Videos have become a more engaging and dynamic medium than regular podcast audio. As a result, many content creators are turning towards YouTube as an interesting way to share their message with the world. 

Building your personal brand on YouTube can be an essential component in Creating Your Encore Career. As you transition from your primary career and into your next chapter, having a well-established personal brand can help you stand out in a crowded market and attract the right audience to your content.

11 key steps to building a successful YouTube business based on the themes from Mike Kim’s book, "You Are the Brand," and Jonathan Milligan's book "Your Message Matters." 

Define Your Vision and Values

• Determine your purpose and passion for creating content on YouTube.

• Identify the values and beliefs that will guide your content creation.

Identify Your Target Audience

• Conduct market research to understand your ideal YouTube viewers.

• Define your target audience's demographics, interests, and preferences.

• Create viewer personas to represent your target audience.

Develop Your Unique Value Proposition

• Determine the unique strengths, skills, and expertise that you can offer through your YouTube channel.

• Identify what sets you apart from other YouTube creators in your niche.

• Craft a compelling value proposition that resonates with your target audience.

Establish Your Brand Identity

• Choose a memorable and relevant channel name.

• Create a visually appealing channel banner and logo that reflect your brand identity.

• Develop a consistent brand voice and tone for your videos.

Plan Your Content Strategy

• Define the topics and themes that align with your brand and target audience's interests.

• Determine the format and style of your videos (tutorials, vlogs, interviews, etc.).

• Create an editorial calendar to plan your content in advance.

• Shorts and long form - 1 -2 min and 5-15 min 

Create High-Quality Videos

• Invest in good quality recording equipment (camera, microphone, lighting).

• Learn video editing skills or hire a professional editor to enhance the production value of your videos.

• Ensure your videos have clear audio, engaging visuals, and a well-structured narrative.

Optimize Your YouTube Channel

• Conduct keyword research to identify relevant and popular search terms in your niche.

• Optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags with targeted keywords.

• Use eye-catching thumbnails and compelling video descriptions to attract viewers.

• You can use playlists (like categories on blogs).

Engage with Your Audience 

• You want to create relationships and build a community.

• Respond to comments on your videos and engage in meaningful conversations with your viewers.

• Encourage viewers to subscribe, like, and share your content.

• Utilize community features like YouTube Live, polls, and community posts to interact with your audience.

Promote Your Channel

• Utilize social media platforms to share your videos and engage with your audience.

• Collaborate with other YouTube creators or influencers in your niche to cross-promote each other's channels.

• Leverage SEO techniques to increase your channel's visibility in search results.

Analyze and Adapt

• Monitor your YouTube analytics to understand your viewers' behavior and preferences.

• Track metrics such as watch time, views, likes, and comments to measure your channel's performance.

• Use the insights gained to refine your content strategy and make data-driven decisions.

Continuous Learning and Improvement

• Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in YouTube content creation.

• Seek feedback from your viewers and make adjustments accordingly.

• Experiment with new formats, collaborations, and techniques to keep your content fresh and engaging.

Building a personal brand on YouTube requires dedication, commitment, and consistency when it comes to producing high-quality content that will attract your audience, keep them engaged, and for you to grow and thrive on the platform.