How to Start Vlogging & Avoid Rookie Mistakes
New to vlogging, aren’t you? How do I know? Because seasoned ones don’t google “Vlogging Rookies Mistakes” or “How to Start Vlogging?” Here is a fact for you guys: Vlogging isn’t new.
Since YouTube revolutionized how content creators and consumers interact, the former has been coming with conny and cranky ways to break the cycle of corny content.
Vloggers like PewDiePie, Jenna Marbles, and Jimmy Donaldson (better known online as MrBeast) are some internet celebrities that have entertained millions and inspired many to start their own vlogging channels.
But not all of us dream to hit a billion views mark in the first few years itself. And, going toe to toe with world boxing heavyweight Floyd J. Mayweather isn’t even a thing for most of us — like Logan Paul did.
But that’s some really high-level and dreamy stuff which I just wrote for sake of making my point that a) vlogging as a profession is as taxing as anything else out there, and b) you have to keep coming up with new and entertaining stuff to keep that “Views meter” rolling south to north.
But there is a third point too, which says that if you are a beginner to vlogging, then “Have mercy and stop uploading everything that your camera captures.”
If YouTube, or any other social media, is heaven for dreamers with dope content, then it’s a graveyard too for ‘PewDiePies’ or ‘Logan Pauls’ minus the knack for discipline and ingenuity.
So, where do vlogging beginners go wrong?
Some fail with editing, and some just post and snooze. And then some suck at foreseeing where they want to take their viewers. It confuses your audiences, the content never hits off, and its’ always ‘ugh’ at first sight. And after months and quarters of creating content and changing lenses, taking up a desk job sounds a far better option to “dream chasers”.
Feel like you’re on the same track that ends with you hanging up your vlogging boots? Then put that camera down before it records again, and try wrapping your head around these 6 simple, but effective, vlogging tips for beginners to help you get started with vlogging and avoid rookie mistakes that might crumble your online empire for once and all.
- Decide the Goal of Your Vlog
Vlogging is a long ride. Longer for those who don’t know where they are headed with their content. Last I checked, there were 37 million YouTube channels, so you can’t expect YouTubians to give every channel the same respect.
You must decide what it is that you want to convey with your videos. Is it just you buying new video games and streaming to show off your gaming skills? Or, is your team going places to plant saplings and see them grow into trees and uploading that whole journey online?
The niches are many, viewers in billions, but you have to be really honest about what your resources and expertise are before you begin to vlog.
2. Determine the Main Topics
Aren’t both the same things? Not exactly. Say, your niche is traveling. That would mean you’ll now need a good camera, gimble for stability, a rain-proof backpack, and a dart to throw at your map-cum-dart board to come up with a location to travel to.
Your topics, in this case, could then be food traveling, countrysides, international cultural fests, or backpacking across Europe (wink, wink, FRIENDS lovers!).
This would help you with deciding the budget, topics for your next videos, locations, etc. In sum: Your whole vlogging content plan.
3. Learn Video Editing
Can I be more obvious? (Credit: Chandler Bing). People love the spontaneity that comes with live vlogging, but live vlogging isn’t going to be your only content.
Sometimes, vlogging beginners might feel the urge to cover that beach party or dorm room disco night — but not all of that should go online. I repeat and rephrase: “IT MUST NOT GO ONLINE”.
This is where editing comes in. A little editing is about removing the boring or unwanted footage that might hurt the sentiments of those filmed or involved in filming — like the face blur.
Other than that, choosing the right background track, fast forwards, highlighting the special moments are not limited to learning editing software, but how good you are with picturing the right pieces together.
4. Promote Your Vlog
Facebook, Insta, Reddit, or whatever your weapon is, text, stills, boomerangs, shots, etc., are a few things that you need to experiment with when it comes to marketing.
Where vlogging rookies go wrong is they stick with what worked the last time and keep milking that one feature alone.
Social media platforms bring out new features based on well-mined marketing insights. And it’s for vloggers like you to come up with the kind of content that could utilize those features best.
Don’t get too riled up if you get it wrong the first time. There is no benchmark for how to use these tools. Keep on experimenting, trying new things, or, if innovation isn’t your best suit, then get “motivated” from few good sources and mix them up to make something of your own.
Coming to how to get started with vlog promotion, annoy your family members, friends, and teachers (yes, spare no one) by sharing your content’s link with them. If they are generous enough to share it with others — though, studies suggest otherwise — you might get the right launch pad.
Also, be mindful of creating your page on all major vlogging platforms such as DailyMotion, Instagram Live, Stories and IGTV, Vimeo, etc. You can’t leave any platform unused when it comes to digital marketing.
5. Build an Email List
Doesn’t building an email list sound a little too professional for vloggers that took up vlogging to get away from all this desk-job-type stuff?
It does, yes, and that’s a rookie mistake too. There are two reasons why I always tell people to build an email list if they have any kind of online presence.
First, you can use it to promote your products by sending them email notifications about the same — i.e., if you intend to sell them sometime in the future. As your followers have now known you for a while and the trust factor is already there, selling a few merch won’t be that hard.
Second, vlogging platforms might come up with new publishing policies any day. When this happens, it rarely ends well for content creators, and for all their whining and complaining, they have to adjust. You don’t have to end up that way.
With an email list coupled with the right email automation software and optimized email marketing strategies, you can easily update your followers, in case they have been dropped from your subscriber list because of any such silly policy upgrades.
6. Monetize Your Platform
No matter how noble your vlogging aim is, empty pockets don’t make for good traveling companions.
Vlogging platforms provide the option for monetization, which depends roughly on factors such as subscribers, views, watch time, etc. It differs with every platform.
However, forgetting to monetize vlogs isn’t the only rookie mistake. Depending solely on the platform to keep your green bills coming in is another.
If you are a travel vlogger, then get in touch with camera brands and look for sponsorship from the same.
Similarly, fitness vloggers can endorse supplements, gym equipment, fitness plans, etc., to make the most of their efforts.
Think I missed something? Comment below and I’ll add it to the list. To understand the basics of digital marketing and marketing automation software, don’t forget to read my previous blogs.
