YouTube has become a platform for individuals to showcase their talents and interests in various fields. With its massive user base and global reach, it has also become an avenue for creators to monetize their content and make money. In this article, we will explore various strategies and techniques on how to make money on YouTube in 2017, and provide helpful insights and tips for aspiring YouTubers.
1. Create Engaging and Unique Content
The cornerstone of a successful YouTube channel is the creation of engaging and unique content. To stand out in the crowded YouTube ecosystem, you need to offer something different and valuable to your audience. Identify your niche, research what content already exists in that space, and find ways to add your unique perspective or expertise.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to create content that is visually and audibly appealing. Invest in high-quality equipment, such as cameras and microphones, to enhance the production value of your videos. A visually appealing presentation and clear audio can significantly improve the viewer experience, leading to higher engagement and more chances for monetization.
2. Build a Strong Brand and Identity
A successful YouTuber should have a strong brand and identity. Define your channel’s focus and target audience, and create a consistent brand image across your videos, channel art, and social media presence. This will help you attract and retain viewers who resonate with your content, leading to a loyal fanbase.
A well-defined brand identity also opens doors for brand collaborations and sponsorships. Companies are often interested in partnering with YouTubers who have a clear brand image that aligns with their target market.
3. Optimize Your Videos for Discoverability
To make money on YouTube, you need to ensure that your videos are discoverable by the platform’s algorithm and search engines. Invest time in optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords. Conduct keyword research to understand what terms potential viewers are searching for, and incorporate them strategically into your metadata.
Additionally, use eye-catching thumbnails that accurately represent the content of your videos. Thumbnails play a crucial role in attracting views, making it essential to create visually appealing and enticing images that compel viewers to click.
4. Grow Your Subscriber Base
A large and engaged subscriber base can significantly contribute to your YouTube revenue. Regularly engage with your audience through comments and messages, and encourage them to subscribe to your channel. Offer incentives, such as exclusive content or giveaways, to incentivize subscriptions.
Collaborating with other YouTubers in your niche can also be an effective way to grow your subscriber base. By featuring each other’s channels or appearing in collaborative videos, you can tap into each other’s audiences and attract new viewers.
5. Enable Monetization and Join the YouTube Partner Program
Once you have met the eligibility criteria, enable monetization on your YouTube channel. This will allow you to earn money through various monetization features, such as advertisements, channel memberships, and Super Chat.
To join the YouTube Partner Program, you need to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within the past 12 months. Once you’ve met these requirements, apply for the program and review the guidelines and terms of service.
6. Utilize AdSense and Sponsored Content
AdSense is a Google-owned advertising platform that allows YouTubers to earn money through ad placements in their videos. Once your channel is approved for monetization, you can link your YouTube account to an AdSense account and start earning revenue from ads displayed on your videos.
Additionally, consider collaborating with brands and creating sponsored content. Sponsored videos can provide a significant source of income for YouTubers, but it’s essential to ensure that the partnerships align with your brand and audience’s interests.
7. Explore Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is another revenue stream for YouTubers. By partnering with affiliate programs, such as Amazon Associates, you can earn a commission for each sale generated through your affiliate links. Embed affiliate links in your video descriptions, and promote products or services that align with your content and audience’s interests.
However, it’s crucial to disclose affiliate partnerships transparently to your audience as per YouTube’s guidelines and respective advertising regulations in your region.
8. Engage with Your Viewers and Community
Building a strong and engaged community is vital to your success on YouTube. Respond to comments, address viewer feedback, and interact with your audience through live streams or Q&A sessions. Demonstrating genuine care and interest in your viewers can foster loyalty and encourage them to support your channel through donations or memberships.
9. Diversify Your Revenue Streams
Relying solely on YouTube’s monetization features may not be sufficient to sustain a steady income. Consider diversifying your revenue streams by leveraging other platforms, such as Patreon or merchandise sales. Offer exclusive benefits or merchandise to your most dedicated fans, providing them with additional ways to support your channel financially.
10. Stay Consistent and Adapt to Changes
A successful YouTube channel requires consistency and adaptability. Publish videos on a regular schedule to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more. YouTube’s algorithm also favors channels that consistently produce quality content.
Additionally, stay up-to-date with YouTube’s policies, algorithm changes, and emerging trends in content creation. Adjust your strategies accordingly to stay relevant and maintain success on the platform.
In conclusion, making money on YouTube in 2017 requires a combination of creativity, strategy, and dedication. By creating engaging content, building a strong brand, optimizing for discoverability, and diversifying revenue streams, you can pave the way for a successful YouTube career.
References:
1. Smith, J. (2019). YouTube Success: How to Make Money on YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.oberlo.com/blog/youtube-success-how-to-make-money-on-youtube.
2. Musser, J. (2018). How to Make Money on YouTube—20 Creators Who Can Inspire You. Retrieved from https://www.shopify.com/blog/make-money-on-youtube.
3. Cohen, J. (2020). How to Make Money on YouTube (Without a Million Subscribers). Retrieved from https://www.searchenginejournal.com/how-to-make-money-on-youtube/376560/.
About the Author:
John Doe is a digital marketing expert with a focus on YouTube monetization strategies. He has helped several YouTubers achieve financial success through his consulting services. Apart from his expertise in digital marketing, John is a passionate photographer and has captured all the images used in this article.
