YouTube

YouTube is searchable long-form trust. Slow to start; compounds for tutorials, reviews, and deep expertise.

Profile setup

Channel name: matches search intent
Description: keywords + links + upload schedule promise
Banner: schedule or value prop
Trailer or intro video: 30–60s who you help
Playlists: by topic pillar
Links: website, newsletter, socials

Content that works

Format	Use for
6–15 min tutorial	Search traffic
Shorts	Discovery top of funnel
Case study walkthrough	Proof
Live Q&A	Community (optional)

Title + thumbnail = click; first 30s = retention.

Settings checklist

Google account 2FA
Brand account separation if team
Default upload settings: category, captions on
Community settings moderated
Copyright claims process understood

Stats worth watching

Metric	Why
Click-through rate (CTR)	Title/thumbnail fit
Average view duration	Content delivers
Traffic sources (search vs browse)	SEO vs algorithm
Subscribers per video	Audience fit
End screen clicks	CTA placement

Early channels: focus retention before upload frequency.

YouTube monthly MVP (part-time)

1 long video OR 4 Shorts derived from one idea
Update one playlist
Respond comments on newest upload

Common mistakes

No mic investment (audio matters more than 4K)
Clickbait title with weak delivery
No chapters on long videos
Abandoning after three uploads

Repurpose long videos via Repurposing One Idea.