If you’re an Online Business Owner or Affiliate Marketer, especially over 40, and you’re wondering why your YouTube channel isn’t gaining traction, this smart guide and video will walk you through exactly how to fix that.
After 27 internet years on YouTube and many pivots in business models, I realised my YouTube channel needed a serious overhaul. Here’s exactly what I did to reoptimise my channel and start growing again, and how you can do the same.
1. Focus Your Niche: One Channel, One Message
If you’ve evolved in your business as I did (like adding Forex to affiliate marketing), don’t mix niches on one channel. It confuses the algorithm and hurts your reach. Create separate channels for unrelated content to keep your audience and YouTube’s algorithm crystal clear on what you’re about.
2. Clean Up Your Channel Settings
- Update your channel keywords to reflect your current focus.
- Remove outdated or unrelated tags, especially if your niche has shifted.
- Consistency in keywords helps YouTube understand and suggest your content to the right viewers.
3. Audit & Optimise Your Video Library
Go into YouTube Studio → Content, sort your videos by date, and review your oldest uploads.
Here’s what to fix:
- Remove unlisted or outdated videos.
- Add missing descriptions, tags, thumbnails, categories, and playlists.
- Eliminate broken or expired links (especially those tied to affiliate offers).
4. Use Tools Like VidIQ for SEO
VidIQ is a powerful tool that helps:
- Suggest SEO-optimised titles and descriptions.
- Provide keyword-rich tags.
- Improve your video’s optimisation score, which boosts discoverability.
Even older videos can jump from a 55/100 to a 90+ optimisation score with just a few tweaks.
5. Own Your Links – Don’t Rely on Third Parties
Always host and manage your own tracking links and landing pages. A third-party service I once used shut down unexpectedly, breaking all the links in my videos. If your links don’t work, you lose credibility and commissions.
6. Thumbnails & Titles Matter Most
- Close-up faces and 3-5 word headlines work best.
- Avoid overusing emojis or trends that don’t fit your brand.
- Simple, bold designs catch attention, especially on mobile.
7. Perfect Your Descriptions
- End your main link (with a YouTube tracking code like ?t=yt).
- Short, clear descriptions tailored with VidIQ.
- Relevant hashtags, playlists, and contact details.
- Clean formatting, make it skimmable and professional.
8. Use End Screens & Cards Strategically
- Include 2 videos and a subscribe button on your end screens.
- Test whether cards improve your watch time; many viewers ignore them.
- Add disclaimers and set every video as “not made for kids” unless it’s truly child content.
9. Engage on the Platform
YouTube isn’t just a search engine, it’s a social media platform. So:
- Comment on other creators’ content.
- Share opinions, insights, and value.
- Build real connections, not just uploads.
Final Takeaway
If you’re not seeing the results you want, go back and reoptimise your older videos. You’ll be amazed at how much better they can perform with what you know now.
The algorithm rewards clarity, consistency, and connection, and with the right strategy, your channel can become a lead-generating machine.
Questions?
Drop a comment below or connect with me via the links on this page.
Need help building or optimising your online business?
Visit McLauchlanAcademy.com to explore tools, training, and mentorship designed specifically for affiliate marketers and entrepreneurs over 40.
