How to Overcome Your Mental Block About Starting Your YouTube Channel
Hello my dear WA Friends
Have you started your YouTube Channel yet?
Yes? Congratulations, you are utilizing the hottest traffic source at the moment (and for sometime to come).
No? Why not?
The whole world and their cat is moving to video, so you should too.
I've been reading through some blogs here on WA, and also comments on YT why people are struggling to start their YT Channel.
Here are some of the most common excuses, and if you are making those yourself, I'd like to help you overcome them.
Common excuses
1. I'm not a technical person
You are here on WA, aren't you?
If you know how to use this platform, not to mention all the other complicated online stuff you do on your site, you can most definitely manage a simple software to record a video.
2. I don't know how to edit
If you do what I often do, you won't have to.
I just talk. I follow my blog post, or the product page I'm reviewing and that's it.
If I make a mistake near the beginning I start over.
If I make a mistake in the middle, I apologize, smile and continue.
And, in the process, I've now learned how to edit, actually. It is so SO simple.
If I can do it, you can too.
3. I don't want to show my face
You don't have to.
Prepare some slides. Text. Pictures of puppies...
Whatever it's in connection with your niche.
Talk about it.
Or write an outline of what you are going to say and just say it.
Record. Make some mistakes. Delete. Start over. Record. Make some other mistakes. Delete. Start over... You do this enough number of times, in the end, you'll have a cool video to publish.
I'm not going to embarras myself by telling you how many times I had to start over just because I couldn't even say the name of my website without stumbling over my words.
But, I kept on recording-deleting-recording-deleting-recording, and now I do my videos (they are very simple, mind you) often in one take.
3. I don't know how to make thumbnails.
Neither do I (yet).
I'll learn it later. It's good to have them, but it shouldn't stop you from just starting publishing your videos.
4. I don't know how to navigate all the 'edit' stuff on YouTube.
Again: neither do I.
I don't see this as a problem. I'll learn it as soon as I can. For now, I publish a video (almost) every day and just get on with it.
5. I don't know how to SEO my YT videos
And again:...do I even need to say it?
Cards, next video to watch, subscribe bells...etc. It's all just overwhelming at first.
So, I chose to create my content, and every week learn one thing about how to best optimize my videos.
Categories & Co can wait. Content Creation Cannot.
Or it shouldn't.
You will never learn it all first and then execute it to perfection. Never.
What we need to do is to start it, and much like with your blog, get better at it bit by bit.
6. I don't have a quiet place where I can film
I know that many of you (us) have kids at home and there isn't a quiet nor moment, nor a place (welcome to my world with 3yr old twins).
But, how about recording your videos in your car?
Or, maybe use a friend's office?
Or, maybe, your noisy household will make your video even more appealing?
7. English is not my first language
Nobody minds about your accent or a few mistakes you might make.
If your content is what your audience needs, everything else is not that important.
English is not my first language either. Do I let this stop me in doing what I need to do on my blog and YT?
No. Way.
:)
What Do I Use to Record My Videos?
I tried TinyTakes for a short while.
But, now use Screencast-O-Matic and love it.
It's affordable, easy to use, easy to edit with, easy everything...
There are more professional (and pricier) options like Camtasia, but I haven't been able to afford it so I can not say how it works. Some other WA members use it and say it's really great.
How Long Have I Been on YouTube?
I've only been active on my YT Channel for the past month. I started it some months ago, but haven't done much with it. (why? see excuses 1-7 above)
It was another WA member, TDomena, who inspired me to just go for it, and I'm very grateful to her that I did. :)
I've published 18 videos (417 views). My aim was to publish every day, but I had a cold for a week and fell behind with my schedule.
You don't have to publish every day, of course. Start with a couple of videos per week and see how it goes.
I only have 24 subscribers, but I'm not too worried about it.
That number will grow, but first I need to do the work. Give value and the subs will follow.
Conclusion
Well, the conclusion here is simple:
Start your YT Chanel tomorrow or by the end of this week at the latest.
That's it. :)
Thank you for reading this post. If you'd like to check out my YT Channel you can do it here.
What are your YT fears?
If you are on YT, how have you overcome your YT starting obstacles?
Leave comment in the section below, I'd love to hear about your YT plans and experiences, thanks! :)
Have a great day/evening/week!
Alenka
Recent Comments
32
I haven't created a YouTube video yet. I didn't believe I would ever create one. But, watching Jay's training I decided to give it a try. I found that the camera on my laptop which is connected to a larger screen would suffice. But, then I discovered lighting to be a problem. I don't know what others use, but Jay's lighting is powerful. I couldn't set something up like that on my own, and doubt that I would want the expense of installing similar lighting.
I must say, Alenka, I have enjoyed reading your post and the way you have identified each part of the process, is encouraging. I may just give it a try
Many thanks :)
Go for it, Valerie!
Try not to compare yourself to anyone else. Jay has been doing videos for years and it's to be expected that he has the best lighting possible.
I use the light from my living room window and the lights that are in the room anyway.
If you watch some of my videos, you will see the light is less then ideal, but I just don't worry about it too much at this stage.
The most important thing is that I'm producing the content for my channel and learning how to be better at it.
Looking forward to your first video! :)
Best,
Alenka
Hi Alenka.
Exactly! Just get started, just do it! (Precisely what Benji's Dad said earlier today.)
You're the third person in the space of a few hours to say this! and as I said to Benji's Dad, I'm superstitious enough to take it as a sign that the universe is trying to tell me something... I'm making my first video TODAY!
Thanks for sharing. 👌👍
Regards.
Alenka, you are a Star!! I love these tips! And yes, I've used every excuse in the book. I have a YouTube channel, I even have some videos up on them but I haven't been consistent because I am not organised, set up or confident.
And yup, I"m also using Screen-Cast-O-Matic until I can afford Camtasia.
Thanks for your inspiration. Bookmarking your blog to read again if I find myself procrastinating any longer.
PS. You have 26 subscribers now. ;) And your videos are fabulous!! I just gave you a bunch of likes.
Awww Thank you soo much for subscribing! Really appreciate it :)
Screencast-O-Matic is really great. I love how simple it is to use. It's fast and has many useful features.
Best of luck with your channel :)
Alenka
This is perfect timing for me. I've been wanting to create youtube videos for a year now, and I feel the timing is now to push myself to go ahead and do it I love your honesty, because I can really relate to that. I've started looking into how to do youtube videos, and got overwhelmed which also stopped me, having a loud household also impacts my belief. Thanks for the reality check, no more excuses :)
cheers,
Kat
heheh Yes, no more excuses! Had you started a year ago, now you'd have over at least a hundred videos! (this goes for me too!) Just think about it.
So, no more delays and the April of 2020 will find you with your very own fab and profitable YT channel!
Best,
Alenka
go go, girl!
you are inspiring and so naturally boldly you started your youtube videos and I admire you for doing that and proving that anyone can and should! I will soon start my youtube video! also, you know that I have been following you at youtube too! I like very much how you in simplicity explain it so well!
have a great day
Cia:o)
Thank you so much for your kind comment!
Looking forward to your videos.
Also, THANK YOU for your follow and your support, it really means so much to me! :)
Best,
Alenka
I am impressed. Watched one of your videos.
But what about equipment? What do I need and where can I get it?
Thank you!
You can try what I'm using - Screencast-O-Matic. It's an online tool, not very expensive and super easy to use. I love it.
Let me know if you need any more info and I'll be glad to assist :)
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So yesterday, what did I do ? I resurrected my YouTube account, or maybe just created a new one with gmail, not sure, either way..it's all there waiting and this post has given me an extra boost. As we speak, well me, I have Screen-o-matic site on a tab..best have a look...The one thing that took a weight off about what to put up is that we can use our blogs...Awesome idea. Big thank you.
Yeeey! Fab!
Very glad you are taking action :)
Looking forward to seeing your videos.
Best,
Alenka