As smartphones become the most popular internet terminal, people spend more time on video on mobile internet. Vlogging is also becoming more and more popular among young people. Some vloggers with large numbers of followers can make good money via their channels. Ordinary people can also use vlogs to share their lives with their friends. Vlogging is not only a new lifestyle but also a good way to monetize on the internet.
Posting a simple vlog is easy, you can use your smartphone and record it with the front camera. If you just want to share your life, that’s OK, but if you want to monetize your vlog, such rough vlogs won’t work. To make a good vlog and monetize it, you need to have some strategies also good equipment.
In this article, we will introduce how to start vlogging and make a good strategy to monetize your vlog.
1. Decide Your Niche and Passionate
The niche is the content that you would like to use to make vlogs. If you start a channel on YouTube or TikTok, the best strategy is to target a specific group of people with your niche. Posting random video content can’t make you success in vlogging because the platform won’t recommend followers to your channel. For example, if you have a food channel, but often post other content to your channel, your followers may unsubscribe because they dislike such content.
Identify Your Passion. Choose a topic you are passionate about and knowledgeable in, whether it’s travel, tech, fitness, lifestyle, or another subject. If you are confused about how to choose appropriate niches, please check these 50 recommended niches ideas
Research the Market: Look at other successful vloggers in your niche to understand what works and identify gaps you can fill.
2. Prepare Your Equipment for Vlogging
To produce good content vlogs, you need some basic equipment, that will make you more likely to succeed. However, if you have great ideas, rough equipment can also succeed, but not all people can have great ideas at the beginning of vlogging.
Below it’s the basic equipment you should prepare before you start vlogging.
Camera: Start with a good-quality camera. Many successful vloggers use smartphones with high-quality cameras initially.
Microphone: Clear audio is crucial. Invest in a good external microphone.
Lighting(not necessary, but essential): Natural light is great, but consider getting affordable lighting equipment for consistent results.
Editing Software: Use video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or free options like iMovie and DaVinci Resolve.
3. Strategy of Plan Your Content
When you plan the content for your vlog channel, pay attention to the breadth and depth of the content. Try to make the content various and diverse. Mix different types of content to keep your audience engaged (e.g., tutorials, reviews, vlogs, interviews, behind-the-scenes).
Strategy 1. Set goats for your vlog
Set Goals for your vlog, Define what you want to achieve with your vlog (e.g., build a community, share knowledge, earn revenue).
Strategy 2. Plan the content with breadth and depth
Outline your content with an Excel list or other content planning software. Diversify your content within the frame of your niche, and keep your audience engaged with the breadth and depth of your content. For example, you can create recurring series or themes that viewers can look forward to (e.g., “Tech Tuesdays,” and “Fitness Fridays”).
Strategy 3. Use Script and Storyboard
Create outlines or scripts for your videos to ensure a clear structure and flow. For complex videos, create storyboards to visualize the scenes and shots.
Strategy 4. Use the calendar to schedule regular uploads
For complex videos, create storyboards to visualize the scenes and shots. Use a content calendar to plan your videos at least a month in advance, including filming, editing, and publishing dates. Mark important dates, holidays, and events relevant to your niche for timely content.
4. Create and Edit Your Videos
Record Your Videos: Make sure you are in a quiet place with good lighting. Keep your videos engaging and to the point.
Edit Your Videos: Cut unnecessary parts, add transitions, music, and text overlays. Make sure your videos are polished and professional.
5. Set Up Your YouTube Channel (or other platforms)
Create a Channel: Sign in to YouTube and create a new channel.
Customize Your Channel: Add a channel banner, profile picture, and description that clearly describes your niche and content.
Upload Your Videos: Optimize titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords to help your videos get discovered.
6. Promote Your Vlog
Social Media: Share your videos on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and build a community around your vlog.
Collaborate: Work with other vloggers to reach a broader audience.
7. Monetize Your Vlog
YouTube Partner Program: Once you meet the requirements (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours), you can apply to monetize your videos with ads.
Sponsored Content: Partner with brands to create sponsored videos.
Affiliate Marketing: Promote products in your videos and earn commissions from sales.
Merchandise: Sell your own branded merchandise.