In a recent chat with George Kamel, a first-time speaker at FinCon 2024, he shared valuable insights on how he’s grown his YouTube channel, developed a solid promotion strategy, and built multiple streams of revenue.
As we gear up for this year’s conference in Atlanta, we’re excited to highlight what George has to say about creating engaging content, leveraging YouTube Shorts, and turning viewership into meaningful income.
Creating Content That Resonates
“Anytime we can tap into the question, ‘How are you helping me?’ the video performs well,” says George. His approach to creating content is all about addressing his audience’s specific needs and questions. The videos that gain the most traction on his channel are those that help viewers measure their financial progress, like “What Your Net Worth Should Be by Age 50” or “How to Save $100,000 in 3 Years.”
Key Takeaway: Focus on content that answers your audience’s burning questions. George found that viewers love comparisons and benchmarks, as it helps them see how they stack up against others financially. If you’re a finance creator, think about the questions your audience is asking and create content that gives them actionable answers.
Related Resource: Create Standout Personal Finance Content with Sharon Epperson
The Power of Promotion: Why YouTube Shorts Matter
While many creators are focused on TikTok and Instagram Reels, George emphasizes the importance of YouTube Shorts. “If you’re not doing YouTube Shorts, you are missing out,” he explains. By repurposing 60-second clips from longer episodes, George has doubled his channel’s viewership over the past year. These shorts act as a gateway, drawing in viewers who then explore his long-form content.
George’s strategy also includes always directing viewers to another video at the end. “It becomes this endless scrolling and watching cycle,” he notes, making it easy for viewers to stay engaged with his content.
Key Takeaway: Don’t sleep on YouTube Shorts! Short-form content is a great way to hook viewers and direct them to your full-length videos. This can significantly boost your watch time and help build a loyal audience.
Related Resource: How We Grew Our YouTube Channel to 100,000 Subscribers
Turning Views into Revenue: Sponsorships and Beyond
As George’s channel grew, so did his revenue streams. Initially, YouTube ad revenue was the main source of income, but as the channel matured, sponsorships became a larger part of the equation. “If you add it all up, the sponsors are now making more for the channel than the actual YouTube ad revenue,” George shares.
For George, aligning with sponsors that he genuinely believes in is key. “I vet every company we partner with,” he says, ensuring that the products and services he promotes are ones he would use himself. This approach has helped him build trust with his audience while providing another income stream.
Key Takeaway: As your channel grows, diversifying your income with sponsorships can become a major revenue driver. Make sure to choose partners that align with your values and offer products or services that benefit your audience.
Related Resource: Navigating Brand Sponsorships During a Financial Crisis
Building Community: The Real Power of FinCon
One of George’s biggest takeaways from joining the FinCon community is the value of connecting with like-minded creators. “It’s lonely to create,” he admits, adding that being surrounded by other personal finance enthusiasts has been refreshing. FinCon is a space where creators can collaborate, share what’s working, and support each other on their content creation journey.
“We’re all trying to do pretty much the same thing in very different ways, and I think that’s beautiful,” George says. At FinCon, competition takes a backseat to community, and that’s what makes it special.
Key Takeaway: Finding a community of fellow creators can help you stay motivated, learn new strategies, and find opportunities for collaboration. Whether it’s at events like FinCon or through online groups, don’t underestimate the power of networking.
Related Resource: The First Timers Guide to FinCon
Next Steps for Finance Creators
If you’re looking to emulate George Kamel’s success, here’s what you should focus on:
- Create Content with Purpose: Answer the questions your audience is already asking. Topics like financial benchmarks or how-to guides tend to perform well.
- Leverage YouTube Shorts: Use short-form content as a way to draw new viewers to your channel and keep them engaged.
- Pursue Sponsorships Thoughtfully: Partner with brands you believe in and who align with your audience’s needs.
- Invest in Community: Connect with other creators, whether at events like FinCon or through online forums, to share ideas and grow together.
Want to hear more from George? Be sure to catch him live on the main stage at FinCon 2024 in Atlanta from October 23rd to 26th! If you haven’t already signed up, grab your ticket here and join thousands of other finance content creators looking to take their content, promotion, and profit strategies to the next level.
