I grew my YouTube channel from 0 to 1,000 subscribers in less than 90 days, and within a year, I had surpassed 1 million views. How did I do it? By being strategic.
If you’re a dietitian or healthcare professional thinking about starting a YouTube channel, this article is for you. I’ll break down exactly what worked for me, what I steered clear of, and the key lessons I learned along the way.
Like every aspiring YouTuber, I’ve spent hours binge-watching videos on how to start and grow a channel. While a lot of the advice is super helpful, I quickly realized none of it is designed specifically for dietitians or healthcare professionals.
And that left me with so many unanswered questions. How do you create content that’s evidence-based but still engaging? How do you balance sharing your expertise without sounding too clinical? And most importantly, how do you stand out in a sea of misinformation while staying true to your values?
I’ve spent hours figuring out the answers, testing what works (and what doesn’t), and adapting the usual advice to fit our unique niche. Now, I’m here to share it all with you—so you can skip the guesswork and start creating content that makes an impact!
Jump to:
Common YouTube Advice Dietitians Should Ignore
Lets start with what you should NOT do.
1. Just Start: Don’t Care What Others Think
While I agree with the idea of 'just start' to an extent, as a dietitian, you’re stepping onto YouTube as a professional. First impressions matter—both to the public and potential future clients. Think about it: would you show up to work looking unprepared or unprofessional? Probably not, because it could affect how seriously people take you. That said, you don’t have to be perfect from day one. You’ll improve over time, but putting in a little effort upfront can go a long way in building trust and credibility.
2. Use the equipment that you already have
While I don’t believe in spending a ton of money upfront, there are a few essentials worth investing in if you’re serious about YouTube. A good microphone is a game-changer for audio quality, and decent lighting can make your videos look much more professional.
Steps To Take BEFORE You Launch A YouTube Channel
YouTube is a lot of work, it's not something you just start on a whim.
Start with Market Research
I spent months doing market research before I launched my YouTube channel and its something I still do regularly. You need to figure out how you will differentiate yourself in the YouTube space.
Is there a gap in the market? What are the competitors doing? Can this be a profitable venture?
For me, YouTube was a serious, well-thought-out business decision. I took the time to research and realized:
- There was a clear gap in the market for the content I wanted to create.
- I could make a substantial profit, and the return on investment—both in terms of time and money—could definitely pay off.
- I had the time, resources, and ability to make it happen if I applied myself.
Invest in Yourself (in terms of both time and money)
Time Investment
I gave myself a six month period before I published my first video to simply just learn everything I could about the craft of YouTube. You don't need to wait a full 6 months, but I would advise at least 2-3 months as there is a lot to learn!
- Learning how the YouTube algorithm works
- Researching and purchasing filming equipment
- Learning how to use the filming equipment
- Practicing the art of making videos
No successful business is made overnight. And a successful YouTube channel is certainly not made overnight.
Financial Investment
I am a big believer in investing in yourself. You are your own biggest asset. There are many courses available to help you up-skill as a YouTuber. You can find courses to fit all different budgets.
I also highly recommend investing in coaching or mentorship. This is something that I recently took the plunge with and it has made a huge difference to my business.
In business, sometimes you need to spend money to make money.
According to YouTube 50 million people will start YT channels in 2024, but only 2% will make it to 10,000 subscribers.
- YouTube Statistic
Work on Your Mindset
YouTube is a long game, and it doesn't offer instant gratification like most other social media networks. It can require a lot of work with no reward for a while. You will need resilience.
And let’s be honest—YouTube can feel like an emotional roller coaster. One moment you’re excited about your latest video, and the next, you’re embarrassed or disheartened because it didn’t perform as you hoped. There will be plenty of days when quitting feels tempting.
That’s why working on your mindset and preparing for these moments is so important. Remind yourself that the only way to truly fail on YouTube is to give up. If you stay consistent, keep learning, and focus on improving, success is just a matter of time.
Have a Practice Period
Before committing fully to YouTube, give yourself a dedicated practice period. This was one of the biggest factors in my YouTube success.
During this time, I allowed myself to experiment, make mistakes, and learn without the pressure of having to share anything online. It was my time to figure things out and build confidence behind the scenes.
Here’s how I structured my practice period:
- April & May: I focused on research and learning—watching tutorials, testing equipment, and getting familiar with editing software.
- June: My goal was to create one video.
- July: I aimed to make two videos.
- August: I upped it to three.
- September: I challenged myself to create four videos, so I’d be ready to launch in October.
When October came I had built a system where I was confidently able to produce one video a week.
This gradual approach gave me space to work through all the unexpected obstacles—and trust me, there were plenty! From issues with SD cards and file compatibility to accidentally deleting files during editing, I had no shortage of "learning opportunities."
If I’d had the additional pressure of uploading videos weekly during this chaotic learning phase, I probably would’ve burned out or given up altogether.
By the time my launch date (October) came I didn’t just have the skills I needed—I also had a bank of 3-4 finished videos ready to go. That buffer gave me breathing room. My goal was to post one video every week and by using this method I was already a few weeks ahead of myself.
Start Building A System
During this period of learning and practicing, start creating a system for every step of your YouTube process. This means developing a clear structure for how you:
- Brainstorm and plan your video ideas.
- Script or outline your content.
- Film and edit your videos.
- Optimize and upload them.
Building these systems early on will not only help you stay organized and productive but also lay the groundwork for scaling your channel. As your channel grows, having a solid workflow will make it so much easier to delegate or outsource tasks when the time comes (we’ll dive into outsourcing later).
Have a Business Plan and Understand YouTube’s Role
The last step to take before launching your YouTube channel is to develop a solid business plan and understand where YouTube fits into the bigger picture.
Ask yourself:
- Is YouTube going to be your entire business?
- Or is it a tool to drive traffic to your website, attract clients, or sell a product or service?
For me, YouTube is just one branch of a bigger business. My goal was to use the platform to establish myself as an expert, provide free, high-quality content, and ultimately direct people to my blog, social media, and future services. Understanding this has shaped everything from how often I post to what type of content I create.
It’s also important to remember that your business plan might evolve. Maybe YouTube starts as a traffic source but eventually becomes your primary revenue stream. That’s okay! The key is to have clarity on your current goals and create a plan to achieve them. This will not only guide your content strategy but also ensure that you’re building something sustainable over the long term.
Having a plan keeps you focused, motivated, and less likely to feel overwhelmed. YouTube is a big commitment, but when it’s aligned with your business goals, it becomes an incredibly powerful tool for growth.
What To Do When Your YouTube Channel is LIVE
You are publishing videos, what next?
Always Provide VALUE
At its core, every successful business—whether it’s selling a product, offering a service, or providing entertainment—boils down to one thing: delivering value. This is the foundation for growth, and it can’t be overlooked.
Value is what drives growth, builds trust, and keeps people coming back to your channel. Whether you’re offering evidence-based nutrition advice, debunking myths, or showing practical tips, your content should consistently give people something useful, relatable, or actionable.
This focus on value has been the cornerstone of my channel’s growth. I’ve seen plenty of new YouTubers—some with far more videos than I have—who aren’t gaining traction. The reason? Many of their videos are surface-level or too focused on the creator, rather than serving the audience.
Every video I create has a clear purpose: to educate, empower, and give my viewers something they can apply to their own lives. As a registered dietitian, I’m sharing evidence-based information that people can trust, and I take the time to ensure my advice is practical and easy to understand. This effort not only builds credibility but also shows my audience that I respect their time and needs.
For healthcare professionals, this is especially important because people come to you expecting reliable and accurate information. The stakes are higher, so the quality of what you share matters more than ever.
Now, if you’re creating lifestyle content or vlogs, it can still work, but it’s more challenging to grow unless you’re providing value in a different way—like offering inspiration, showing unique insights, or sharing relatable experiences. Whatever your niche, the question you should constantly ask yourself is:
- What does my audience gain from this video?
- How does this content make their life better or easier?
If you keep value at the heart of your content, you’ll not only grow but also build a community that trusts and respects you as a professional.
Be Consistent
When it comes to YouTube, consistency is key, especially if your goal is to hit monetization (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours). In my experience, posting one high-quality, long-form video a week is an excellent starting point. Anything less is still possible, but it will take longer to see results.
Consistency isn’t just important for growth—it’s essential for improving your skills. Content creation is like a muscle: the more you work it, the stronger it gets. Even if you feel like you’re getting nowhere some weeks, keep going. Every video you create is a step forward, and the more you practice, the better you’ll become. The results will come, but only if you keep showing up.
Leverage Social Media
If you have any followers on social media, share your YouTube channel across these platforms. It can be embarrassing, but every little helps!
Learn SEO For YouTube
Take time to learn SEO YOURSELF - don't pay someone to do it. SEO Is something you need to have a good grasp on if you're going to run an online business. Consider paying someone to teach you how to do SEO or take a course, but aim to become an SEO expert yourself. YouTube is a search engine, the second biggest after Google, and it's really valuable to understand how search engines work.
I first learned about SEO from Sophia Lees blogging course - its not specific to YouTube but she runs a successful YouTube channel herself so I trusted her advice and really enjoyed her teaching style!
Look for Low-Competition Video Topics
A smart strategy for growing your YouTube channel is focusing on low-competition video topics, which plays into effective SEO. If I were to make a video titled “How to Lose Weight,” I’d be competing with thousands of others. But if you find more niche topics, like I did with my video “Diet and Haemochromatosis,” you’re tapping into an audience with less competition.
Now, these niche topics might not get a lot of views right away—most people won’t be searching for them at first. But over time, your video will attract people who are specifically looking for that information, and they’ll be highly engaged and grateful for it. So, while it may take longer to gain traction, these videos can build a loyal, invested audience over time.
Embrace Conflict and Controversial Topics:
When you put yourself out there on YouTube, especially as a dietitian, you're bound to encounter some strong opinions. Nutrition is one of those topics that can stir the pot. But if you’re smart, you can use this to your advantage.
For example, one of my early videos was about The Carnivore Diet. It did surprisingly well, and here’s why—lots of people disagreed with me. They weren’t happy that I didn’t support the diet and instead promoted a more balanced approach. The result? Tons of comments and engagement, which got the video pushed out to a wider audience.
The takeaway: If you get a comment that rubs you the wrong way, don’t take it personally. Instead, see it as an opportunity to engage, refine your message, or even create more content around it. Rather than shy away from the heat, lean into it. Embracing feedback and controversy can actually work in your favor.
**Please note, I always believe in maintaining integrity and professionalism. Never fight back in the comments. Allow people to have their own opinions, and treat everyone with respect—even when it’s tough.
Sustaining a Successful YouTube Channel
Now your posting YouTube videos regularly, don't forget to..
Keep Evolving and Experimenting
Its essential to keep things fresh . Don’t be afraid to evolve, and always be open to feedback. Experiment with different content formats, styles, and even topics. See what resonates most with your audience.
Focus on Sustainability
All businesses (including YouTube) need to be sustainable.
Building a YouTube channel is a marathon, not a sprint. And to keep running that marathon, you have to pace yourself. So, make sure you’re taking time to recharge and be intentional about how you spend your time. I highly recommend Ali Abdaal's book "Feel Good Productivity". Implementing his strategies allow me to be productive, reach my goals and not burn out.
Diversify Your Income Streams
Making money as a dietitian typically isn't that lucrative. However by stepping into the YouTube space you are expanding your opportunities and revenue potential.
However, it's crucial not to put all your eggs in one basket. Relying solely on YouTube ad-sense can be risky, especially since it's not the most reliable or consistent income stream. Instead, look for ways to leverage YouTube as a tool to drive more income. For example, you could monetize your blog, sell digital products like eBooks or meal plans, or offer services such as online consultations or courses.
By diversifying your income streams, you’ll create a more sustainable business model and reduce the financial pressure that comes with relying on just one source of revenue. The more options you explore, the more room you have to grow..
FAQS
The income of a dietitian working online can vary significantly. If you're working for yourself, there are limitless opportunities, but it's important to note that success doesn’t happen overnight. For some dietitians, building an online presence and client base takes time, and during the early stages, you may not make much despite putting in a lot of effort.
Building a successful online dietitian business can take time, typically 1-3 years, depending on your efforts, niche, and marketing strategy. During the early stages, you may need to focus on creating content, building trust with your audience, and networking. Success often comes after consistent work, refining your approach, and adapting to what works best for your target audience.
If you're creating content, a good quality microphone and camera are a must—check out my YouTube Equipment Guide to see what I use. If you plan to offer services, a website to showcase what you offer and scheduling tools for managing appointments are essential. Start with these basics to ensure a smooth, professional setup.
Watch on YouTube
Here is an old video where I talk about my journey from 0-1000 subscribers!
Closing Words
Building and sustaining a YouTube channel as a dietitian isn’t an overnight success story—it's a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a lot of trial and error. But if you approach it with the right mindset and strategies, the opportunities are endless.
If you’re a fellow dietitian or healthcare professional on your own YouTube journey, feel free to comment below so we can connect! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. Let's keep the conversation going and support each other as we grow!
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