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Maybe you’ve thought about starting a YouTube channel… And then you thought again.
Maybe you’re not a 20-something influencer. Maybe the idea of editing videos makes your head spin. Maybe you just don’t see yourself as a “YouTuber.”
But what if I told you that you already have everything you need to start and grow a presence on YouTube—without dancing, fancy equipment, or chasing trends?
This post is your gentle, sassy nudge into showing up on YouTube as yourself—whether you’re a direct seller, social seller, coach, maker, or anyone with something valuable to share.
Let’s break it down.
Prefer to listen instead of read? I got you!
Why YouTube Still Matters (Even in 2025)
YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, and it’s owned by the first (Google). That means your content on YouTube isn’t just about subscribers or views. It’s searchable, long-lasting, and discoverable forever. Unlike Instagram Stories that disappear or Facebook posts that get buried, YouTube content keeps working for you.
Even better? Your videos can show up in Google search results, driving traffic to your site, shop, or email list with zero ad spend. AND, YouTube is one of the sources that AI also searches, making your content more likely to get suggested in AI results, such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini.
So no, you don’t need to be a “YouTuber” to use YouTube. You just need to be you, on video.
The Mindset Shift: You’re Not Performing. You’re Connecting.
The biggest hurdle? It’s not tech. It’s the idea that you have to be polished or perfect.
Let’s clear that up right now: People don’t want perfect. They want real.
They want a face, a voice, a vibe. They want to see your personality and hear your take. And YouTube is the perfect platform for building know-like-trust at scale.
So instead of thinking, I have to be good on camera, think:
“I get to talk to people who already want what I offer.”
That’s the mindset. You’re building relationships—one video at a time.
What to Post on YouTube: Start Simple
You don’t need a production studio. You just need a phone, a plan, and a little strategy. Here are three easy types of content to post (yes, even if you’re just getting started):
1. YouTube Shorts (Under 60 Seconds)
Think of these like TikToks or Instagram Reels—quick, vertical videos with personality or punch. In fact, if you're already creating short form video for other channels, those need to be shared to YouTube Shorts! And you can even pre-schedule them.
Perfect for:
- Product demos or reveals
- Fast tips
- Before/after or transformation stories
- Relatable moments your audience “gets”
Already making Reels? You’re halfway there. Use a tool like brendaster.com/opus to repurpose long-form videos into Shorts. AI does the slicing—you just upload.
2. Live Videos (No Editing Needed)
If you go live on Facebook or Instagram, stream it to YouTube too! Tools like Wave.video (this is what I use!) or StreamYard let you broadcast in multiple places at once.
Great live video topics include:
- Unboxings or new product showcases
- Q&A sessions
- Behind-the-scenes of your business
- Tutorials or how-to’s
Don’t worry about being perfect. Lives are supposed to be real and in-the-moment. That’s the charm.
3. Edited Videos (Polished but Still You)
Once you’re feeling more confident, try recording a video and trimming the fluff. Think of these like blog posts—but on camera.
Strong starter video ideas:
- “How I Use This Product Every Day”
- “5 Mistakes I Made in My First Year of [your niche]”
- “My Top 3 Tips for [solving a pain point]”
- “What’s In My Bag / Office / Setup”
Keep it short and sweet—5–10 minutes is plenty. You don’t need a full-blown editing setup. CapCut, InShot, or iMovie are all beginner-friendly apps.
Set Up Tips for Beginners (Don’t Skip This Part!)
Before you post your first video, let’s make sure your channel is working for you behind the scenes:
Channel Setup Checklist:
- Name & Profile Image: Use your brand name or real name. Pick a profile photo that feels like you.
- About Section: Tell people who you help and how. Drop your social links and website here.
- Banner Art: Free tools like Canva have ready-made templates. Keep it clean and on-brand.
- Links: Add your top social channels and email opt-in (like your quiz or freebie).
- Playlists: Organize your content by topic (Product Demos, Tips, Behind the Scenes, etc.)
- Pinned Video: Add a welcome video or popular post to your channel’s home screen.
SEO = Your Secret Visibility Weapon
Here’s the sneaky-good part: YouTube videos don’t just live on YouTube. With the right keywords, they can show up in Google search, too.
SEO Basics for Beginners:
- Title: Make it searchable (e.g. “How to Style Fall Outfits for Women 40+”)
- Description: Write a few sentences that include your main keywords + links
- Tags: Add 5–15 relevant tags that relate to the topic or your niche
- Thumbnails: Use bold text and clear images—Canva has great templates!
Over time, YouTube becomes a searchable library of your content—growing your audience and driving leads long after you hit publish. Or, use AI to help you write good SEO. Copy this section right from this blog post, and paste it into ChatGPT along with your topic or transcript, and ask it to write the YouTube title and description for you. (That's how I do it!)
Considerations for Direct & Social Sellers
This is where it gets juicy. YouTube can absolutely help you grow your business—without ever saying “Buy now!”
Here’s how to use YouTube as a seller:
- Product-focused Shorts: Highlight use cases, seasonal tips, or FAQs in <60 seconds
- Customer stories: Invite happy customers to share their experience (even if it’s just you reading a DM or comment!)
- Monthly Favorites: Include your own products + affiliate links
- “Did You Know?” educational clips: Tie your product to a bigger lifestyle benefit
- Cross-promotion: Share your videos in your Facebook group, email list, and blog
Bonus tip: End every video with a call to action—“Join my email list for more tips,” “Watch the next video,” or “Grab this freebie.” It doesn’t have to be salesy. It just needs to guide.
Final Thoughts: YouTube Isn’t Just for YouTubers
You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need a ring light army or an editing degree. You just need a message, a moment, and a little momentum.
Start small. Start scrappy. Start showing up.
Because once you get over the hump of “I’m not a YouTuber,” you’ll realize… You’re actually a pretty fabulous one after all.
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