YouTube is the second most visited site on the web. It has almost 2 billion monthly users and watches videos in more than 80 languages. This growing audience makes specializing in YouTube a must for any marketer.
But how do you get started with this evolving platform? In this post, we’ll share 14 easy, actionable YouTube tips for beginners.
14 tips to grow your brand on YouTube
1. Develop a clear vision
It’s easier to subscribe to a YouTube Channel that is clearly focused than it is to a Channel that looks like it does a lot of different things. Before you start creating content, make sure you have a strong vision.
Choose something interesting, relatable, and valuable to your audience. You can offer different types of videos, but all of them should be relevant to your audience.
For example, AsapSCIENCE has several go-to content types. In their “what if…” videos, they use research to answer hypothetical questions. In their “VS” series, they compare related science topics.
Each of these approaches is different. But each fulfills AsapSCIENCE’s mission to “make sense of science”.
2. Create a brand account
To use YouTube professionally, you will want a brand account.
Brand accounts contain features that you cannot use with personal accounts. For example, you can access valuable audience data through YouTube Analytics. You will also be able to collaborate with other team members.
Check out our post on creating a YouTube channel for details on how to get started.
3. Create a strong visual identity
Next, make sure your account looks stylish and professional.
Add a channel icon that represents your brand, such as a logo. Complete with an attractive poster image.
Follow YouTube’s recommended image sizes to avoid any stretching. Preview your channel on multiple devices to check everything looks good.
NASA’s icon and banner image is eye-catching and brand-appropriate.
4. Write an impressive channel description
Always fill in the “About” section. This is the first place potential subscribers go to learn about your brand.
Start with a short, clickable description of what your channel is about. Frontload important information and relevant keywords to make your YouTube channel more discoverable.
5. Add contact information
YouTube is all about connecting. Make sure your company’s contact information is easy to find. This will make it easier for you to build relationships with your fans.
Start by linking your other social platforms to your channel banner. (To add your links, simply click the pencil icon under the “About” section.)
You can also add email addresses and other contact information to the About section. Some YouTubers, like Shameless Maya, even add a Mailbox address for fan mail.
6. Verify your account
This step is key! Only verified accounts can post videos longer than 15 minutes. Validation also lets you create custom thumbnails (we’ll get into these later).
Verification is simple. Simply enter your country and phone number at youtube.com/verify.
7. Check your competitors
Of all the tips for starting a YouTube channel, competitor research is one of the most valuable.
Find successful creators in your field and spend some time on their channels. Read their descriptions, watch their content and check who their subscribers are.
Ask yourself the following questions as you navigate:
- What types of videos get the most views, likes or comments?
- What keywords does the creator use to describe their content?
- How do they respond to negative reviews?
- What tools or editing software do they use?
- How do they encourage subscriptions?
Use the answers to plan your own content. Develop ideas that work well and avoid those that don’t.
8. Set a consistent schedule
Think of your channel like a TV show. Plan to post at the same time every day, week, or month. That way, viewers know when to come back for more. [contenupgrade variant=popup]
Keep these simple vlogging tips in mind as you plan:
- Be consistent. Post at weekly or daily intervals, such as Wednesday mornings or Thursday afternoons.
- Post often. YouTube’s search ranking algorithm prioritizes channels that broadcast frequently. Aim 3 or more times a week if possible.
- Be realistic. If your program is too ambitious, you won’t be able to sustain it. Make sure you can meet your goals and continue to create high-quality content.
- Allow some flexibility. If something hits in time, don’t be afraid to step outside of the schedule to share the news.
- Empty your content (rather than posting them all).
- Consider time zones. Are most of your subscribers based on the East Coast or the West Coast? Do you have international fans? Choose a time when your audience is alert and active.
- Share your schedule. Add your show in the About section and channel trailer. You can promote it in your channel art, as Feminist Frequency does.
9. Create a content calendar
Developing a program is one thing. Keeping is different!
Create a simple content calendar to make sure you have enough new content each week. Plan ideas for YouTube and other social platforms you manage.
Check your calendar often. Do you see any patterns? Content calendars can be a great way to find out which videos are performing best and when.
Fill out a copy of Moyens I/O’s Content Calendar Template to get started. You can adapt your calendar to meet your brand’s needs over time.
10. Be selective
There are tons of simple YouTube tricks to get more views for your videos. Being selective is one of the most important.
Edit your videos carefully before posting anything. Review all your shots, cut out the boring moments. Avoid awkward pauses and unprofessional footage. Value every second to engage your audience.
But editing is more than just the viewer experience. It also affects your search rankings. This is because YouTube’s algorithm favors videos with high content. watch time. The longer you can keep your fans engaged with your content, the more discoverable your content will be.
11. Save the content for a rainy day
Life is busy and it takes time to create high quality videos. There will be days or weeks when you don’t have time to produce new content.
Help your future self by creating extra videos in advance. Stick to timeless “always green” content rather than trending topics. That way, it won’t matter when you post them.
Chescaleigh’s video on common artist mistakes is less up-to-date than his other content. (For example, focus on Black History Month.) With the same great results, she could have posted anytime.
12. Make your videos ‘clickable’
YouTube users watch over a billion hours of videos every day. Standing out from the crowd is no small feat!
Fortunately, there are tons of YouTube tricks you can use to get noticed. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Create custom thumbnails: The thumbnail is the first part of your video people see. Although YouTube automatically generates thumbnails when you post, they usually stay flat. Create your own eye-catching graphics instead of highlighting your content.
- Make interesting statements: Make the most of your video descriptions by adding keywords, hashtags, and more. Add the most important information right up front so people see it first.
- Optimize your header: Choose something short and sharp. Arouse curiosity, solve a problem, or make someone laugh. To the audience a real reason to click and they will.
13. Create playlists
More than 70% of YouTube time is spent following algorithm suggestions. Keeping your content uninterrupted is one of the most important YouTube tips.
This is where playlists come into play. Playlists enable viewers to switch from one video to another, increasing overall watch time. It is a simple way to improve the performance of your videos in the algorithm.
Also, playlists help viewers discover more of your content. This makes them a great way to encourage YouTube subscriptions.
Check out YouTube’s guide to creating playlists to get started.
AntsCanada, which is very creative with its playlists, offers viewers many different options. Some are organized by topic, such as “Termites” or “Asian Marauder Ants.” Others focus on the type of video, such as “VIP interviews” or “Relaxing Ant Ambience”.
14. Cross promotion
Finally, don’t forget to share your hard work with the world!
There are many free ways to promote your channel. Getting the word out on social media is one of the easiest and most effective.
This is because YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes external traffic. Clicks from Facebook or Twitter are a simple way to increase your video’s discoverability.
Promote new content every time you post. Share updates on your social channels, website, blog or newsletter. Create a unique message for each platform to keep things fresh.
With Moyens I/O, you can easily upload, schedule and promote your YouTube channel and videos across multiple social networks from a single control panel. Try it for free today.
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