How to Grow on YouTube when you have 0 Subscribers | Ep. 36

How do you grow your YouTube channel when you have 0 subscribers with a YouTube growth strategy?

This is quite a predicament, right?

The predicament: how do you grow your channel when you have zero subscribers?

Especially when the algorithm is so like intertwined with viewer behavior… If you don’t have viewers, how is that even possible?

I could throw a dozen YouTube growth strategies and tactics at you, but there’s an easy “no strategy” strategy that you can use to grow your channel from zero subscribers.


Here’s an easy “no-strategy” YouTube strategy that will grow your audience on YouTube so you can generate consistent revenue in your business!

VIDEO: How to Grow on YouTube when you have 0 Subscribers

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Why Posting Random Videos Isn’t the Answer

Many new YouTubers think uploading anything is better than having no content at all. For instance, some creators repurpose audio podcasts with static images, assuming this approach will generate views. While it’s true that something is better than nothing, a scattered, unorganized channel can appear abandoned or inconsistent, discouraging potential subscribers.

If your uploads lack a cohesive theme or strategy, you risk creating a backlog of content that works against your growth. Instead, focus on building a structured content plan from the start. That’s where the spiderweb strategy YouTube growth strategy comes into play.

While consistency is important, uploading without strategy or purpose won’t lead to real growth. Every piece of content should have intention, whether it’s to educate, entertain, or engage your audience, so you can build a channel that truly makes an impact.

If you upload without a strategy, thinking you’ll figure it out later, you risk building momentum in the wrong direction and getting stuck in a rut. When you finally decide to focus on strategy, you may have to backtrack and put in extra work to realign your content. The simplest way to start growing your audience from nothing is to create a strategic spiderweb of long-form videos on specific topics, ensuring your content is intentional and leads viewers deeper into your channel.

YouTube growth strategy “The Spiderweb Strategy”

The spiderweb strategy YouTube growth strategy centers on creating long-form videos on specific topics that cater to your ideal audience. Think of your content as interconnected threads in a web, designed to capture viewers and encourage them to explore more of your videos.

Related: YouTube Growth Strategies for New Channels (under 1000 Subscribers) | Ep. 17

Why Long-Form Content?

YouTube thrives on watch time, which is the total time viewers spend watching your videos. While metrics like views and click-through rates are important, watch time directly influences the algorithm’s recommendation system. Longer videos (8–20 minutes) are ideal because they give you more opportunities to provide value and keep viewers engaged.

Long-form videos are still the foundation of YouTube, and as of January 3, 2025, watch time remains the most important metric for success. YouTube prioritizes content that keeps viewers engaged because the platform thrives on keeping people watching. The longer your audience stays on YouTube through your videos, the more favorably the algorithm will treat your content, making watch time a crucial factor in growing your channel.

If you want to be a content creator, focus on Shorts—upload one or multiple times a day, every day. But if you’re a business owner looking to leverage video content for growth, long-form content should be your priority. Build a strategic spiderweb of long-form videos on specific topics to attract and engage your ideal audience. This approach ensures your content works for you, driving real impact without relying on a scattered strategy.

When it comes to long-form content, aim for at least 8 to 10 minutes, though longer is often better. While shorter videos around 4 to 6 minutes may seem easier to create, they typically don’t perform as well in terms of engagement and watch time. Ideally, your videos should be anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, or even longer if the content provides value. Watch time is one of the most important factors for YouTube growth, so creating longer, high-quality videos gives your channel a better chance to thrive.

Choosing Specific Topics for YouTube Growth Strategy

The key to the spiderweb strategy YouTube growth strategy is creating videos that answer the specific questions or problems your audience faces. Don’t just make videos on what you want to talk about—focus on what your audience is actively searching for.

For example:

  • Instead of: General advice about fitness
  • Try: “How to Lose Postpartum Weight Safely After a C-Section”

By addressing niche-specific queries, you position yourself as a go-to resource for your audience.

When creating videos on specific topics, focus on what your ideal audience is actively searching for—not just what you want to talk about. Your content should answer the questions they’re asking, address the problems keeping them up at night, and provide solutions they’re eager to find. Each video should tackle one question or problem at a time, making it easy for viewers to connect with and engage in your content. By aligning your videos with your audience’s needs, you increase your chances of attracting the right viewers and growing your channel effectively.

Optimize for SEO

Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for getting your videos discovered. Use tools like TubeBuddy or vidIQ to identify relevant keywords with decent search volume. Remember to:

  • Include keywords naturally in your title, description, and tags.
  • Use eye-catching thumbnails and engaging hooks to boost click-through rates.

SEO still works on YouTube, but there’s a tendency to focus only on high-search-volume topics when optimizing for it. While tools like vidIQ and TubeBuddy can help identify popular keywords, relying solely on them can limit your content strategy. Instead, balance high-ranking topics with videos that genuinely serve your audience’s needs and interests. A well-rounded approach ensures your content remains relevant, searchable, and valuable over time.

Steps to Implement the Spiderweb Strategy YouTube Growth Strategy

1. Understand Your Audience

Before creating content, get crystal clear on who your ideal viewer is.

For instance, if your niche is postpartum weight loss, consider all related challenges your audience might face, like nutrition tips, mental health, or workout routines for new moms.

You must clearly define the audience you want to attract—your ideal clients, viewers, and customers—so your strategy works in your favor. Understanding who they are and what they’re looking for allows you to create content that speaks directly to them, increasing engagement and growth. When you tailor your videos to the right people, you naturally draw them to your channel, building a loyal and engaged audience.

2. Focus on Topics Around Your Niche

Avoid repeating the same topic in every video. Instead, expand your focus to cover related areas. For example, a postpartum weight loss channel might include:

  • “Best Foods for Postpartum Recovery”
  • “How to Start Exercising Safely After Pregnancy”
  • “Top Mistakes New Moms Make with Dieting”

To keep your content fresh and relevant while staying connected to your niche, focus on creating videos around your niche rather than just about it. Instead of repeating the same topics, explore different angles, related subjects, and complementary ideas that still appeal to your ideal audience. This variety not only keeps viewers engaged but also strengthens your content strategy, making your channel more dynamic and valuable over time.

3. Create Binge-Worthy Content

When viewers find one of your videos, the goal is to keep them watching. This is why the spiderweb strategy is so effective. By creating a library of interconnected videos, you make it easy for viewers to go from one topic to another, boosting your watch time and helping the algorithm recommend your content to others.

If you follow this “no-strategy strategy”—creating long-form videos on specific topics structured like a spider web—you’ll effectively build a binge-worthy YouTube channel. While elements like custom thumbnails, strong hooks, and click-worthy titles are also important, this approach lets you focus on content without getting overwhelmed by every detail. Instead of posting randomly, focus on creating intentional content that truly connects with your audience.

To help you along the way, make sure to utilize resources like the YouTube Roadmap Planner and the lessons inside  Video Brand Academy. These tools will guide you step-by-step, helping you grow your audience and generate consistent revenue by leveraging YouTube to build your business. You can find the planner and more details in the links below!

Why YouTube Growth Strategy Works

When you create a well-rounded library of content tailored to your audience, you’re doing more than just uploading videos—you’re building a resource. The spiderweb strategy ensures:

  1. Better Algorithm Performance: Interconnected videos make it easy for YouTube to recommend your content to viewers.
  2. Increased Credibility: A cohesive channel looks professional and trustworthy.
  3. Organic Growth: Answering specific questions helps you rank in search results, drawing in new viewers naturally.

Related: What Works on YouTube NOW (2025) | Ep. 35

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Not Knowing Your Audience: Guessing your audience’s interests leads to irrelevant content.
  2. Ignoring SEO: Skipping keyword research limits your reach.
  3. Focusing Only on High-Search Topics: While popular topics are great, don’t neglect less competitive ones—they often have dedicated audiences.
  4. Repetitive Content: Avoid creating multiple videos on the exact same topic without adding new value.

Start Growing Your Channel Today

The no-strategy strategy isn’t about avoiding effort; it’s about focusing your energy on what truly matters. By creating a spiderweb of long-form, audience-centered videos, you can grow your channel organically, increase watch time, and build a loyal community of viewers.

Ready to start? Check out tools like the YouTube Roadmap Planner inside  Video Brand Academy to guide your content creation journey. With a little consistency and the right approach, you’ll be on your way to YouTube success.

Related: Consistent Sales of Your Online Course with YouTube

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