As a content creator and recently an entrepreneur, I know firsthand the power of YouTube. It's a platform that allows us to share our voices, sharpen our creative and technical skills, explore our passions, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Recently, I launched my second YouTube channel, and I'm excited to share my growth journey with you. In this blog, I'll discuss the strategies I plan to use to grow my channel and empower creators like you along the way. As a bonus, I'll give you a free copy of my YouTube Growth Roadmap, which is a simple marketing and strategy guide I created to help grow my channel.

TLDR: I started my first channel in 2016, monetized it in 2019, then took a break to learn digital marketing. After starting Morse Creatives and finding some balance with my personal and business life, I launched my newest channel on July 18th, 2023, using my own YouTube marketing plan. Download your free copy now.

Finding Inspiration from Setbacks

Launching my second YouTube channel has not been without challenges. During my first go-around, I experienced setbacks and had to remind myself of why I started in the first place. Back in 2016, I was severely depressed and in desperate need of a therapeutic outlet – YouTube became that outlet for me. It was the perfect distraction I needed at the time. But it wasn’t enough; I still needed to face my demons and get my life on track.

During those first years on YouTube, I didn’t have a set niche - though I still don’t think a niche is uber important – but I didn’t have focus either. I was all over the place, just creating random videos that I felt would trend, topics I saw other creators covering, and whatever challenges were popular at the time, mixed in with serious topics that were therapeutic for me.

 It was chaos.

However, these setbacks also taught me resilience and the importance of trying again. As I got my life together and focused on bettering my mental health – I started creating higher-quality videos. So, if you’re embarking on a new YouTube journey, my advice is to get your real life in order before starting an online one.

This time, I'm starting with a marketing strategy and ensuring every video adds value to the viewer's experience. My new channel has three niches: self-improvement, business development, and lifestyle, and a singular focus: to grow holistically.

Creating a Plan for Growth: My YouTube Growth Roadmap

In order to grow my channel and stay on track, I created my YouTube Growth Roadmap. (Make sure you grab your free copy!) The guide (well, my copy) outlines my goals, brand identity, launch goal, the content I plan to create, and the strategies I'll use to promote and engage my audience. I'm excited to share this resource to help you grow your channel. The roadmap is meant to be a living document that changes and evolves along with my channel, so we can grow together. You can also download a second copy for another channel or for a friend.

Consistency, Authenticity, and Engagement: My Three-Pronged Growth Approach

With my roadmap in place, I'm approaching growth in a three-pronged approach: consistency, authenticity, and engagement. The last two prongs are easier to maintain than the first. So, I’m setting realistic goals this time in order to remain consistent.

1. Firstly, I'll strive to post quality content consistently by following a content calendar and delivery schedule. I will upload no more than three times videos a week (YouTube shorts don’t count because those require less effort). This is going to be challenging at times, but I know the discipline of consistency is crucial for growth. With three videos a week, I will be able to batch-create and schedule videos weeks ahead of time, giving me time to engage with my audience and time to live my life.

2. Secondly, I'll focus on creating content that's authentic to who I am, what my brand represents, and what my audience needs. I'll strive to showcase my personality and unique voice while adding value to their lives. I believe that authenticity is key to differentiating myself and establishing a connection with my audience. I won’t be too open now – at least not as open as I was during my first rodeo. But I won’t shy away from vulnerability, and I’ll be upfront about the intricacies of my growth journey.

3. Finally, I'll prioritize engagement with my audience by responding to comments and encouraging their feedback. I know the relationship between the creator and the audience is a two-way street, and I'm committed to creating content that promotes conversation and engagement. But more importantly, I know the dangers of parasocial relationships, so I’m going to navigate this engagement more carefully. This is why I am including a section on brand identity. When you understand your brand voice and style as a creator, you’re able to engage with your audience without compromising your identity outside of the internet. Brand identity allows creators and influencers to code-switch while remaining authentic and consistent.  Meaning your brand image remains consistent – even when you evolve professionally or switch niches.

 The Creative Journey Continues

Creating content for YouTube is a journey, but it's one I'm excited to take again. I know there will be challenges along the way, but I also know that following my roadmap and sticking to my growth approach will help me achieve my goals. I hope my journey and YouTube Growth Roadmap will inspire you to embark on your own creative journey and help you succeed on your own terms.

So, dear fellow creators, I invite you on this journey with me. Let's grow our channels together, empower each other, and create a community that values authenticity, resilience, and creativity. Download your free copy of the YouTube Growth Roadmap today and join me on this creative adventure.