I really love to see hiking stuff but I also love to see what content creators are doing in the nooks and crannies of their life. I think it would be great to see what your doing to your house
Keep what gives you joy separate from what you do for work, whatever that ends up being. People normally evolve in their careers. Keep what gives you joy as your personal escape. I like videos of people challenging themselves even though I will likely never do the thing in the video. I admire how honest you are. You will never beat the algorithm so try to ignore it as much as you can. It’s the measuring stick, eg SEO crap, that tells you that you have failed even when you are succeeding. It’s never satisfied. If you look at what you have actually done, then in your heart you know that you are great at overcoming obstacles. Your jam is being challenged and explaining that to others as an inspiration. Good luck!
I know your pain of putting your all into a video your proud of and it not performing. I spend so much time studying my analytics and others' advice and it feels like I rarely see any of it increase views or watch time or subscribers. But I tell myself it's like a long hike, you just get up every day and go as far as you can and eventually you reach your destination or set your sights on something else!
Two pieces of advice I would give you: 1) Don’t choose a new niche and start posting content around that. Start posting content around the stuff that interests you and the stuff that you think you can make the best content on and build your community around your personality and a broad topic (like outdoor hobbies) and not around the niche ideas. That way you can always remain flexible in what you choose to produce. Take someone like mark rober for instance. He has a flavor of video he creates around usually making something, but they all fall under the broad topic of science and innovation and the main driver behind his videos is himself and his personality, not the specific niche scientific thing he is talking about in that particular video. I would totally watch hunting and survival videos if the passion were there and the videos were well made that brings me to point number 2. 2) Things won’t bring an ROI until eventually they bring a huge ROI. I think you are looking at the UA-cam situation all wrong. Yes it is a ton of effort to produce well thought out and edited videos and RIGHT NOW it doesn’t produce an ROI, but that’s because you haven’t put in the leg work to post consistently and grow the base around your topic. I have been following Danny from mediocre amateur for like 5 years now and when he was first posting he got like no views, but look at his channel now. I guarantee you now he would say he gets an ROI on his videos but it took years of growing that audience. It’s easier said then done especially since you have a mortgage now and rely on this solely for your income but I think the ROI mentality is stifling your creativity and decision making which is why you are feeling burnt out. I don’t have any great recommendations for breaking that mentality but a part time job in the outdoor industry would allow you at least some guaranteed income which could allow you to focus on the content you want to produce while giving you stability and opportunity to film content.
Man, that's good feedback. You're absolutely right about the ROI mentality stifling creativity and decision making. Also, I love Danny and the Mediocre Amateurs
Not posting is way worse than posting a non performing video. Keep it up, try those ideas you don't think will work. You might be surprised. Thanks for sharing where you're at - it's particularly interesting as an inspiring creator.
Dude, good to hear this honesty. The AllTheWander channel is coming... I have to learn editing. Last time I edited it was in Real Studio haha. I was going to plug Foresty Forest for ideas for catching the algorithm, other commenters are right. There's a niche you'll fit by showing people with a day to day like you that they can do these hikes too. Another thing is not having cut shots in your dialogue. And adding a drone, and there's a consistent themology that makes the whole channel feel more like a TV show. Consistent release times too. I like figuring out if I can do something by watching a UA-camr with a Strava route too.
Thanks for sharing! Interesting to watch as someone who *just* went all-in on this world. Although I hadn't been all-in on UA-cam before, I've been 'creating' (writing, etc.) for years. And like you said, there's a lot of ups and downs and burn out feels inevitable, unfortunately. I guess it helps to remember that being the master of your own journey is better than being trapped in an office! Keep it up 💪
@@ChadLubinski Well, I'm still very much in the early days of truly going all-in. I've organized my calendars, time blocked different tasks, and have felt massively productive. But I'm sure I just have that early high of moving towards what I really want to do. Can't say I've had a video truly hit and I still struggle getting more eyes on the longer form trail / narrative stuff, which is what I prefer doing. "Life in Europe" stuff tends to do better, in general, presumably because it's more search friendly than, "I ran an FKT around a train in Berlin." But I'm not putting all my eggs in the UA-cam basket. I'm working on some ebooks and freelance to help supplement the pennies I get from UA-cam and blogging. And I'll of course use UA-cam to promote those projects once they're ready. I'm sure I'll have a better idea of how it's going in three and six months!
I can't speak for everyone, but we are following you for YOU...not backpacking specifically. If you want to post house stuff or a fishing trip with your family, I (personally) would enjoy watching. One of my favorite UA-cam channels is Essential Craftsman. He posts everything from dad advice to tool reviews to cutting lumber and building houses. I think the majority of us would do the same for you. Keep doing what you're doing brother! And keep your head up. We all love watching.
Two thoughts Chad: 1. When you do a documentary type video of your hikes then you really have to key on a storyline. That is what makes some of those PCT documentaries so good. Yes, from a macro view it is looks exactly how you described in this video (all the same, pretty dry) but the magic is in the story telling. It is the stories along the trail, the people you meet, the experiences you have. People LOVE a good storyteller. So when you look the Wonderland Trail documentary (which I watched and loved!), but what was the story? The alternative is breaking it up by day, similar to your JMT hike. Just a VLOG type recording doesn't really need a story per se. 2. I think you see a lot of people react well to creators going in a different direction, with the changes in their interests. It is because viewers have connected with the creator. Yes, we like the niche they are in, but we like the person more than their niche. Does that make sense? Think about Darwin. He is gradually switching up his content a bit but we all love Darwin for who he is. I don't care too much about mountaineering but I'll watch anything he puts out (but maybe I am in the minority?). So I think, just be yourself. You do you and your passion, energy, and love for the topic will come out and resonate with the audience. The audience wants to connect with you and your stories. I think that is what makes a really successful and long-term creator (from my very naive standpoint). Keep up the good work!
Thanks for this thoughtful feedback, Colby. The Wonderland's story was mostly along the lines of coming back to visit home...so in other words, not much of a compelling story. Unfortunately, I didn't encounter many obstacles on WT that made anything compelling. I think the JMT and CT resonated with people because I was new to thru hiking and made A TON of mistakes which came back to bite me. The funny thing with both of those is that I didn't even think much about crafting a story with them - the story naturally happened. The Vlogs - I used to find that type of video interesting but now it seems like everyone does "PCT Day 67 Elk Lodge to Santiam Pass" and I personally have a difficult time watching it. Again thanks for that feedback. I'll definitely be thinking on some of that
@@ChadLubinski Yeah, 100% agree with the daily VLOGs on those videos. I think there is a sweet spot between doing those every day or every 3-4 days and something that is a bit longer. Either way, I definitely understand where you are coming from and appreciate the work you put in. I mean, you've inspired to get out. Maybe you remember, but i did the Uinta Highline about 10 days after you did and made a comment or two on your planning video. But watching yo do the JMT was a big motivation that I could do it too. So I set out, fortunately got permits and took my 15yr old son with me on the JMT this year. An experience that you can hardly put words to. But I would likely not have done that (or felt confident to do it...or brought UPF chapstick :) ) without watching your content. I appreciate what you are doing. Keep being authentic, tell those stories and you'll be continue to find success!
i know other creators that do transition and if you ease into it doing a bit of both, you'll gain those new followers interested in it but its close enough to what you already to its still pretty applicable. I think if you want to transition GO FOR IT!
Look at your brand objectively. It is your name and picture. People subscribed for your adventures - not a silent scenery. You can always tie back survival stuff to backpacking "You could use this for..." and then you've created content for yourself with your own content - going out and using it. There's presentation and hypothesis, performance and review and then long term evaluation. Three videos from one product. For trails - what about revisits, what was different? What was good?
Great video, I've never seen any of your videos but the UA-cam algorithm recommend this. Ive been making UA-cam video's for about 8 years now. It started out as backpacking, gear reviews and then thru hiking but my adventures have evolved to rock climbing, trail running, split boarding - I do still post backpacking trips but it's not my passion it's just the base to my other fun adventures. To be honest I get board when I'm only backpacking now (I don't even watching the UA-camr backpacking channels anymore it's the same sh*t)... I think most people do this, always wanting to better yourself and having more adventures. My videos don't get as my views as they used to (except a random truck camper video I posted last year - over 200,000 views) because I now will post rock climbing, skiing etc. but honestly I just think to myself "I do this for fun" and if people enjoy the content that's great and if they don't that's great too. Luckily for me UA-cam is not my job. Sounds like you are speaking out load through this video and you know the steps you need to take and maybe other videos will work for you. Do what makes you psyched and not what people want (life isn't about money, it's about the adventure in the end) Cheers
I still have imposter syndrome lol. Get creative. Be you. Don't be anyone else.
Haha! Thanks Dan. Happy to see you crushing it!
@@ChadLubinski Did you ever complete your jujitsu blackbelt training?
@@razorsharplifestyle101hard9 still training, still a purple belt
@@ChadLubinski Have you decided to go on hiking trip in iceland yet?Where you going next?
Yeah it’s hard! I understand the cycle but keep going 👏🏾 you got this
Thank you! You too!
I really love to see hiking stuff but I also love to see what content creators are doing in the nooks and crannies of their life. I think it would be great to see what your doing to your house
Oh interesting! I guess I didn't think anyone would want to know haha
@@ChadLubinski I'm in the same situation, and was wondering about the house thing! I agree, go for it. I am starting to myself.
I felt this so hard today. Thank you for sharing this--makes it feel a little less lonely.
you bet Alex
Keep what gives you joy separate from what you do for work, whatever that ends up being. People normally evolve in their careers. Keep what gives you joy as your personal escape. I like videos of people challenging themselves even though I will likely never do the thing in the video. I admire how honest you are. You will never beat the algorithm so try to ignore it as much as you can. It’s the measuring stick, eg SEO crap, that tells you that you have failed even when you are succeeding. It’s never satisfied. If you look at what you have actually done, then in your heart you know that you are great at overcoming obstacles. Your jam is being challenged and explaining that to others as an inspiration. Good luck!
Thanks for this, Ann. I never thought about the challenge part. I think that's what's been missing from some of my hiking videos if I'm being honest!
I know your pain of putting your all into a video your proud of and it not performing. I spend so much time studying my analytics and others' advice and it feels like I rarely see any of it increase views or watch time or subscribers. But I tell myself it's like a long hike, you just get up every day and go as far as you can and eventually you reach your destination or set your sights on something else!
Heck yeah, I like that long hike mentality. Thank you!
Two pieces of advice I would give you:
1) Don’t choose a new niche and start posting content around that. Start posting content around the stuff that interests you and the stuff that you think you can make the best content on and build your community around your personality and a broad topic (like outdoor hobbies) and not around the niche ideas. That way you can always remain flexible in what you choose to produce. Take someone like mark rober for instance. He has a flavor of video he creates around usually making something, but they all fall under the broad topic of science and innovation and the main driver behind his videos is himself and his personality, not the specific niche scientific thing he is talking about in that particular video. I would totally watch hunting and survival videos if the passion were there and the videos were well made that brings me to point number 2.
2) Things won’t bring an ROI until eventually they bring a huge ROI. I think you are looking at the UA-cam situation all wrong. Yes it is a ton of effort to produce well thought out and edited videos and RIGHT NOW it doesn’t produce an ROI, but that’s because you haven’t put in the leg work to post consistently and grow the base around your topic. I have been following Danny from mediocre amateur for like 5 years now and when he was first posting he got like no views, but look at his channel now. I guarantee you now he would say he gets an ROI on his videos but it took years of growing that audience. It’s easier said then done especially since you have a mortgage now and rely on this solely for your income but I think the ROI mentality is stifling your creativity and decision making which is why you are feeling burnt out. I don’t have any great recommendations for breaking that mentality but a part time job in the outdoor industry would allow you at least some guaranteed income which could allow you to focus on the content you want to produce while giving you stability and opportunity to film content.
Man, that's good feedback. You're absolutely right about the ROI mentality stifling creativity and decision making.
Also, I love Danny and the Mediocre Amateurs
Not posting is way worse than posting a non performing video. Keep it up, try those ideas you don't think will work. You might be surprised. Thanks for sharing where you're at - it's particularly interesting as an inspiring creator.
Thanks Nicholas!
You're a phony Lubinski!; Ha; no way man you're an inspiration and a total stud. Love your content
At first I read that and was like dang....
haha but thanks Gary, appreciate it!
Thanks for this video. Love your content man. Keep it up 👏🏻
Appreciate it!
Felt & understood EVERY SINGLE WORD of this.
Dude, good to hear this honesty. The AllTheWander channel is coming... I have to learn editing. Last time I edited it was in Real Studio haha. I was going to plug Foresty Forest for ideas for catching the algorithm, other commenters are right. There's a niche you'll fit by showing people with a day to day like you that they can do these hikes too. Another thing is not having cut shots in your dialogue. And adding a drone, and there's a consistent themology that makes the whole channel feel more like a TV show. Consistent release times too. I like figuring out if I can do something by watching a UA-camr with a Strava route too.
Thanks for sharing! Interesting to watch as someone who *just* went all-in on this world. Although I hadn't been all-in on UA-cam before, I've been 'creating' (writing, etc.) for years. And like you said, there's a lot of ups and downs and burn out feels inevitable, unfortunately. I guess it helps to remember that being the master of your own journey is better than being trapped in an office!
Keep it up 💪
Thanks man. Hows it been going for you?!
@@ChadLubinski Well, I'm still very much in the early days of truly going all-in. I've organized my calendars, time blocked different tasks, and have felt massively productive. But I'm sure I just have that early high of moving towards what I really want to do. Can't say I've had a video truly hit and I still struggle getting more eyes on the longer form trail / narrative stuff, which is what I prefer doing. "Life in Europe" stuff tends to do better, in general, presumably because it's more search friendly than, "I ran an FKT around a train in Berlin." But I'm not putting all my eggs in the UA-cam basket. I'm working on some ebooks and freelance to help supplement the pennies I get from UA-cam and blogging. And I'll of course use UA-cam to promote those projects once they're ready. I'm sure I'll have a better idea of how it's going in three and six months!
You are more than a post Chad, keep being you bro! Charge
you the man
I would totally watch content about self reliance and hunting. all things outdoors are cool
I can't speak for everyone, but we are following you for YOU...not backpacking specifically. If you want to post house stuff or a fishing trip with your family, I (personally) would enjoy watching. One of my favorite UA-cam channels is Essential Craftsman. He posts everything from dad advice to tool reviews to cutting lumber and building houses. I think the majority of us would do the same for you. Keep doing what you're doing brother! And keep your head up. We all love watching.
Thanks for the perspective, Jared. That makes me feel better about branching out for sure!
Two thoughts Chad:
1. When you do a documentary type video of your hikes then you really have to key on a storyline. That is what makes some of those PCT documentaries so good. Yes, from a macro view it is looks exactly how you described in this video (all the same, pretty dry) but the magic is in the story telling. It is the stories along the trail, the people you meet, the experiences you have. People LOVE a good storyteller. So when you look the Wonderland Trail documentary (which I watched and loved!), but what was the story? The alternative is breaking it up by day, similar to your JMT hike. Just a VLOG type recording doesn't really need a story per se.
2. I think you see a lot of people react well to creators going in a different direction, with the changes in their interests. It is because viewers have connected with the creator. Yes, we like the niche they are in, but we like the person more than their niche. Does that make sense? Think about Darwin. He is gradually switching up his content a bit but we all love Darwin for who he is. I don't care too much about mountaineering but I'll watch anything he puts out (but maybe I am in the minority?).
So I think, just be yourself. You do you and your passion, energy, and love for the topic will come out and resonate with the audience. The audience wants to connect with you and your stories. I think that is what makes a really successful and long-term creator (from my very naive standpoint).
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for this thoughtful feedback, Colby. The Wonderland's story was mostly along the lines of coming back to visit home...so in other words, not much of a compelling story. Unfortunately, I didn't encounter many obstacles on WT that made anything compelling.
I think the JMT and CT resonated with people because I was new to thru hiking and made A TON of mistakes which came back to bite me. The funny thing with both of those is that I didn't even think much about crafting a story with them - the story naturally happened.
The Vlogs - I used to find that type of video interesting but now it seems like everyone does "PCT Day 67 Elk Lodge to Santiam Pass" and I personally have a difficult time watching it.
Again thanks for that feedback. I'll definitely be thinking on some of that
@@ChadLubinski Yeah, 100% agree with the daily VLOGs on those videos. I think there is a sweet spot between doing those every day or every 3-4 days and something that is a bit longer. Either way, I definitely understand where you are coming from and appreciate the work you put in.
I mean, you've inspired to get out. Maybe you remember, but i did the Uinta Highline about 10 days after you did and made a comment or two on your planning video. But watching yo do the JMT was a big motivation that I could do it too. So I set out, fortunately got permits and took my 15yr old son with me on the JMT this year. An experience that you can hardly put words to. But I would likely not have done that (or felt confident to do it...or brought UPF chapstick :) ) without watching your content.
I appreciate what you are doing. Keep being authentic, tell those stories and you'll be continue to find success!
i know other creators that do transition and if you ease into it doing a bit of both, you'll gain those new followers interested in it but its close enough to what you already to its still pretty applicable. I think if you want to transition GO FOR IT!
thank you!!
There is an audience for everything.
It’s been hard for me to get a feel for creating long form videos.
i actually like to create them better! But sometimes the ROI isn't there.
Look at your brand objectively. It is your name and picture. People subscribed for your adventures - not a silent scenery. You can always tie back survival stuff to backpacking "You could use this for..." and then you've created content for yourself with your own content - going out and using it. There's presentation and hypothesis, performance and review and then long term evaluation. Three videos from one product. For trails - what about revisits, what was different? What was good?
Film the home reno!!!!
Delegation may help. Have someone else do your video editing.
yeah man probably
Great video, I've never seen any of your videos but the UA-cam algorithm recommend this.
Ive been making UA-cam video's for about 8 years now. It started out as backpacking, gear reviews and then thru hiking but my adventures have evolved to rock climbing, trail running, split boarding - I do still post backpacking trips but it's not my passion it's just the base to my other fun adventures. To be honest I get board when I'm only backpacking now (I don't even watching the UA-camr backpacking channels anymore it's the same sh*t)... I think most people do this, always wanting to better yourself and having more adventures. My videos don't get as my views as they used to (except a random truck camper video I posted last year - over 200,000 views) because I now will post rock climbing, skiing etc. but honestly I just think to myself "I do this for fun" and if people enjoy the content that's great and if they don't that's great too.
Luckily for me UA-cam is not my job. Sounds like you are speaking out load through this video and you know the steps you need to take and maybe other videos will work for you. Do what makes you psyched and not what people want (life isn't about money, it's about the adventure in the end)
Cheers