Hey YouTubers,

You know something? Starting a YouTube channel was the smartest decision I ever made.

It took me from endless scrolling, procrastination, and feeling lost to building a business and earning my first online income.

YouTube has been a life-changer for me.

But if you’re stuck in a 9-to-5 mindset and feel like you could be doing something more impactful with your time, this one’s for you.

Why YouTube?

On day two of my YouTube journey, back on March 7, 2023, I typed in my journal:

“I feel like I shouldn’t be uploading because I’m not qualified enough.”

Meanwhile, someone less experienced was making content in that same niche and winning - while I was stuck in self-doubt.

Most people never start a channel because they feel unqualified.

“I’m not an expert, so why would anyone care?”

But you don't have to be an expert to succeed on YouTube.

I realised to grow a channel, you just need to follow a simple 3-step process:

1. Learn: Study something valuable
2. Apply: Use it in your own life
3. Share: Create a video about what you discovered

You don’t need to be perfect or an expert; just be a couple of steps ahead of your ideal viewer.

Step 1: Start Before You’re Ready

On Tuesday 7 March 2023, I remember being so anxious I couldn’t sleep.

At 4am, I wrote in my diary:

“No excuses - I'm going to film my first YouTube video today.”

And you've probably been there too.

You might have said:

"I'll get my video out when it's perfect.”

But I've been in the same boat and can confirm... that day never comes.

Perfect is the enemy of progress, especially when you're starting out.

But... what if you haven't uploaded a single video to YouTube?

My first video was a simple 20-second clip outlining the goal for the channel.

I opened the YouTube app.

Took a deep breath, with my heart pounding.

And after what seemed like 2 hours (but was actually 20 seconds), I'd finished recording my first YouTube video.

Without that, I wouldn't be where I am today.

It wasn’t polished, but it was the catalyst for everything that was to come.

So, if you haven't uploaded a single video yet:

1. Open your camera after reading this email and hit record
2. Introduce yourself and what your channel is about. That's it.

Step 2: Create a Simple Content Plan

Ever sit staring at a blank screen, struggling to come up with your next video idea?

It's a trap many of us fall into that kills consistency.

But here's the thing...

If you can’t generate one idea... how will you come up with video ideas for a whole year?

So you probably need a system to help generate endless video ideas.

Don't worry my friends, I've got your back.

The simple system for idea-generation

Think of your content as a checkpoint on a timeline.

The timeline starts at Point A (where your audience begins) and ends at Point B (their dream destination).

The main idea with this system is to map out every single intricate step your ideal viewer needs to take to get from Point A to Point B.

Every step is a potential video idea.

The wider and deeper you can go... the better!

If you need help with finding those intricate steps, head to online forms (e.g. Reddit, Facebook groups) and search phrases like:

1. “I need help”
2. “How do I”
3. “Help me”
4. “Where can I”
5. “What is the”
6. “Why does my”
7. “Can anyone explain”

And start to map out your ideal viewer's steps based on the posts you find.

These give you a great idea of the exact problems your viewers face.

Step 3: The Differentiation Diamond

Now, let’s talk about standing out.

When you’re building your channel, you eventually need a way that makes you different from every other creator out there.

I call this the Differentiation Diamond.

It's made up of 4 points:

Identify and articulate the specific challenge or gap in your niche that you address better than anyone else.

If you don't have tons of proof or credibility, you can lean towards making videos that aren't your regular 'talking head' style videos. These videos can focus more on high-quality storytelling and editing.

Show clear, verifiable proof of your expertise through case studies, testimonials, or measurable outcomes. This reinforces your status as the go-to authority in your niche.

Let your personality, including quirks and honesty, build trust and genuine connections with your viewers. Be unapologetically yourself.

How to Apply The Differentiation Diamond

Step 1: Assess Your Niche

Map out your current niche landscape. Which points do your competitors lean more towards? What can you be doing differently to stand out? If you haven't researched this already, then I recommend having a read of the Blue Ocean Strategy.

Step 2: Weigh Your Diamond

Figure out which of the four points is your natural strength - and where you need to build up a bit more. If you’re naturally authentic & engaging but need more proof of expertise, focus on building more case studies.

Step 3: Iterate and Evolve

Remember, your diamond isn’t static. Reassess the weight of your diamond regularly, listen to your audience, and watch the trends in your niche.

Mindset for the Long Game

In many cases, you won't go viral overnight.

But if you're making content for a specific person and you know that content will help them, then going viral has no importance.

Would you rather have a video that reached:

• 200,000 people but shared surface-level advice
• 2,000 people and gave life-changing systems, advice, stories, and strategies

I'd rather have more impact than go viral.

Going 'viral' with the right audience is much better than going viral with an audience you'll struggle to continue helping.

Quick win of the week:

Define who you're reaching (ideal viewer) & how you'll reach them (A to B system & Differentiation Diamond).

Keep creating,
Nat

P.S.

If you want to grow your channel faster, I’m offering a free 20-minute call with personalised, no-fluff YouTube advice to pinpoint exactly what you can improve right now. You can book a call via my Calendly, but spots are limited, so be quick :)