Stop Blaming the Algorithm: 5 Action Steps to Help You Grow Your YouTube Channel
Does YouTube play fair with small channels vs. big ones? Honestly, the jury is still out on that, and we could argue all day about whether or not it’s true — but it doesn’t matter. You can still grow your channel and grow your small business, regardless.
You have to decide YOU will take action to get the results you want!
But this blog isn’t just a motivational speech. No, no. I’m not going to let you leave here without some practical steps to take so you can achieve that!
I want to give you real-life examples of clients I’ve worked with who have done it and what they’ve done to grow their YouTube channel, complete with action steps you can take ASAP!
Ready? Let’s get to it!
How my clients grew their YouTube channels
I’ll start by talking about the clients who I’m basing the tips in this post on. We’ll look at what they had at the beginning of the year and how their channels grew after working together for 90 days.
Client #1:
Start of the year: 10k subscribers
After working together: 12,800 subscribers and over 85K views
Client #2:
Start of the year: 4 subscribers
After working together (in just ONE month): 516 subscribers and hit over 21,000 views
Client #3:
Start of the year: 259 subscribers
After working together: 408 subscribers, over 24,000 views, and booked 2 clients!
So…what’s their secret? It’s these five action steps we’re about to get into!
Action Step #1: Take growing your YouTube channel seriously
I’m not talking about eating, sleeping, or breathing YouTube. I’m not even talking about being passionate about it, or even LIKING it. But I do think one of the secrets to YouTube success is treating your channel like you care about it.
Don’t just post whatever video idea you have on a whim. Build an actual strategy for your content that sparks binge sessions and keeps people on the platform longer (that’s what the algo likes to see!).
Plan your content with your audience in mind. This will keep you from posting video after video with no traction.
Action Step #2: Get clear on your YouTube audience
I always say that if you’re talking to everyone, you’re talking to no one. Especially now when there are hundreds of thousands of videos out there. A basic “how-to” video that speaks to your neighbor, their dog, and their mom isn’t going to get the traction you need.
Instead, carve out some time to get clear on WHO your video is talking to, who should be watching it, and who the algorithm should be showing it to. If you can’t get a clear niche audience to watch your videos, YouTube will never know who to put your content in front of.
It’s just like finding a niche for your business — you attract more people with clarity because there’s less confusion about what you offer!
Action Step #3: Be consistent with the video content you post
Are you tracking analytics on your channel yet? Yes? No?
Either way, you probably know that you SHOULD be doing so. YouTube provides you with FREE reports you can access on your analytics dashboard, like that *snap*. They’re basically giving you the recipe to help your videos perform better.
But here’s the thing: If you aren’t getting a lot of views on your videos, it’s hard for YouTube to collect this data. When it doesn’t have enough info to measure on your channel, YouTube just throws videos out to randos in hopes someone will watch.
NOT the strategy you want to have!
How do you fix this? Easy — create more content.
Okay, I know that’s way easier said than done, but when I say “easy,” I mean this isn’t some complicated formula you have to follow. You can literally just start creating consistent content to build up your repertoire.
Once a week is a great starting point, but commit to what you can stay consistent with. Stick with it, and you will see results.
Action Step #4: Keep an eye on your niche
To create successful content, you also have to be mindful of what’s happening in your niche and your industry. You won’t though if you keep your head down and only focus on creating content — you have to consume it too!
Keep an eye on what videos are being posted in your niche from creators like you. You don’t have to copy them (actually, please don’t!), but it will give you a feel for what your audience is watching.
And even if you’ve been on YouTube a while, or have a clear grasp on your audience’s wants, I still say do this kind of analysis every so often. The online space changes fast and staying on top of what shifts will keep your channel growing!
Action Step #5: Get an outside perspective on your YouTube channel
This is so important that I, myself, do it too. Yes, the YouTube coach gets someone else’s opinion on her channel! But hey — we need these outside perspectives to help us see gaps we can’t.
Have someone else look at your channel objectively to give you feedback. Even better if you can find someone who understands how YouTube works — like a fellow biz owner or coach.
I do this with my clients every week. I assess everything from individual video data to the monthly analytics report and even provide feedback on titles and thumbnails. This type of feedback and support is crucial if you want to grow, and it may just be the thing you’ve been needing all along.
Grow your YouTube channel with coaching + community!
Speaking of support…if that’s something you’re looking for right now, I have something that can help!
The YouTube Coaching Experience is a coaching program where you can get business support, feedback on your channel, and tips for moving forward from someone who understands the platform.
Plus, you’ll have access to a community of other business owners looking to do the same thing, so you’ll never feel alone in this process!
If growing your YouTube channel has been on your to-do list this year, you should consider applying! I only take a small number of clients at a time, so I can ensure each person has my undivided attention, but if you’re serious about growing, then I know you’ll love it.
While the program doors aren’t currently open, you can sign up for the waitlist to be notified (and ready!) when they open again.
