Growing on YouTube: What Finally Worked | EP 203

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For 18 months, I posted regularly on YouTube. Livestreams every Monday. Audio-only versions of The Launch Your Box Podcast. A few Shorts every week. I saw some slow, steady growth, but it wasn’t what I’d hoped for.

Then I attended a conference this past February, and I kept hearing the same thing over and over again: “YouTube changed everything for my business.” 

But the thing was, it hadn’t changed everything for my business. It hadn’t really changed much of anything at that point. 

That’s when it hit me. I was treating YouTube like just another platform instead of the powerful growth tool it is. So I made a few simple, strategic changes… and everything shifted.

In this episode, I’m walking you through:

• What I changed
• Why those changes worked
• And how you can start using YouTube to grow your business, especially if you sell a product or subscription box

Why YouTube Deserves Your Attention

There’s a reason every successful creator I met at that conference credited YouTube with playing a big role in their growth. It’s the second-largest search engine in the world. And unlike so many social media platforms, your YouTube content lasts.

Unlike Instagram or TikTok, where posts disappear in a flash, YouTube videos keep working for you for months (even years). This builds visibility, trust, and community, especially when you’re showing up with value.

If you’re making Reels or packing videos, you’re already halfway there. YouTube just gives it more reach and staying power.

My First 18 Months on YouTube: What Didn’t Work

I started my channel in July 2023. For a year and a half, I showed up consistently with:

• Weekly livestreams
• Audio-only podcast uploads
• 2–3 Shorts per week

That got me to about 2,000 subscribers… not bad, but not amazing either.
I realized I was showing up, but I wasn’t being strategic. And I wasn’t making the most of what YouTube had to offer.

The Five Shifts That Changed Everything

Here’s what I changed about my YouTube strategy and why it worked:

1. More Video Content

I started filming my podcast episodes instead of just uploading audio. I also launched a new format, Friday Fuel, that delivers punchy, action-focused, 10-minute video episodes made for YouTube.

2. Increased Visibility with Ads

I started running simple YouTube ads – just $5 to $15 a day. And my subscriber count skyrocketed. Sometimes, visibility is all that’s missing.

3. Watched My Analytics

Every few days, I’d check which videos were performing, how long people watched, and what needed to be tweaked. Letting the data guide you makes a huge difference.

4. Studied What Was Working for Others

I looked at top-performing videos in the subscription and coaching space and created my own spin on those proven topics.

5. Better Thumbnails & Titles

You’ve only got one shot to earn a click. I started focusing more on my video titles and thumbnails—making them clear, curiosity-driven, and eye-catching.

You only get one chance to earn a click. Your title and thumbnail do the heavy lifting. Make them count.

YouTube for Subscription Box Owners: Where to Start

You don’t need a fancy studio or a huge following to start seeing traction. Here’s how to begin:

• Film the content you’re already creating: unboxings, behind-the-scenes, “pack with me” videos. 
• Start with 1 video per week AND 1–2 shorts.
• Keep your videos helpful, not just promotional.
  

Most importantly? Don’t be afraid to start messy. Done is always better than perfect! 

Learn More about Growing on YouTube.

If you want to go deeper, check out the YouTube course that helped me shift everything. It’s practical, doable, and honestly... it changed how I show up on the platform.

Click HERE to grab it now. Use code SARAH for $50 off. 

I went from 2,300 subscribers in February to more than 16,000 just a few months later. My goal? 50K subscribers by the end of 2025. I know it’s possible because of the systems I’ve put in place. 

Join me for this episode to learn how YouTube can work for you and your subscription box business. YouTube isn’t magic. But with the right strategy, it can grow your business.