Almost one-third of all internet users regularly use YouTube. In fact, it is the second most visited website in the world after Google. This makes it an essential platform to have a presence on if you wish to reach potential customers and viewers. So, are you ready to get more views on the platform? Follow the tips below to grow your YouTube channel today.
The first step to growing your YouTube channel is creating a solid foundation. This includes writing a compelling channel description and optimizing it using SEO keywords. Then, ensure that all contact information such as your website, email address and linked social media accounts are correct. Update your profile picture, and YouTube banner using brand colors and imagery. Don’t forget to also verify your YouTube account!
Creating a basic content plan can help you grow your YouTube channel. This can help you narrow down your niche, which then helps you to create video ideas to fit that niche. For example, you may want to direct your content to runners, by choosing this as your niche you can create videos like ‘5 Ways to Prepare for a Marathon’ or ‘Best Indoor Exercises for Runners’. Once you select your niche, start planning a minimum of one video a month. Posting more is ideal, but you want to ensure that you post consistently, so don’t overwhelm yourself.
Even though YouTube is a social platform, it is also a search engine, so you should pay attention to your search engine ranking. Thus, you want to make sure that you optimize every video as your would a new blog post. Make sure you include keywords in your video title, tags, and description for the best results. If you are unsure of where to start, consider using the Google Keyword Planner to help you find relevant keywords. You may also want to consider hiring an expert like you would for your website.
Thumbnails are the first thing a potential viewer sees, therefore you want to make it interesting. An eye-catching thumbnail should be high-resolution, with minimal distractions. So, if you wish to include text in your thumbnail it should stand out on a plain background or have a clear outline. The image should also directly correlate to the video topic – users don’t like being tricked. Consider using your brand colors in your thumbnails to create a cohesive look when people visit your profile.
As you create more videos, add them to specialized playlists to make it easier for your audience. YouTube will also automatically recommend the next video in the playlist when someone watches a video. However, you must make sure that the playlists make sense. For instance, If you create a Marathon Checklist playlist, you could include videos like ‘5 Ways to Prepare for a Marathon’, ‘Packing for a Marathon’ and ‘Fuelling Your Body for Long Distance.’ However, you wouldn’t want to include ’30 Minute Running Challenges’.
Audience engagement is key on YouTube and is the best way to create organic followers and traffic. During your videos encourage viewers to comment by asking specific questions or using the card feature during the video. The more comments you get, the more chances you have to connect with your audience. However, to make this work in your favor you must also make time to respond to the comments. Consider spending time in the comments section the day you post, the day after you post, a week after you post, and then once a month to catch any newer comments. Your audience will appreciate you taking the time to respond and it will also boost your visibility on YouTube.
By utilizing the tips above, you can grow your YouTube channel organically. You could also consider boosting your growth by partnering with other YouTubers or influencers to extend your reach. This will often cost you money but can be worthwhile if your niche is particularly competitive. Don’t forget to post sneak peeks and links to your YouTube videos on other social media platforms as well.
