Building a Successful YouTube Channel: Insights from the Uneducated Economist
This article summarizes key strategies for growing a YouTube channel, drawing insights from Simon, the creator behind the "Uneducated Economist" channel, which boasts 130,000 subscribers. Simon shares his journey and five actionable tips for aspiring YouTubers.
Simon's Journey: From Broke and in Debt to YouTube Success
Simon began his YouTube channel in November 2017, focusing on macroeconomics. He was seeking an outlet for his ideas. He initially filmed videos in his car with a cell phone, using a simple, unedited format. This approach helped him build a loyal audience and achieve substantial ad revenue, even reaching $10,000 in his best month. He emphasizes his self-taught knowledge, gained through extensive online research and a genuine passion for economics. He has amassed 23 million views and around 8.5 million hours of view time.
Five Tactical Tips for YouTube Growth
Simon shares five key tips that were instrumental in his success, offering advice for new and existing creators.
1. Simply Start Making Videos
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The most crucial step is to start creating content. Don't wait for perfection, as early videos are likely to be flawed.
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Each video provides a learning opportunity to improve future content.
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Simon's first video was prompted by a colleague who encouraged him to share his economic insights. He filmed it on an old iPhone in his car, highlighting the importance of resourcefulness.
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Consistency is key. Don't get discouraged by low initial views. Instead, focus on creating consistent, relevant content.
2. Collaboration is Everything
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Collaboration is crucial for channel growth. Simon emphasizes the networking and audience-sharing benefits of collaborating with other creators.
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A key collaboration with George Gammon significantly boosted his channel's visibility.
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Practical tips for initiating collaborations include reaching out to other YouTubers via email. Simon recommends ensuring your contact information is readily available on your channel.
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Simon records his collaboration using Zoom and enlists the help of a friend to record and upload the final video.
3. Make Videos You Want to See
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Avoid trying to create videos that appeal to everyone. Instead, focus on topics you are passionate about. Authenticity resonates with viewers.
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Simon stresses the importance of making videos that you would want to watch. This ensures genuineness and connection with the audience.
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An example in his niche is avoiding fear-mongering tactics about inflation, even though they might generate more views. He emphasizes accurate information over sensationalism.
4. Consistency is Key
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Consistency in style, content, and posting schedule is vital. Maintaining a consistent style helps retain viewers.
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Simon's audience appreciates his car-based videos and might be alienated by a sudden shift to a studio setting.
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Timely videos, addressing current events or trends, can also attract viewers.
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Simon highlights that he has 3 cars that are worth no more than $1,500.
5. Anything Can Be Potential Content
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Literally anything can be content.
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Simon emphasizes that literally anything can be potential content. He references his wife's ASMR house-cleaning channel as proof that even seemingly mundane topics can attract an audience.
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With billions of YouTube users, there's an audience for virtually any niche.
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Successful content provides value to viewers, whether through entertainment, information, or usefulness. Aim for helpful, informative content rather than opinionated or aggressive material.
Additional Tips
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YouTube channel memberships can be a useful tool.
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The content creator should be useful, and offer helpful information.
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The "Uneducated Economist" is active on YouTube.
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He has started a membership portion to his channel through YouTube.
Staying Grounded
Simon emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and connected to his audience. He continues to work his day job, which provides valuable insights and keeps him relatable to his viewers. This working-class perspective is a key aspect of his channel's appeal. He values the freedom his job provides, allowing him to be more nimble in his YouTube endeavors.
Conclusion
Simon's story and advice offer valuable insights for anyone looking to build a successful YouTube channel. By focusing on authenticity, consistency, and providing value to viewers, creators can build a loyal audience and achieve their goals.
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