One of the best ways to get started as a video creator, especially a good one, is by really understanding what it is that you want to create videos about.
For example, if you want to do tech reviews, or just tech-related videos, one of the best ways to research your content is by subscribing to newsletters centered around that topic. Then, by learning more about that subject, you immediately gain insight into how to present the information in your videos for others to watch.
Another great example is with vlogging. When I started doing my vlogs on YouTube, there was really no direction I was following, no overarching storyline that I followed. It became clear quite quickly that this would not work, and so I decided to start planning things out in advance. I also began watching videos about how to vlog better and edit more effectively. Learning new things about how to create helped me with getting ideas for new videos, too.
Immediately I noticed a difference in performance on my channel; first I got a couple subscribers, then a few more. Then I got through the 10,000 views barrier, and from there I kept getting better. First smaller steps, then later bigger leaps in growth and improvement.
Next, you need to realize that perfection is NOT your friend. Especially starting out, your videos will DEFINITELY suck, but the important thing is being willing to suck now so you can shine later. As you progress in your journey as a creator, your previous blunders will become teaching moments for the future. You will find that you appreciate your skills a year from now more than the skills you have today thanks to the improvement you’ve shown. One of the best ways to gauge success is in the improvements you make over time.
Thirdly, don’t be a stranger to other creators. Be helpful, give input when it’s asked for, and try to make friends across the board. Not only will this help you learn from other creators, but will provide you with opportunities to collaborate with them later on bigger projects. The best way to grow on any creative platform in 2018 is collaboration. Even with a small number of subscribers, if you provide value to the other person, there will always be someone willing to collaborate with you.
Fourth, don’t rely solely on YouTube for growth. There are plenty of platforms out there for the budding creator to go sign up for and start making progress. Hedge your bets, as they say, when you’re able to. With multiple places to publish your content, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to find an audience no matter where you publish your work.
Fifth, numbers should be last in your list of priorities. When you get caught up in the subscriber count game, it can destroy whatever faith you have in your content when you don’t see growth in a week or two. Even the biggest creators on YouTube lose and gain thousands of subscribers a day. If you allow that to define success for you, your confidence can quickly become nothing, even if your content is still A-grade material.
Finally, don’t give up. Just because you’re a month in and haven’t gotten a million subscribers doesn’t mean that you aren’t growing. Patience goes a long way in the content creation business. Staying consistent and being positive about your dedication to the work is the best way to start getting your channel growing.
I hope this article was helpful to you. I try to post here as consistently as possible, and I always post content that has value to you, my readers. If you want to continue to see new blog posts every day, please follow me here on The Wandering Wind.