“Not only are bloggers suckers for the remarkable, so are the people who read blogs .” - Seth Godin

Why YouTube Should Be Your Next Big Content Move: Stop Hustlin' Backwards

Finding Your Space on YouTube: A Journey Worth Taking

Here’s my issue with social media:

There’s a term in hip-hop called “hustlin' backward.” It means you're working extremely hard with very little return. This is the case for a lot of creators and entrepreneurs.

This is an even bigger problem because most don’t know how to create content that gets results. So, it becomes a lot of just posting and hoping to get results without knowing if anything is working.

The YouTube Advantage: More Than Just Posting

Many creators fall into the trap of endless posting on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, only to get caught in the cycle of minimal engagement and barely any growth.

Then you have YouTube, a platform that's more than just a storage closet for random videos. It’s a search engine, a community builder, and a monetization megastar all rolled into one.

On YouTube, your content has a longer shelf life. Unlike the “here now, gone tomorrow” nature of Instagram.

TikTok has made a big effort to shift towards an SEO focused algorithm. That means as long as your content is SEO optimized it can continue to be found and recieve engagement long after you post it.

I log into to TikTok and constantly get new notifications from content I’ve posted 2 years ago. This is why I’m going to be focusing a lot more on generating content for YouTube. Videos posted there can continue to attract views and generate engagement years after they are posted. Creating evergreen content means your hard work will pay off long-run.

Breaking the Cycle: From Hustlin' Backwards to Moving Forward

With people looking to reduce screen time it might be time to rethink you’re approach to social media. I’m not saying to abandon it completely because 9 times out of 8 you can find your audience there but you want to make sure you’re actually getting somewhere and not just running on another hamster wheel.

Having a though strategy on a platform that prioritize quality over quantity is the key to sustainable success. A well-thought-out, informative video can bring more value to your audience and to your brand than a hundred 7 second reels.

Here’s How You Can Start:

1. Find Your Niche: Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Focus on what you’re passionate about and what you can provide unique insights on. This usually comes down to your experience. A big mistake people make is trying to create content about something they have very little experience with. This is a recipe for low engagement and sales. Talking about what you know, what you’ve done or what you enjoy will make creating the content more enjoyable and sustainable.

2. Plan Your Content: YouTube rewards consistency and quality. Plan out your first 30 pieces of content in advance, focusing on creating videos that offer value, whether through education, entertainment, or inspiration.

3. Engage with Your Audience: Community is key these days and YouTube’s comment section is a goldmine for engagement. Take the time to respond to comments, ask questions, and build a relationship with your audience.

4. Optimize for Search: Remember, YouTube is a search engine first. To take advantage of this you want to put yourself in the shoes of your audience. What are they looking for on YouTube? What content can you create that will be of interest to them? Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to make your videos more discoverable.

When I first started on YouTube, I was skeptical like most people. Is this even going to work?. Will people really care about what I had to say? The answer was a very big yes.

Nothing beats those moments when a view let’s you know in the comments that you helped them learn something new or gave them a new perspective. Those “Aha!” moments are what keep me going because I know there are people out there that can benefit from my content.

Why YouTube Stands Out

Longevity and Searchability

Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where content has a short shelf life, YouTube videos have longevity. Search for a tutorial, and you might find a top video from five years ago still pulling in views. This makes YouTube an incredible platform for content that remains relevant over time—evergreen content that continues to bring in traffic long after it’s posted.

Intent-Driven Audience

People go to YouTube with a purpose. Usually if someone is on TikTok or Instagram they’re just scrolling aimlessly trying to escape from the real world. But on YouTube people are actively seeking solutions to their problems. This means when they find your video, they’re more likely to engage, follow through on your calls to action, and become part of your community.

Actionable Tips for YouTube Success

1. Create Evergreen Content: Focus on videos that remain relevant over time. Whether it's workout routines, marketing advice, or DIY tutorials, ensure your content solves a problem or provides lasting value.

2. Master The Title & Thumbnail: You can have the most amazing content but if you can’t get people to click on the video in the first place then it doesn’t really matter. Your title and thumbnail should give your audience a preview of what they will get from the video. This is the 20% that will get you 80% of the results.

3. Optimize Your Descriptions: Use the video description to include links to your website, products, or other social media channels. This not only drives traffic but also boosts your video’s SEO.

4. Engage with Calls to Action: Encourage viewers to like, comment, subscribe, and check out additional resources. This can be done verbally in your video or with on screen graphics

5. Leverage Affiliate Marketing: Include affiliate links in your descriptions. Over time, these can generate a consistent stream of passive income.

6. Consistency is Key: Regularly upload content to keep your channel active and growing. Consistency helps build a loyal audience and improves your standing with the YouTube algorithm. Aim for 2-3 videos a week if possible. One per week minimum. Having a solid content strategy and system will keep you on track.

The Power of YouTube in the Marketing Funnel

YouTube isn’t just another social media platform—it’s a powerful tool in your sales funnel. By offering valuable content for free, you build goodwill and trust with your audience. This “freebie” content acts as a bribe, enticing viewers to give you their contact information or check out your paid offers. It’s about striking the right balance—providing enough value to attract and retain viewers without giving away the store.

Leveraging YouTube for Lead Generation

Curious about how YouTube can convert viewers into leads? It’s simpler than you might think. Use the description section to add links to your landing pages, products, or services. Mention these in your videos as well. For instance, if you’re sharing a free training session, include a link to sign up for a full fitness program or to buy an ebook. This way, your content not only educates and entertains but also funnels viewers into your sales pipeline.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Many creators stay away from YouTube because they feel like it’ll be a hard to figure out or to keep up with the algorithm. Here’s the truth though: Growing a brand is hard. Getting clients is hard. Life is hard.

The best things in life, the things that are worth doing are always hard. So you can either accept whatever hard situations life is going to throw at you or you can choose your hard and decide the outcome of the situation.

Yes there’s a learning curve, but that effort pays off. Start with simple, informative videos. Use tools like Canva for thumbnails and basic editing software for your videos. You can record straight from your phone and do all your editing in CapCut or Inshot.

As you get more comfortable, you can invest in better equipment and start taking your content to the next level but the most important thing you cna do right now is to just get started. If you try waiting until it’s perfect youl be waiting for a while and wasting precious time that you can’t get back.

Reflecting My Personal Brand

As a digital marketing strategist I’ve always stressed the importance of being where your audience is. For years, that meant focusing heavily on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. But the landscape is shifting.

Audiences are becoming more discerning, seeking deeper connections and more substantial content. By incorporating YouTube into my strategy, I’m not only adapting to these changes but also demonstrating thought leadership in the marketing space.

So, if you're tired of hustlin' backwards and ready to make a significant impact and have been thinking about getting started then I challenge you to take the leap into YouTube. If you want to follow me on my journey as I work on figuring it out make sure you click here and go hit the subscribe button.

Share your stories, your expertise, your passion. Build something incredible. Drop a comment below on what niche you’re passionate about or share your experiences with YouTube so far. I’d love to hear from you!

Conclusion

In a world where digital content is fleeting, YouTube offers a chance at longevity and purpose. By creating valuable, evergreen content, you not only position yourself as an authority in your field but also build a lasting connection with your audience. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating, start sharing, and watch your influence grow.

#YouTubeStrategy #DigitalMarketing #ContentCreation

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