According to a 2016 report by Google, 6 out of 10 people would rather watch internet videos than live television. The number of video creators is increasing, and so is the demand for video consumption. More and more people are getting access to the internet and stumble upon video streaming websites.
If you’ve got a passion for making videos and have something valuable to share with the world, you might want to start a Vlog.
Starting a successful Vlog today is challenging, but it’s possible if you keep in mind a massive market demand. You’ve got an enormous potential of making decent money if you manage to get your words out via Vlogs.
In this article, you’ll find some practical tips to get started with your vlog channel.
1. List out your passions and select your niche
It’s easier to start a business from scratch without much money in this digital era. The first step to starting a Vlog is to list out things you’re interested in. After listing out, check out each niche’s potential and then see how to monetise your passion. Make sure your video content is engaging, too.
2. Choose your equipment
You need to ensure you’ve got a decent video quality. This doesn’t mean you must have professional pieces of equipment, but you need to produce a video with good quality.
Purchase a tripod, a camera (you can use your smartphone too), lighting equipment (if required), and other essential tools. You don’t have to get everything at once. Try to boost the quality of your video as you go.
3. Learn basic video editing
It’s essential to learn video editing before putting your words out in a vlog. You’re competing with millions of other video creators. A low-quality video won’t lead you anywhere.
You need a video editing software to help you with the process. With a bit of research, you can find free and paid courses that can help you get started with video editing.
4. Be updated with your industry trends
You need to be updated with your industry trends. It’ll help you get tons of views in YouTube, for example.
There’s a good chance you can rank in Google as well if the topic is uncovered. For instance, you can upload the result of the latest soccer match, if soccer is your niche.
You can use tools like Google Trends and Buzzsumo to find trending topics.
5. Focus on storytelling
Storytelling can take your vlog to the next level. You can see some of the best actors and vloggers have mastered the art of storytelling.
People love to know about your life, and conveying it in an amusing way can help you retain their attention.
Check out some vloggers to learn the art of sharing your past stories. You can also read some books to get more ideas about storytelling.
6. Focus on quality
It’s essential to upload videos regularly, but the information must not be redundant. You can’t afford to upload videos that offer no value to your audience. If you continue uploading low-quality content videos, you’ll eventually lose your subscribers.
When it comes to this, you should focus on the quality and substance of your content.
7. Ask for likes, comments, and shares
Getting more engagement in the first few hours of uploading videos can give your video a massive boost. If you’re uploading a valuable content, you’ll undoubtedly make people happy with what you share.
However, many people don’t automatically feel like leaving likes, comments, or shares. It’s the reason why there’s a call-to-action button on every sales page.
You’ll get more engagement if you ask people to engage with your content. However, note that you mustn’t ask people to participate in a pushy way.
8. End your Vlog strategically
Starting off your vlog must entice people to watch it to the end. At the same time, your ending should encourage them to engage and look out for more of your content.
A great way to end your vlog would be to ask a genuine question. For instance, if you’re vlogging about learning a new language, then you can ask viewers to share their personal stories about it.
9. Be consistent
Finally, keep in mind that it’s not going to be a comfortable journey. You can’t expect to get a lot of subscribers by uploading a few pieces of content.
Be consistent and go on for months, while learning and improving as you go. You wouldn’t be rewarded immediately. If you’ve given 100% of your effort, you’re more likely to build a decent video channel.
Final thoughts
You’ve got a lot of platforms these days to start your vlog channel. Expand your reach via different platforms. If you’re consistent, you can have plenty of loyal subscribers. Furthermore, you’ll likely to establish yourself as an authority of the content you share.
As you pursue your vlogging career, try to improve your quality as you go on. With consistency and creativity, you’ll eventually start growing your channel and make money.