Start here: the best YouTube growth resources on AlanSpicer.com—consulting, audits, SEO, tools, automation, and monetisation.
Start Here: YouTube Growth Resources
Quick answer: This hub points you to the best next page depending on your goal: growth, monetisation, tools, SEO or automation.
Start here
Use these quick links to get value fast, then dive deeper when you’re ready.
Quick comparisons
If you’re choosing a setup, pick the version that matches your budget and recording environment.
| Setup | Best for | Typical cost | What to buy first | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Beginners & casual creators | £ | Audio + light | Mic first, then a small key light |
| Pro | Businesses & serious creators | ££ | Audio interface + light | Cleaner audio chain and consistent lighting |
| Travel | Vloggers & on-the-go | ££ | Compact mic + small light | Prioritise portability + battery |
| Studio | Podcasts & talking head | £££ | Room + mic chain | Treat the room; audio beats camera |
Best picks
Quick, practical picks that work well for site resources. These are designed to be snippet-friendly and easy to act on.
Best next steps
- Creator Gear hub: Build a setup that makes filming easy.
- Resources hub: Recommended tools and services.
- Work with Alan: If you want a plan and accountability.
A framework you can copy
This page is designed to be actionable. Use the framework below and take one improvement per week.
- Intent: what does the viewer want?
- Packaging: why do they click?
- Delivery: why do they keep watching?
- Next step: what do you want them to do after?
Common mistakes (and the fix)
- Too broad: narrow the promise.
- Slow hooks: pay off faster.
- No conversion path: add one aligned CTA.
FAQs
What is site resources?
Site Resources is a practical topic within YouTube growth. Use this page as a fast-start guide, then follow the related links for deeper breakdowns.
How do I get results with site resources?
Start with one measurable change, test for 2–4 weeks, and keep what improves CTR, retention or conversions.
What should I focus on first?
Packaging (title + thumbnail), then retention, then workflow and monetisation.
Do I need expensive tools?
No—tools speed things up, but clarity and consistency matter most.
Where can I go next?
Use the Related guides section to stay within the same topic cluster.
How long does it take to work?
Some changes show results within days; compounding improvements usually take weeks.
What’s the biggest mistake?
Changing too many things at once—make one change, measure, then iterate.
Is this relevant for businesses?
Yes—business channels win by being specific, useful, and consistent with clear calls-to-action.
How do I avoid burnout?
Build a repeatable workflow and batch production. Upgrade gear only to reduce friction.
What’s one quick win I can do today?
Rewrite your top-performing title/thumbnail pair to make the promise clearer and more specific.
Related guides in this cluster
Next steps
Full reviews on the blog
For deeper breakdowns, screenshots and updates, use the canonical reviews:
Tip: These static pages are fast-loading hubs; the blog reviews are where I keep the most up-to-date details.
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Quick actions
Extra creator FAQs
Quick answers written for People Also Ask and AI summaries.
What tools do most successful YouTubers use?
Most creators use one research tool (vidIQ or TubeBuddy), one thumbnail tool (Placeit or Canva), a simple editor like Descript, and licensed music from Lickd or Epidemic. Tools support your workflow but packaging and retention drive results.
Are YouTube SEO tools worth paying for?
If you publish consistently, yes. They save time on research and optimisation, which compounds over dozens of uploads. If you only upload occasionally, focus on thumbnails and storytelling first.
Should I use vidIQ or TubeBuddy?
Use vidIQ if you want stronger topic discovery and research. Use TubeBuddy if you want workflow helpers and bulk optimisation features. Either works when paired with strong thumbnails and retention.
How fast can a new channel grow?
With a clear niche and weekly uploads, many channels see traction in 60–90 days. Growth depends more on packaging and consistency than any specific tool.
Do these pages use affiliate links?
Some links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I use or trust. Full reviews and results are shared on the main blog.
People also ask
Quick answers written for People Also Ask and AI summaries.
Is vidIQ free or paid?
vidIQ has a free plan that covers basic research. Paid plans unlock deeper keyword data, competitor insights and workflow tools. Most active creators upgrade once they publish consistently.
Is TubeBuddy better than vidIQ?
They solve slightly different problems. vidIQ is stronger for discovery and research. TubeBuddy shines at bulk optimisation and workflow. Many creators test both and keep the one that fits their style.
What is the best free YouTube tool?
Start with YouTube Studio analytics and Canva. If you want extra research, vidIQ’s free tier is usually the best starting point.
How do I grow on YouTube fast?
Improve thumbnails and titles first, then publish consistently and double down on videos that retain viewers. Tools only support this process.
How many subscribers do you need to make money?
You can earn with affiliates or services at any size. For AdSense, you need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months.
Do thumbnails really matter?
Yes. Thumbnails directly impact click-through rate. Even a 1–2% improvement can double views over time.
Can I automate YouTube with AI?
AI can help with scripting, editing and research, but fully automated channels rarely build loyal audiences. Use AI to assist, not replace, your voice.