You don’t have to be a celebrity to earn a living on YouTube. You don’t need tremendous talent or expensive equipment either. Making money on YouTube may seem like an unattainable dream, but it’s actually quite possible with the right strategies. Thousands of ordinary people make a living on YouTube, and you can join the ranks by following five simple tips.
Before we begin, just remember that YouTube is freely accessible to most of the world. Not only can you profit from making videos; by producing content on this platform, you can put your name out there for prospective employers. You never know who’s watching—it may be somebody who will open doors for you. Don’t take my word for it, just consider Michelle Phan’s story. She started a makeup tip channel on YouTube, and was eventually discovered by makeup giant Sephora. The company finally gave Michelle her very own makeup line! It doesn’t stop there. Tom Ferry made real-estate coaching videos, and was eventually catapulted into fame on the platform. The possibilities are endless on a platform with over a billion users.
Starting a YouTube channel can seriously increase your exposure. Consider the platform as a ‘digital resume’ of sorts. It’s worth seriously considering this platform to help jump-start your career. Let’s examine five rock-solid strategies to leverage YouTube to build your career.
1. Spread the Word About Yourself
Few platforms offer the exposure that YouTube does. Start making videos that highlight your specific strengths and skills. They don’t have to be perfect, just good enough to get the point across. People love videos, and a YouTube link on a resume can make you stand out. Once again, you never know who’s watching. Prospective clients can stumble across your content when they wouldn’t have even known you existed without it. This can generate unique and valuable leads that otherwise would have gone elsewhere.
2. Produce Content Regularly
This is extremely important. The more often you upload, the more likely you’ll be seen. Think back to Michelle Phan. She regularly posted content for long enough to be noticed, and she built a sizable audience in that time as well. People like when a channel is up-to-date, so blow the competition out of the water with more consistent uploads.
3. Be Unique
You don’t have to be the best on the web, but you do have to stand out. For example, Feross Aboukhadijeh created unique content on YouTube during a time when Google was improving its search engine. Google’s CEO found his material and liked it so much, he offered him a job via Twitter. Feross Aboukhadijeh was a programmer, but you don’t have to be! Showcase the skills you DO have, and stand out from the crowd.
4. Be Imaginative
For example, a YouTuber named Brian Freedman created a video teaching how to budget using envelopes. Employers loved it; he was hired immediately in his chosen field. Freedman’s goofy video made him stand out, and also shared a useful skill. A prospective employer recognized his creative skills, and he benefitted. It’s really that easy. Just use your imagination to solve a problem, and share it on YouTube. If your idea is good, you’ll more than likely take off in no time.
5. Participate in Online Contests
Online contests are a great way to increase your online following. Tons of contests exist, and you can enter yourself (or your content) for a chance to win a prize. The most valuable part of the experience is not the prize; it’s the exposure. For example, a Dr. Pepper dancing contest on YouTube helped jump-start a young dancer’s career, making him known to directors. There are dozens of new contests being uploaded to YouTube every day, and it’s an often underutilized option for increasing your viewership. Even if you don’t win, you’re still known to more people.
The digital age is upon us, and it’s not going anywhere. Now is the perfect time to enhance your online presence on YouTube, and expose your skills to millions of people who could be looking for someone like you! Source: (Mashable)