From a Sailing YouTuber and Digital Marketing Firm Owner
A banner flashed across my YouTube home screen: “It’s your channel’s birthday!” Had it really been six years on YouTube? Six years of living on our sailboat and documenting everything—from projects to adventures south of the border. Beneath the celebratory message were our stats for the month: over 400 new subscribers, a reach of 3,000, and, of course, our ad revenue. We may not be the most prolific YouTubers, especially since we both juggle full-time jobs—mine in digital marketing and Chris’s in cinematography—but we’ve picked up a few valuable lessons over the years that could benefit current or aspiring YouTubers.
1. YouTube Will Never Be Our Primary Source of Income
Creating content on YouTube can be rewarding, but it’s essential to recognize its limitations as a consistent income stream. The algorithm changes frequently, and relying solely on ad revenue or sponsorships can be risky. Diversifying income sources, such as digital products, services, or other businesses, provides financial stability and allows you to continue creating content you’re passionate about without the pressure of chasing views for income. Right now YouTube gives us a platform to share our journey, and fortunately we have had many companies in the sailing world partner with us in the form of gear traded for screen time and the occasional compensated plug. However, we don’t chase the dollar with our content, and definitely stick to our day jobs.
Fair Winds Media x CTN Visual
2. People Like to Hide Behind Their Keyboard
The anonymity of the internet can bring out the worst in some people. Over the years, I’ve encountered my fair share of harsh comments and criticisms from viewers who would never say those things in person. It’s important to remember that these comments often say more about the commenter than about your content. Developing a thick skin and focusing on the supportive community around your channel is crucial for maintaining a positive mindset. I tend to take it a step further and share these nasty (usually funny) comments with our fan base to help shed light on the flip side of sharing parts of your life on the internet. Kindness goes a long way!
Staying goofy
3. Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
In the world of YouTube, authenticity resonates more than perfection. Viewers appreciate when creators can laugh at themselves and embrace the imperfections that come with real life. Taking yourself too seriously can create unnecessary stress and make content creation feel like a chore. Embracing a light-hearted approach not only makes the process more enjoyable but also helps build a more relatable and loyal audience. If you are like me, you enjoy laughing at yourself so this won’t be too difficult. But, if you are more comfortable using an on-screen persona, that’s okay too! Do whatever feels right for you and don’t try to be something or someone you are not for the sake of views.
4. Some People Take YouTube REALLY Seriously
While it’s important to be dedicated to your channel, it’s also easy to get caught up in the metrics and competition. Some creators obsess over views, subscribers, and the pursuit of viral content, which can lead to burnout. It’s important to remember why you started your channel in the first place—whether it’s to share your passion for sailing, document your adventures, or connect with like-minded individuals. Staying grounded and focusing on your own goals will help you avoid getting lost in the rat race.
5. You Don’t Have to Share Everything
While transparency can build trust with your audience, it’s important to set boundaries for what you share online. Not every moment needs to be captured, and some aspects of your life are better kept private. Sharing selectively allows you to maintain a sense of control over your narrative and protects your personal life from unnecessary scrutiny. Plus, it adds an element of mystery and keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming them with too much information.
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6. Know When to Turn the Camera Off
This sort of goes hand-in-hand with point 5 above, but there are moments in life that deserve to be experienced fully without the distraction of filming. Whether it’s a special family gathering, a quiet moment of reflection, or a challenging situation, knowing when to put the camera down allows you to be present and engaged. Example: when our fuller snapped while crossing the Sea of Cortez, it was a very high stress situation that we didn’t film because our priorities were on safety of ourselves and our vessel. It also reminds your audience that you value genuine experiences over content creation, which can deepen their respect and connection with you. Balancing content creation with living in the moment is key to sustaining both your passion and your channel over the long term.
I hope these lessons above provide some insight to the wild world of YouTube and content creation in general. We look forward to seeing what the next 6 years have in store for us and our channel! Oh, and as always, don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe 😉 Interested in supporting our creations? Check out our Patreon site!
Cheers,
Marissa
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