10 Mistakes New YouTubers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Starting a YouTube channel is an exciting journey, but let me tell you—it’s not without its challenges. When I first began, I made plenty of mistakes. Looking back, I realize those missteps were part of the learning process, but if I’d known what I know now, I could have avoided a lot of frustration. That’s why I’m sharing these 10 common mistakes new YouTubers make—so you can skip the pitfalls and fast-track your growth.
1. Chasing Perfection Instead of Progress
When I uploaded my first video, I obsessed over every little detail. I wanted it to be perfect. But the truth is, perfection doesn’t exist, and waiting too long to publish will only slow your growth. Focus on improving with each video instead of trying to get everything right from the start.
2. Not Knowing Their Target Audience
Early on, I created content I thought everyone would like. Big mistake. You can’t appeal to everyone. Define your niche and create videos tailored to the audience you want to attract. Trust me, clarity on your audience makes a world of difference.
3. Ignoring Thumbnails and Titles
Your thumbnail and title are the first things people see. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that even great content won’t get watched if it doesn’t grab attention. Spend time crafting eye-catching thumbnails and compelling, keyword-optimized titles.
4. Not Being Consistent
I used to upload sporadically, thinking it didn’t matter as long as the content was good. Wrong! Consistency builds trust with your audience and signals to YouTube’s algorithm that you’re serious. Create a posting schedule and stick to it.
5. Neglecting SEO
In my early days, I didn’t understand the importance of optimizing my videos for search. Research keywords, include them in your titles, descriptions, and tags, and use them naturally in your script. This will help your content reach more people.
6. Focusing Only on Views
I used to obsess over views, thinking they were the ultimate measure of success. But engagement matters more. Comments, likes, and shares indicate your audience is connecting with your content—and that’s what keeps your channel growing.
7. Not Engaging with Their Community
One of my biggest mistakes was not responding to comments or connecting with my viewers. Engagement builds loyalty. Take the time to reply, ask questions, and make your audience feel valued.
8. Overlooking Analytics
I avoided analytics at first because they seemed overwhelming. But your data is gold! Learn what’s working and what’s not, and use those insights to refine your content strategy.
9. Spreading Themselves Too Thin
I tried to be on every platform at once—Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, you name it. While cross-promotion helps, focus on mastering YouTube first. Once you have a strong foundation, then branch out.
10. Giving Up Too Soon
There were times I felt like quitting because growth was slow. But success on YouTube takes time. Stay consistent, keep learning, and don’t let discouragement hold you back. Remember, every successful YouTuber started at zero.
Learn How to Build a Successful YouTube Channel
I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re starting out. That’s why I created a free YouTube training happening on January 14, 2025. In this session, I’ll share actionable tips on growing your channel, building an engaged audience, and monetizing your content.
For a more tailored approach, you can also book a one-on-one YouTube coaching session with me. Together, we’ll craft a content strategy, optimize your videos for SEO, and create a roadmap to monetize your channel and start earning.
The Takeaway
Starting a YouTube channel is a journey of growth, learning, and connection. Mistakes are part of the process, but they don’t have to hold you back. With the right guidance and determination, you can avoid these pitfalls and achieve your goals faster.
Let’s make 2025 your breakthrough year on YouTube. Sign up for my free Youtube training or book a coaching session today, and let’s turn your YouTube dreams into reality!
Ready to take the leap? Reserve your spot in the free training here or explore my coaching services to kickstart your journey today!
Do you need grants, feel free to check out my youtube channel: https://youtu.be/klaAGnl0WH8?si=PC7lItxCVedccIml
Thanks for taking time to read my blog. Let me know what you’ll like to read next.
Your Youtube Coach
Mariam Adepoju, MBA
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