EP 014 | What I learned after publishing 100 videos on YouTube
Podcast Summary
In this episode, I’m sharing my journey of creating and posting 100 YouTube videos. We’ll talk about starting simple, learning all about strategy, and getting better at making videos that help you market your small business. Whether you're just curious or you’re also creating content, join me as we laugh about the bumps along the way and celebrate the wins.
Episode Highlights
00:00 - Celebrating 100 YouTube Videos: Lessons & Strategies
00:41 - The Humble Beginnings: My First YouTube Video
01:39 - The Turning Point: First Video That Popped Off
01:57 - Growth Strategy and Equipment Evolution
04:30 - Channel Strategy and Subscriber Milestones
06:11 - 2024 Strategy: Focusing on Growth and Optimization
08:29 - Monetization: A Secondary Goal
09:22 - 5 Rapid Fire YouTube Tips for Success
100 Videos Later: Key Lessons from My YouTube Journey
Reaching the milestone of 100 YouTube videos feels both surreal and exhilarating. Each video has been a stepping stone in a journey filled with learning and unexpected challenges. I want to share the most crucial lessons I've picked up along the way, lessons that have shaped not only my content but also how I connect with my audience.
Want to start your YouTube journey? Start SIMPLE!
My YouTube journey began with nothing more than an iPhone in hand and a simple idea. The first videos were far from perfect—shaky footage, inconsistent audio, and natural lighting that was anything but flattering. Yet, these videos were invaluable.
They taught me the critical lesson that perfection is not a prerequisite for starting. What matters most is taking that first step. You don't need the fanciest equipment to make an impact. Use what you have available, and just get going. The key is to begin!
Prioritize VALUE in your long-form video content
One of my early videos, which I casually uploaded without much expectation, surprisingly gained a lot of traction. It wasn’t filmed with a high-end camera nor edited by a professional, but it offered straightforward, valuable tips that my audience could immediately apply.
This experience was an eye-opener: content that provides real value captures attention and retains interest. From then on, I focused on ensuring that each video I posted had a clear, valuable takeaway for my viewers, whether it was a how-to guide, life hacks, or professional insights.
Upgrade the quality over time
In the beginning, I didn’t stress over using the latest camera or microphone. However, as more people watched and commented, I began to understand the importance of quality. Each piece of feedback was a lesson in what was working and what wasn’t.
I started making incremental upgrades—first the audio, as clear sound is crucial, then the lighting, and eventually, a better camera. This gradual enhancement wasn’t just about improving video quality; it was about respecting my audience’s viewing experience.
Learning from each video’s performance also taught me to dive into YouTube analytics. Understanding metrics like watch time, viewer demographics, and engagement patterns helped me tailor my content more effectively, ensuring that my videos resonated well with my audience.
Want your videos to perform well? RESEARCH!
Creating engaging content requires more than just talking in front of a camera. It involves understanding your audience, planning your topics, and presenting ideas in an engaging way. Early on, my videos were spontaneous, often unscripted chats. While spontaneity has its charm, I learned the importance of a well-structured video.
Planning doesn’t mean scripting every word; rather, it’s about having a clear outline. What are the key points? What is the call to action? How will I keep the viewer engaged? Answering these questions beforehand makes the actual filming smoother and the video more coherent and engaging.
Consistency > EVERYTHING on YouTube
If there's one thing more important than starting, it's continuing. Consistency has been the backbone of my YouTube success. Initially, I posted sporadically, but I soon realized the power of a regular schedule. Viewers began to anticipate new releases, and I noticed an increase in engagement and subscriber count whenever I posted consistently.
Consistency isn’t just about frequency; it’s also about maintaining a standard of quality. My viewers know they can expect well-thought-out, informative content that looks and sounds good. This reliability builds trust and fosters a loyal community.
The BIG goal: Posting 100 videos
Reflecting on these 100 videos, I see more than just individual content pieces; I see a narrative of growth and connection. These videos have allowed me to connect with people worldwide, sharing knowledge, learning from feedback, and improving with each upload.
For those considering starting their channel or looking to improve their current one, remember that your unique voice and perspective are your greatest assets. Equip them with simplicity in execution, a commitment to providing value, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
Thank you for being part of my journey. Here’s to the next 100 videos, filled with more learning, sharing, and growing together. I can't wait to see where this adventure takes us next!