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Start for freeThe Journey from Struggling Actor to YouTube Success
Five years ago, I found myself in a Los Angeles audition room, surrounded by 300 other hopefuls. After a grueling five-hour wait, I finally got my chance, only to deliver a lackluster performance due to exhaustion. Walking back to my car, I discovered a parking ticket - the final straw in a series of disappointments.
In that moment, I made a decision that would change my life: I would leave Los Angeles and start my own YouTube channel. This wasn't just about creating content; it was about taking control of my destiny and telling stories on my own terms.
Within a year of setting this intention, my channel grew from a few thousand subscribers to 180,000. Now, with half a million subscribers and a coaching program to help others grow their channels, I've learned valuable lessons about what it takes to succeed on YouTube.
In this article, I'll share 10 powerful strategies that can help you achieve similar growth. If you apply these principles consistently, you could potentially reach 100,000 subscribers within a year. Let's dive in.
1. Create Rules That Make You Act Like a Pro
When I started my YouTube journey, I set a non-negotiable rule: I would upload two videos every week, without fail. This meant a new video every Sunday and Wednesday, regardless of circumstances. Over the course of a year, I managed to upload 99 videos, missing only one scheduled post.
This self-imposed schedule did more than just increase my output - it instilled a sense of creative discipline. For each upload, I asked myself: "What video can I create that best represents my brand and will attract the most subscribers and viewers?" This approach pushed me to consistently deliver high-quality content.
Maintaining this schedule wasn't easy. At the time, I was still working a full-time job as an SEO specialist, often driving 45 minutes each way. This meant late nights editing until 3 AM to meet my self-imposed deadlines. But this commitment to my craft paid off in the long run.
Creating rules for yourself extends beyond just upload schedules. It involves treating yourself like a professional athlete of content creation. This might mean:
- Refraining from alcohol to maintain mental clarity
- Ensuring you get a workout in each day to boost energy and creativity
- Staying hydrated to keep your mind sharp
The key is to approach your content creation with the same dedication and discipline as a professional athlete approaching their sport.
2. Niche by Emotion, Not Subject
Many creators get hung up on defining their niche too narrowly by subject matter. They worry that straying from their declared topic will alienate their audience. However, the reality is that viewers are often more attracted to the emotional experience a creator provides rather than the specific subject matter.
Consider popular creators like Peter McKinnon or Hamza. While they may have started in specific niches like filmmaking or self-improvement, their audiences stay for the emotional experience they provide. Peter McKinnon's viewers aren't just there for filmmaking tips; they're there for Peter McKinnon himself - his energy, his style, his approach to life.
Similarly, Hamza's audience might not care whether he's talking about bodybuilding, dating advice, or personal development. They're there for the motivational kick, the no-nonsense approach, and the push to improve themselves.
When defining your niche, focus on the emotional experience you want to provide your audience. Are you the motivational friend? The wise mentor? The relatable peer? This emotional niche will allow you more flexibility in your content while still maintaining a consistent brand.
3. Break Down Your Video into Section Points
Structuring your video content is crucial for maintaining viewer engagement. Breaking your video down into clear sections or points serves several purposes:
- It gives viewers confidence that you've planned your content
- It helps retain attention by providing a clear roadmap
- It makes your content more digestible and easier to follow
When you introduce your video, briefly outline the main points you'll be covering. This gives viewers an idea of what to expect and encourages them to stick around for the full video.
For example, in this article, I've broken down the content into 10 distinct strategies. This structure allows readers (or viewers, in the case of a video) to easily follow along and anticipate what's coming next.
This approach is similar to writing a five-paragraph essay in school. There's a reason teachers emphasize this structure - it's an effective way to deliver information clearly and coherently.
Additionally, with YouTube's timestamp feature, breaking your video into sections makes it easier for viewers to navigate to the parts they're most interested in, potentially increasing overall watch time.
4. Build a Premise at the Start of Each Video
Building a premise means setting the stage for your video by explaining how you arrived at the topic or why it's important. It's about creating context and emotional investment for your viewers.
For instance, I started this article by sharing my personal journey from struggling actor to successful YouTuber. This serves multiple purposes:
- It creates an emotional connection with the audience
- It establishes credibility (I've been through the struggle and found success)
- It provides context for why these strategies matter
A strong premise can earn you extra minutes of watch time because viewers understand the deeper significance of what you're sharing. It's not just about the information; it's about the journey and the emotional stakes involved.
One of my favorite examples of effective premise-building comes from Eric Conover's video "I worked out like Chris Hemsworth for 30 days." Instead of jumping straight into the workout challenge, Eric starts by sharing a personal health crisis that led him to prioritize his fitness. This emotional foundation makes the rest of the video more impactful and relatable.
When crafting your premise, ask yourself:
- Why does this topic matter to me?
- What personal experience led me to this point?
- How can I make the viewer care about this topic as much as I do?
5. Understand That the Algorithm is Just Human Beings
Many creators view the YouTube algorithm as a mysterious, possibly malevolent force that's difficult to understand or navigate. However, it's important to remember that at its core, the algorithm is simply a reflection of human preferences and behaviors.
Instead of trying to "crack" the algorithm, focus on creating content that resonates with real people. Study successful videos in your niche and ask yourself:
- Why do people like this content?
- What emotions does it evoke?
- How does it keep viewers engaged?
Trust your instincts as a viewer. If you find yourself genuinely excited about a video you've created, chances are others will feel the same way. This authenticity often translates into better performance in the algorithm.
Remember, you don't need to rely solely on analytics to understand how your content is performing. Watch your own videos critically. Ask yourself:
- At what point do I start to lose interest?
- Which parts excite me the most?
- Does the pacing feel right?
Your honest answers to these questions can be just as valuable as any analytics data.
6. Invest in Professional Thumbnails
In today's YouTube landscape, your role as a content creator is as much about being a "professional movie poster maker" as it is about creating the actual video content. Thumbnails and titles play a crucial role in attracting viewers and can significantly impact your video's performance.
While improving your on-camera presence and video quality takes time, you can immediately enhance your channel's appeal by investing in professional thumbnails. Even if you lack the necessary Photoshop skills, you can easily outsource this task.
Consider hiring a professional thumbnail designer through platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or specialized services like Thumbnail Wizard. The cost typically ranges from $10 to $40 per thumbnail, but the return on investment can be substantial.
When designing thumbnails, aim for:
- Visual appeal: Your thumbnail should stand out in a sea of other videos
- Relevance: It should accurately represent your video's content
- Intrigue: It should make viewers curious about your video
- Brand consistency: Your thumbnails should have a consistent style that becomes recognizable to your audience
Study the thumbnails of successful creators in your niche for inspiration, but avoid direct imitation. Channels worth studying for their thumbnail design include James Jani, Johnny Harris, and Nathaniel Drew.
Remember, your thumbnail is essentially a movie poster for your video. It should be visually striking, tell a story, and compel viewers to click.
7. Speak with Authenticity, Don't Perform
One of the most powerful tools you have as a content creator is your authentic voice. Viewers have an incredible capacity to detect when someone is speaking honestly and authentically, and they're drawn to that genuineness.
When you're on camera, imagine you're speaking to a close friend or family member. This approach helps you maintain a natural, conversational tone that viewers find engaging and relatable.
Casey Neistat is an excellent example of this approach. He often begins his videos as if he's continuing a conversation with the viewer, creating an immediate sense of familiarity and intimacy.
Avoid putting on a "performance" or adopting an unnatural persona. Speak as you would in real life, with your natural enthusiasm, humor, and personality shining through. This authenticity will help you build a stronger connection with your audience and keep them coming back for more.
8. Prioritize Audio Quality Over Video Quality
While high-quality visuals can enhance your content, audio quality is far more critical for retaining viewers. Poor audio can quickly drive viewers away, even if your visual content is stunning.
Invest in a good quality microphone and learn basic audio editing techniques. Clear, crisp audio makes your content more professional and easier to consume, especially for viewers who might be listening while multitasking.
Remember, many viewers are there primarily for the information or story you're sharing. They can forgive less-than-perfect visuals, but poor audio quality can make your content unwatchable.
Focus on:
- Using a good quality microphone
- Recording in a quiet environment
- Learning basic audio editing to remove background noise and balance levels
- Ensuring your voice is clear and easy to understand
9. Use Varied Content Phrases to Retain Viewer Attention
"Content phrases" refer to different ways of presenting information within your video. By varying these phrases, you can keep your content fresh and engaging, even when discussing a single topic.
Some examples of content phrases include:
- Direct-to-camera speaking
- Voice-over narration
- B-roll footage with narration
- Vlog-style casual filming
- Interview segments
- Animated explainers
- Comedy sketches
By switching between these different styles, you can maintain viewer interest and cater to different learning preferences. This variety also demonstrates your versatility as a creator and can make your content feel more dynamic and professional.
10. Work Harder and Smarter Than 99.9% of People
The final and perhaps most crucial principle is simple but often overlooked: success on YouTube requires an extraordinary level of effort and dedication.
The vast majority of aspiring YouTubers don't put in the necessary work to succeed. By committing to working both harder and smarter than your competition, you dramatically increase your chances of success.
This means:
- Consistently creating and uploading content
- Continuously learning and improving your skills
- Studying successful channels and adapting their strategies
- Being willing to experiment and pivot when necessary
- Persevering through setbacks and slow periods
Remember, overnight success on YouTube is extremely rare. Most successful creators have put in years of consistent effort before seeing significant results.
Conclusion: Your YouTube Journey Begins Now
Succeeding on YouTube is not about having a single viral hit or stumbling upon a magic formula. It's about consistent effort, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for creating content that resonates with your audience.
By implementing these ten strategies - from creating professional rules for yourself to speaking with authenticity, from mastering your audio to working harder than the competition - you're setting yourself up for long-term success on the platform.
Remember, the journey of a thousand subscribers begins with a single video. Start implementing these strategies today, and you might be surprised at how quickly your channel can grow.
Whether you're aiming to turn your YouTube channel into a full-time career or simply want to share your passion with the world, these principles can help you achieve your goals. So grab your camera, set up your microphone, and start creating. Your audience is waiting for you.
Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwz_4D8T-kg
