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This blog post is based on one of my YouTube videos where I share the lessons I’ve learned from building two successful YouTube channels—what I’d do differently if I started again, and the mistakes to avoid if you’re serious about turning content into a business.

Watch the full video here

Thinking about starting a YouTube channel?

You’re not alone.

More people than ever are seeing YouTube as the dream job.

And honestly, I get it.

It looks like fun, pays well, and gives you full control over your time and creativity.

But the truth is, most people only see the end result – what it looks like after years of work.

I didn’t start out with a master plan.

In fact, I never even intended to become a “YouTuber”.

I was a web designer who loved tech and just happened to post videos for fun.

Over time, that hobby evolved into a full-blown business.

And because I never planned it, I made a ton of mistakes along the way.

If I were to start over today, here’s exactly what I’d do differently – and the advice I’d give to anyone launching their first YouTube channel.

1. Define Your Purpose (But Don’t Overthink It)

Knowing what you want your channel to be about helps you stay focused.

For my first channel, I talked about tech and gear because that’s what I was into.

Later, I started a business-focused channel to share lessons I’d learned building online income.

Having a clear purpose gives you direction—and makes it easier to say no to ideas that don’t align.

That said, don’t stress if you’re not sure right away.

Just start.

You’ll figure it out as you go.

2. Simplify the Creation Process

This is a big one.

Early on, I overcomplicated everything—multiple cameras, new angles, fancy lighting.

The result?

I avoided making videos altogether.

Now, my process is dead simple: one camera (sometimes two), one mic, one light, and a permanent setup so I can hit record without friction.

If creating content feels like a hassle, you won’t stick with it.

Remove as many barriers and layers of friction as you can.

3. Don’t Chase Perfection

When you're starting out, your videos won’t be perfect—and that’s okay.

Focus on quantity over quality.

You’ll get better with each upload.

I used to spend hours adding flashy animations, transitions, and effects.

Turns out, most of it didn’t matter.

Simpler videos tend to age better and perform better.

It’s the content that matters, not the fluff.

At the end of the day, good content will always win.

4. Use a Script (Loosely)

Winging it can work once you’re experienced.

But when I watch my early unscripted videos… yeah, painful.

I’d ramble, forget what I wanted to say, and end up with hours of unusable footage.

Now I use bullet points.

Not a word-for-word script—just key things I want to cover.

It keeps me on track and cuts out the fluff.

It will get easier as you go along.

5. Avoid Buying Too Much Gear

Another trap I (and a lot of creators) fell into: gear obsession.

I thought I needed every mic, light, and camera accessory out there.

Spoiler alert: I didn’t.

Now, I stick to three questions before buying anything:

1. Will I use this often?

2. Will it save me time?

3. Do I need it—or just want it because it looks cool?

If the answer isn’t clear, I skip it.

One good camera, one solid lens, one light, and a decent mic—that’s all you need to get started.

6. Do It for the Right Reasons

Clout, fame, validation… if that’s the goal, you’ll burn out fast.

There are only two sustainable reasons to start a channel: creativity or money.

Ideally both.

For me, YouTube lets me express myself creatively and earn a living.

And yes, money is a good reason—as long as it’s not your only reason.

If YouTube didn’t pay, I wouldn’t put in the same effort.

7. Develop Your Own Style

You don’t need to copy Mr. Beast.

That style works for him—but it doesn’t work for everyone.

The best thing you can do is lean into your strengths.

Some people love fast-paced, high-edit videos.

Others (like me) prefer a calmer, more aesthetic vibe.

Sam Sulek is a great example of doing things his way—simple camera, minimal editing, long-form content.

And it works.

Your audience will connect with you, not your editing skills.

8. YouTube Is a Business Funnel

YouTube isn’t just for creators—it’s a powerful tool for business owners.

If you run a company or sell a product, use your channel to share tutorials, case studies, or customer stories.

I’ve done this with both my tech and business channels.

YouTube drives traffic, builds trust, and converts viewers into paying customers.

Don’t underestimate the long-term value of content.

Create good content that people get value out of, and you’ll be surprised with the results.

9. Faceless Channels Are a Thing (But Not Always Best)

Faceless YouTube channels are booming—and for good reason.

You don’t need to be on camera to succeed.

That said, in niches like finance or business, showing your face builds authority and trust.

For my tech channel, I could’ve gone faceless.

But for my business channel, it makes sense to show that I’ve actually done the things I talk about.

Pick the style that fits your niche and comfort level.

10. It’s Not Too Late to Start

Think YouTube is saturated?

It’s not.

You’re just comparing yourself to what already exists.

There’s room for everyone because no one else has your take.

Think of YouTube like Netflix.

Every genre exists—but people still want new creators, fresh angles, and personal stories.

Add your own flavour to it.

Remix what’s already out there.

11. Cringe Is Part of the Process

You will cringe at your early videos.

That’s normal.

It’s like learning an instrument—everyone sucks at the beginning.

The only way to get better is to keep going.

12. Protect Your Privacy

One thing I’ve always been intentional about is keeping my personal life off-camera.

Not because I’m hiding anything, but because it’s just not relevant to my content.

My friends and family didn’t sign up to be on YouTube—and honestly, forcing them into that role would just feel weird.

You don’t owe the internet your whole life.

Just Start

If you’re thinking about starting a YouTube channel, the best advice I can give is this: just start.

Don’t wait for the perfect gear, perfect idea, or perfect time.

Start messy.

Learn as you go.

Refine your process.

Build your own style.

And stay consistent.

But just start!

YouTube can be one of the most powerful platforms to grow your brand, your business, and your income.

If you want a clear, step-by-step system to help you create high-quality videos and grow your channel with confidence, check out Video Creator Course.

It’s the exact framework I wish I had when I started—designed to save you years of guesswork and fast-track your progress.

Start today. Your future audience is waiting.