searched terms like "Zoom webinar tutorial" and "Hotjar tutorial," I found my videos featured prominently, often above well-known brands. This shows how Google prioritizes video content now. Achieving such ranks involves being consistent and patient while optimizing content to align with these trends.

Reviewing Latest Data

Looking at analytics helps in fine-tuning strategies. I check metrics like watch time and traffic sources. My lifetime analytics indicate steady growth, with YouTube search and Google being major contributors. These insights reinforce the approach of continuous content creation paired with keyword research to sustain and improve visibility.

A steady, patient approach helps in getting consistent results. Traffic sources, mainly from YouTube search and external platforms like Google, continue to rise. Monitoring these areas guides where to focus future efforts, ensuring that content stays relevant and reaches the right audience.