One of my goals for 2017 was to get 200,000 YouTube subscribers on this channel.

I had some momentum building from the backend of 2016 and thought that even though it was super ambitious, I would be able to do it.

I started out with a plan of action. I was enthusiastic. I told all my subscribers about my ambitious plan.

For a few months, I stuck with this plan. I made videos, promoted them, and was obsessed with my subscriber count.

A couple of months back, I scrapped this goal.

I wasn't happy sending a bunch of new subscribers into:

1. a follow-up series that could be dramatically improved
2. a product that needed updating

Let's focus on number two first.

YOUR PRODUCT IS THE FOUNDATION

Like I mentioned in my first post here at Steemit, I have two brands.

(To Fluency helps English learners improve their speaking.

My program, until recently, was focused on the theory behind learning English. I taught learners how they could improve by themselves following certain methods.

However, the biggest complaint I received was that I didn't supply any materials for the course. It was too heavy on the theory. I had been planning on updating this for a year or so but I couldn't find the time as I was so focused on creating videos for my YouTube channel.

I took a step back from YouTube for a few weeks and went all in on creating this new program.

I relaunched in April/May and it was a huge success. The feedback I've received tells me that it the update was worth it.

I had the program I wanted.

The next step was to create a funnel.

CREATE YOUR FUNNEL

If you've been involved in online marketing for any period of time, you'll know how important email marketing is.

I've built up over 40,000 subscribers to date. However, I haven't done the best job at turning subscribers into buyers.

As building my YouTube channel was my focus, I set up my emails to grow my subscribers. When someone joined my email list, I would send them videos and ask them to share them.

This goodwill wasn't wasted. It's part of the reason why my relaunch went well.

However, once I revamped my course, I put in a new funnel that leads to the sale.

It works like this:

1. A new email subscriber gets my book sent to them by email.
2. They receive three further emails that get them excited about my offer
3. I send them an offer for my program with a set deadline

It's early days, but this new strategy has got off to a great start.

I build up goodwill and then send an offer. The deadline adds urgency.

I hadn't done this type of funnel for quite some time as I was waiting to update my course.

I couldn't update my course because I was busy growing my YouTube channel.

But the lesson is this: before you go chasing traffic, have your product and offer in place first.

There are exceptions to this. For example, you might want to build an email list of raving fans while you develop your product.

But if you have something to offer right now, keep improving it and create a funnel that leads to a sale.

Your content strategy will go much further.

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If you're an online teacher, get my exact strategy here.

I have a full tutorial on email marketing and show you how to implement these type of funnels.

If you want to know which software I use, click here - affiliate link

Thanks for reading!