Denise Jordan: "Is there anyone out there who really wants to hear it?" Overcoming self-doubt to find your audience on YouTube.

Denise Jordan: "Is there anyone out there who really wants to hear it?" Overcoming self-doubt to find your audience on YouTube.
Photo by Mike Cox / Unsplash
man in black and white checkered dress shirt holding black and yellow hand drill
Photo by Mike Cox / Unsplash

Think Media Podcast created this video to inspire content creators of all ages, especially those who believe they're "too old" for YouTube. It showcases how Denise Jordan, a 73-year-old, built a successful channel, proving age is just a number. This is a must-watch for anyone hesitant to start creating due to age, demonstrating how experience can be a significant advantage.

The video features Denise Jordan, a retired nursing instructor who runs the YouTube channel "Homemaking with Denise." She shares her journey from starting in 2017/2018 to reaching 88,000 subscribers. Denise initially joined online collaborations, trying different content styles, "I was doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that," she explains. This experimental phase helped her build an audience and refine her skills.

Denise emphasizes the importance of finding your niche. She started with diverse content but noticed homemaking topics resonated most with her viewers. "When I would do videos on something related to homemaking, something related to laundry, something related, related to family, I got lots of questions about that," Denise recalls. This feedback helped her realize what her audience truly wanted. Her journey underscores the idea that finding your niche might take time, and that’s okay. "That probably took me about maybe three, maybe four years," she admits.

The core message is that it's never too late to start a YouTube channel. Denise’s success at 73 years old is a testament to this. She stresses the importance of believing in yourself, even when doubts creep in. As she says, "I think you have to believe that you have something to offer and know that there are people out there that want to hear your voice, that need to hear your message, and prepare yourself to do that."

Many others online echo this sentiment. An article on Hootsuite highlights how diverse audiences are on YouTube, suggesting there's a place for everyone regardless of age. Another vidIQ blog post encourages beginners, emphasizing YouTube's potential for anyone willing to learn. A comment on a similar YouTube video says, "It's inspiring to see someone older finding success. Shows you can start anytime!"

Denise also shares practical tips: niche down, invest in your skills (especially technical ones), and be prepared for criticism. She acknowledges the learning curve, recalling her initial struggles with video editing. "I invested in myself to learn how to do some of those things," she says, encouraging others to do the same. She also advises handling criticism gracefully, choosing to delete purely negative comments while engaging with constructive feedback.

Denise’s channel evolved from "This and That with Denise Jordan" to "Homemaking with Denise," showcasing the power of specialization. She also shares how she meticulously films her videos, demonstrating processes visually by repositioning her camera for close-ups and detailed shots. Denise's dedication is evident in her consistent posting schedule - she uploads nearly three videos per week, including live streams and Shorts, accumulating over 1,284 videos in seven years. She uses Shorts to reach a younger audience and leverages live streams to build community and offer real-time interaction.

Key takeaways

  • You're never too old to start a YouTube channel. Life experience is an asset.
  • Finding your niche is crucial, but it may take time and experimentation.
  • Consistency is key. Regular uploads build skills, audience, and momentum.

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