New YouTubers Should Focus On These Things In 2024

Introduction

As a new content creator, you might feel overwhelmed by all the information available about growing a YouTube channel. You might be wondering what you should focus on to get the most out of the efforts you’re putting into the content you’re making. As someone that’s been making videos for YouTube for over nine years, I'm here to tell you that there are many things you can do that will keep you busy but won't really make a difference when it comes to growing your YouTube channel. However, there are certainly things that, if you focus on, will make a big difference. I'm going to lay it all out for you so you don't have to worry about wasting time on things that won't make a difference, and we’re starting right now.

By the way, if this is your first time here, my name is Nick. If you want to learn how to grow your channel and learn how to use all the tools that make content creation easy, make sure you subscribe right now so you don't miss a video that could help you.

Consistency

When it comes to consistency, many people connect it to your upload schedule. Yes, publishing on YouTube consistently is important. However, the more important thing is that you work the process of creating content into your lifestyle, ensuring that you can do it for a long period of time.

Another part about consistency is that it helps you dial in your workflow. If you're doing something on a regular basis, it's easy to remember what you did last time, start remembering shortcuts you take, and where you've put everything on your computer. It just makes the process easier and helps you develop your workflow more efficiently. Plus, if you're doing the thing, you've got to do the thing. If you're not uploading videos regularly, you're not really doing the thing.

Ideation

Another thing that can make a big difference with your channel is your ability to come up with really good video ideas. While it sounds obvious, having a good idea can enable your video to perform well compared to copying content from others.

If you're new and don't know how to come up with unique ideas, it's okay to look for videos with an established proof of concept. If you think you can create a better version, topically similar videos are fine. But if you really want to stand out and lead the pack in your niche, coming up with unique video ideas is critical.

Proper Packaging

Taking the time to learn how to properly package the ideas you create videos on will make a huge difference. Packaging means making your thumbnail and title represent the video in an accurate yet enticing way. This skill is paramount because even the best videos won't be seen if people don’t click on them.

It’s important to think about your thumbnail and title during the ideation process. If you can’t represent the idea through a good thumbnail and title, it’s going to be hard to attract viewers. Your thumbnail grabs attention and shares a bit of the video’s information, and the title pulls people in.

YouTube is rolling out multi-language audio, allowing creators to upload dubbed audio in different languages. Also, translating your metadata can make your content more accessible internationally.

Analyzing Metrics

Once you publish your video, learn how to measure the response through YouTube’s analytics. This might be the least fun, but it’s invaluable for understanding how to make better videos. Focus on the following:

Click-through Rate (CRT) and Impressions: This tells you how good you are at getting people to click on your video.
Audience Retention: These reports show a second-by-second graph of how viewers respond, identifying drop-off points, spikes, dips, and flat lines.
Audience Tab: This section shows how many new versus returning viewers you’re getting, what other channels they’re watching, best publishing times, etc.

Linking Your Content

Think about how you’re linking your content together. Consider what you can tell viewers to watch next on your channel and create a playlist or series accordingly. Use tools like end screens, descriptions, cards, playlists, community feed, etc., to interlink your content effectively. This helps get more views, watch time, and subscribers as viewers binge-watch related videos.

Distribution

Distribution maximizes views and impact. Services like Opus Clip can cut long-form videos into smaller chunks for YouTube Shorts or other platforms. This also provides a buffer if you’re unable to stay consistent with your uploads.

Authenticity

Authenticity is critical. Don’t try to imitate other creators or styles that don’t fit your content type. Instead, talk to the camera like you’re talking to a friend. Practice communicating naturally, sometimes even when you're not recording. This helps you talk to, not at, the viewers.

Focus on using language that makes it feel like you’re talking to one person. Instead of “hey guys,” say “hey,” addressing individual viewers to make a deeper connection.

Understand Your Audience

Learn about the people you’re serving with your content. Understand what they care about, their problems, and their interests. If you combine this understanding with the previously mentioned strategies, you’ll be on the path to success.

If you’re a new content creator, I recently posted a video discussing pitfalls like grifters on YouTube, selling misleading information. Many viewers found it informative, so be sure to check it out. Thank you for reading, and I’ll see you in the next article.

Keywords

Consistency
Ideation
Proper Packaging
Analyzing Metrics
Audience Retention
Linking Content
Distribution
Authenticity
Understand Your Audience

FAQ

1. Why is consistency important for YouTube growth? Consistency helps integrate content creation into your lifestyle, allowing you to sustain it long-term. It helps you develop an efficient workflow, making the process easier over time.

2. What is the significance of proper packaging for YouTube videos? Proper packaging involves creating compelling thumbnails and titles that accurately represent your video. Good packaging entices viewers to click on your video, which is vital for viewership.

3. How can I measure the success of my YouTube videos? You can measure success using YouTube analytics, focusing on click-through rates, audience retention reports, and your audience tab. These metrics provide valuable insights into how well your video is performing.

4. What tools can I use to interlink my YouTube content? You can use end screens, descriptions, cards, playlists, and the community feed to interlink your content, making it easier for viewers to navigate and find related videos.

5. How can authenticity impact my YouTube growth? Authenticity helps you build a deeper connection with your viewers. Talking naturally to the lens as if you’re speaking to a friend can make your content more relatable and engaging.

6. How important is understanding your audience on YouTube? Understanding your audience allows you to create content that resonates with them. Learning about their interests, problems, and preferences can significantly improve your content strategy.