My YouTube Strategy: From $0 to Monetized

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Starting YouTube From Zero

I have over a hundred thousand followers on Instagram, hundreds of thousands of downloads for the Wanderlover Podcast, and over a hundred thousand views per month on the Wanderlover blog.

But here’s something scary to share, because it means I’m now accountable. I’m putting it out into the world: I am starting YouTube this year and I am starting from zero. No ads, no monetization, no viral videos yet.

To be completely transparent, I’m not starting from a zero channel or zero videos. I created my YouTube channel over 10 years ago and posted two videos… then stopped. I tried posting again a few years ago and gave up again. You can still see those videos on my channel.

This is me restarting and holding myself accountable to my 2026 YouTube monetization journey. This is my first day sharing behind the scenes, and I’m bringing you along this year. I want to show the real road to monetization, just me as the creator, editor, and publisher.
I also want you to see that I’m not any different than you. I’m just a normal person choosing to start. So if I can do it, you can too. If you are a creator, coach, or digital nomad who has been thinking about starting or restarting your YouTube channel, this is your sign to begin right now.

And if you’ve already committed, please let me know so we can support each other.

Why YouTube?

Out of all social media platforms, why YouTube? I’ve been in the social media space for over eight years, so believe me when I say this YouTube revival is super intentional and strategic.

I’m choosing YouTube over TikTok or Threads because it’s one of the few platforms where:

• Your content is searchable
• It can keep making you money years after upload

This means less pressure to chase trends like on Instagram or TikTok—especially now that I’m a mother. I don’t have the mental capacity to save trending audios or spin on a content creation hamster wheel.

I’ve seen the most success with long-form content. Blogging and podcasting have always prioritized connection and trust, and long-form content outlasts viral short-form trends. It takes longer than Instagram or TikTok, but with the right strategy, it’s completely manageable. For Wanderlover, it fits perfectly with our trifecta: blogging, podcasting, and YouTube.

YouTube isn’t for everyone, and it might not be best for your business right now, but if you’re ready to commit, there are huge advantages.

YouTube Partner Program Goals

To join the YouTube Partner Program, you need:

• 1,000 subscribers
• 3,000 watch hours in the last 365 days or 10 million Shorts views in the past 90 days
• No community strikes
• An AdSense account

Currently, I’m at 636 subscribers and 58 watch hours. A lot of work ahead but I know I can get there.
A lot of this is mindset. I’m feeling all the normal “beginner” thoughts: Can I do this? Can I stay consistent? Is it even worth it? I’ve started many things and stopped, so I know my patterns and where I tend to self-sabotage.

But my approach is simple: every time I create and post, I learn and improve. Every expert was once a beginner. Even navigating YouTube Studio is new to me, and I’m excited to learn. I’ll get there if I stick to the plan and continue improving

Marketing Isn’t Hard

Marketing can feel hard but it doesn’t have to be. Podcasts are a great example: you’re listening right now because you seek it out, enjoy it, and it fits into your day. Podcast ads work the same way.

For example, you can reach great listeners with Libsyn Ads. Choose from top podcasts with host endorsements or pre-produced ads across thousands of shows.

My YouTube Strategy

Here’s my plan for 2026 – feel free to copy it:

I downloaded TubeBuddy to research keywords and optimize videos. Instead of only travel blogs, I’m creating educational content for creators, mothers, and aspiring digital nomads who want to make money online.

I’m committing to at least one video per week. Non-negotiable. I batch plan, film, and edit so I can stay consistent. A new video will release every Monday. I’m challenging myself to release one every Thursday too but  but knowing me, that’s a challenge in the beginning when I’m feeling super motivated, we’ll see how it turns out a few months down the line.

I’ll also upload at least three Shorts per week:

• Two snippets from the newest video
• One video for Instagram

You don’t need to wait for YouTube ads or monetization to start earning. YouTube can drive traffic to other revenue streams:

• Digital products – Like the Travel Influencer Handbook or the Wanderlover Coaching Group
• Services –  I already run a service-based business, so YouTube becomes another entry point in the trust funnel that warms people up and gives them content to binge on before applying for coaching.
• Affiliate marketing – Tools I genuinely use, like TubeBuddy and HyperX Quadcast

Mistakes I’m Avoiding

I want to share the mistakes I’m consciously avoiding this time because I’ve been down this road before.

1. Trying to be perfect. My first 20–30 videos will probably suck—including this one—but I will post them anyway. Done is better than perfect. This is about action, not perfection.
2. Thinking short-term. I’m not building a channel for quick wins. YouTube is a long-term game, so I won’t get discouraged if my followers stay the same for months. I’m building something I’ll be proud of five years from now.
3. Overthinking my niche or overthinking in general. Clarity doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from action. If you’re overthinking your niche, your name, or whether you should even post today, take action anyway. Deciding and doing now will give you far more momentum than endlessly staying in your head.

Starting from zero can feel scary—but it’s exciting. The future holds so many unknowns, and the power to create it is in your hands.

If you’re building alongside me, subscribe and let’s get monetized together in a way that feels aligned and fun.

Thank you for being here. Have an amazing week, my loves.

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