Congratulations on your decision to start a YouTube channel or embark on your YouTube journey! Starting your YouTube channel can be an exciting and rewarding journey. With millions of viewers and endless opportunities for creativity and engagement, it’s no wonder many aspiring content creators are drawn to the platform. However, starting a YouTube journey without a clear sense of direction is like setting sail without a destination. Setting goals and knowing your end game will be the compass towards your YouTube success. In this blog post, we'll explore the practical reasons why setting goals before starting a YouTube channel is crucial.
Find your purpose
Before you dive headfirst, take time to reflect on why you want to start a YouTube channel. What do you hope to achieve? See it this way, if you want to go somewhere but have no clue where, when will you know if you have reached your destination? If you do not know where you are going, you probably run around in circles and get exhausted. By defining your goals for the next 1, 2, and 3 years, you can set a clear path for yourself.
Define your finish line and what success means to you.
So, when it comes to YouTube, ask yourself, ‘’Why do I want a YouTube channel?’’ and ‘’What is it that I aim to achieve?’’ Define your finish line and what success means to you. With a clear vision, you can create a plan to reach your goals.
Apply the SMART Principe
When defining your goals make sure they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework ensures that your goals are attainable within a certain time frame, eliminates vagueness and guesswork, sets a clear timeline, and allows for easier measurement.
Specific
Your goal(s) needs to be clear and specific, in order for the goal to be effective. If your goal is specific you can focus your efforts or feel truly motivated to achieve. Answer the ‘W’ questions:
Who – Think about who needs to be involved to achieve the goal.
What – Think about exactly what you are trying to accomplish and get very detailed.
When – Consider the time frame, you’ll get more specific about this question under the ‘’time-bound’’.
Which – Determine any related obstacle or requirements.
Why – What is the reason for the goal?
Measurable
Having measurable goals to track your progress and stay motivated is important. What metrics are you going to use to track progress and determine if you are moving closer to your goal? Answer questions such as:
How much?
How many?
How will I know when it is accomplished?
Achievable
Your goals need to be realistic and attainable to be successful. While it's good to aim high, make sure your goal is within reach and aligned with your available resources, skills, and time. Set goals that challenge you, but are still feasible to accomplish to stay motivated.
Goals act as a compass, guiding you in the right direction and keeping you focused on your YouTube journey.
Relevant
Goals should be relevant and aligned with your overall objectives and aspirations. Ensure that your goal is meaningful and contributes to your personal or professional growth. It should be relevant to your values, passions, and long-term vision.
Time-bound
Goals should have a specific timeframe or deadline for completion. Setting a deadline creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused and motivated. Establishing a timeframe also allows for better planning and prioritization of tasks.
Goals act as a compass, guiding you in the right direction and keeping you focused on your YouTube journey. Having clear goals helps you stay motivated and on track when faced with challenges or distractions. Each milestone you achieve becomes a stepping stone towards your ultimate vision.
Celebrate your wins
There is one crucial aspect I would like to add: CELEBRATE! It is so important to take the time to acknowledge and celebrate every win. Sometimes, we become so focused on our goals that we fail to see the progress we've made and keep. We keep on pushing forward without pausing and noticing our achievements. But stop, slow down and take some time to breathe. Take a moment to appreciate your progress and acknowledge your hard work. Celebrating (small) victories will keep you motivated and energized.
I' love to hear you celebration ideas! Feel free to drop them in the comments below. As someone who tends to be focused on the next goals, I'm always open to finding inspiration in the joy and celebration of others. Let's share our experiences and inspire one another.
So before starting
Before starting your YouTube channel, take the time to set clear goals and know your end game. Understanding your purpose and what you want to achieve will provide you with direction and motivation. Goals act as your guiding compass, helping you navigate the YouTube landscape with purpose. Whether it's building a community, reaching subscriber milestones, or monetizing your content, let your goals be the driving force behind your YouTube success.
Remember, your YouTube journey is unique to you. Embrace the power of goal-setting, adapt as you learn and grow, and make the most of your YouTube adventure.
Here's to your YouTube success!
Unlock your YouTube potential, ignite your creative fire, and make your mark on the world!