Start and Grow Your Own YouTube Channel

In the first week, we'll lay the foundation by exploring the basics of YouTube and its immense potential. You'll learn how to set up your channel, including choosing a compelling name, creating eye-catching channel art, and optimizing your channel's layout and description. By the end of this week, you'll have your very own YouTube channel ready to go or you will be confident to optimise the look and feel of your existing channel. 

Class 1: Getting Started

Welcome and Course Overview

• Introductions and overview of the course and its objectives.
• Overview of the four-week structure.

Why YouTube?

• Benefits of having a YouTube channel.
• Examples of my channels.

Setting Up Your Channel

• Creating a Google account.
• Setting up a YouTube channel: Name, branding, and niche selection.
• Channel art and profile picture: Importance and design tips.
• Helpful design software.

First Steps: Basic Settings

• Channel description and keywords.
• Customizing the layout of your channel.
• Setting up playlists.

Homework Assignment

Create and set up your YouTube channel with branding and basic settings, or optimise your design and layout if you already have a channel.

Week two focuses on the heart of your channel: content. You'll discover how to identify and understand your target audience, brainstorm engaging content ideas, and plan a content calendar. We'll cover the essential equipment you'll need to produce great videos, from cameras to lighting, all while keeping your budget in mind. You'll also get hands-on experience by scripting, recording, and editing your first video.

Class 2: Creating Relevant Content

Understanding Your Audience

• Identifying your target audience.
• Conducting audience research and understanding viewer needs.

Content Ideas and Planning

• Brainstorming content ideas.
• Planning a content calendar.
• Scripting and structuring your videos.

Basic Equipment

• Essential equipment for beginners (camera, microphone, lighting).
• Budget-friendly equipment recommendations.
• Setting up your recording space.

Recording Your First Video

• Tips for recording videos.
• Basic editing tips and tools.
• Video editing software.
• Content creation software.

Homework Assignment

Plan, script, and record your first video or create an optimised video if you have already launched content onto your channel.

The third week is all about optimizing your videos for maximum engagement. Learn the art of creating compelling thumbnails and titles that attract clicks and keep viewers hooked. We'll also delve into building your on-camera confidence, ensuring you present yourself naturally and professionally. By the end of this week, you'll be equipped with the skills to make your videos stand out and connect with your audience.

Class 3: Optimizing for Engagement

Creating Eye-Catching Thumbnails

• Importance of thumbnails.
• Designing effective thumbnails (tools like Canva, Photoshop).
• Best practices for thumbnail creation.

Crafting Compelling Titles

• Importance of titles.
• How to create click-worthy titles.
• Using keywords effectively.

Building On-Camera Confidence

• Tips for appearing confident and natural on camera.
• Overcoming stage fright and nervousness.
• Practicing and improving your on-camera presence.

Homework Assignment

• Design a thumbnail and title for your recorded video, and update thumbnails on videos already created.
• Practice recording a short introduction video to improve confidence.
• Create and launch your next video.

In the final week, we focus on growing and monetising your channel. Understand the importance of patience and consistency in achieving long-term success. We'll cover best practices for publishing and promoting your videos, leveraging YouTube analytics to track your performance, and making data-driven improvements. You'll also explore strategies for monetizing your content and planning for sustainable growth.

Class 4: Growing and Monetising Your Channel

Importance of Patience and Consistency

• Understanding the growth process.
• Setting realistic goals and expectations.

Publishing and Promotion

• Best practices for uploading videos.
• Writing effective video descriptions and tags.
• Promoting your videos on social media and other platforms.

Analyzing Performance

• Understanding YouTube analytics.
• Tracking key metrics (views, watch time, audience retention).
• Making data-driven decisions to improve your content.

Monetization and Future Planning

• Overview of YouTube monetization.
• Strategies for monetizing your content.
• Planning for long-term growth and sustainability.

Homework Assignment

• Publish your next video with an optimized title and thumbnail.
• Analyze initial performance and prepare a growth plan.