YouTube is one of the largest video streaming websites globally. People always ask “how do you make money on YouTube?” Guess what? It’s not an overnight succes. Learning how to make money on YouTube requires dedication, patience, and skill. But even the income earning opportunity has changed drastically over the years.
However, one thing that hasn’t changed is that YouTube can still be a great way to make money as long as you play it a bit smart in terms of what you can offer using the media you are given.
For instance, we will just mention that all YouTube channels are able to generate revenue through advertisements and sponsorships. Still, there are other options open for those that make their channels grow exponentially, and if you thought you were a bit late for this, you should think about it twice.
You see, it is true there’s a lot of competence in the platform nowadays, but having competitors means more people are “consuming” the content and looking for new people for entertainment.
Hence, you should have your own space on the platform and make it simple: Yes, you can make money through YouTube. But, how?
Here, we will discuss why people still continue to dream about becoming YouTubers and how you can take part in the group and earn the money you expect.
First, What Is a YouTuber?
We don’t think this needs much explanation, but we will take a couple of minutes to point out the characteristics that will identify you as a YouTuber and why not? Maybe leave a short definition.
A YouTuber is simply the user who decides to upload content on the platform by either appearing on videos, editing them, and sharing any type of content that is allowed by YouTube.
It isn’t necessary to be a vlogger or aim for the usual content of showing yourself since some users are able to share videos that are either educational and well-designed and edited.
Take compilations videos and channels like WatchMojo as examples.
You don’t see anyone on them or the user directly, but they have succeeded in the goal of any YouTuber: Growing a community to monetize the channel then and handle the “make money” part.
Now, what are the characteristics of a YouTuber in specific?
Before anything else, keep in mind that anyone can upload a YouTube video, but only those who can build a following interested in their content can be called successful YouTubers.
How can you become one or identify one on the platform?
Simple, if they:
- Share original material.
- Create unique content.
- Show their love for their followers.
Then, it won’t be hard to find them, and when you bet for this option, you need to keep in mind what we turn you into success.
Why Should You Start a YouTube Channel?
Besides making money, is there another reason why you would put effort into opening a channel?
If we are real about it, it is obvious most people just want to make money with it, and we can’t exclude ourselves.
However, YouTube and this method of making money have become more than just a goldmine for some people. They have also found a way to build their confidence and be a bit more secure about themselves.
Thus, you have more reasons to start it. Of course, as long as they align with what you have in mind:
- You can aim for fame.
If you’re thinking about being famous, YouTube is a passive and enjoyable way to do so without having to expose all your life.
To a certain point, we all want to be famous like our favorite influencers, and since the Internet is flying compared to other things, you can rest assured this can be a bit of opportunity.
- You can make money.
The salary is another reason to be a YouTuber, if not the main one.
However, you will need at least 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 hours of video per year, and meet the YouTube policy.
While AdSense is the main source of income, increasing views and subscribers will allow you to attract sponsorships or other opportunities to make additional money.
Many YouTubers that we know today started small but grew in fame and now have the means to buy expensive cars and houses.
- You get more opportunities.
YouTube is a popular website where people of different interests come together.
It offers many opportunities for content creators to the point of having many people staring in movies and get signed by music producers.
Some even have the opportunity to launch their own companies or promote them with a YouTube channel.
There are endless possibilities. Most of the YouTube stars we know started with just a few hundred views. If you want to reach your goals, you must work hard.
- It increases your confidence.
You cannot avoid the criticism of others while you are in the limelight.
While you will receive many encouraging and encouraging comments, you may also get some negative feedback. It might be a bit hurtful at first.
It’s not always easy to meet people online. You can become more skilled as a YouTube creator and learn to be tougher. Focus on the comments and criticisms that are helpful.
You will also feel more confident in your abilities and who you are.
- YouTube is kind of the new LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is and will continue to be a great place for businesses and professionals, but complementing it with a YouTube channel, will be a great bonus for more opportunities.
Even though you may have the most advanced knowledge in your field, it is possible to lose a business opportunity that could change your life.
Videos grab people’s attention naturally. Your video suddenly pops up as they scroll through their Twitter or LinkedIn feeds.
The chances of them clicking the “Play” button is much greater than reading text.
Videos keep viewers interested because they are able to connect with you on an individual level.
- Your professional network will be vastly expanded.
You can attract people by putting your content out there. Over time, you will gain hundreds to even thousands of followers.
You must identify your core audience if you are to maximize their potential and grow your professional network.
What are the people you want and can collaborate with? The primary focus is on entrepreneurs and software engineers who love open-source technologies and see the future in decentralized Internet service.
Imagine a man who represents your core audience to attract them. It’s a software developer who is looking to create a venture based on open technologies. What kind of content would this guy want? Once you have the answer, create the content, and people will follow.
You can respond to their comments and engage with them. This will help you build a community.
Creating Your YouTube Channel
Believe it or not, this is the easiest part. The tough one is making your followers and subscribers grow to make money later on.
Now, we will just make sure you are able to go through the process:
You need to create your YouTube account first.
Some people decide to use their Google Accounts for YouTube. However, we recommend going for a new email and creating one from zero.
Once you’re done with the previous steps, which will only require your basic information like signing up for an email or other platforms, you can move on with creating your channel in specific:
- Sign up for your account using your computer or mobile (we recommend the first option).
- Click on your profile picture and choose “Create a channel.”
- Once in, you will be asked to create your channel.
- For it, you need to add your name, profile picture, sex, and date of birth.
- Contact information and some details about yourself are needed.
- When the information is completed, you get your channel in seconds.
Most of the YouTube channels you can create are using your Google Account. However, it is possible to use a brand or business name.
You only need the business and brand information and make sure you are adding the correct and legal details. Done, and the process continues to be quite simple.
How to Make Money: Sources & Opportunities
With this part more than clear, we will be jumping to the part you’re more interested in: Making money by starting the YouTube channel.
There are several options available, but we will discuss the most common and profitable ones.
1. Sign up for the YouTube Partner Program.
YouTube Partner Program allows regular YouTubers to earn money by gaining access to exclusive features on the platform.
Setting up AdSense accounts and getting views is usually enough to make money, but turning into a partner can simply the process and boost your revenue.
You have multiple income streams that can help you make money through the YouTube Partner Program.
The platform has established standards and requirements that you must meet to participate in it whatsoever.
You will need to agree to adhere to YouTube’s monetization policies. After you have had 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of video time, you can apply for monetization, which is something we previously mentioned.
When done, it offers five ways in which you can get income with the program alone:
- Advertising: This refers to the money you receive from your content’s overlay, display, and video ads. To access AdSense and to create content that conforms to YouTube’s guidelines, you must be at least 18 or have a legal guardian.
- Channel memberships: Your members can access special perks and options through your channel. You must have at least 1,000 subscribers to this channel and be at least 18 years of age.
- Merch shelf: Your watch pages can be outfitted with branded merchandise that your customers can purchase. You can unlock this feature when you have 10,000+ subscribers.
- Super chat, super stickers: When streaming, fans can pay to highlight and send their message.
- YouTube Premium revenue: When YouTube Premium subscribers watch your content, you earn a commission from YouTube itself.
2. Selling your merchandise for viewers and interested ones.
This option is available in the YouTube Partner Program, but you must comply with all requirements set by YouTube and pay for the commission established to sell your merch. Thus, you will lose quite a lot of money in the process.
When you decide to set a separate store, it is much easier than relying solely on YouTube to provide this option to your subscribers and viewers.
Instead, you can invest in creating the merchandise and setting up a website that they can use, so the revenue isn’t shared either.
How can you make your store stand out from YouTube? How can you market it?
The answer to the former is straightforward, but in order to answer all the questions, you will need to use one YouTube-approved website for merchandise to embed the links and promote your merch.
Smart marketing of merch is also important as it will be required to get people to take action.
This could be a bad idea for someone who is just starting a YouTube channel or doesn’t want the YouTube merch shelves to remain open after it becomes available. Even though you are a new YouTuber, there is a lot of support for you, especially if you have a loyal audience.
Don’t lose sight of the idea; just plan it well.
3. Sponsors are the main ones.
Some YouTube channels upload original content, but they need to rely on existing ones that usually have copyright. So, how can they monetize their channels if this is forbidden?
Sponsors are the short answer.
Your audience is what makes money. Although you may not be able to take advantage of some opportunities or requirements, many large corporations and brands will pay you if you are willing to promote their products in a section of your video.
You get paid for your content and get a link you can use to get a commission on any products or services purchased by your viewers.
Finding genuine sponsors and brands is the difficult part of this, yet it isn’t difficult.
4. Fan funding is an option.
Have you heard of Patreon, Buy Me A Coffee, or a platform where you can receive some donations?
If not, they are quite simple to understand: They allow you to receive donations in return for exclusive content that you make available to members who pay.
There are levels to the system. Each level will have its own content, and memberships can vary depending on it.
Members will have access to the content depending on how they pay. They will be charged a monthly fee, which allows them to continue accessing this exclusive option, but you have to renew your content each month.
This is similar to crowdfunding campaigns. However, these are not one-time options.
They can also be used for specific projects or ideas. The system functions more like a subscription, similar to YouTube, except that it is paid to allow others to view your content. Does that make sense?
This is a popular method for YouTubers who have difficulty finding sponsors, just started, or want to share content with viewers. However, it is not allowed on YouTube or other platforms.
Best 7 Tips to Start Your YouTube Channel
Are you kind of falling in love with this idea or want to give it a try instead of regretting not even giving it a chance? Then, we have some tips that will be more than useful.
Use the Best Equipment You Can
Clear audio and video can help you stand out exponentially. However, we know not everyone has the money or resources to get a very expensive camera or microphone. Though, it isn’t necessary either.
While recording videos with your smartphone is possible and we find it acceptable considering not everyone has money to buy new equipment, you should invest in quality equipment if your viewers want to enjoy the content later.
Don’t get us wrong; you can start with your smartphone or old camera as long as the quality is viable and not poor. At least, offer a good one that can reach 720p and then, you can aim for actual HD.
But what do YouTubers use if you’re thinking about acquiring the equipment?
Many YouTubers use DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and other essential videography accessories like tripods, studio lighting, and lenses.
A mirrorless or action camera, a good monopod, and a handheld stabilizer are essential gear staples for those who constantly vlog on the go.
Of course, you can decide what equipment you need based on the types of videos you will make.
If you are not going to show yourself but rather offer edited videos, you can focus on getting a good computer and software.
When your videos include audio of yourself or external sources, you’ll need to invest in a quality microphone.
Finally, make sure of checking that your audio is clear enough to understand by your viewers or that the rendering of your edited videos is good enough.
Always Make a Schedule & Plan
By this point, you must have made a decision about the type of content you want to share before you start a YouTube channel.
Then, the following step is how important is to keep your videos interesting and engaging to increase subscribers.
It is important, in addition, to have a theme you can stick with to have an order.
Many successful YouTubers decide to follow specific topics: Travel, food, games, and more.
Overall, people enjoy watching other people’s lives or connecting with the content you’re sharing, so telling them what they can expect and providing interesting content will place you high enough.
Now, what does this have to do with planning the content? Everything.
Sticking to a theme or the simple fact of uploading new videos is time-consuming, and you can run out of ideas very soon unless you take the time to research and plan what you will do next.
Thus, one of the best recommendations we can give you is to sit once a week and plan your schedule.
Start with Simple Editing Software
Remember what we said about editing and software? If you don’t know much about it, you can just stick to the basics for now.
You don’t need to use software like Final Cut Pro to edit videos. Even though advanced programs can help with your content greatly, they won’t be a good idea if it’s something you struggle with.
We’re sure you will find it easier to learn video editing with programs like Windows Movie Maker and Apple iMovie.
Using sites that offer free tools or some premium subscriptions to access editing options can also be a good idea.
Although most of them aren’t optimized properly, you can get the elements and finish the editing with Windows Movie Maker and get the content to look neat.
Optimize Your Videos for Search & SEO
Optimizing your content for YouTube will increase your visibility. Hence, it is crucial and a must-have when you are working in this field.
Once you upload your first video, make sure it has a descriptive title that viewers can easily find on YouTube.
Also, include your main keywords depending on the content of the video and the themes you have been following.
Use relevant tags to help your video get placed under related categories.
If you are unsure of what tags you can use, just have a look at your competitors and what tags they’re using.
Finally, write a description of your video that is at least 200 words long.
Make sure to include synonyms, target keywords, and long-tail keywords variations to help viewers understand what your video is all about and rank it on the platform.
Remember to Connect with Viewers
You’ll gradually gain followers and have thousands of comments on your videos and, eventually, you’ll start to get messages on your personal social network accounts as well.
When this happens or since the very beginning, make sure to make connections with your viewers as much as you can.
Your social media channels are an extension of your YouTube channel. So, try sharing little bits of your life on social media platforms so viewers can connect with you even more.
You should also make an effort to respond to as many messages as you can.
These interactions will allow your subscribers to learn more about you. They also help you build a sense of community and camaraderie within your small community.
In the process, you can get inspiration from your viewers by interacting with them, and it will keep you motivated to continue growing your channel despite all the challenges.
You Have to Upload Regularly
Be consistent with uploads is another important tip that falls to the need to plan your content.
YouTube channel owners may publish videos twice per week or even just once. However, they are consistent, and you don’t have to upload them every single day. Just make sure you’re present.
If you want to keep your audience interested, you can always let them know every time you upload or plan to do so by sharing a schedule.
This increases a channel’s chances of getting steady views if it has many or few viewers.
Stick to your schedule once you have established a time that is convenient for you and you will notice the results in a matter of weeks.
Leave Out All Negative Comments
Negative comments will always exist, no matter how large or small your channel may be, and they can easily take you down.
In the case of YouTube, the platform is full of ruthless people who hide behind blank avatars.
Instead of allowing them to affect you, use them as a reminder that you cannot please everyone and to remember those who value you and what you do to continue going.
The important part is to always focus on the positive, and if you want to be successful in this money-making option, you will have to be patient and tolerant with the comments and ignore them when they are not productive.
Do You Want to Give It A Try?
YouTube is a great way to make extra income if you have the time, and if you are willing to aim for more, we bet you could get rich just like those famous YouTubers nowadays.
It won’t be easy or simple, but it will be rewarding, and you get to experience new situations and some love.
If you’re going to give it a try, just remember it’s all about hard work and perseverance. It is possible not to reach a milestone within the first few months. However, you can still try it and start small.
Just work on your ideas, plans, and how you can make something possible. After all, you can make money and get some fame, so it isn’t a fake opportunity.
The Local Lead Generation Process for Your Business
All right! So, everything is about building properties and generating leads. But how does the process actually take place? Are there other steps I need to know?
The steps I mention below are what students from our local lead generation program follow to generate leads for businesses like yourself. So I’ll help you see what we do. And how if you join our program, you can simply generate leads for your own business (unless you want to start a side hustle and build a laptop lifestyle business).
Essentially, our lead generation can be divided into four steps:
The first is prospecting. You need to take the time to do market research on a niche (industry) and determine how many phone-driven businesses are there.
Keep in mind that this is local research as you need to know how many companies need leads. For example, you may search for “plumbing services Youngstown OH.”
You will find dozens or even hundreds of businesses trying to get themselves in front of the customers by ranking on Map Listings, organic results, and even Ad.
The second step, building. When you find a niche (plumbing, tree services, a software company, real estate…), you will need to start building your digital properties. You don’t need to be an expert in HTML or coding. It can be easy with the right tools.
The third step is now taking time to rank your lead gen website. With the site done, you need to work on SEO strategies and start dominating those Google search results. If you’re new to SEO, it stands for Search Engine Optimization.
To keep it simple, it consists of the entire process of growing a company’s visibility on search engines like Google and generating organic traffic. And remember this, local lead generation is part of the strategies.
Moving on to step four, once you rank the site, you will start getting your ROI and profits. You only need to rent it out to a local business interested in the leads the site generates. You can offer a couple of free leads to their move on with the actual pay per lead.
To review steps 1-4 above, I described it to a normal student who is building a lead gen business to help local service providers generate more calls. But replace the student with you as the business owner. And replace sending the leads to a business to simply siphoning the leads to your personal business.
By the way, fun fact, about 20% of our students in our local lead gen program are actually business owners who went through the program. And they use the skillsets we teach to generate leads for their own business.
An Example of Lead Generation: Home Advisor
You must be thinking, “if lead generation sounds so good so far, how come I haven’t seen any company?” That’s the thing; there are many out there. You just don’t know they are dedicated to it.
HomeAdvisor is one of the best examples you can find on the Internet as it is a top lead generation company that has spent millions building its brand but also earned even more zeros for this same reason.
They started small as everyone else but invested in building their brand awareness to make people who are looking for home services go to their website and find what they need. They are over 75% of people’s first choice when they need those services.
If you don’t get HomeAdvisor that much or need a refresh, users need to submit their information to request a service and get a professional or expert who can provide it.
HomeAdvisor’s job is to share your information, which makes you a lead, with local companies so they can contact you and offer the service you’re requesting. For sharing this lead information, HomeAdvisor gets paid by the companies. This happens for every single lead they send to multiple businesses.
Business owners who don’t have marketing skills or don’t even know how to have any online presence will always rely on those pages to list their services. They will save time and effort, but companies like HomeAdvisor can make them spend lots of money as leads aren’t exclusive (one lead is sent to multiple companies after all).
Using Facebook Ads aka Paid Ad Platforms: Do They Generate Leads?
They DO generate leads. If not, no one would use them.
However, you need to remember two facts:
- Paid ads or platforms can be expensive.
- They don’t generate “natural” leads.
Whenever someone sees or clicks in one of those ads, over 80% of them did it by accident or are trying to close/report it.
Why? Because they aren’t looking for those services. At least not at the moment.
What those ads do instead is interrupt their time on the platforms. Users aren’t there to find companies or businesses unless they are searching for a specific company’s user, and for that, there’s a search bar. This is why it is hard to convert them to actual customers who will show interest in the companies’ services. Also, you’re limited by a budget.
When using lead generation, everything is organic. You aren’t forcing others to pay attention to your business but rather being there when they need you. This is why Google’s organic traffic will always beat paid ads, and the reason companies continue investing in it, which is a lot cheaper as well.
What Is Local SEO?
Don’t worry… I didn’t get it at first either. Following the short explanation, local SEO focuses on scaling businesses’ visibility on search engines. However, this is only for those who serve their communities face-to-face.
What does this mean?
Experts and professionals like painters, plumbers, and dentists (but not only them) offer their services to their local customers. Why? Because they can’t deliver them unless they are located in the same area of their customers.
To make sure those businesses get more leads, you need to rank them locally by claiming the business listing on Google to place them on Map Listings. Local SEO also involves online reviews, citation management, and how you manage your entire online presence in the local area.
If you are going to bet on lead gen, you need to adapt yourself to today’s world: The Internet.
Keep in mind that although traditional channels and methods like billboards, warm calls, and pamphlets still work, they aren’t part of your tools. Whenever someone needs a service, they go to Google and search for it.
“Dentist in Miami” or “plumbing services in Orlando,” etc. And you can keep coming up with services or professionals people need and look for. Thus, you need to make sure you’re using Google to get the companies in front of their clients.
Users will always click on the first search results (those near the top), and many of them will be either Ad links (people paid to place their websites there), Map Listing, and then you get websites. Almost all of them are your goal and where you should always aim to place yourself.
Can My Business Utilize a Local Lead Generation Strategy?
If you want customers, you better know you need it. Following the previous explanation, lead gen is all about placing businesses in front of their customers, choosing them over their competitors.
Put it simply – it’s all about closing deals and having clients for those companies to make money. The main difference with the usual methods companies use for this is how lead generation approaches different channels to get them in the right place of the market to get customers.
Those channels are all focused on the Internet as most people are searching for products but also services across the net. The issue is that the Internet is way too broad, and businesses don’t know how to place themselves. They usually try, but they get one common result: losing money and time.
How Powerful Are Organic Leads from Google?
For companies looking for customers, it’s everything. For you? Pretty much the same. When you build a business with digital properties, you get to make thousands of dollars a month.
This isn’t a “get started today and get rich tomorrow” thing, but it is HIGHLY scalable, and ROI + positive results are guaranteed. Learning a fairly decent and very needed set of skills to create your digital properties and start ranking them on Google is required.
I have invested in several online businesses over the years, and if there’s something uncertain, whether you will get your ROI or not, even more than the actual profit.
However, this business moved my earnings from five figures a year to a month in ONLY passive income while sitting comfortably at home.
On my laptop. Anywhere. Anytime.
You can look at one of the first sites I built back in 2016, and it continues making me over $1.000+ every month. The best part is that I don’t need to touch it or the rest I’ve built over the years, just like this digital property.
What Makes Lead Generation SO Alluring?
Here it goes: you can work from home.
The main issue with regular business opportunities is how much you need to invest in staff, equipment, or rent to have a place to sell your products or offer your services.
We all know the hassles of traditional businesses that involve regular expenses, which are extremely high. Can you afford it? I don’t think so, and even if you can, is it worth it? Now, it isn’t only about the money. You also need to put in a lot of work, and it isn’t only during the first couple of months or years. Usually, it is as long as you continue running it.
You can save yourself those headaches and bone-breaking tasks and expenses with lead gen since it is more about generating leads with digital channels—mainly websites.
Websites can be VERY cheap to build, and with many tools online, you get to do it in a couple of hours instead of days. Any virtual or digital business is scalable and won’t need constant maintenance.
So, let’s summarize this:
- You save money in regular expenses with traditional and most online businesses as what you need is yourself and digital properties (websites).
- You can bet on passive income.
- There’s no need to hire more people to get started.
- You can generate leads in multiple industries, which allows you to work on any niche you want.
How Can I Get Started in the Local Lead Generation Program?
Anyone can start and learn. That’s the beauty of this business model. I knew nothing about SEO, Map Listing, and everything I’ve mentioned so far. It is all about learning the skills, gaining experience, and deciding to take the step.
Remember that this business model will never get old as business owners are always looking for leads. They need to do business and scale their companies. Why not do the same while helping others and still making money?
You can start with this local lead generation course highly recommended for anyone wanting to grow in the business. It is a close training that will take you through each step and make sure you are able to get your ROI, profits and take control of your life.
You will be added to an incredible lead generation family ready to help you 24/7 when asking questions on the group. Anyone is welcome who’s willing to put in the work. Click here to watch the lead gen webinar.