In January, I experimented with several new strategies after reflecting on what worked in December. Here are three key takeaways that helped me grow my channel and keep me sane.

1. Developing a Content Strategy and Marketing Plan

After producing 20+ videos in December, I was on the brink of burnout. I knew I had to approach things differently in January. So, I asked myself: If I were my own consultant, what would I recommend? The first step was understanding what content I already had.

Step 1: Take Inventory of Existing Footage

I started by reviewing all the footage I had available. Then, I categorized it into themes—these later became my content pillars. By identifying recurring topics like golf and food, I created a structured approach to my content.

Step 2: Build a Content Strategy

With my content pillars and footage list in place, I developed a publishing schedule for the year. This allowed me to stay organized and maintain consistency without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 3: Create a Marketing Calendar – The Magic of Thinking Big

I took things a step further by setting both short-term and long-term goals. Thinking like a consultant helped me take an objective approach. Looking at my big-picture goals, I realized I wanted to turn my username into a brand.

I mapped out business objectives, an ad strategy, key performance indicators (KPIs), and a long-term growth plan spanning one, three, and five years. While this may seem ambitious, this type of exercise motivates me and keeps me focused.

2. Turning One Video into a Series

If you’ve been following my content, you’ve probably noticed my anniversary trip to Japan and Korea has been a major theme. While editing the first day’s footage, the final video was nearly ten minutes long and this was just the first day. As a small channel, I didn’t want to create an hour-long video only for viewers to watch just five minutes.

Instead, I turned our trip into a video series, with each day becoming its own standalone YouTube video, no longer than 15 minutes. This approach:

✔️ Supports my YouTube growth goals
✔️ Ensures I have fresh content each week
✔️ Reduces editing pressure by spreading out content

3. SEO is Everything

People use YouTube as a search engine, so using the right keywords is essential for discoverability. Optimizing SEO doesn’t just increase views—it also helps new audiences find my work.

In December, I used to brainstorm keywords manually. Now, I streamline the process by asking ChatGPT for relevant keywords, which I then repurpose in:

✔️ Video file names
✔️ Blog posts
✔️ YouTube descriptions
✔️ Instagram and TikTok hashtags