Listen Below For The Entire Episode On The Systemize Your Life Podcast

Should I Start A Blog, A YouTube Channel, Or A Podcast?

When it comes to growing your business, one of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask is: “Should I start a blog, a YouTube channel, or a podcast?” Each platform comes with its own unique strengths, but figuring out which one works best for you can be a game-changer. In a recent conversation between Chelsi Jo and YouTube strategist Gillian Perkins, they discussed what it takes to successfully launch and grow a YouTube channel, while sharing valuable tips on repurposing content across platforms.

Why YouTube? Starting a YouTube channel can be an excellent way to engage with your audience visually while offering high-quality, valuable content. But it’s important to keep in mind that, as with any platform, success takes time, effort, and consistency. Gillian emphasized the importance of knowing that YouTube is a commitment: “You have to put in the work. If you aren’t willing to make a dedicated effort, you won’t see the return you’re looking for.”

However, YouTube can be rewarding if you’re willing to stay consistent and produce valuable content. To determine whether it’s the right platform for you, consider these key factors:

1. Quality Over Quantity
   Both Chelsi and Gillian agreed that quality is the number one priority when producing YouTube videos. While it can be tempting to churn out as much content as possible, having fewer, high-quality pieces will serve you better in the long run. This includes ensuring your videos are visually appealing, have great audio, and contain valuable information that addresses the needs of your audience.
   
   Gillian also touched on repurposing content, stating, “Doing less better will get you further than trying to do more.” This means focusing on creating excellent content first and then thoughtfully distributing it to other platforms.
   
2. Consistency is Key
   A critical part of success on YouTube (and any platform) is consistency. Chelsi highlighted how consistency can only be achieved through confidence and a filming schedule. Having a clear plan will help you stay on track, but it’s also essential to feel confident in your ability to produce content, which comes with practice and preparation.
   
   Gillian pointed out that structuring your content, from outlining your ideas to recording and editing, helps build a strong foundation that can make consistency easier to maintain. Whether it’s through planning content ahead of time or blocking out filming days, a routine will keep you on track.
   
3. Repurposing Content Across Platforms
   Both Chelsi and Gillian have experience in repurposing content from one platform to another, but they both agreed that blindly repurposing content (such as simply transcribing a podcast episode and posting it as a blog) doesn’t work well.
   
   Chelsi explained, “The work I did before starting this company was as a professional sign language interpreter, and I wanted my podcast to be accessible for people who couldn’t hear. But transcribing spoken word directly into a blog post didn’t work, because reading spoken content doesn’t flow the same way.”
   
   Gillian expanded on this by recommending that business owners focus on repurposing ideas, not necessarily the content itself. “The most repurposable thing is the outline. Once you have that, you can create a blog post, a podcast episode, or a YouTube video tailored to the specific platform. It’s not about copying and pasting content—it’s about strategically adapting it for each format.”
   
   For example, she often starts with a detailed outline, records a longer podcast episode, and then uses the refined ideas to film a shorter, more concise YouTube video. This process ensures that each piece of content is suited for its respective platform while maximizing efficiency.

The Role of Technology and Equipment

A common concern when starting a YouTube channel is the tech. Many business owners wonder how much they need to invest in equipment. Choosing the right cameras, lighting, and audio equipment to ensure their videos look professional.

Gillian addressed this by stating, “Your lighting and audio are more important than the camera you use. If you have good lighting and clear sound, even a smartphone camera can give you excellent results.”

She recommended sitting in front of a window for natural light or investing in affordable lighting equipment. When it comes to audio, using a podcast mic (which many entrepreneurs already have) or a lapel mic like the DJI Mic can significantly improve sound quality. As for cameras, she suggested two great budget-friendly options: the Sony Alpha ZV-E10 and Canon EOS R50. For those ready to invest in more professional equipment, she mentioned the Canon EOS R5 and Sony Alpha 7 IV as top choices.

However, Gillian reminded us that professional cameras can be tricky to use if you don’t have videography experience. “Sometimes a professional camera can make your video look worse if you don’t know how to adjust the settings correctly,” she cautioned. For most people, starting with budget-friendly equipment will be more than enough.