Vlogging is much more than simply grabbing a camera and recording parts of your life, it’s also a very lucrative business. Initially, vlogging began as a hobby and a great way to gain popularity. Because so many people have taken to it, it’s easy to believe that vlogging is relatively simple; however, there’s a lot more to it than one might think, especially when a vlog enters the realm of business. 

What Is A Vlog & Who Started It?

“Vlog” is a cross between the words video and blog. A blog, such as this, is a personalized website, created for entertainment or business purposes, that regularly posts updated content typically written in a conversational manner. A vlog takes it a step further by turning potential blog posts into video. 

But, when did we start turning blogs into vlogs? It’s believed that in 2000 Adam Kontras created the first vlog in an effort to keep his friends and family updated during his cross-country road trip to Los Angeles. This began to spark a movement in the coming years with technology being more accessible and with the development of social platforms such as YouTube that allowed anyone to post videos to the Internet. 

How To Turn Vlogging Into A Business

Starting a vlog can be a great business move, but there are definitely some things to keep in mind and prepare for before getting started. The best way to know if you’re ready to start your vlog is by researching other vlog channels and asking yourself, “Is this something I want to do?” If you answer is yes, then you’re ready to get started! Here are some tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your new vlog.

Equipment

Starting a vlog doesn’t mean you need to go out and spend $1,200 on an expensive camera, or even $500. With the rise of today’s technology, using your camera on your smartphone is great place to start—remember to always shoot footage horizontally for YouTube. You might find later down the road that you’d like to invest in a more expensive camera in order to have more control over the camera, but if you don’t already have a good camera, it’s a good idea to get a feel of vlogging with your smartphone before investing in a new camera.

Be Consistent

Once you start vlogging, it’s important to be consistent. Channels that have the most success post at least one video every week at a scheduled time. Having a schedule every week is important when it comes to building a following—think of it as a TV series. If people know when to expect your video, not only does it give them something to look forward to, but they will begin checking your channel around the usual time in search of your latest posts. 

Quality of Content

The most important questions to ask yourself when creating your vlog are, “Will people want to watch this?” and “What am I giving them?” The answers to these questions are important if you want to be able to keep your audience coming back. So, when thinking about the quality of your content, think about the experience as a viewer. Are you giving them new information? Are you building a relationship with the viewer? Is the setting of your vlog entertaining?

Promote Your Vlog & Gain Others' Support

Nowadays, the best way to promote anything, especially a vlog, is on social media. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are great because they can be used to promote any type of business—not to mention networking and connecting with other vloggers. Having another vlogger promote your vlog is a great free way to get exposure and increase your viewership. Don’t forget to ask your friends and family to share your videos as well.

Create Your Own Merchandise

If you’re wanting to gain money through your vlogs, creating your own merchandise is a tremendous step. A lot of YouTube vloggers have created T-shirts, coffee cups, key chains, and even jewelry that featuring their channel name and other slogans. This is the ultimate way to get monetary support from your viewers, though some vloggers are also turning to Patreon as a way to gain money from their subscribers. Remember, if you’re going to create merchandise to sell, make sure your items are affordable and that part of the proceeds goes back into your vlog. It’s also important that your viewers are aware of where their money is going, so make sure to periodically thank them and keep them updated on change.

Whether you already have a business and you want to start a vlog or you’re hoping to turn your vlog into a business, remembering these tips will help you on your road to success. Don’t forget, the first step to becoming successful in anything is putting one foot in front of the other and getting out the door.

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