You have worked hard to build your blog, and now, you need followers and subscribers, but where do you get them? There are many tried and tested ways to grow your blog traffic, but have you ever thought about YouTube? Many writers on YouTube are using the platform to grow their business. Your next question is more than likely what a writer has to contribute to a video platform. Let’s just say that it is not cat videos!
Is YouTube for Writers?
You are probably wondering what you could possibly post when you are used to working with the written word. The answer is that you have plenty of topics you can use to grow your business.
One of the ways that writers learn about their craft is by studying other authors. Listening to other YouTubers on writing is an excellent way to get tips and other how-to information that will help you become a better writer.
YouTube is like having the world’s largest library on the craft of writing at your fingertips. You can learn almost anything on YouTube, but if you are a professional writer, you could easily transform those talents to become a professional YouTube writer.
As a writer, you already have a unique voice, techniques, and a toolkit. YouTube gives you an audience who is ready to hear what you have to share. People love to see how others in their industry work and approach challenges.
Successful Writers on YouTube
One of the ways to see how writers use YouTube to build their audience and provide valuable information is to see what others have done. You will find a wide range of formats, styles, and topics among the YouTube writers’ community. Here are a few of the more popular writers that you can watch to see if they spark any ideas.
- Overly Sarcastic Productions. This blog is by a storyteller. It gives a humorous look at stories and myths from history. The aim is to make history fun. Its 1.54 million subscribers are proof that there is an interest in this type of video.
- Terrible Writing Advice. This channel takes a sarcastic look at advice for writers. It tackles topics like traditional vs. self-publishing, genre advice, marketing and promotion, and writer’s block. The focus is on humor writing, as you will quickly discern.
- Joanna Penn. Joanna Penn is a more serious writer who talks about fiction and nonfiction writing. She talks about creative productivity, how to build your website and many other topics that will be useful to the aspiring writer. Her videos are informative and well-written.
- Brandon Sanderson. If you are a science fiction, fantasy, or thriller fan, you have probably heard of Brandon Sanderson. His channel is entertaining, informative, and lets his fans get to know him better. He gives excellent advice to other writers and information about book signings and events for his fans. This channel is an excellent example of how you can use your channel to offer value and promote your work.
- Writing with Jenna Moreci The first thing that you will notice about this site is the dramatic opening theme and promotion of her upcoming book. This is as close to a movie trailer as an author can get. The remainder of her channel is designed to help other writers improve their craft. She has a lively personality that she brings to her informative videos, and she intersperses some humor to make it fun.
This list includes a wide range of styles, subjects, and ideas for how writers can use their YouTube channel. One of the common themes is that, unless the channel is their work, authors use their website to promote their work. They use their website to establish their authority and knowledge as a writer. Besides, it is also a way for fans to get to know authors beyond the short blurb on the back of a book or three-line blog bio.
How Writers on YouTube Can Make Money
The next question you are probably going to ask is if there is any money on YouTube for writers. The answer to this is yes. You can use videos to promote your writing, and you can also make additional money just from the YouTube channel. Here are a few monetizing tips and ways you can earn money from your channel.
- Create links to promote your website.
- Put up links to your published work.
- Allow advertising on your channel.
- Link a Google Adsense account.
- Join the YouTube Partner program.
- Create subscription and members-only video content.
- Promote affiliate programs.
- Consider sponsorships and becoming an influencer.
- Sell Merchandise.
- Monetize your channel with Superchat
- Crowfund for continued content.
This list should be enough to get your ideas flowing. By combining several of these methods, you could add to your revenues significantly. Are you ready to become a dual-talented writer?
Create Your Own Channel
Setting up a YouTube channel is an easy process.
- Log into your YouTube account using your Google email and password.
- Click on your photo on the upper right-hand side of the YouTube page. Go to Creator Studio in the drop-down menu.
- This will open a panel with highlighted text that says, “Create a Channel.” You will be prompted to enter your personal or business name. If you have a business, using it is recommended because this is how it will display.
- Once you click “Create,” you are now the proud owner of a YouTube channel!
- Go to your Dashboard by clicking on it in the left-hand menu. Next, click, “View Channel.”
- You can now click on “Customize Channel” and begin making it your own.
The only thing left to do once you have your channel set up with a header image is to start recording and editing video. You can find plenty of tutorials and software to get you started. You can also find others who can edit your videos at an affordable rate. You do not have to be an expert, but the better quality you create, the easier it will be to grow your channel.
Video Content Ideas
One of the most important things to understand about YouTube is that to be successful, creating quality content is the key to success. YouTube is full of competition, but it also has a loyal following who are always looking for new content to entice them. You do not necessarily have to have a completely new idea to be successful. You need to give it your own voice or present a unique angle. Here are a few ideas for content.
- Helpful tips on common challenges writers face.
- Dramatically read your work on screen.
- How-to videos on topics like writing blogs or podcasting.
- Vlog about your journey as a writer.
- Unboxing new product videos.
- Address a controversial topic in the industry.
- Provide news from the world of publishing.
- Demonstrate how you use a piece of software.
- Share parts of your writing process.
- Productivity tips are always popular for writers.
- Host challenges and contests for other writers.
Successful writers on YouTube prove that this is a viable channel for promoting your craft. Whether you are a blogger, fiction writer, or you have a course on writing to sell, YouTube can add value to your products and services. You might want to check out some other ideas for getting more page views so that you can start building your brand and gaining followers. YouTube offers a world of opportunities for writers who want to branch out and grow their audience in all genres and types of writing.
