Avoid these common pitfalls to start making money on YouTube before you hit that 1,000 subscriber mark
So, you’ve started your YouTube channel, and now you’re grinding toward that magic number: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours to join the YouTube Partner Program. It’s exciting, but it can also feel like an uphill battle. The good news? You don’t have to wait for YouTube ads to start making money on your channel. You can actually begin earning before you hit those milestones. But, there’s a catch—if you’re not careful, you could end up making some big mistakes that’ll slow down your progress.
In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through the biggest mistakes YouTubers make when they try to earn money before they’re officially monetized. Knowing these pitfalls will help you avoid the same traps and get you on the right path to earning from your channel as quickly as possible.
Mistake #1: Thinking Ads Are the Only Way to Make Money
One of the biggest misconceptions new YouTubers have is that ads are the only way to make money on YouTube. Let’s clear this up right away: ads are just one piece of the puzzle. In fact, there are plenty of other ways to start earning cash even if you don’t have a single ad running on your channel.
How to Avoid It
Instead of focusing only on ads, think about diversifying your income streams. There are affiliate marketing programs, brand partnerships, merchandise sales, online courses, and even digital products. The beauty of these methods is that you can start earning from day one—no 1,000 subscribers required. Affiliate marketing, in particular, is a great place to start because it doesn’t require a massive following to see results.
Mistake #2: Not Using Affiliate Marketing Early On
Speaking of affiliate marketing, another mistake YouTubers make is not jumping on this income stream early enough. Some creators think they need a huge audience to make affiliate marketing work, but that’s simply not true. You can begin earning commissions with a small, loyal following as long as you promote products that provide real value to your viewers.
How to Avoid It
Sign up for affiliate programs that align with your channel’s niche. Whether it’s products you’re already using or services your audience would benefit from, you can integrate affiliate links into your content in a way that feels natural. For example, if your channel is about tech reviews, include affiliate links for the products you’re reviewing. If you’re teaching a skill, recommend tools and software that your viewers can use to follow along with you. Just make sure you’re transparent with your audience and only promote products you genuinely believe in.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Digital Products
A lot of YouTubers are so focused on creating content that they completely overlook the potential of digital products. But creating and selling digital products can be a game-changer, especially when you’re still working your way toward monetization.
How to Avoid It
If you’re knowledgeable in your niche, think about creating an ebook, guide, or even an online course. These products can bring in passive income for months or even years. The best part is that once you’ve created your digital product, all you have to do is promote it in your videos and watch the sales roll in. For instance, if you run a fitness channel, you could sell a downloadable workout plan or meal prep guide.
Mistake #4: Not Engaging with Your Audience
You can’t earn money if you don’t have an engaged audience, right? One of the biggest mistakes creators make is neglecting to engage with their viewers. It’s easy to get caught up in making videos and forget that building relationships with your audience is key to growing your channel and earning potential.
How to Avoid It
Respond to comments, ask questions in your videos, and encourage discussions. The more engaged your viewers are, the more likely they’ll be to support you—whether that’s through buying your products, clicking your affiliate links, or supporting you through platforms like Ko-Fi or Patreon. Building a community isn’t just about growing your numbers; it’s about creating loyal fans who want to support your content in any way they can.
Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Ask for Support
A lot of YouTubers feel awkward asking their viewers for support, especially when they’re just starting out. They wait too long to introduce things like Ko-Fi donations, Patreon, or channel memberships, thinking their audience won’t be willing to chip in. But you’d be surprised how many people are willing to support you if they love your content.
How to Avoid It
Don’t be afraid to mention your Ko-Fi or Patreon page early on in your channel’s journey. You don’t have to push it hard, but casually let your viewers know that if they find value in your content, they can support you by buying you a coffee or joining your Patreon. Even a few small donations can add up and help you invest back into your content.
Mistake #6: Focusing Too Much on Numbers Instead of Value
It’s easy to get obsessed with your subscriber count or how many views your videos are getting. But here’s the thing: numbers don’t matter if you’re not providing value. You could have 10,000 subscribers, but if your content isn’t valuable or engaging, they’re not going to stick around—or worse, they won’t support you financially.
How to Avoid It
Instead of obsessing over numbers, focus on creating valuable content that serves your audience’s needs. Whether that’s through tutorials, entertainment, or reviews, make sure your videos provide something that keeps viewers coming back for more. When you focus on value, the numbers will naturally follow—and so will the money.
Mistake #7: Not Building an Email List
You might think email lists are old-fashioned, but they’re still one of the most powerful tools for turning viewers into buyers. The mistake a lot of YouTubers make is not building an email list early enough. By the time they realize its importance, they’ve missed out on tons of potential sales.
How to Avoid It
Start building your email list from day one. You can offer a free resource, like a downloadable guide or cheat sheet, in exchange for your viewers’ email addresses. Once you have their emails, you can keep in touch with them directly, promote your products or affiliate links, and provide additional value that keeps them engaged.
Mistake #8: Not Reaching Out to Brands Early
A lot of small YouTubers assume that brands aren’t interested in working with them because they don’t have a huge following yet. But that’s not always true. Smaller brands are often more than happy to partner with up-and-coming creators, especially if they’re in a niche market.
How to Avoid It
Don’t be afraid to reach out to brands early in your journey. Even if you have a small audience, if your content is aligned with their products and your audience is engaged, brands might be interested in a partnership. You don’t need millions of subscribers to land a brand deal; you just need the right fit.
Mistake #9: Not Investing in Your Channel
One of the biggest mistakes I see creators make is not reinvesting in their channel. When you start making a little money from affiliate sales, digital products, or brand deals, it can be tempting to pocket that cash. But if you want to keep growing and earning more, you need to invest back into your channel.
How to Avoid It
Use the money you earn to upgrade your equipment, improve your video quality, or invest in tools that will help you create better content. By reinvesting in your channel, you’ll improve the viewer experience and increase your chances of earning even more down the road.
Final Thoughts
Making money on YouTube before you’re monetized through ads isn’t just possible—it’s a smart strategy that can set you up for long-term success. By avoiding these common mistakes and taking advantage of the many different income streams available, you can start earning sooner than you ever thought possible. Whether you’re using affiliate marketing, selling digital products, or asking your audience for support, there are countless ways to turn your channel into a profitable venture long before you reach those 1,000 subscribers.
