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Aug 12, 2016

Jennifer Dickerson is the crochet and knitting designer, blogger, author, and YouTuber behind Fiber Flux. I had the chance to chat with Jennifer about how she got started with video and grew her YouTube channel to over 125,000 followers in less than two years. In this interview, she shares her practical tips for working with video, building a YouTube channel, time management, working for free, and monetizing your blog and videos. 

About Jennifer Dickerson

Jennifer Dickerson is the crochet and knitting designer, blogger, and YouTuber behind Fiber Flux. In addition to her blog, she launched the Fiber Flux YouTube channel about two years ago and has grown to 125,626 followers as of this writing. Jennifer is the author of Mini Flower Loom Crafts and has another book forthcoming. You can also follow Jennifer on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Ravelry | Twitter

About the interview

In this episode, I interview Jennifer about getting started with video and growing a YouTube channel, but we also chatted about other aspects of her creative business.

Some of the topics we discussed about video included:

  • Jennifer's practical tips for getting started in video.
    • Start by recording your back catalog so you don't have deadline pressure.
    • Use simple tools. Her recommendations are to use artificial lighting from a kit with a "natural light" bulb, a camera that has both automatic and manual options (should you decide to experiment with settings), and a tripod. She uses the YouTube Editor to edit her videos within the interface.
    • Remember that you don't need to film in sequence. Jennifer credits Celina Lane from Simply Collectible Crochet for reminding her that she can film the process in any order and then edit later.
    • Focus on transitions. You don't necessarily need to film an entire process, but remember to share a transition before moving on to the next step (e.g., "Continue to repeat this step until the end of the row and I'll meet you there.") 
  • Jennifer's suggestions for growing your YouTube channel.
    • Use the Creator Academy, YouTube's free resource for creators.
    • Release videos on a consistent schedule so your audience returns to your channel often.
    • Start each video quickly with a strong opening and link between videos on your channel to encourage viewer retention. 
    • Make the opening of your channel an "event."
    • Remember to promote the channel itself, not just embedded videos on your other online properties.
    • Ask viewers to subscribe.
    • Remember that your YouTube followers may be different than your audience on other platforms.

We also talked about other aspects of Jennifer's business, including how Jennifer...

  • Monetizes her blog and channel,
  • Approaches her editorial calendar and time management, especially when working on larger projects (like a book),
  • Decides if and when to work for free,
  • Has become a published author, along with suggestions for other aspiring authors. 

Listen to the podcast for more discussion from me and Jennifer.

 

If you enjoyed this episode

The Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show is no longer broadcasting. Episodes are available as a service to the yarn community. This episode originally aired in August, 2016. Be aware that content may be outdated.

If you'd like to chat with other yarn-related business owners, join the Creative Yarn Entrepreneurs Facebook group. Support Marie's work by buying one of her books, Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students (Amazon | Gumroad) or Design It, Promote It, Sell It: Online Marketing for Your Crochet and Knit Patterns (Amazon | Gumroad).