10 YouTube Channel Settings to switch ON or OFF! Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Are you a midlife business owner thinking about jumping into the world of YouTube but feeling a little overwhelmed about where to start? Fear not! Whether you're brand new to the platform or ready to take the plunge and build your online presence, there are a few essential areas you need to have set up to get your YouTube channel off the ground.

Let’s dive into the must-dos to help you make the most of your YouTube channel and set the foundation for success.

1. Your YouTube Banner: Your Shop Window

Your YouTube banner is the first thing viewers see when they land on your channel. Think of it as your channel’s storefront, giving viewers a glimpse of what they can expect. Is your banner communicating the right message?

Here's what to include in your banner:

• A clear message: What is your channel about? For example, if you specialize in helping midlife business owners harness the power of video, your banner should say so!
• A personal touch: Consider adding a photo of yourself to create that “know, like, and trust” factor. People engage with people, not logos.
• A call to action: Why not include a subtle reminder to subscribe?

Not sure how to create a banner? No worries—there are plenty of online tools like Canva that can help you design a professional-looking banner in no time.

2. Your Name and Username: Make it Brand-Friendly

Next up is your channel’s name and username. These should be aligned with your overall branding. Whether you’re using your personal name (great for personal brands) or a brand name that represents your business, consistency is key.

YouTube now allows you to create a custom URL for your channel from day one—no more waiting until you hit 100 subscribers. This is a game-changer for branding! You can set a unique URL that reflects your brand identity and is easy to share.

3. Your Channel Description: A Keyword Goldmine

Your channel description is more than just a few lines about what you do—it’s an opportunity to optimize your channel for search engines. Take advantage of the 1,000-character limit by including relevant keywords that describe your business and the type of content you’ll be sharing.

Think about what your ideal audience might be searching for. If you're a midlife business owner focused on video marketing, terms like “video marketing for small business” or “how to use YouTube for business” should appear in your description.

4. Links and Lead Generation: Make the Most of Your Channel

If you’re using YouTube as a visibility tool for your business, the goal is not just to get views, but to generate leads. This is where the magic of links comes into play. You can add up to five links to your channel, which are displayed prominently on your banner.

Direct your audience to your lead magnet or newsletter signup page to turn views into subscribers. Remember, a well-placed call to action can turn a casual viewer into a customer.

5. Your Profile Picture: Personal Brand vs. Logo

If you are a personal brand, use a professional and friendly headshot as your profile picture. If your business is centered around a brand logo, then, of course, use that. But don’t worry, you can always change this later as your channel evolves.

6. Playlists: Organize and Optimize Your Content

Playlists are an often overlooked but incredibly useful tool for organizing your content. Grouping videos into playlists based on topics or themes can help guide your audience through your content. For example, if you have a series on “YouTube for Beginners,” create a playlist so viewers can easily binge-watch your content without getting lost.

Playlists also have the added benefit of increasing watch time—one of the key metrics YouTube uses to determine which content to recommend.

7. Harnessing YouTube's New Features

YouTube is constantly evolving, and there are new features that you should take advantage of:

• Shorts: These are perfect for repurposing your TikTok and Instagram Reels content. Not sure how to get started? There are plenty of resources (including a handy checklist) to help you get comfortable with Shorts.
• Podcasts: If you're a podcaster, YouTube now allows you to upload podcast episodes directly to your channel. This feature can help you reach new audiences who prefer video content.

8. Community Engagement: Leverage the Community Tab

Once your channel starts gaining traction, don’t forget about the community tab. This space allows you to post updates, images, and polls to engage with your audience on a more personal level. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going between video uploads.

Final Thoughts

Starting and growing a YouTube channel can feel like a lot of work, but by setting up these essential elements, you’re creating a strong foundation that will help your channel succeed. Remember, YouTube isn’t just about visibility—it’s about building a community and leading your viewers on a journey that ultimately benefits your business.

If you're ready to dive deeper into optimising your videos for search and visibility, make sure to subscribe to the channel and keep an eye out for the next video in this series.

Have any questions? Drop them in the comments below, and let’s get the conversation started!

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