10 Steps | Create & Monetize your YouTube Channel : A Beginner’s Guide with Tools & Resources (2023)!!

Starting a YouTube channel can be a fun and rewarding way to share your passions, connect with others, and potentially earn some money. But where do you begin?

In this guide, we’ll break down the 10 steps you need to take to start, grow, and monetize your YouTube channel, from determining your niche and target audience to diversifying your revenue streams.

If you are looking for different ways to monetize your youtube channel, read this post.

Step 1: Determine Your Niche and Target Audience

Before you start creating content for your YouTube channel, you need to determine your niche and target audience. Your niche is the specific topic or theme that your channel will focus on, while your target audience is the group of people who are most likely to be interested in that topic. Here are some sub-steps and tools to help you get started:

Brainstorm Niche Ideas

1. Start by brainstorming ideas for your niche. Think about your interests, hobbies, and expertise, and consider what topics you’re most passionate about.
2. Use Google Trends, a free tool to research popular search terms and topics. You can also use YouTube Trends to track the latest trends and popular videos on YouTube.

Research Your Target Audience

Once you’ve identified your niche, research your target audience. Who are they? What are their interests? What are their pain points?

Use Facebook Audience Insights to research audience demographics and interests. You can also create surveys using SurveyMonkey to collect feedback from your audience.

Refine Your Niche and Target Audience

1. Based on your research, refine your niche and target audience. Consider what content will be most valuable and relevant to your audience.
2. Use Google Keyword Planner, a free tool to research keywords and search volume. You can also use Ahrefs or Ubersuggest to research keywords and SEO strategies.

Create a Content Strategy

1. Create a content strategy that aligns with your niche and target audience. Consider what types of videos you’ll create, how often you’ll upload, and what value you’ll offer your audience.
2. Use Trello or Asana to organize your content backlog and collaborate with team members.

Tools and Resources

• Google Trends: https://trends.google.com/trends/
• YouTube Trends: https://www.youtube.com/trendsdashboard
• Facebook Audience Insights: https://www.facebook.com/business/help/164749007013531
• SurveyMonkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
• Google Keyword Planner: https://ads.google.com/home/tools/keyword-planner/
• Ahrefs: https://ahrefs.com/
• Ubersuggest: https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest/
• Trello: https://trello.com/
• Asana: https://asana.com/

Determining your niche and target audience is the first step to creating a successful YouTube channel. By understanding your audience’s interests and pain points, you can create valuable content that resonates with them.

Step 2: Create Your YouTube Channel

Once you’ve determined your niche and target audience, it’s time to create your YouTube channel. Here are some sub-steps and tools to help you get started:

Sign Up for a YouTube Account

• If you don’t already have a Google account, create one at https://accounts.google.com/signup.
• Once you’ve created your Google account, go to https://www.youtube.com/ and sign in using your Google account.

Set Up Your YouTube Channel

• Once you’re signed in to YouTube, go to the top right corner, click on your profile symbol and then pick “Create a channel”.
• To create your channel, just follow the prompts. You’ll need to choose a channel name and select a profile picture and banner image.
• Use Canva or Adobe Spark to create custom images for your channel.

Optimize Your YouTube Channel

• Once your channel is set up, it’s time to optimize it for search engines and viewers.
• Use relevant keywords in your channel name and description to improve your search rankings.
• Customize your channel layout to showcase your best videos and make it easy for viewers to navigate your content.
• Use TubeBuddy or VidIQ to research keywords, optimize your video tags and descriptions, and track your analytics.

Tools and Resources

• Google Accounts: https://accounts.google.com/signup
• Canva: https://www.canva.com/
• Adobe Spark: https://spark.adobe.com/
• TubeBuddy: https://www.tubebuddy.com/
• VidIQ: https://vidiq.com/

Creating your YouTube channel is the first step in building your online presence. By optimizing your channel and using relevant keywords, you’ll improve your chances of being discovered by viewers who are interested in your niche.

Step 3: Plan Your Content

Now that you have your niche and channel set up, it’s time to plan your content. Here are some sub-steps and tools to help you create a content plan:

Identify Your Video Topics

• Brainstorm a list of topics that align with your niche and audience.
• Use keyword research tools like Google Trends or Ahrefs to identify trending topics in your niche.
• Check out popular YouTube channels in your niche to get inspiration.

Create a Content Calendar

• Use Trello, Asana, or Google Sheets to create a content calendar.
• Map out your video topics and publication dates.
• Schedule time for filming, editing, and promoting each video.

Write Your Scripts

• Write a script for each video to ensure you stay on topic and provide value to your audience.
• Use Google Docs or Grammarly to edit and proofread your scripts.
• Practice reading your scripts aloud to ensure they flow well and sound natural.

Plan Your Video Format and Style

• Choose a video format and style that aligns with your niche and audience.
• Create a consistent brand look and feel across all your videos.
• Use Adobe Premiere Pro or Filmora to edit your videos and add effects.

Tools and Resources

• Google Trends: https://trends.google.com/trends/
• Ahrefs: https://ahrefs.com/
• Trello: https://trello.com/
• Asana: https://asana.com/
• Google Sheets: https://www.google.com/sheets/about/
• Google Docs: https://www.google.com/docs/about/
• Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/
• Adobe Premiere Pro: https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html
• Filmora: https://filmora.wondershare.com/

Creating a content plan is crucial to building a successful YouTube channel. By identifying your topics, creating a content calendar, writing scripts, and planning your video format, you’ll be able to consistently produce high-quality videos that keep your audience engaged.

Step 4: Create and Upload Videos

Now that you’ve planned your content, it’s time to create and upload your videos. Here are some sub-steps and tools to help you get started:

Film Your Videos

• Set up a designated filming space with good lighting and sound.
• Use a quality camera and microphone to ensure your video looks and sounds professional.
• Film multiple takes to ensure you have enough footage to work with.
• Use a teleprompter app like Bigvu to read your scripts while filming.

Sub-Step 2: Edit Your Videos

• Use Adobe Premiere Pro or Filmora to edit your videos and add effects.
• Cut out any mistakes or awkward pauses to ensure your video flows well.
• Add music, graphics, and text overlays to make your video more engaging.
• Use a color grading tool like LUTs to ensure your video has consistent color and tone.

Optimize Your Videos for Search

• Use TubeBuddy or VidIQ to research keywords, optimize your video tags and descriptions, and track your analytics.
• Use relevant keywords in your video title and description to improve your search rankings.
• Use eye-catching thumbnails to entice viewers to click on your video.

Upload Your Videos

• Once your video is edited and optimized, upload it to YouTube.
• Use a consistent naming convention for your videos to make them easy to find.
• Add end screens and cards to promote your other videos and channel.
• Share your videos on social media to attract more viewers.

Tools and Resources

• Bigvu: https://bigvu.tv/
• Adobe Premiere Pro: https://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html
• Filmora: https://filmora.wondershare.com/
• LUTs: https://www.colorgradingcentral.com/luts/
• TubeBuddy: https://www.tubebuddy.com/
• VidIQ: https://vidiq.com/

Creating and uploading high-quality videos is the heart of your YouTube channel. By using quality equipment, filming in a designated space, editing your videos, and optimizing them for search, you’ll attract more viewers and keep them engaged.

Step 5: Optimize Your Videos for Search

Once you’ve created and uploaded your videos, it’s time to optimize them for search. This will help your videos show up in search results, suggested videos, and recommended videos, and attract more viewers to your channel. Here are the sub-steps and tools to help you optimize your videos for search:

Research Keywords

• Use YouTube’s search bar to find popular search terms related to your niche and audience.
• Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find relevant and popular keywords to use in your video titles, descriptions, and tags.
• Look at your competitors’ channels and videos to see what keywords they are using.

Optimize Your Video Title

• Use your main keyword at the beginning of your video title.
• Keep your title short, clear, and attention-grabbing.
• Use title formulas like “How to…”, “Top 10…”, or “Ultimate Guide to…” to make your title more enticing.

Optimize Your Video Description

• Use your main keyword at the beginning of your video description.
• Write a detailed, informative, and engaging description that describes your video content.
• Include links to your website, social media, or other related videos to keep viewers engaged.

Optimize Your Video Tags

• Use relevant and popular keywords as video tags.
• Use variations of your main keyword as tags.
• Use TubeBuddy or VidIQ to find tags used by your competitors and relevant to your video.

Use Closed Captions

• Use closed captions or subtitles in your videos to improve your video’s accessibility and searchability.
• Use a transcription service like Rev or Temi to create captions for your videos.

Tools and Resources

• Google Keyword Planner: https://ads.google.com/home/tools/keyword-planner/
• Ahrefs: https://ahrefs.com/
• SEMrush: https://www.semrush.com/
• TubeBuddy: https://www.tubebuddy.com/
• VidIQ: https://vidiq.com/
• Rev: https://www.rev.com/
• Temi: https://www.temi.com/

By optimizing your videos for search, you’ll attract more viewers to your channel and increase your visibility on YouTube. Use keyword research tools, optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags, and use closed captions to improve your video’s accessibility and searchability.

Step 6: Promote Your Work

Promoting your work is an important step in growing your YouTube channel and reaching a wider audience. Here are the sub-steps and tools to help you promote your work:

Share Your Videos on Social Media

• Share your videos on your social media accounts, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Use relevant hashtags to attract viewers who are interested in your niche.
• Encourage your followers to share your videos with their friends and family.

Collaborate with Other YouTubers

• Collaborate with other YouTubers in your niche by creating a video together or featuring each other’s channels in your videos.
• This can help you reach a wider audience and gain new subscribers.

Engage with Your Audience

• Respond to comments on your videos and engage with your viewers.
• Ask for feedback and suggestions from your audience to improve your content.
• Encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel and turn on notifications.

Use Paid Advertising

• Use YouTube ads or Google Ads to promote your videos to a wider audience.
• Set a budget for your ads and target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behavior.

Attend Events and Conferences

• Attend events and conferences related to your niche and network with other creators and industry professionals.
• This can help you build relationships, learn new skills, and gain exposure for your channel.

Tools and Resources

• Hootsuite: https://hootsuite.com/
• Sprout Social: https://sproutsocial.com/
• Canva: https://www.canva.com/
• Google Ads: https://ads.google.com/
• YouTube Ads: https://www.youtube.com/ads/
• Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/

By promoting your work, you can reach a wider audience, gain new subscribers, and increase your visibility on YouTube. Share your videos on social media, collaborate with other YouTubers, engage with your audience, use paid advertising, and attend events and conferences to promote your channel.

Step 7: Build a Community

Building a community on YouTube involves creating a space where viewers can connect with you and each other. Here are the sub-steps and tools to help you build a community:

Encourage Engagement

• Encourage your viewers to comment on your videos and respond to their comments.
• Ask for feedback and suggestions on your content and take their opinions into account.
• Host Q&A sessions or live streams to interact with your audience in real-time.

Create a Website or Blog

• Create a website or blog where you can share additional content related to your niche.
• Include links to your YouTube channel and encourage visitors to subscribe.
• Use the website or blog to build your email list and stay in touch with your audience.

Host Giveaways and Contests

• Host giveaways and contests to incentivize engagement and reward your viewers.
• Ask viewers to share your videos or tag friends to participate.
• Make sure to follow YouTube’s guidelines for hosting giveaways and contests.

Create a Discord Server or Facebook Group

• Create a Discord server or Facebook group where your viewers can connect with each other and discuss your content.
• Use the group or server to share exclusive content or behind-the-scenes footage.
• Moderate the group or server to ensure a positive and respectful community.

Attend and Host Meetups

• Attend or host meetups with your viewers to build relationships and create a sense of community.
• Use platforms like Meetup.com to find events in your area or create your own meetup.

Tools and Resources

• Disqus: https://disqus.com/
• WordPress: https://wordpress.com/
• Mailchimp: https://mailchimp.com/
• Discord: https://discord.com/
• Facebook Groups: https://www.facebook.com/groups/
• Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/

By building a community on YouTube, you can create a loyal following and foster engagement around your content. Encourage engagement, create a website or blog, host giveaways and contests, create a Discord server or Facebook group, and attend or host meetups to build a community.

Step 8: Meet the Monetization Requirements

In order to earn revenue from your YouTube channel, you must meet the following monetization requirements:

Have at least 1,000 subscribers

• Grow your subscriber base by creating high-quality, engaging content.
• Use keyword research to optimize your videos for search and attract new viewers.

Have at least

Long videos – 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months

Shorts – 10 million views in 90 days

• Use YouTube Analytics to track your watch time and identify which videos are performing well.

Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service

• Familiarize yourself with YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service to ensure your content is compliant.
• Avoid using clickbait or misleading titles and thumbnails.

Set up a Google AdSense account

• Set up a Google AdSense account to earn revenue from ads shown on your videos.
• Ensure that your account is in good standing and that you have provided accurate payment information.

Apply for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

• Apply for the YPP once you have met the monetization requirements.
• Review the YPP terms and conditions and ensure that your content meets the program’s guidelines.

Tools and Resources

• Keyword Tool: https://keywordtool.io/youtube
• YouTube Analytics: https://www.youtube.com/analytics
• YouTube Community Guidelines: https://www.youtube.com/about/policies/#community-guidelines
• Google AdSense: https://www.google.com/adsense/
• YouTube Partner Program: https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/partner.html

Meeting the monetization requirements is essential if you want to earn revenue from your YouTube channel. Focus on growing your subscriber base and increasing your watch time, while following YouTube’s guidelines and terms of service. Set up a Google AdSense account and apply for the YouTube Partner Program to start earning revenue from your content.

Step 9: Apply for Monetization

Once you have met the monetization requirements, it’s time to apply for monetization on your YouTube channel. Here’s what you need to do:

Sign in to your YouTube account and go to YouTube Studio

• Click on the monetization tab in the left-hand menu.
• Click on the “Start” button to begin the monetization process.

Review and agree to the YouTube Partner Program terms

• Read through the terms and conditions of the YPP carefully.
• Agree to the terms and conditions by checking the box and clicking “Next”.

Set up your Google AdSense account

• If you haven’t set up a Google AdSense account yet, you’ll need to do so before you can monetize your YouTube channel.
• Follow the prompts to set up your account and provide accurate payment information.

Connect your YouTube channel to your AdSense account

• In YouTube Studio, click on the “Connect AdSense account” button.
• Follow the prompts to connect your AdSense account to your YouTube channel.

Wait for YouTube to review your application

• YouTube will review your application to ensure that your content meets their guidelines.
• This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Tools and Resources

• YouTube Studio: https://studio.youtube.com/
• YouTube Partner Program Terms and Conditions: https://www.youtube.com/t/terms
• Google AdSense: https://www.google.com/adsense/

Step 10: Continuously Improve Your Content and Channel

Once you’ve applied for monetization, be patient and wait for YouTube to review your application. In the meantime, continue creating high-quality content and engaging with your audience to grow your channel. If your application is approved, you’ll start earning revenue from ads shown on your videos.

Creating a successful YouTube channel is an ongoing process. To continue growing your audience and maximizing your revenue potential, you need to constantly improve your content and channel. Here’s what you need to do:

Analyze your performance metrics regularly

• Use YouTube Analytics to track your channel’s performance metrics, such as views, watch time, audience demographics, and engagement.
• Analyze your performance regularly to identify areas where you can improve.

Incorporate viewer feedback

• Read through the comments on your videos and respond to feedback from your audience.
• Use feedback to improve your content and tailor it to your viewers’ interests.

Experiment with new types of content

• Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different types of content.
• Use YouTube Analytics to track how your new content performs and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Collaborate with other creators.

• Collaborating with other creators can expose your channel to a new audience and help you grow your channel.
• Reach out to other creators in your niche and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Stay up-to-date with YouTube’s algorithm and policies

• YouTube’s algorithm and policies are constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest updates.
• Subscribe to YouTube’s Creator Insider channel and read through their blog to stay informed.

Tools and Resources

• YouTube Analytics: https://analytics.youtube.com/
• Creator Insider: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGg-UqjRgzhYDPJMr-9HXCg
• YouTube Creator Blog: https://youtube-creators.googleblog.com/

By continuously improving your content and channel, you can keep your audience engaged and continue to grow your channel. Be open to feedback, experiment with new types of content, collaborate with other creators, and stay up-to-date with YouTube’s algorithm and policies to maximize your revenue potential.

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