YouTube Creators Hub Podcast: Episode Summary

Episode Title: From Hobby to Business: Denise Jordan's YouTube Journey
Host: Dusty Porter
Release Date: June 20, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of the YouTube Creators Hub podcast, host Dusty Porter welcomes Denise Jordan, a seasoned content creator who successfully transformed her YouTube channel from a mere hobby into a thriving business. Denise shares her journey, strategies for growth, monetization methods, and invaluable advice for creators of all ages.

Denise Jordan’s YouTube Journey

Origin Story

Denise Jordan began her foray into YouTube as a passion project. Initially, she aimed to create a blog focused on makeup but was encouraged by her peers to transition to video content.

Denise Jordan [00:00]: "When I got my first YouTube check from monetization. Because actually Dusty, I started this as just a hobby. I knew I was gonna be retiring soon... I just need something to do."

She launched her first channel, Makeup on Aisle 64, at the age of 64, blending her interest in makeup with her personal life. However, Denise soon realized that maintaining content on makeup was both expensive and creatively limiting. This led her to rebrand her channel to Homemaking with Denise, focusing on cooking, cleaning, laundry, and gardening—areas where she had over 50 years of expertise.

Niche Selection

By pivoting to homemaking, Denise tapped into a niche that resonated deeply with her audience. Her content sculpted to meet the needs of modern homemakers, particularly younger individuals who lacked formal training in home economics.

Denise Jordan [04:16]: "When I finally heard the message and started making content on homemaking, my channel really started to take off."

Turning Point: From Hobby to Business

The pivotal moment for Denise came when she received her first payment from YouTube’s monetization program. Initially, her intent was not to earn significantly but to supplement her income for personal enhancements like a new kitchen or vacations.

Denise Jordan [06:20]: "When I got my first YouTube check from monetization... I can make some money at this... I can use this extra money for things like that."

This realization spurred her to treat her channel more seriously, transitioning from a hobbyist approach to a business mindset.

Denise Jordan [07:53]: "I decided, this is not a hobby, this is now a business."

Growth Strategies

Leveraging Analytics

Denise emphasizes the importance of understanding YouTube analytics to identify what content resonates with her viewers.

Denise Jordan [09:33]: "When I really started looking at my analytics and seeing what resonated with my audience... I need to do more of that."

Engaging with the Community

Responding to viewer comments and questions became a cornerstone of her growth strategy. By addressing specific queries, she created content that directly catered to her audience’s needs.

Denise Jordan [10:00]: "I think the biggest thing is leaning into what your audience is asking."

Content Formats: Shorts and Long Videos

Denise utilizes both YouTube Shorts and longer-form videos to cater to different viewer preferences. Shorts serve as a tool to increase her channel’s visibility and provide quick, actionable tips.

Denise Jordan [12:13]: "I'm using the shorts more as a way of growing my numbers, but also to be of service."

Monetization Strategies

Denise diversified her income streams beyond YouTube ad revenue, ensuring financial stability and growth.

1. Ad Revenue: Primary source through YouTube’s Partner Program based on views and watch time.

2. Merchandise Sales: Selling branded aprons to her audience, leveraging requests about her aprons.

   Denise Jordan [23:05]: "I started selling the aprons because I wear aprons when I'm in the kitchen."

3. Amazon Store: Curating products she frequently uses, allowing her audience to purchase items directly.

4. YouTube Shopping Program: Tagging products used in her videos, enabling viewers to buy items seamlessly.

   Denise Jordan [26:25]: "The YouTube shopping program... I can tag that product in the video. People can click on it to see where they can buy it."

5. Affiliate Links and Sponsorships: Considering brand partnerships over traditional affiliate links for more substantial collaborations.

   Denise Jordan [25:53]: "I'd really rather do a brand sponsorship than do an affiliate link."

On average, Denise earns between $1,500 to $3,000 monthly from these combined revenue streams, depending on monthly performance and sales.

Denise Jordan [25:22]: "In anywhere from 1500 to $3000, depending upon what's going on that month..."

Community Building

Active Engagement

Denise builds a strong community by actively engaging with her audience through comments, Facebook Messenger, and her YouTube community tab.

Denise Jordan [16:35]: "Community building is huge... It helps with the know and trust factor."

Live Streaming

Hosting bi-weekly live streams titled Homemaking with Purpose, Denise interacts with her audience in real-time, addressing their questions and fostering a deeper connection.

Denise Jordan [17:58]: "The live stream also allows me to see what are the thoughts that my community is having..."

Technical Setup for Live Streams

Denise keeps her live streaming setup simple, using her iMac’s built-in camera and Streamyard software. She emphasizes the importance of preparation and maintaining focus during streams.

Denise Jordan [19:10]: "Live streaming is probably easier than doing video because you just sit down and you just start talking..."

Encouraging Older Creators

Denise challenges the stereotype that older adults are less tech-savvy. With a background in community health nursing and experience using Adobe Premiere, she demonstrates that age is no barrier to mastering new technologies.

Denise Jordan [29:05]: "If I can learn some of this tech, you can too... it's just a matter of keeping at it."

Closing Advice for Creators

Denise imparts crucial advice for aspiring YouTubers:

1. Build an Email List: Essential for direct communication and sustained audience engagement.

2. Create Digital Products: Develop and offer unique products early on to diversify income.

   Denise Jordan [30:30]: "Don't wait until you've been on YouTube five, six or seven years to do that. Right from the very beginning, think about what products of your own can you create..."

Conclusion

Denise Jordan’s journey from a hobbyist to a successful YouTube business underscores the importance of niche selection, audience engagement, diversified monetization, and continuous learning. Her story serves as an inspiring blueprint for creators of all ages aiming to elevate their YouTube presence and achieve sustainable growth.

Connect with Denise Jordan:
YouTube Channel: Homemaking with Denise

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Join the Creators Community Group:
A Discord server offering mastermind calls, exclusive episodes, and direct access to Dusty Porter. [Link in Show Notes]

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Host Contact:
Dusty Porter offers one-on-one creator and business coaching, tailored to help you grow your channel effectively. Explore more through the podcast links below.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub podcast. Keep hitting upload and take your YouTube game to new heights!