After creating over 700 YouTube videos and accumulating more than 11,000 subscribers, I've realized that the path to building a successful YouTube channel is paved with valuable lessons. In this article, I aim to reflect on some of the mistakes I've made along the way to help others avoid similar pitfalls.
One of my biggest regrets in starting my channel is not beginning sooner. For almost six months, I hesitated, caught in a loop of seeking the perfect niche, video title, thumbnail, and equipment. All that deliberation resulted in minimal progress. It wasn't until I made an impulsive decision to order equipment and software that the momentum began to build. Within just a week of jumping in, I achieved more than I had in the previous six months.
The story of Tim the Tapman, a gaming streamer I admired when I was younger, drove this point home for me. When he was starting, he had only 20-30 viewers, yet he showed up every day and put in the effort. Fast forward, and he now boasts millions of followers. His success could have mirrored mine if I had made the decision to act sooner.
Another misstep was my initial disregard for the importance of video titles and thumbnails. I focused heavily on the main content of my videos, unknowingly overlooking the fact that capturing viewers' attention begins before they even click on the video. Influential YouTuber Mr. Beast allocates a significant part of his budget to thumbnail creation, a clear testament to their importance. My experience taught me that half of the YouTube game is about persuading viewers to click, while the other half is about retaining them.
As a creator in the fantasy football niche, I often found myself comparing my work to established figures who were far more experienced. Holding myself to high standards is important, but I neglected to recognize that these creators had developed their skills over years, potentially with previous channels or professional help. This comparison led to disillusionment as I failed to appreciate my own growth.
After creating about 50 videos, I finally felt proud of my content. It became clear that personal growth should be the benchmark, rather than striving to match seasoned creators.
In the realm of YouTube, there is a delicate balance between quality and quantity in video production. Spending excessive time perfecting a single video can limit overall content output, while prioritizing quantity can compromise viewer engagement. I often faced the challenge of perfectionism, which sometimes manifested as procrastination.
To address this, I've adopted what I call the 80% rule: if a video meets about 80% of my standards, it's good enough to upload. The remaining 20% generally requires more effort than it's worth, and I risk stalling my momentum entirely.
Early in my journey, I hesitated to invest in necessary tools and equipment, which proved to be a critical error. For instance, I used basic software like Microsoft PowerPoint for graphics, reluctant to spend even $20 on better tools. This mindset was not only limiting in terms of content quality but also time-consuming and frustrating.
In retrospect, I've learned that investing in equipment pays dividends. Having quality tools encourages creativity and enhances the final product. Moreover, the financial commitment fosters motivation to succeed, as you want to justify the investment through meaningful content creation.
Reflecting on my YouTube journey, I've identified crucial mistakes that not only slowed my progress but also added to my frustrations. From delaying action to neglecting thumbnails, comparing myself to seasoned creators, and skimping on necessary tools, each misstep taught me vital lessons.
For aspiring creators, the key takeaway is to begin your journey without overthinking, prioritize the power of effective thumbnails and titles, avoid the trap of comparison, find a balance between quality and quantity, and recognize the importance of investing in necessary tools.
I hope these insights help tailor your approach as you embark on or continue your YouTube adventure. If you found this reflection helpful or want to delve deeper with personalized coaching, feel free to reach out for more guidance on your YouTube journey.
Part 1/8:
Lessons Learned from My YouTube Journey
After creating over 700 YouTube videos and accumulating more than 11,000 subscribers, I've realized that the path to building a successful YouTube channel is paved with valuable lessons. In this article, I aim to reflect on some of the mistakes I've made along the way to help others avoid similar pitfalls.
The Regret of Delayed Action
Part 2/8:
One of my biggest regrets in starting my channel is not beginning sooner. For almost six months, I hesitated, caught in a loop of seeking the perfect niche, video title, thumbnail, and equipment. All that deliberation resulted in minimal progress. It wasn't until I made an impulsive decision to order equipment and software that the momentum began to build. Within just a week of jumping in, I achieved more than I had in the previous six months.
The story of Tim the Tapman, a gaming streamer I admired when I was younger, drove this point home for me. When he was starting, he had only 20-30 viewers, yet he showed up every day and put in the effort. Fast forward, and he now boasts millions of followers. His success could have mirrored mine if I had made the decision to act sooner.
Part 3/8:
Neglecting Thumbnails and Titles
Another misstep was my initial disregard for the importance of video titles and thumbnails. I focused heavily on the main content of my videos, unknowingly overlooking the fact that capturing viewers' attention begins before they even click on the video. Influential YouTuber Mr. Beast allocates a significant part of his budget to thumbnail creation, a clear testament to their importance. My experience taught me that half of the YouTube game is about persuading viewers to click, while the other half is about retaining them.
The Downside of Comparison
Part 4/8:
As a creator in the fantasy football niche, I often found myself comparing my work to established figures who were far more experienced. Holding myself to high standards is important, but I neglected to recognize that these creators had developed their skills over years, potentially with previous channels or professional help. This comparison led to disillusionment as I failed to appreciate my own growth.
After creating about 50 videos, I finally felt proud of my content. It became clear that personal growth should be the benchmark, rather than striving to match seasoned creators.
Balancing Quality and Quantity
Part 5/8:
In the realm of YouTube, there is a delicate balance between quality and quantity in video production. Spending excessive time perfecting a single video can limit overall content output, while prioritizing quantity can compromise viewer engagement. I often faced the challenge of perfectionism, which sometimes manifested as procrastination.
To address this, I've adopted what I call the 80% rule: if a video meets about 80% of my standards, it's good enough to upload. The remaining 20% generally requires more effort than it's worth, and I risk stalling my momentum entirely.
The Cost of Underinvestment in Tools
Part 6/8:
Early in my journey, I hesitated to invest in necessary tools and equipment, which proved to be a critical error. For instance, I used basic software like Microsoft PowerPoint for graphics, reluctant to spend even $20 on better tools. This mindset was not only limiting in terms of content quality but also time-consuming and frustrating.
In retrospect, I've learned that investing in equipment pays dividends. Having quality tools encourages creativity and enhances the final product. Moreover, the financial commitment fosters motivation to succeed, as you want to justify the investment through meaningful content creation.
Final Thoughts
Part 7/8:
Reflecting on my YouTube journey, I've identified crucial mistakes that not only slowed my progress but also added to my frustrations. From delaying action to neglecting thumbnails, comparing myself to seasoned creators, and skimping on necessary tools, each misstep taught me vital lessons.
For aspiring creators, the key takeaway is to begin your journey without overthinking, prioritize the power of effective thumbnails and titles, avoid the trap of comparison, find a balance between quality and quantity, and recognize the importance of investing in necessary tools.
Part 8/8:
I hope these insights help tailor your approach as you embark on or continue your YouTube adventure. If you found this reflection helpful or want to delve deeper with personalized coaching, feel free to reach out for more guidance on your YouTube journey.