Jumping into the world of YouTube isn’t just about pointing a camera and chatting away. Sure, that sounds like a walk in the park, but it’s actually more like a hike up a mountain with a backpack full of gear.

You’ll need a decent camera, lighting that doesn’t make you look like a ghost, and let’s not forget the audio – because, believe me, if your audio is garbage, you might as well be not start video.

Everyone’s quick to say, ‘Oh, it’s easy!’ But if you want to grow your channel, it’s not just about slapping some content together; it’s about your thumbnail, your title, and that all-important first 30 seconds that keeps viewers from bolting faster than a cat from a cucumber. If you're not doing that for your audio it is more work.

And don’t even get me started on the thumbnails! You think you can just throw any old picture up there and call it a day? Nope! It’s got to be eye-catching, intriguing, and maybe a tad clickbaity to get those lazy viewers to stop scrolling and actually watch. You know, the kind of thumbnail that screams, ‘Click me! I’m more interesting than your ex’s new partner!’ So, while you’re busy filming your masterpiece, make sure you’re also crafting a title that promises something juicy. After all, that title is like a promise to your listeners and if you don’t deliver, guess what? They’re not coming back.

To really make your mark on YouTube, it’s about strategy, baby! Think of it as a game of chess where every move counts. You need to plan your title, thumbnail, and hook like your channel depends on it – because it does! And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of it all, don’t worry; even the pros use tools like Vidiq to help them navigate the chaotic waters of YouTube. So, buckle up, get that gear ready, and remember: it’s not just about talking into a camera; it’s about crafting an experience that your audience will want to dive into headfirst. Happy filming!

Takeaways:

• YouTube can be a blast if you have the time and budget, but it's a lot of work!
• People think recording video is just talking into a camera, but oh boy, it's way more complex!
• To really grow on YouTube, you gotta focus on the title, thumbnail, and first 30 seconds, not just the content.
• Don't underestimate how much effort goes into making a good thumbnail; it can make or break your video!
• Audio is king, but in video, the thumbnail and title are your best friends, so don't ignore them!

Mentioned

School of Podcasting

Vid IQ (aff)

Mentioned in this episode:

Is Your Podcast Not Growing?

Struggling to grow your podcast beyond friends and family? You're not alone. I've been there too. That's why I created "10 Proven Strategies to Grow Your Podcast Audience" - a free guide packed with actionable techniques that have helped countless podcasters expand their reach and build loyal listener communities. Stop guessing what works. These are battle-tested methods used by top podcasters who speak to engaged audiences every week. Head to schoolofpodcasting.com/10tips now and download the free guide because your podcast deserves to be heard.

10 Tips

Launching a podcast without a domain? Yeah, that’s a big no-no. It’s like trying to adopt a puppy and then saying, “Hey, where’s the leash?”

In this episode, we tackle the absolute must-have of podcasting—your own domain name. You want people to find your adorable little show, right? So, let’s make sure they have a place to go when they ask, “Where’s your podcast?”

We dish out the wisdom on why having your own website is the best way to keep your podcast from going missing. Grab your notepad because we’re about to dive into some seriously practical tips!

Links referenced in this episode:

• Namecheap - Buy a domain
• Coolerwebsites - Another place to buy a domain
• podcastconsultant.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com/checklist
• schoolofpodcasting.com/start

Takeaways:

• Launching a podcast without a domain is like having a puppy with no leash—totally chaotic.
• Your website is your podcast's home base; don't send people to a third-party link.
• Buying a domain is cheap insurance against losing your brand to someone else—trust me.
• If your friends ask for your podcast and you say you don't have a domain, well, good luck with that.
• Always set up easy-to-remember links for your podcast, or risk sounding like a total noob.
• Domains are only $20 a year, which is less than that fancy coffee you keep buying.

Mentioned in this episode:

Your Voice is Your Legacy

You have lived things that need to be heard. You can help other people, and I'm here to help. Don't let your story die within you, release your legacy today and start your podcast. I've helped hundreds (thousands?) of podcasters and I can help you. It's time to do it.

School of Podcasting

So, you’ve taken a long break from your podcast—like a “I forgot how to talk to a mic” kind of break—and now you’re wondering how to get back in the game. Well, I’m here to explain on how to restart without losing your marbles or your listeners.

First off, if you ditched your show for a while, don’t sweat it! Just let your audience know you’re back and ready to rock. No need for a dramatic apology; they might not even remember why you vanished. Seriously, just dive back in, figure out what you want to change, and remember—it’s all about having fun while you’re at it! So, grab your mic, dust off the cobwebs, and let’s get this party started again!

Takeaways:

• Taking a break from your podcast might seem like a good idea, but it often leads to losing your audience to better shows.
• When returning to your podcast, remember, no one wants to hear a long apology; just get to the good stuff!
• If your podcast went on hiatus for years, you might need to reevaluate why it didn't work and how to do better this time.
• It's perfectly fine to come back to podcasting just for fun, and you don't have to monetize everything!
• When you're ready to return, just jump right back in—your audience will be thrilled you've come back!
• Don't stress about starting over; focus on how to make your podcast better than before!

Mentioned in this episode:

We Make Good Shows Better - Your Audience Will Thank You

PodcastHotSeat.com is the ultimate coaching experience for podcasters who want actionable feedback to take their show to the next level. Whether you want to refine your content, improve audience engagement, or enhance your production quality, the Podcast Hot Seat provides expert insights and a supportive environment to help you grow. Join the hot seat and watch your podcast thrive!

Podcas Hot Seat