Over the past 18 months, I’ve been running The Full Frame YouTube channel with Ben Gray, where we dive into the world of film photography through reviews, interviews, and on-location shoots. Growing this channel has given me a deeper understanding of just how valuable YouTube can be for building trust, boosting your Google rankings, and driving leads for your business.
YouTube isn’t just a platform to post videos—it’s an essential tool for businesses looking to create a long-term content strategy that works. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way and why YouTube is such a strong strategy for long-term business growth.
1. Consistency is Key
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of consistency. You can’t expect quick results if you’re only uploading sporadically. Regular uploads help keep your audience engaged and signal to YouTube’s algorithm that your channel is active, which makes it more likely that your content will be recommended to new viewers. Whether you’re posting weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, sticking to a schedule helps build momentum and keeps you top of mind for your audience.
2. Trending Topics Drive Views
YouTube is all about discovery. One way to expand your reach is by covering trending topics. Timely subjects naturally attract more views, as viewers tend to search for content related to current events. This strategy works particularly well if you can tie trending topics to your niche or business. For The Full Frame, discussing current trends in film photography not only attracted new viewers but also helped us connect with other creators and influencers.
3. Revisiting Gear Shows Its Longevity
Another key lesson from The Full Frame channel is that older content doesn’t go out of date—it just keeps giving. Revisiting gear or concepts we’ve covered in the past allows us to create updated content while still drawing traffic to older videos. This approach also adds value for viewers who may not have seen the original content. Whether it’s revisiting film types or camera equipment, giving a fresh perspective keeps the conversation going and helps maximise your content investment.
4. Interviews with Industry Experts Work Wonders
People love learning from industry experts. Featuring interviews with notable figures in your industry not only gives your channel credibility but also exposes your content to a wider audience. Expert interviews help provide valuable insights and showcase your authority, which can lead to more followers and subscribers. It also gives you the chance to tap into your guest’s network, further expanding your reach.
5. Engaging with Comments Builds Community
Social media is about community, and YouTube is no exception. Responding to comments and engaging with your viewers is a powerful way to build a loyal community. Whether it’s answering questions, addressing feedback, or simply thanking someone for their support, this engagement turns passive viewers into active participants in your content journey. Over time, these interactions can help foster long-term relationships with your audience.
6. Experimenting with Video Length Can Improve Results
Not all videos are created equal, and experimenting with different video lengths can help you find what works best for your audience. Some videos might perform better as quick, snappy content, while others may require a longer, more in-depth approach. For The Full Frame, we’ve found that a mix of both longer, detailed guides and shorter, bite-sized reviews works best. By testing video length, you can better understand your audience’s preferences and adjust your strategy accordingly.
YouTube is a Long-Term Commitment
YouTube isn’t a quick fix—it’s a long-term commitment that requires consistency, planning, and an understanding of your audience. While you may not see immediate results, a well-executed YouTube strategy can significantly impact your business over time.
If you’re looking to create a YouTube strategy that works for your business, I’m here to help. Let’s talk about how I can assist you in building a content strategy that maximises your reach, drives engagement, and brings long-term results.