How to 5x a YouTube channel in 30 days

How to Transform Simon Beard’s YouTube Channel in 30 Days: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Simon Bird’s YouTube channel has all the makings of a breakout success. With over 140 videos, a mix of business insights, entrepreneurial interviews, and a knack for engaging content, he’s already got the foundation laid. But here’s the thing: even a solid channel can level up with a few smart tweaks. If I had 30 days to transform Simon’s platform, I’d focus on sharpening his branding, refining his content strategy, and optimizing every detail from thumbnails to editing. Let’s dive into exactly what I’d do—and why it could skyrocket his growth.

Step 1: Revamp the Branding for a Polished First Impression

First impressions matter, and Simon’s channel needs a branding refresh to scream "top-tier." His current profile picture is decent—he’s a good-looking guy—but it’s not doing him justice. That bookshelf with "N" and "B" in the background? It’s distracting and feels amateurish. I’d get him a high-quality headshot with a clean, neutral backdrop that keeps the focus on him. Something sharp, professional, and memorable.

The banner’s another missed opportunity. His name, "Simon Bird," is already in the channel title, so repeating it in the banner feels redundant. Worse, it’s clashing with the green Nikes in the background, making it hard to read. I’d swap it for a sleek image—maybe a minimalist shot tied to his business niche—that complements his vibe without overcrowding the design. The goal? A cohesive, professional look that instantly tells viewers: this guy knows his stuff.

Step 2: Reorganize the Channel Layout for Maximum Impact

Simon’s channel layout isn’t terrible, but it could work harder for him. Right now, his popular videos—like the one with 265,000 views—are buried lower down. I’d pin those heavy hitters to the top with bigger thumbnails. Why? New visitors need to see his best stuff first. It’s social proof—proof he’s worth their time. A video with that kind of view count signals credibility and hooks people in.

This tweak isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about execution. A clean, strategic layout doesn’t just boost views—it’s a subtle flex for podcast guests, too. When they see a polished channel, they’ll assume Simon’s the real deal before he even says a word.

Step 3: Upgrade Thumbnails and Titles for the Right Audience

Thumbnails and titles are the packaging of Simon’s content, and they’re not quite hitting the mark. Take his “I Lost $10 Million, Here’s What I Learned” video. The fiery thumbnail screams trendy, but it’s targeting a younger crowd—think 21-year-olds—who aren’t his ideal audience. At 35, I’d argue Simon should aim for business-minded viewers closer to my age: people with a few years of experience who’d actually relate to a $10 million lesson.

Compare that to his cleaner, more professional thumbnails—like the one with a simple background and bold text. Those perform better because they align with his expertise. I’d lean into that style: less flash, more substance. Titles should spark curiosity while promising value—think “How I Turned a $10M Loss Into a Win” over clickbait vibes. It’s about building trust, not just clicks.

Step 4: Refine the Content Strategy

Simon’s got a solid mix going—business breakdowns, brand-building tips, and a sprinkle of podcast-style interviews. But there’s room to tighten it up. His top video, a penthouse tour with over 260,000 views, is a great top-of-funnel hook, but it’s not converting viewers into loyal fans. I’d keep making these “wow factor” videos, but weave in a 20-second intro tying it to his business insights. Give people a reason to stick around beyond the eye candy.

Then there’s the goldmine he’s underusing: entrepreneur interviews. His chat with a 21-year-old barber making half a million a year? Killer stuff. The hook’s strong, the energy’s there, but the framing’s off (more on that later), and the intro drags at a minute. I’d cut it to 20 seconds, dive into the meat faster, and replicate this format 20 times. Batch-record four or five in a day with a set structure—hook, story, actionable steps. It’s efficient and boosts watch time, which YouTube loves.

Oh, and those Shorts over a minute long? Delete them. They clutter the library and scream rookie. Long-form’s where Simon shines—let’s focus there.

Step 5: Elevate Production Quality

Simon’s got the content chops, but production hiccups are holding him back. In that barber interview, there’s a lamp right behind his head—distracting and unprofessional. I’d invest in a good camera, a solid microphone, and a simple lighting setup. Composition matters, too. Center him in the frame, ditch dead space, and keep props minimal. It’s not about fancy gear; it’s about looking like the expert he is.

For his podcast episode with Dan Martel, the framing’s off again—he’s shoved to the edge with a giant book stealing focus. Reframe it to highlight him, and ditch lazy text overlays. Speaking of Dan, Simon should narrate the intro himself—his voice, his energy. It’s his audience, after all. And that background beat? If it’s not licensed, it’s a monetization risk. Swap it for royalty-free tracks to play it safe.

Step 6: Boost Revenue with Longer Podcasts

Here’s a money move Simon’s missing: longer podcasts. His Dan Martel episode is solid, but at 30 minutes, it’s leaving cash on the table. Stretch it to an hour or 90 minutes, and place ads manually every five minutes. Data backs this up—longer videos with smart ad breaks can triple revenue without overwhelming viewers. YouTube’s algorithm decides when to serve ads anyway, so it’s not overkill. Just time the breaks naturally—end of a question, not mid-sentence.

Step 7: Optimize the Back Catalog

Simon’s older videos need love, too. Some thumbnails look dated or inconsistent with his current style—like “People Buy Emotions,” which has great copy but a weak image. Update those to match his newer, cleaner aesthetic (think the Nike thumbnail). YouTube often serves up old videos to new viewers, so a cohesive look across the catalog keeps the brand strong. Plus, with YouTube’s A/B testing tools, he can experiment with multiple thumbnails to see what clicks—literally.

Editing’s another tweak. In that “People Buy Emotions” clip, the cuts are choppy, aiming for a young, ADHD crowd. But his real audience—30-something entrepreneurs—doesn’t need that. Let the info breathe. Slow down, ditch the over-edits, and trust the value of his insights to carry the video.

The Prediction: Simon’s Set to Soar

Here’s the bottom line: Simon’s channel is already on track to blow up. He’s got the business know-how, the personality, and the drive. With these changes—sharper branding, targeted content, pro-level production, and smarter optimization—he could take it to the next level in just 30 days. A cleaner look, a tighter strategy, and an audience of savvy entrepreneurs? That’s a recipe for massive growth.

If you’re running a channel, steal these tips. Polish your brand, know your audience, and don’t skimp on the details. Got questions? Hit me up—I’m always around on social media. Simon’s about to crush it, and you can, too.