The Dark Reason Your Channel Isn't Growing

Happy Saturday!

I’ve been a bit MIA on here as I’ve been pouring my attention into the Zero to 1 Bootcamp but I’m back, and I want to talk about the "Silent Killer" of YouTube growth: YMYL.

YMYL stands for "Your Money or Your Life."

This is a high-risk category in the algorithm. Unless you follow a strict set of rules, growing a channel in this niche is like climbing Everest naked while dragging a giraffe called Steve to the top.

If you are in one of these categories, you are playing on Hard Mode:

1. Finance: Content providing advice on investments, taxes, retirement, loans, or banking.

• The Risk: A viewer could lose their life savings based on your advice.

• Examples: Crypto, Stock Tips, Tax Strategies.

• The Fix: Aggressive financial disclaimers and never promising "guaranteed returns.

2. Health: Content about medical issues, drugs, nutrition, or weight loss.

• The Risk: A viewer could get physically hurt, sick, or worse.

• Examples: Diet advice, Mental Health, Supplements

• The Fix: Citing medical studies and using clear "Not a Doctor" disclaimers.

3. News & Government: Information critical to an informed society.

• The Risk: Misinformation here undermines public trust or legal rights.

• Examples: Voting info, Legal Explanations (Divorce, Wills), Geopolitics.

• The Fix: Citing primary sources and staying neutral.

The "Hidden Boss" of YMYL: Real Estate

I see this mistake constantly. Many creators think Real Estate is just "lifestyle" content. It’s not.

Real Estate is arguably the heaviest YMYL category because it combines debt, law, and life savings into one transaction. Google treats it under "Financial Security," but with extra scrutiny because the dollar amounts are so high.

Why the algorithm fears Real Estate:

• High Cost: It’s the largest transaction of a person's life.

• Debt Risk: Bad advice on leverage can ruin credit scores and cause bankruptcy.

• Legal Risk: Tenant laws and contracts are legal minefields.

If you are in Real Estate, identify which "Bucket" you are in:

1. Investing (The Riskiest): Flipping, Wholesaling, BRRRR. (The algorithm treats this like Day Trading, very strict).

2. Home Buying/Selling: Mortgages, inspections, agents. (Treated as Consumer Advice).

3. Legal/Tenant Rights: Evictions, contracts, zoning. (Treated as Legal Advice).

FEAR NOT THOUGH, YOU CAN WIN IN THESE NICHES!

Like any great video game, when you play on "Hard Mode" you become a better player and the rewards are so much sweeter.

Once you win in your niche and dominate, the trust you build is an asset that no clickbait trick can replicate. You will have proven to the Google Gods that you are worthy (like Thor picking up the hammer).

These are tough niches but if you truly love them and have the authority to back it up, keep going.

It’s a grind, but you need to think 10 years ahead. When you finally win, YouTube won't just suggest your videos... they will point EVERYONE to you.

Me