We are all aware of the powerful impact that YouTube has had upon our society. However, some facts and figures will undoubtedly reinforce this observation. Did you know that there are currently more than 1.3 billion registered YouTube users around the world? It is perhaps even more startling to learn that approximately 300 hours of video are uploaded every minute! So, this medium certainly shows no signs of slowing down. This is why you might be curious to learn how to make a YouTube channel that attracts visitors and is able to earn you a lucrative side income. Let’s take some time to break this process down into a handful of easily digestible steps in order to take the guesswork out of the equation.
Mental and Logistical Preparation: The Basics
One of the most common mistakes that individuals will make is failing to identify the reason behind their YouTube channel. Are you looking to earn an income or is the portal intended solely for entertainment purposes? Answering this basic question will impact your efforts in the future, so be sure to remain clear about your desires.
You will then need to choose a niche sector that you believe will draw in visitors. This can be a bit tricky, as trending topics tend to change on occasion. Still, some tried-and-true areas to consider include:
– Do-it-yourself videos
– Gaming and movie reviews
– Viral topics such as celebrities and lifestyles
– Marketing your own unique product or service to the general public
Assuming that you have developed a clear game plan, you will need to register with YouTube. This can be accomplished in a matter of minutes and all that will be initially required is a valid email address. You can then begin to upload any existing videos or to create new content. This brings us to our next point.
How often should you post? In the beginning, most experts agree that more is better. This is due to the fact that channels which frequently upload content will appear higher within the YouTube search results. In other words, you can expect to enjoy more exposure. This is obviously key if you hope to develop a loyal following. While posting videos on a daily basis might be logistically challenging (especially if this is a part-time venture), you should still try to upload fresh content at least three or four times every week.
Making Money off of Your Hard Work
Now that we have covered the basics of setting up a YouTube channel, how can you earn money off of your efforts? The first concept to keep in mind is that achieving the greatest number of subscribers is critical. This is why each video should contain some type of call to action such as:
– “Be sure to like, share and subscribe”
– “Click here to subscribe and to keep up to date”
The key here is that users do not wish to feel as if they are blatantly being “sold” a product. While a call to action is necessary, make sure that it is discrete and that it does not detract from the quality of the content that you are presenting.
We will now need to cover the concept of YouTube monetization via the use of affiliate links. Affiliate links will often appear at the bottom of a YouTube video. Users who click on this link will then be taken to a third-party website. Assuming that the remain on the page for a predetermined period of time or they make a purchasing, you will be provided a small percentage of the associated commission. Still, keep in mind that this figure is far less than one percent. This is why attracting as many followers as possible is critical.
Attracting YouTube followers is actually easier than you may think. While subscribing to similar channels within your genre can create useful “buzz” within the immediate community, always remember that there are many additional tools at your disposal. This is when the concept of cross-channel marketing will come into play. Be sure to promote your YouTube channel across other portals such as blogs, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. This type of exposure will prove to be invaluable when receiving a higher number of inbound hits. You can also encourage your viewers to share the content with their immediate friends and online connections. The main takeaway point is that the success of any YouTube channel is all about the numbers. Those who are able to cement a large and loyal following are much more likely to enjoy success.
Please note that this is only a basic guide and that you can always tailor the methods above in order to suit your unique requirements. Still, success could be only a click away!