Are you a video creator tired of the endless change to the YouTube algorithm? Do analytics keep you up at night? Being a creator – especially in the family and kids space – has been trying these last few years. Believe, me. I know.
In a past life or maybe just a few years ago, I had a YouTube channel Robin & Penny with about 10,000 subscribers. I made videos with my dog Penny, vlogged about our days and adventures, and reviewed toys and collectibles. I had a lot of fun doing it, too. And it made me money until things changed and my channel totally died.
I never got as big as some of my YouTube friends. Many of them created videos, got lucky with the algorithm, and had crazy success. Brand deals brought in more money. Some were able to quit their jobs, buy new homes, hire a team. We did this with our families, and that brought us opportunities to travel, buy the things we’ve dreamed of, and create amazing memories.
But then the YouTube storms got brewing. It seems just as we figured out one change to the rules and algo, another crisis emerged: adpocolypse, Elsagate, and the FTC settlement. (If you’re not a YouTuber – these were changes to ad policies, inappropriate videos targeting young viewers, and a strike against YouTube for collecting data on minors, respectively.)
What video creators are doing wrong
Something I’ve learned is that as video creators, we’ve been doing it WRONG. We’ve been relying on a platform that we don’t own. YouTube lets you share your content for free and will give you a cut of the revenue. There are 300 hours of video posted every minute. So the share for creators keeps getting smaller. I don’t think YouTube is hurting. The company made $4.04 billion in Q1 in advertising sales.
The kids and family vertical is not profitable unless you’re really big. I mean ginormous. Families are now also competing with branded content from companies like Mattel and Disney. How many kids and family creators have really made the big leap? I can think of one.
It’s hard to make a living like this.
What can you do about it?
You don’t have control over YouTube. But you can flip things around.
You’ve got mad skills that you’ve learned from growing your channel, dealing with brands, creating a team, and producing video. Probably a lot more than that. You’ve got passions and interests and things that only YOU know how to do.
And you can turn all of that into profit.
Think about what you’re really passionate about. What special skills and knowledge do you have that you can share with the universe. And YouTube can be part a big part of that. But it can’t be all of it.
You need a loyal fan base of people who will spend money on anything you put out there. The problem with children’s content: kids are probably not going to spend their allowance on you, and you’re legally not allowed to target them anyway.
As a YouTuber, you’re already ahead of the game with your video and marketing skills.
This takes time and it takes work. You might not go viral overnight. You might need to invest in your new venture. But you can reconnect with who you are, what you’re passionate about and find a community that needs your help.
Here’s how we can help you
Want to know how to do this? Here’s the secret formula that my business partner at Family Video Network and BFF Melissa Hunter and I have discovered.
REFOCUS: Take a look at what you want and what you’re good at.
RECALIBRATE: Learn how to use your skills to create something new.
RESTART: Push that button and get rolling.
We’re hosting a two-day event for video creators: the Refocus, Recalibrate, Restart Challenge on May 29 & 30 to help them take control of their business. We’ve lined up experts who are video creators, as well as people outside the industry, who have created awesome businesses.
For just $97, you’re getting a whole lot of expertise, ideas and more over two days. And it can change your life.
***UPDATE: We’re adding an extra date! We’ve got more speakers and we’re expanding to May 31! AND IT’S NOW FREE! You heard me, free! ***
You can upgrade to our VIP experience and have access to recordings from the event, a private Facebook community that will continue after the event, and more support from Melissa and myself.
Who this is for
- Creators in the family and kids space who have been hurt by the endless changes on YouTube that have cost them money.
- Creators who are ready to control their income.
- Creators who are tired of obsessing over the analytics and trying to figure out what kind of mood YouTube is in.
Who it’s not for
- Creators who just want to get rich on YouTube without doing any work.
- People with unrealistic dreams of being the next Nickelodeon or reality TV star.
- People who don’t want to let go and try something new.
Why we get it
Melissa and I have been working with YouTubers for about eight years as creators and consultants, helping them with everything from demonitzation to brand deals. We’ve done this. We have been through all these ups and downs. But we’ve also created other opportunities for ourselves so we’re not relying on YouTube for our paychecks.
So do you want to Refocus Recalibrate Restart? We’re going to be hosting some free workshops to teach more about this method. You can sign up here to find out more about when those are happening.
And you can take the leap and join the challenge here.
Really, it’s ok to move on and try something new. It can be weird or scary. It can be a lot of hard work. But trying something new can be so worth it. And like I said, you’re so ahead of the game.
You can contact me if you have any questions or comment below. Share and pin this post if you want to Refocus, Recalibrate and Restart.
