It’s no secret that I have an awful lot on my plate. Most of that is self-imposed chaos as I would love to do so many different things. Currently, I’m amidst a blog vs vlog case study to see which platform is better for content creation. Why don’t I just settle on one or the other?
Well, to do so would make my life easier, that is for sure.
Despite focusing on one thing making life easier, I still find it rather fun to work on all of the various projects I have going. I just wish I was able to spend more time on each one.
Helping As Many As I Can
One of the biggest reasons why I have a blog and a YouTube channel is because I am all about helping as many people as I can. Not everyone who reads the blog cares to watch YouTube, and viewers don’t often come to the blog.
Essentially, I’m doubling my audience for similar content. The blog and the YouTube channel essentially provide content for the other. There are a few blog posts and videos that are standalone on their respective platform. But I usually create the same content on both of them.
Well, at least the content that I feel is going to be the most helpful for those looking for specific answers.
By maintaining both, I help twice as many people. It’s all about reach and meeting folks on their preferred media. And so far, it’s been an effective way to help others find their paths as bloggers, freelancers, and self-publishing authors.
I Find the Comparison Interesting
I’m a big fan of collecting data. I have spreadsheets that cover a lot of different things in my life, and seeing the differences of how people interact with blogs as opposed to YouTube channels is very fascinating to me.
In one instance, a couple of years ago, the number one video on the YouTube channel wasn’t even in the top 25 with its blog variant. It was virtually the same topic, but viewers wanted it far more than readers.
It’s that kind of data that piques my interest. I love seeing the massive differences between two solid forms of content.
Now that the YouTube channel is monetized with AdSense, I can compare income differences. And currently, I can safely say that the RPM on YouTube is far better than it is for a blog.
Double the Income – Kind of
As I earn ad revenue from AdSense for both the blog and the YouTube channel, I’ve essentially doubled my income by repurposing content. That’s not exactly accurate, considering that YouTube pays out far more per viewer than per blog visitor.
I suppose part of that has to do with how vital video advertising has become over the years. Those advertisers pay more per slot, so it stands to reason that YouTube channels will make more money for the same traffic numbers as a blog.
In any case, I am now earning from two revenue streams. The downside is that neither one of them hits the $100 threshold per month for a payout.
I’m getting closer, but there is still much to do before I can say I’m making that mad “YouTube” money. Writing and author channels just don’t pull it in like mindless prank channels or intellectually devoid podcasts from people getting famous by describing oral sex during a street interview.
Future Plans for Blogs and YouTube Channels
Depending on how the current blog vs vlog case study unfolds, I’ve been thinking about doing something similar for the other brands I own. I’ll definitely need content creation help by then as I simply don’t have time to maintain more than one by myself.
One project I’d love to be in the middle of is to start a brand new blog and YouTube channel producing the exact same content from the beginning. That would provide a true comparison of which is better for the specific niche.
In the meantime, the only immediate plans I have centered around WriterSanctuary’s blog and YouTube channel. I’m not going to add even more to an already overflowing plate.
Perhaps Helping a New Creator Find a Path
One thing I thought about is how this particular case study might help a new creator decide which path to follow. Maybe someone is on the fence about building a blog or a YouTube channel. I’d say, do both. But not everyone has the time and patience to manage more than one outlet.
For example, if I didn’t manage anything else outside of WriterSanctuary and my books, I could do some great things on the blog.
The more I spread out to cover other projects, the thinner I get. That means nothing gets 100% of my attention. And when you get spread too thin, nothing gets adequate time to become successful. Not to mention taking much longer to reach certain milestones.
In any case, perhaps I can help someone decide where they want to put their efforts.
I Love Being a Creator
I guess the biggest reason why I try to manage all that I do is because I love to create no matter the medium. I am happiest at my keyboard, but I also enjoy putting together a video that may benefit or entertain someone.
Some of the most fun content I’ve created are the videos and blog posts very few people consume. I still made them because I thoroughly enjoyed the process of making them. So, in a lot of ways, the blog and the YouTube channel are as much for me as my audience.
Plus, there is something quite therapeutic about being a creator. Regardless of the media you use, it’s something you can control in a world that seems to be so chaotic at times. It’s relaxing, and I can easily lose myself in the work.
What Content Do You Prefer?
It’s hard for me to just pick one. There are all kinds of benefits to being a blogger and a YouTuber beyond what makes more money. But if I could do just one for the rest of my life, it would probably be blogging.
I am a writer, first and foremost. Whether its whipping up a WordPress tutorial or putting a new dark fantasy book on the shelf, I am happiest at my keyboard. It doesn’t matter that YouTube brings in twice the revenue. Money isn’t my primary motivator.
That’s not to say that being a YouTube is bad, though. A lot of people find a great deal of happiness producing videos instead of writing. So, if visual content is your thing, that’s great.
For me, though, I’ll always work to write a million words every year.
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