In recent years, the tremendous rise of social media has opened up several new revenue streams for budding web-based entrepreneurs – not least of which has been the exponential growth of video blogging (also known as vlogging).
While it’s undoubtedly true vlogging isn’t for everyone (after all, many of us balk at the thought of presenting online), if you’ve got the inclination to try and make a livable income from posting your video content online, below are some tried and tested tips to help you achieve success.
Focus on quality content
The term ‘Content is King’ was first coined by Bill Gates back in a self-penned essay back in 1996. However, while this seminal work may already be 25 years old, its message stands as true today as ever. If you look at all the most famous and successful online ventures, they all share one thing in common – quality content.
If you’re to establish yourself as an online publisher or broadcaster, you need to keep a close focus on producing good content that’s on-point, has wide appeal, is informative and strikes a chord with your viewers. You should also think about widening your demographics to ensure the largest possible audience. So, for example, you might think about including CART services to bypass potential audio issues or cater to those with hearing difficulties.
Be patient
Even if you’re producing the best quality content, it still takes time to build an audience and start being discovered – particularly on a platform like YouTube where an estimated 500 hours of video is uploaded every minute. Nothing worthwhile ever came easy and it would be folly to think that becoming a full-time vlogger should be any different. As you post more content, you will find you’ll get more viewers – even if that process happens slowly. Remember also to ensure you cross-link other footage you’ve produced by way of cards and end-screens.
Be consistent
YouTube is owned by Google and, between the two of them, they hold the distinction of being first and second place in terms of the most popular search engines globally. With this in mind, it should come as no real surprise that YouTube’s search algorithm is about as complex and sophisticated as they come. Just like Google, YouTube likes nothing more than active publishers that post regularly and consistently.
While it might seem like a fruitless task and a largely unrewarding uphill slog in the early days, you must keep posting new, high-quality content regularly. The spoils will come eventually, once you’ve been noticed and have built a following.
Apply for the YouTube partner program
Bearing in mind the three points noted above, you should soon find your channel meets the criteria to join the YouTube partner program – and will thereby qualify for monetization. The terms stipulate that a channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 total watch hours over the last 12 months – hence the reason it’s essential you stick to the previous points to build a loyal following. Once you’ve been accepted into the program, you’ll be able to start generating income from YouTube advertising – so long as you ensure you use royalty-free content and music.
Bear in mind, there are other potential ways to make money on YouTube such as sponsorship, cross-selling products or setting up a Patreon program to allow loyal followers to support you.