How To Vlog: All You Need To Know To Start Vlogging In 2023

Are you passionate? Creative? Have a unique skill, perspective, or view of the world? Starting a blog can be an amazing outlet and form of expression. From showing off your latest ‘fits to unboxing your latest tech, or travelling the world, there’s a place for you in the vlogging community. Beyond that, it’s a great way to make money. If you’re a business owner trying to raise your visibility, a vlog is an immensely powerful way of establishing yourself as a presence in your industry. It gives you a ton of content to use on social media, helps you attract a loyal following and, best of all, every video you create can be embedded in your website with an accompanying blog.

There is no single more powerful thing you can do to boost your website’s SEO than to upload a weekly blog with an accompanying vlog. If you’re not a writer, this is also a great way of getting a weekly blog post up without having to write a work – just record your video, and get it transcribed so you have a written version. No writing needed.

If all that sounds too good to be true there is a catch; it takes time, effort, and a degree of technical know-how. BUT you can easily start a vlog with nothing but your smartphone and a little patience. The fancy equipment is optional (though useful) as is the fancy video editing software. 

Learning how to vlog can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your vlog up and running…

Step 1: Find Your Niche

Determining your niche is the first (and perhaps one of the most critical) steps in your vlogging journey. A niche is basically the specific subject matter or target audience that your vlogs will focus on. While technically speaking you don’t need a niche, having one is a no-brainer. It’s pretty tough to build an audience of loyal followers when you’re constantly talking about or filming different things. They’ll enjoy one video, then be disappointed by the next because it’s not something they’re interested in. 

Your niche doesn’t limit you (a common fear people have when told to choose one!), it ensure you build a solid audience interested in one specific thing. A niche serves as the thematic glue that holds your content together and gives your audience a reason to stick around.

Focusing on a niche allows you to build and showcase your expertise in a particular area. This can help you attract partnerships, sponsorships, and even media attention down the line. Beyond that, the vlogging sphere is a crowded space. A niche helps you stand out from the crowd, offering something unique that sets you apart from the generalist channels. If you have a specific niche, it’s also easier to attract advertisers and sponsors who are interested in reaching your targeted audience.

How To Choose Your Niche

Vlogging requires a substantial time investment so choose a niche that you’re genuinely passionate about. It’ll be easier to maintain your enthusiasm if you care deeply about your subject matter.

Conduct some basic market research to gauge interest in your niche. Are people searching for content in this area? Are there other vloggers covering similar topics? If so, is there a gap you can fill?

Think long-term. Is your niche versatile enough to allow you to produce a wide range of content without becoming repetitive? If you’re building your vlog to promote a business, or a specific product or idea you’re planning to sell (either immediately or further down the line) your niche needs to align with that offer. You want to grow an audience that will naturally want whatever it is you’re selling (or plan to sell).

Think about who you will be speaking to? Whether it’s new mums, tech enthusiasts, or foodies, understanding who you’re creating your videos for can help you tailor your content to their interests and needs.

What sets your channel apart? Maybe it’s your approach, your experience level, or a specific angle that no one else is covering. Whatever you’re doing, find the thing that makes it unique and make that a core of your vlog’s identity.

Before fully committing to a niche, you might want to test the waters. Create a few vlogs covering a range of topics within your chosen niche and see which ones resonate most with viewers. Use analytics to track viewer engagement, watch time, and other key metrics.

It’s okay to make adjustments as you go along. Pay attention to your analytics and viewer feedback to refine your focus. Don’t be afraid to pivot if you think another niche is going to align better with your interests and audience.

Determining your niche is not just a box to check off on your vlogging to-do list; it’s a strategic decision that can significantly impact your channel’s success. By taking the time to choose carefully, you lay the groundwork for a focused, engaging, and successful vlogging journey.

Step 2: Research And Planning

Jumping straight into vlogging without a plan is like setting sail without a map—you might eventually get somewhere, but the journey’s likely to be frustrating and you might not find you end up in entirely the wrong place. 

Effective research and planning lead to high-quality content. As tempting as it might be to just punch the record button and let inspiration guide you, the end result is often less structured, less engaging, and less likely to hold viewers’ attention.

Knowing what your target audience is interested in allows you to tailor your content to meet their needs, increasing the likelihood of higher engagement rates. Planning ahead also helps you make the most of your time and resources. Whether it’s allocating time to shoot your vlog, gathering the right equipment, or lining up guest interviews, proper planning avoids last-minute scrambles.

Finally, a well-thought-out plan will also help you maintain a consistent posting schedule, which is crucial for audience retention and algorithmic ranking on platforms like YouTube.

How To Conduct Effective Research

Start by looking at popular vlogs within your chosen niche. Pay attention to their style, the topics they cover, and the kinds of comments they receive. This can give you a good sense of what your target audience enjoys.

Use tools like Google Trends, YouTube’s search suggest feature, and social media platforms to understand what topics are trending in your chosen niche.

Consider engaging directly with potential viewers to find out what they’re interested in. Social media polls, community forums, or even direct messaging can be effective ways to gather this intel.

Planning Your Vlogs

Planning what you’ll vlog about ahead of time has a ton of advantages. While you can still make spontaneous videos whenever you want, you’ll never have to think about what needs to be done on a regular basis; this is a huge help when you’re short on time. Planning ahead also means you can batch content, getting a load filmed all at once and scheduled in. Batching helps with productivity and efficiency – you’ll find you spend less time per video this way. It also ensures you’re posting consistently because you’re not having to do it on the day. So if something crops up, it’s not a problem.

Here’s how to plan your vlog content:

• Create a content calendar outlining your vlog topics for at least a month in advance. Be sure to include any seasonal or time-sensitive topics.
• Plan the structure of each individual vlog. A basic outline might include an introduction, main content broken into sections, and a conclusion with a call-to-action.
• Consider creating recurring segments or themes for your vlogs. This not only makes planning easier but also helps with audience retention.
• Don’t forget to plan for the technical aspects like shooting locations, gear needed, and any props or additional resources.
• Before fully diving in, consider making a “pilot” episode or two. This allows you to evaluate everything from your on-camera presence to the feasibility of your chosen topic.
• Once your first few vlogs are live, pay close attention to metrics like watch time, viewer engagement, and subscriber growth. Use this data to refine your future plans.

In the world of vlogging, the old adage “fail to plan, plan to fail” holds true. Your vlogs are essentially a product, and like any successful product, they require careful research and thoughtful planning. The time you invest in this stage will pay off in the form of more engaging, higher-quality videos that resonate with your target audience. 

Step 3: Gear Up – Assembling Your Vlogging Toolkit

You’ve nailed down your niche and devised a solid plan—congratulations! Now comes the part that many aspiring vloggers find both exciting and a little daunting: getting the right gear. Your equipment can either be an asset that elevates the quality of your content or a bottleneck that limits your creativity. In this extended guide, we’ll dissect the importance of gearing up appropriately and offer comprehensive advice on choosing the right equipment for your vlogging venture.

Why The Right Gear Matters

High-quality video and audio make your content more enjoyable, leading to longer watch times, higher engagement, and better algorithmic rankings on platforms like YouTube.

The right equipment helps you produce a polished end product, enhancing your credibility and potentially attracting more lucrative sponsorships or partnerships.

With the right tools, you’ll be better equipped to execute creative ideas, adapt to different shooting environments, and resolve unexpected technical issues.

The Basic Vlog Equipment List

Camera

While a DSLR or mirrorless camera offers fantastic quality and customization options, don’t discount the power of a good smartphone camera, especially when starting out. Many high-end smartphones offer excellent video capabilities and a variety of shooting modes.

Key Features to Consider:

Resolution: Aim for at least Full HD (1080p), though 4K offers future-proofing.

Frame Rate: A higher frame rate (like 60fps) offers smoother motion.

Auto-Focus: Look for fast and accurate autofocus features, especially if you’ll be moving around.

Portability: Smaller and lighter cameras are ideal for vloggers on the go.

For a detailed guide check out our blog on how to choose the best vlogging camera.

Tripod

A tripod is essential for stabilising your shots. From tabletop tripods for talking head videos to full-sized tripods for more complex setups, your choice will depend on your vlogging style.

Key Features to Consider:

Height Adjustability: Ensure it meets your needs for both standing and sitting shots.

Sturdiness: It should be robust enough to hold your camera securely.

Portability: If you plan to vlog while travelling, look for something lightweight and easy to pack.

Microphone

Good audio quality is non-negotiable in vlogging. Even a video with excellent visuals will suffer if the audio is poor.

Key Features to Consider:

Directionality: Shotgun mics are good for capturing sound from a specific direction, while lavalier mics are excellent for interviews.

Noise Cancellation: Different additions or features can help isolate your voice from background noise (like a deadcat – I know, weird name!) or reduce unwanted sounds when you’re speaking close to the mic (like a pop filter).

Compatibility: Ensure it works seamlessly with your recording device.

Lighting

Natural light is excellent for most vlogging situations, but having reliable artificial lighting ensures you can shoot in any conditions.

Key Features to Consider:

Softbox: These diffuse light, reducing harsh shadows.

Ring Light: Ideal for face shots, as they provide even, flattering light.

Adjustability: Being able to adjust brightness and colour temperature can be very useful.

Helpful Extras – Taking Your Vlogging Setup to the Next Level

While having the basics in place is essential, there are a few additional gadgets and accessories that can really elevate your vlogging game. These “helpful extras” aren’t strictly necessary, but they can make your life easier and add a layer of polish to your content. Let’s explore some of these:

Teleprompter

If you find it challenging to remember what you want to say, a teleprompter can be a game-changer. These devices can either attach to your camera or stand alone, displaying scrolling text that you can read while looking directly at the lens. This creates the impression of eye contact with your audience, which can make your vlogs feel more personal and engaging.

Key Features to Consider:

Portability: Choose a compact model if you’ll be moving around.

Text Speed Control: Make sure the speed at which the text scrolls is adjustable to match your speaking pace.

Selfie Stick

A selfie stick is great for vloggers who are always on the go, enabling dynamic shots and a variety of camera angles. This can add visual interest to your vlogs and allow you greater creative freedom.

Key Features to Consider:

Length: Longer sticks offer more framing options, but they should also be sturdy enough to hold your camera securely.

Compatibility: Make sure the selfie stick is compatible with your recording device, whether it’s a smartphone, action camera, or something else.

Wearables (Action Cameras, Micro-Cameras)

If your vlogging activities include sports, travel, or any form of action-packed content, wearables like GoPros or other action cameras can capture exciting first-person perspectives.

Key Features to Consider:

Durability: Many of these cameras are waterproof, shockproof, and designed to withstand extreme conditions.

Battery Life: Action-packed vlogging can be draining—literally. Opt for a device with good battery life or carry extra batteries.

Gimbals and Stabilisers

These devices help you achieve smooth, cinematic camera movements, even if you’re walking, running, or otherwise in motion. They can be particularly useful for travel vlogs or dynamic lifestyle content.

Key Features to Consider:

Weight: Make sure the gimbal can support your camera’s weight.

Operational Ease: Look for user-friendly controls and easy setup.

Backdrops and Green Screens

If you’re shooting indoors or want to play around with virtual backgrounds, a backdrop or green screen can offer a controlled, clutter-free environment.

Key Features to Consider:

Material: Non-reflective fabrics work best for consistent lighting.

Ease of Setup: Collapsible or retractable options can save time and space.

Investing in a few carefully chosen extras can go a long way in making your vlogging experience more enjoyable and efficient. While these aren’t required to get started, they can prove invaluable as you look to diversify your content and improve your production quality. As always, choose extras that make sense for your specific niche and vlogging style.

A Word on Budget

Start with what you can afford and upgrade as you go along. It’s better to start with more modest equipment that you know how to use well, rather than investing in high-end gear that you can’t fully utilise.

Gearing up is an exciting phase of your vlogging journey. While the perfect gear setup varies from one vlogger to another, the aim remains the same: to produce high-quality, engaging content that your audience will love. 

Step 4: Setting Up Your Space – Crafting Your Ideal Vlogging Environment

While the narrative and your on-screen persona are paramount in vlogging, the space in which you record is equally important. It sets the stage for your content, contributing to its aesthetic appeal and overall impact. Your space can either accentuate your message or detract from it, so it’s critical to get it right. In this extended guide, we’ll examine why setting up your vlogging space appropriately is key to your success, and offer some best practices on how to do it. 

A well-designed space can make your videos more visually pleasing, encouraging viewers to stick around and engage with your content.

Your space should resonate with the overall branding of your vlog, creating a cohesive visual experience for your audience.

Good lighting and an uncluttered background can dramatically improve the technical quality of your vlogs, making them look more professional.

A calm, pleasing backdrop can enhance viewer comfort, making your audience more inclined to watch longer and return for future vlogs.

Choosing Your Location

The location should complement the topic and style of your vlog. For instance, a travel vlogger might benefit from ever-changing, exotic backdrops, while a tech reviewer would be better suited to a minimalist, indoor setting.

While it’s crucial to have an engaging backdrop, avoid overly busy or distracting elements. Keep it simple but interesting. You want your audience to focus primarily on you and your message.

Ensure that the colour scheme, decor, and overall feel of your space align with your brand’s aesthetic. This will help create a unified and memorable visual identity for your vlog.

Good lighting is not just a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s a must. Poorly lit videos can appear unprofessional and may deter viewers.

If available, natural light is often the most flattering. Position yourself so that the light falls onto your face, but not directly into your eyes. If you’re relying on artificial lighting like a softbox or ring light, aim for a setup that minimises shadows and evenly illuminates your face. Two- or three-point lighting setups are often effective for this.

The quality of natural light can change throughout the day. Be aware of this if you’re recording multiple segments at different times.

Tips for Setting Up

It might take a few tries to get your setup just right. Record some test footage, adjust, and test again until you’re satisfied.

Experiment with different camera angles to find what’s most flattering and engaging. However, eye-level shots are generally the safest bet.

Consider adding relevant props or decor to your space. These can add visual interest and reinforce your vlogging topic.

The environment in which you vlog is an extension of yourself and your brand. From the location and backdrop to the lighting and decor, each element should be carefully considered and tailored to fit your unique vlogging style and message. As you become more experienced, you’ll find that a well-set space not only enhances your vlogs but also makes the recording process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 5: Record Your First Vlog – Capturing Your Vision on Camera

You’ve found your niche, planned your content, geared up, and set up your space. Now comes the moment you’ve been working towards: hitting that “Record” button. Recording your first vlog is a milestone that’s as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. In this guide, we’ll delve into key best practices to follow while recording, ensuring that your first vlog not only resonates with your target audience but also sets the stage for many more to come.

Why Effective Recording Matters

Your first vlog is your introduction to the world, and you don’t get a second chance at making a first impression.

Effective recording techniques can significantly improve viewer engagement and retention, which are crucial for vlog growth.

The more you record, the better you’ll get. Your first vlog lays the groundwork for honing your skills in front of the camera.

Tips for Effective Recording

The internet is a battleground for attention. You have just a few seconds to capture your audience’s interest. Start with a compelling hook, question, or statement that sets the tone for what the viewer can expect.

People are not just tuning in for the content; they’re tuning in for you. Authenticity fosters a deeper emotional connection with your audience, making your vlogs more relatable and trustworthy.

Your body language speaks volumes. Maintain good posture to appear more confident and make direct eye contact with the camera to engage your viewers as if you’re having a one-on-one conversation with them.

While it’s tempting to cover multiple points or go off on tangents, focus is key. Rambling can dilute your message and lose viewer interest. Stick to your topic, and keep your content as concise as possible without sacrificing value.

Practical Steps for Recording Your First Vlog

Before you start the final recording, do a couple of test runs. This helps you get comfortable with your script or talking points, your gear, and your setup.

Keep an eye (or an ear) on your recording setup to ensure everything is working as it should. The last thing you want is to deliver a perfect take, only to find out the microphone wasn’t on.

Don’t rush through your recording. If you need a moment to collect your thoughts, take it. These breaks can be edited out in the post-production phase.

After recording, review your footage to identify what works and what doesn’t. It’s not uncommon to re-record certain segments if needed.

Recording your first vlog is a big step, filled with learning opportunities. While it may not be perfect—and that’s okay—it sets the foundation for your future as a vlogger. Embrace the process, learn from your experiences, and remember: every successful vlogger was once where you are now. 

Step 6: Editing

You’ve successfully recorded your first vlog—congratulations! Now it’s time to move on to the editing phase, a crucial step that can make or break your video. While the recording process captures your raw emotions and ideas, editing is where your vlog really comes together as a polished, engaging narrative. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the importance of editing, key skills to develop, and some popular tools you can use to craft your vlog into a compelling piece of content.

Why Editing Matters

Editing allows you to remove mistakes, tighten your narrative, and add elements like music and graphics to elevate your vlog’s production quality.

A well-edited vlog is easier to follow and more engaging, which can result in higher viewer retention and more favourable algorithmic ranking.

Editing isn’t just about cutting and trimming; it’s also an opportunity to enhance your storytelling by adding pacing, rhythm, and visual flair.

Key Editing Skills

The basic task in editing is cutting out unnecessary material. Whether it’s a long pause, an “um” or “ah,” or a mistake, judicious cutting makes your vlog more streamlined and engaging.

Adding Music

Music can significantly enhance the mood of your vlog. Use it to emphasise points, create emotion, or add energy. However, make sure you have the rights to use the music to avoid copyright issues.

Incorporating Text and Graphics

Text overlays, captions, and graphics can help emphasise points, add context, or provide additional information. Use them sparingly and ensure they fit your vlog’s aesthetic.

Colour Grading

This advanced skill involves adjusting the colours and lighting in your video to create a specific mood or aesthetic. While optional, it can add a professional touch to your vlogs.

Sound Editing

Good audio is crucial for vlogging. Basic sound editing skills, like removing background noise and adjusting levels, can make a big difference in your vlog’s quality.

Popular Editing Software

Movavi

A professional-grade software offering a range of advanced editing tools. Ideal for those looking to get into serious video editing. (This is the one we use, and happily recommend!)

Final Cut Pro

Apple’s proprietary video editing software is another industry standard, offering a balance of powerful capabilities and user-friendly interface.

iMovie

For beginners, iMovie offers a free and simpler way to get started with editing. While not as feature-rich as Premiere Pro or Final Cut, it’s more than adequate for basic edits.

Free Alternatives

Other options like DaVinci Resolve and HitFilm Express offer robust features at no cost, making them great for vloggers on a budget.

Editing Workflow Tips

Create a Rough Cut: Start by making a rough cut to remove all the obvious mistakes and unwanted footage.

Add Layers: Add your music, text, and graphics after your initial cut. This makes it easier to align these elements with the narrative.

Review and Revise: Watch your vlog several times, making tweaks as necessary. Also consider getting feedback from trusted sources before finalising.

Editing is an art form that requires practice and patience. While it may seem daunting at first, remember that every expert was once a beginner. Over time, you’ll develop a workflow and style that’s uniquely yours, making the editing process an integral and rewarding part of your vlogging journey. So fire up that editing software and turn your raw footage into vlogging gold.

Pro Tip: We use Movavi Video Editing Suite for all our editing, unless we’re editing in-app (we often edit TikToks and Reels directly in the relevant app).

Step 7: Upload and Optimise

You’ve found your niche, planned your episodes, acquired your gear, set up your recording space, captured your first vlog on camera, and even edited it into a polished video. The next logical step is to share it with the world by uploading it to a video platform. While the uploading process may seem straightforward, there’s more to it than just hitting the “Upload” button. 

Why Uploading and Optimization Matter

Optimised vlogs are more likely to be discovered by new viewers, thereby helping you grow your audience.

Elements like eye-catching thumbnails and well-crafted descriptions encourage clicks and interaction, leading to higher engagement rates.

Properly optimised vlogs are more likely to be favoured by platform algorithms, increasing the likelihood of your video appearing in recommended lists and search results.

YouTube

YouTube is the go-to platform for vloggers given its huge user base and comprehensive suite of analytics tools. Other platforms might suit specific needs but consider starting here for the broadest reach.

Alternative Platforms

Platforms like Vimeo, Dailymotion, and specialised sites might be appropriate for niche content, but they generally offer less visibility than YouTube.

Key Elements to Optimise

Thumbnail: The thumbnail is often the first thing potential viewers see. It should be eye-catching and relevant to the vlog’s content. Make sure it gives viewers a reason to click.

Title: Your vlog’s title is crucial for both viewer engagement and search engine optimization (SEO). Use a title that is descriptive, engaging, and includes relevant keywords.

Description: The video description is your opportunity to provide more context, links, and relevant keywords. A well-crafted description can improve your vlog’s SEO and provide value to viewers.

Tags: Use tags to help categorise your video and make it discoverable in search results. Choose tags that are relevant to your vlog’s content, and consider using both broad and niche-specific tags.

Upload and Optimization Tips

Consistency: Consistency in style and branding across all your thumbnails, titles, and descriptions can contribute to a cohesive brand image.

Analytics: After uploading, monitor your vlog’s performance using analytics tools provided by your chosen platform. This can provide insights into what’s working and what needs improvement.

Scheduled Uploads: Many platforms allow you to schedule your uploads. Use this feature to maintain a consistent posting schedule, which is beneficial for audience retention.

Share on Other Platforms: Don’t rely solely on organic discovery on your video platform. Share your vlogs on social media, blogs, or any other online communities where your target audience is likely to be found.

Pro Tip: If you have a website, make sure you’re creating a blog to accompany each video you post, and embedding the video in that post. You can easily do this by creating a transcript of what you say in the video, or writing something to accompany it. This will do wonders for your SEO, especially if your video relates to a keyword you’re trying to rank for!

Uploading and optimising your vlog isn’t just a logistical step; it’s a strategic one. Proper optimization can significantly extend your vlog’s reach and increase its engagement, making all your planning, recording, and editing efforts worthwhile. So before you hit that “Upload” button, take some time to consider how best to present and categorise your vlog for maximum impact.

Step 8: Promote Your Vlog

You’ve defined your niche, mapped out your content strategy, gathered your gear, set up your space, recorded, edited, and even uploaded your first vlog. The journey doesn’t end here; in fact, it’s just beginning. Uploading your vlog is one part of the equation, but ensuring it gets viewed is another. That’s where promotion comes in. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of promoting your vlog, as well as actionable strategies you can implement to grow your audience and increase your vlog’s visibility.

Why Promotion Matters

Promotion helps to extend your vlog’s reach beyond what organic discovery can provide, attracting new viewers and potentially creating viral growth opportunities.

Promotional activities often involve direct interaction with your target audience, which not only boosts your vlog’s visibility but also fosters a sense of community.

Consistent promotion is key to maintaining viewer interest over time, helping you build a dedicated following that will continue to engage with your content.

Key Promotion Strategies

Social Media Sharing: Leverage your existing social media channels to share your vlog. Use relevant hashtags, engage with trending topics, and participate in relevant discussions to attract attention to your vlog.

Collaboration: Collaborating with other vloggers can expose your content to their audience, and vice versa. Choose collaborators who share a similar target audience but offer different types of content.

Viewer Engagement: Don’t underestimate the power of engaging with your audience. Responding to comments, asking for feedback, and encouraging viewers to like, share, and subscribe can go a long way in building a dedicated community.

Email Marketing: If you have an email list, it’s a potent tool for vlog promotion. Regularly update your subscribers with new content, behind-the-scenes looks, or any other exclusive material.

Guest Appearances: Consider guest appearances on podcasts, webinars, or other vloggers’ channels to showcase your expertise and promote your vlog.

Tips for Effective Promotion

Timing: The first 24-48 hours after uploading your vlog are crucial for its visibility. Make sure to carry out most of your promotional activities during this period for maximum impact.

Analyse and Adapt: Use analytics tools to measure the effectiveness of your promotional strategies. This data can help you understand what’s working and adapt your future efforts accordingly.

Consistency: Keep your branding and messaging consistent across different platforms. This helps reinforce your brand image and makes your content instantly recognizable to your audience.

Promotion is an integral part of the vlogging process that can significantly influence your vlog’s success. Through targeted, thoughtful promotional strategies, you can reach a wider audience, foster greater engagement, and build a lasting online community. Remember, every viewer gained is a potential fan and promoter of your content. So roll up those sleeves and get promoting!

Step 9: Analyse and Adapt

Once your vlog is out in the world and you’ve done your initial round of promotion, it’s easy to think your job is done. However, the reality is that successful vlogging is a cycle, not a one-off event. One of the most important parts of this cycle is the analysis phase, where you take a deep dive into the data provided by analytics tools. Platforms like YouTube offer incredibly in-depth analytics that allow you to understand viewer behaviour, reach, engagement, and much more. By consistently analysing this data, you can identify what’s resonating with your audience and what areas need improvement.

For example, you might discover that your vlogs get the most engagement when you cover specific topics, or that your viewers tend to drop off at a particular point in your videos. This is invaluable information that you can use to adapt your content strategy. Maybe you need to tighten up your intros to get to the point faster, or perhaps your data shows that longer, deep-dive videos are what your audience craves. Analytics can also show you the best times to post, how effective your promotional strategies are, and even demographic information about your viewers. With these insights in hand, you can make informed decisions to adapt your content, your promotional strategies, and even your vlogging style, thereby ensuring that your vlogging efforts are aligned with what your audience wants to see. In short, analysing and adapting based on data should be an ongoing process, integral to your vlogging journey.

Step 10: Consistency is Key

In the world of vlogging, consistency is more than a buzzword—it’s a critical factor in your long-term success. Audiences flock to predictability; knowing when to expect a new video from you can build anticipation and foster loyalty. This not only helps keep your current audience engaged but also makes your channel more attractive to potential new followers. Therefore, as you continue to research, film, edit, upload, promote, and analyse, doing so consistently is crucial.

Creating a content calendar can be a game-changer in maintaining this consistency. This schedule outlines what content is going out when, helping you plan your recording, editing, and uploading processes. It also helps you visualise how your content is spread out, enabling you to diversify your topics and keep your audience engaged. Furthermore, platforms like YouTube often favour channels that post regularly with their algorithms, giving you a better chance at more extensive reach. The consistency principle applies not just to timing but also to the quality and style of your content. Consistent branding, themes, and delivery all contribute to a cohesive channel that stands out. In summary, maintaining consistency in your vlogging endeavours serves to solidify your brand, retain and attract viewers, and optimise your channel for platform algorithms. Make a content calendar, stick to a posting schedule, and keep your content quality consistently high—your growing, dedicated audience will thank you for it.

Need Help Learning How To Vlog?

Vlogging can be a fulfilling experience, giving you a platform to share your passions and connect with like-minded individuals. By planning carefully, investing in the right equipment, and engaging with your audience, you can create a successful vlog that stands out in this ever-growing community. And remember, if you need a little help learning how to vlog, or don’t have anywhere suitable for filming, we’re happy to help. If you’re in the Northwich area, or anywhere in Cheshire you’re welcome at the Rebel Wolf office where you can take advantage of our spacious upstairs studio, with little areas set up for various types of filming. 

Happy vlogging!