In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, YouTube stands as a colossus, hosting millions of content creators who vie for the attention of billions of viewers. For YouTubers, the platform offers unparalleled reach and opportunities. However, with great visibility comes the challenge of standing out in an ever-crowded space. This brings us to a pivotal strategy that many successful YouTubers employ but is often overlooked by newcomers: building a community outside of YouTube, specifically through a companion website.

Why Build a Community Outside YouTube?

1. Grow Your Channel:

Nowadays, with limited effort, using the power of AI and SEO (Search Engine Optimization), you can generate massive traffic to your channel.

Now that tools such as Tubespace can use AI to instantly build blog posts based on your YouTube videos, you can build a blog that ranks on Google (and other search engines) within minutes. Once the blog is established, it can generate significant traffic that drives video views and subscribers.

Until recently, this traffic strategy has only been available to larger YouTubers who have the resources to build out a blog, however nowadays AI has levelled the playing field and all YouTubers can quickly build a blog.

2. Ownership and Control:

At its core, YouTube is a third-party platform, meaning content creators operate under its rules and algorithms. Changes in policies or algorithms can significantly impact traffic and monetization. A companion website, however, offers a sanctuary where creators have complete control over their content, presentation, and community interaction. This direct control fosters a stable environment for growth, free from the whims of platform changes.

3. Enhanced Monetization Opportunities:

YouTube offers several ways to monetize content, but these are often subject to strict guidelines and revenue sharing. A personal website opens up diverse monetization streams beyond ads, such as merchandise sales, memberships, courses, and direct donations. These avenues not only increase revenue potential but also strengthen the community by providing exclusive benefits to supporters.

4. Deepening Viewer Relationships:

While YouTube comments offer a way to interact with viewers, they can be limiting and transient. A companion website can host forums, live chats, and membership areas, creating a more intimate and engaging community space. This deeper interaction fosters loyalty and a sense of belonging among viewers, transforming casual viewers into dedicated fans.

Building a Companion Website: Key Strategies

1. Complimentary Content:

The website should complement, not compete with, the YouTube channel. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content, extended interviews, and member-only videos are examples of content that can enrich the viewer experience without detracting from the main YouTube content.

2. Community Engagement:

Implement features that encourage active participation, such as forums, polls, and live Q&A sessions. These interactions not only strengthen the community bond but also provide content creators with direct feedback and ideas for future content.

3. SEO and Visibility:

A well-optimized website can attract traffic from search engines, introducing new viewers to the channel. AI blog posts, how-to guides, and articles related to the channel’s niche can improve search engine rankings and visibility.

In conclusion, while YouTube provides a powerful platform for content creation and discovery, it’s the development of a companion website that can truly solidify a YouTuber’s brand, deepen viewer relationships, and open up new avenues for growth and monetization. This strategic extension allows creators to harness the full potential of their community, ensuring a sustainable and thriving digital presence. In the ever-evolving world of content creation, those who build and nurture their community beyond YouTube are the ones who stand the best chance of enduring success.