Episode 68: Getting Started with Video and Growing Your YouTube Channel with Jennifer Dickerson from Fiber Flux

Jennifer Dickerson is the crochet and knitting designer, blogger, author, and YouTuber behind Fiber Flux. I had the chance to chat with Jennifer about how she got started with video and grew her YouTube channel to over 125,000 followers in less than two years. In this interview, she shares her practical tips for working with video, building a YouTube channel, time management, working for free, and monetizing your blog and videos.  This post contains affiliate links. About Jennifer Dickerson   Jennifer Dickerson is the crochet and knitting designer, blogger, and YouTuber behind Fiber Flux. In addition to her blog, she launched the Fiber Flux YouTube channel about two years ago and has grown to 125,626 followers as of this writing. Jennifer is the author of Mini Flower Loom Crafts and has another book forthcoming. You can also follow Jennifer on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Ravelry | Twitter About the interview In this episode, I interview Jennifer about getting started with video and growing a YouTube channel, but we also chatted about other aspects of her creative business. Some of the topics we discussed about video included: Jennifer's practical tips for getting started in video.Start by recording your back catalog so you don't have deadline pressure. Use simple tools. Her recommendations are to use artificial lighting from a kit with a "natural light" bulb, a camera that has both automatic and manual options (should you decide to experiment with settings), and a tripod. She uses the YouTube Editor to edit her videos within the interface. Remember that you don't need to film in sequence. Jennifer credits Celina Lane from Simply Collectible Crochet for reminding her that she can film the process in any order and then edit later. Focus on transitions. You don't necessarily need to film an entire process, but remember to share a transition before moving on to the next step (e.g., "Continue to repeat this step until the end of the row and I'll meet you there.")  Jennifer's suggestions for growing your YouTube channel.Use the Creator Academy, YouTube's free resource for creators. Release videos on a consistent schedule so your audience returns to your channel often. Start each video quickly with a strong opening and link between videos on your channel to encourage viewer retention.  Make the opening of your channel an "event." Remember to promote the channel itself, not just embedded videos on your other online properties. Ask viewers to subscribe. Remember that your YouTube followers may be different than your audience on other platforms. We also talked about other aspects of Jennifer's business, including how Jennifer... Monetizes her blog and channel, Approaches her editorial calendar and time management, especially when working on larger projects (like a book), Decides if and when to work for free, Has become a published author, along with suggestions for other aspiring authors.  Listen to the podcast for more discussion from me and Jennifer. Some announcements I'll be going to the HGTV Blogger Block Party on August 22, 2016. This is a free event in New York City and I hope to see you there! (Please note that I received free product in exchange for talking about this event on the Underground Crafter blog, but I was already planning to attend and my opinions are my own.) I'll be speaking at the Creativation Show (formerly known as the Craft and Hobby Association Mega Show). Will I see you in Phoenix, Arizona from January 19-23, 2017?   Show your support for the Show! Buy my book, Make Money Teaching Crochet, or shop through the Show's trusted partners. You can find more information on the Support the Show page. Share your feedback on this episode! Did Jennifer motivate you to start filming videos or to get more serious about building your video catalog? Share your comments in the show notes for this episode at http://creativeyarnentrepreneur.com/episode68. You can also comment in the Creative Yarn Entrepreneurs Facebook group, comment on the Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Facebook page, Tweet me at @cyeshow, add me to your G+ circle and send me a note, or leave a message at 646-713-8973. Feel free to ask questions, too, which may be used in an upcoming episode. You can subscribe to the Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show on on Google Play Music, iTunes, Stitcher, or TuneIn.  Please leave an honest review on iTunes or Stitcher and join the mailing list. I’ll let people on the list know in advance about special guests and topics so you can share your questions.