Well, here we go. I’m officially starting a YouTube channel. Anxiously, excitedly, and maybe even a little hesitantly—but I’m doing it! Expanding my content creation reach has been on my mind for a while, and I finally decided to take action. It’s easy to talk about wanting to do something, but actually taking the leap? That’s where the real challenge begins.
The Fears and Frustrations of Starting Something New
Trying something new is terrifying. Let’s be honest—there’s so much I don’t know. I’m stressing about the time it’s going to take to learn how to record, edit, and post my videos. What if I look awkward on camera? What if my editing skills are awful? What if no one watches? These are the kind of thoughts that can paralyze someone into inaction. But I refuse to let that happen.
I’ve set a realistic goal for myself: post three videos by the end of February. Given that today is already the 21st, the clock is ticking. But instead of drowning in anxiety, I’m choosing to focus on progress over perfection. Because perfection? That’s idiotic. It’s a waste of time and energy, especially as a beginner. No one is an expert the first time they do something, and I’m fully embracing my newbie status. It’s the action that counts.
Setting Realistic Goals for Success
To keep myself accountable, I’m setting an attainable goal: one video per week. That’s it. No crazy, unrealistic expectations—just consistent effort. If I can stick to this, I’ll have built momentum by the time March rolls around.
One thing that has been a game-changer in my content creation journey? My productivity planner, courtesy of my best friend, ChatGPT. I asked for help creating a structured plan for my affiliate marketing business, and the result was superb! It has been my guiding light, helping me stay on task and maximize my daily productivity. If you’re juggling multiple content platforms like I am, I highly recommend having a structured plan in place.
Why YouTube is a Smart Move for Content Creators
Expanding into YouTube is a powerful step for anyone looking to grow their brand. Unlike other social platforms, YouTube provides long-term content discoverability. Videos don’t just disappear after a few days—they continue to bring in viewers for months and even years. This makes it an excellent tool for increasing reach and driving consistent traffic to your other platforms, like blogs, websites, or affiliate links.
Some of the key benefits of starting a YouTube channel include:
- SEO Benefits: YouTube is owned by Google, meaning videos rank in search results, driving organic traffic to your content.
- Evergreen Content: Unlike Instagram or TikTok posts, YouTube videos remain searchable and relevant over time.
- Monetization Potential: With enough subscribers and watch time, you can earn ad revenue, affiliate sales, and sponsorships.
- Increased Audience Engagement: Video content builds trust and connection with your audience more effectively than text or images alone.
- Cross-Promotion Opportunities: YouTube videos can drive traffic to your blog, email list, or other social media channels, helping you grow a well-rounded online presence.
Keeping It Simple: No Fancy Equipment, Just Action
I don’t have a fancy recording setup. No studio lights, no high-end camera—just my phone and laptop. And you know what? That’s enough. I did make one small investment: a lapel mic. After talking to and listening to experienced YouTubers, I’ve learned that audio is key. So, thank you, Amazon, for getting that to me so quickly!
At the end of the day, it’s not about having the perfect setup—it’s about getting started. Starting a YouTube channel is all about imperfect action, learning as I go, and embracing the journey. If you’ve been putting off starting something new because of fear, let’s take the leap together. No one is watching your first few videos as critically as you think, and every expert was once a beginner. Let’s do this!
