Unlocking YouTube Income: How Creators are Cashing In in 2024
September 13, 2024 (2mo ago)
September 13, 2024 (2mo ago)
Imagine turning your passion for video creation into a steady paycheck! With over 2 billion users on YouTube, countless creators are discovering how to make money on YouTube—not just through ads, but also via sponsorships, merchandise, and affiliate marketing. If you're curious about the secrets behind their success and want to learn how to tap into this lucrative world, dive into this guide to unlock all the strategies you need to start earning today!
If you're wondering how do I make money on YouTube, the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is your gateway to monetization. This program allows creators to earn money through various revenue streams, including ad revenue, channel memberships, super chats, and more. Let's dive into the details of this program so you can start your journey toward earning money on YouTube.
To join the YouTube Partner Program, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria. As of 2024, the requirements are:
For creators who are just starting, there’s a new pathway where you can apply with 500 subscribers and access fan funding features. However, keep in mind that ad revenue won’t be available until you meet the full requirements.
YouTube has introduced a pathway for emerging creators to help them get started earlier. If you have 500 subscribers, you can access fan funding features, even if you're not yet eligible for full ad revenue. This is a fantastic opportunity for smaller channels to begin monetizing their content and building a loyal fan base.
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the YPP through your YouTube Studio. Here’s how:
Once accepted into the YPP, you can start monetizing your content in several ways:
Ad Revenue: This is the most common way to earn money. YouTube places ads on your videos, and you earn a share of the revenue generated from those ads. The earnings can range from $0.30 to $2.50 per 1,000 views, depending on various factors like audience demographics and engagement.
Channel Memberships: You can offer exclusive perks to your subscribers for a monthly fee. You keep 70% of the revenue after taxes and fees.
Super Chats and Super Stickers: During live streams, viewers can pay to have their messages highlighted, providing another revenue stream.
Merchandise Shelf: If you have a merchandise store, you can link it to your channel, allowing viewers to purchase your products directly from your videos.
YouTube Premium Revenue: You also earn a share of the revenue from YouTube Premium subscribers who watch your content.
Once you’re in the YPP, it’s crucial to stay active. YouTube may revoke your monetization if you don’t upload videos or engage with your audience for six months or more. To keep your channel active, consider posting regularly and utilizing the Community tab to engage with your audience.
If your application is rejected, don’t be discouraged. Here are some common reasons why this might happen:
Content Violations: If your videos violate YouTube’s community guidelines or monetization policies, your application will likely be denied. This includes issues like hate speech, spam, or inappropriate content.
Insufficient Watch Hours or Subscribers: Make sure you meet the required thresholds before applying.
Inactivity: If your channel has been inactive for a while, it may affect your application.
If your application is denied, you can reapply after 30 days. If you’re denied multiple times, you may need to wait 90 days before trying again.
To maximize your success within the YPP, consider the following strategies:
Create Quality Content: Focus on producing high-quality, engaging videos that resonate with your audience. The more views and engagement you get, the more revenue you can generate.
Optimize Your Videos: Use SEO strategies to optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags. This will help your videos rank better in search results, attracting more viewers.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and create content that your audience wants to see. Building a community around your channel can lead to higher engagement and retention.
Promote Your Channel: Use social media and other platforms to promote your videos. Collaborating with other creators can also help you reach a wider audience.
Stay Updated: YouTube frequently updates its policies and monetization options. Stay informed about any changes that could affect your channel.
Key Takeaways: The YouTube Partner Program opens the door to various monetization options for creators. By meeting the eligibility requirements, following the application process, and staying active, you can start earning money on YouTube. Remember to focus on quality content and engage with your audience to maintain your monetization status and maximize your success!
If you've been wondering how do I make money on YouTube, one of the most significant avenues is through ad revenue. YouTube's ad system is designed to allow creators to earn money from the ads shown on their videos. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how this all works!
YouTube generates its income primarily from advertisements. When viewers watch your videos, they might see different types of ads, including skippable ads, non-skippable ads, and overlay ads. Advertisers pay YouTube to display these ads, and the platform shares a portion of that revenue with creators. Typically, creators earn 55% of the ad revenue generated from their videos, which means for every $1 earned from ads, you pocket about $0.55.
This revenue-sharing model means that the quality and quantity of your content can directly affect your earnings. The more people who watch your videos and engage with the ads, the more money you make.
To start earning from YouTube ads, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Here’s what you need to qualify:
Once you meet these requirements, you can enable monetization on your videos and start earning from ads, giving you a solid answer to the question of how do I make money on YouTube.
Want to get a rough idea of how much you could earn? Tools like the YouTube Money Calculator let you estimate your potential earnings based on your daily video views or channel URL. You’ll input your figures, and the tool will provide an estimate of your ad revenue, taking into account factors like viewer engagement and demographics. Just remember, actual earnings might vary due to things like ad blocking and viewer behavior.
Several factors can significantly influence your YouTube ad revenue:
Viewer Engagement: The more engaged your viewers are—clicking on ads or watching them through—the more money you can make.
Video Views: More views generally mean more potential earnings. Consistently producing engaging content that attracts viewers is key.
Viewer Demographics: Advertisers might pay more to target specific age groups, locations, or interests, so understanding your audience helps.
Ad Formats: Different ads have different payout rates. For instance, non-skippable ads usually generate more revenue than skippable ones.
Now that you know how ad revenue works, here are some strategies to enhance your earnings:
Optimize Video Length: Videos longer than 10 minutes can have multiple ad placements, increasing your earning potential while keeping content engaging.
Experiment with Ad Placements: Test various ad placements within your videos to find the right balance between revenue and viewer experience. Too many ads can drive viewers away!
Utilize YouTube Analytics: Regularly check your YouTube analytics to see which videos perform best. This data helps refine your content strategy and improve engagement.
While ad revenue is significant, don’t forget to diversify your income. Here are a few additional monetization strategies:
Sponsored Content: Partner with brands to create sponsored videos. This can be a lucrative income source.
Affiliate Marketing: Promote products through affiliate links in your video descriptions, earning a commission on any sales.
Merchandise Sales: Create and sell branded merchandise to your loyal fans.
Memberships and Crowdfunding: Platforms like Patreon allow you to offer exclusive content for a monthly fee, supplementing your ad revenue.
Two essential metrics to grasp in YouTube monetization are RPM (Revenue Per Mille) and CPM (Cost Per Mille):
Understanding these metrics can help you gauge your channel’s performance and set realistic revenue expectations.
To keep your monetization status, it’s crucial to stick to YouTube's Community Guidelines and monetization policies. Violating these rules can lead to demonetization, which would hurt your earnings. Regularly review the guidelines to ensure your content remains compliant.
Finally, the quality of your content plays a vital role in your potential ad revenue. High-quality, engaging videos attract more viewers and encourage longer watch times, which can lead to higher earnings. Invest in creating content that resonates with your audience to keep them coming back for more.
By understanding these aspects of YouTube ad revenue, you can effectively strategize your content creation and monetization efforts. Remember, the more you know, the better you can answer the question of how do I make money on YouTube!
When it comes to figuring out how to make money on YouTube, there’s more than one way to earn a buck! While ad revenue is the most talked-about avenue, there are plenty of alternative monetization methods that can help you diversify your income. Let’s dive into some of the most effective ways to monetize your channel beyond traditional ads.
Affiliate marketing is a fantastic way to earn money by promoting products or services in your videos. When you include unique affiliate links in your video descriptions, you earn a commission for every sale made through those links.
For example, if you’re doing tech reviews, partnering with brands like Amazon or Best Buy can be a smart move. Choose products that resonate with your audience, and you might find that your affiliate earnings surpass your ad revenue, especially if you have a loyal following.
Selling merchandise is another effective route for generating income on YouTube. Many creators have successfully launched their own lines of products—everything from clothing to accessories.
Platforms like Printify and Teespring allow you to design and sell merchandise without the hassle of managing inventory. Big-name YouTubers have raked in millions from merchandise sales, so don’t underestimate this income stream. Promote your merch in your videos, and you might just turn your fans into customers.
Crowdfunding platforms like Patreon can provide direct financial support from your audience. By offering exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, or special perks to your supporters, you can encourage them to contribute monthly.
This model not only gives you a steady income but also deepens your connection with your community. Many creators find that Patreon becomes a significant source of income, sometimes even more than ad revenue.
Sponsorships can be a lucrative way to monetize your channel. Brands pay creators to promote their products, and the earnings can vary widely based on your audience size and engagement. Some creators earn anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per sponsored video.
To attract sponsors, focus on building a niche audience and creating high-quality content that aligns with potential sponsors' values. Check out platforms like Famebit to connect with brands looking for influencers.
If you have expertise in a particular area, creating and selling online courses or workshops can be a great way to monetize your knowledge. Platforms like Thinkific allow you to host and sell your courses directly to your audience.
This not only diversifies your income but also positions you as a go-to authority in your field. Many creators have successfully transitioned from YouTube content to educational content, leveraging their existing audience to sell courses on topics they are passionate about.
Encouraging your audience to support you through donations can be a straightforward way to earn money. Platforms like Ko-fi and Buy Me a Coffee allow fans to make one-time or recurring donations.
Promote these options in your videos, and you might find that your audience is eager to support the content they love. This method works especially well for creators who connect deeply with their viewers.
Digital products, such as eBooks, presets, or templates, can be a great source of passive income. If you have valuable knowledge or skills, consider packaging them into digital products that your audience would find useful.
Promote these products in your videos and link to them in your descriptions. The beauty of digital products is that they require no physical inventory and can be sold repeatedly, making them a scalable income source.
YouTube's live streaming feature allows you to engage with your audience in real-time. During live streams, viewers can send monetary tips through Super Chat and Super Stickers.
This not only enhances viewer engagement but also provides an additional income stream. Many creators find that their live streams generate significant revenue, especially when they have a dedicated fan base.
YouTube offers a feature called channel memberships, where subscribers can pay a monthly fee for exclusive perks, such as badges, emojis, and members-only content. This feature is available to channels that meet certain eligibility criteria.
By providing valuable content and engaging with your members, you can create a steady income stream while fostering a sense of community among your most dedicated fans.
Finally, consider expanding your reach by utilizing other platforms alongside YouTube. Platforms like Twitch and Vimeo offer different monetization options that may be more favorable than YouTube's ad revenue model.
By diversifying your content across multiple platforms, you can tap into new audiences and revenue streams, reducing your reliance on YouTube alone.
By exploring these alternative monetization methods, you can answer the question, "how do I make money on YouTube?" in a way that aligns with your content and audience. Diversifying your income streams not only provides financial stability but also allows you to focus on creating the content you love.
When you think about how to make money on YouTube, one effective strategy that often comes to mind is affiliate marketing. This approach allows content creators to earn commissions by promoting products or services in their videos. It’s a fantastic way to monetize your channel beyond traditional ad revenue, especially if you have a loyal audience. Let’s dive into the details of affiliate marketing on YouTube and how you can make it work for you.
Affiliate marketing on YouTube involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your unique affiliate link. This means that if someone watches your video, clicks on your link, and buys something, you get paid a percentage of that sale. It's a win-win: viewers get product recommendations, and you earn money while sharing content.
The beauty of this strategy is that it taps into YouTube's vast audience—over 2 billion monthly active users. With the right approach, affiliate marketing can become a significant income stream for creators.
Selecting the right products to promote is crucial for successful affiliate marketing. Here are some tips to guide you:
By focusing on products that fit your brand and audience, you’re more likely to see conversions and earn commissions.
Creating engaging content is key to making affiliate marketing successful on YouTube. Your videos should not only showcase the products but also provide value. Here are some effective content formats to consider:
The goal is to create content that encourages viewers to make informed purchasing decisions, increasing the likelihood they’ll click on your affiliate link.
Optimizing your videos for search engines is essential. Good SEO can drive traffic to your affiliate links. Here are some tips:
The more views your videos receive, the better your chances of generating affiliate sales.
Including clear calls to action (CTAs) in your videos is vital. Here are some ways to do that:
Making it easy for your audience to take action is crucial for driving affiliate sales.
YouTube Shopping is a feature that allows creators to tag products in their videos. This can enhance the shopping experience for viewers. Here’s how it works:
This feature can streamline the process for viewers, making it easier for them to buy the products you recommend.
Monitoring your affiliate performance is crucial for optimizing your strategy. Here are some tools you can use:
By keeping an eye on your performance, you can focus on what works and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Trust is essential in affiliate marketing. Here’s how to build it:
Building trust with your audience can lead to higher conversion rates and long-term relationships.
Collaborations can expand your reach and introduce your content to new audiences. Here’s how to leverage partnerships:
Collaborating can help you tap into new subscriber bases and increase engagement.
While affiliate marketing can be lucrative, it's wise to diversify your income streams. Here are some ideas:
Diversifying your income not only enhances your earnings but also allows you to explore different avenues for growth.
The affiliate marketing landscape is always changing, so staying updated is crucial. Here’s how to keep ahead:
Adapting to changes in the market can help you maintain a competitive edge and maximize your earnings on YouTube.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively utilize affiliate marketing to monetize your YouTube channel. Understanding your audience, creating engaging content, and building trust are key to succeeding in this space.
Sponsorships present a great opportunity for creators to monetize their YouTube channels. They often provide more lucrative income compared to traditional ad revenue. When brands partner with you, they pay you to promote their products or services, creating a win-win situation. Brands get exposure to your audience, and you get paid for your content. Let’s dive into the specifics of YouTube sponsorships.
There are several types of sponsorships you can explore to make money on YouTube:
Paid Sponsorships: This is the most straightforward type. Brands pay you a flat fee to create content that features their product. Depending on your audience size and engagement levels, you could earn anywhere from $100 to $4,000 per sponsored video.
Product Sponsorships: In this arrangement, brands send you their products for free in exchange for a review or feature in your video. This is a great way to get started if you’re new to sponsorships since it often requires less negotiation.
Affiliate Sponsorships: Here, you promote a product and earn a commission on any sales generated through your unique affiliate link. Commission rates typically range from 5% to 30%, making this option accessible even for smaller channels.
Sponsor Spots: These are short segments within your videos where you mention or promote a brand. This can be as brief as 15 seconds and is often integrated seamlessly into your content.
Collaborative Content: Sometimes, brands may want to co-create content with you. This could involve creating a video together or featuring their product in a unique way that aligns with your channel's theme.
Getting sponsorships isn’t just about having a large subscriber count; it’s about how you present your channel. Here are some steps to help you secure those lucrative deals:
Optimize Your Channel: Make sure your channel looks professional. This includes having a well-designed banner, a clear profile picture, and a compelling channel description. Brands are more likely to partner with creators who present themselves well.
Engage Your Audience: Brands want to work with creators who have an engaged audience. So, interact with your viewers through comments and social media. The more engaged your audience is, the more attractive you become to potential sponsors.
Create a Media Kit: A media kit outlines your channel's statistics, audience demographics, and previous collaborations. This is your chance to showcase your value to potential sponsors. Include your subscriber count, average views per video, and engagement rates.
Reach Out to Brands: Don’t just wait for brands to come to you. Research companies that align with your content and reach out to them directly. Personalize your pitch by explaining why you think their product would resonate with your audience.
Use Sponsorship Platforms: Platforms like Famebit can help you connect with brands looking for influencers. These platforms streamline the process and can lead to more opportunities.
Understanding your audience is crucial when it comes to securing sponsorships. Brands want to know who they are marketing to, so having detailed insights into your audience's demographics—such as age, gender, interests, and location—can significantly enhance your pitch.
When you start working with brands, maintaining transparency with your audience is essential. Always disclose sponsored content in your videos to comply with FTC guidelines. This not only builds trust with your viewers but also protects you legally.
Negotiation is a key part of securing sponsorships. Here are some tips to help you negotiate effectively:
Know Your Worth: Understand the value you bring to the table. Use your media kit to back up your requests for compensation.
Set Clear Goals: Before entering negotiations, know what you want to achieve from the partnership. This could be a specific payment amount, product giveaways, or additional promotional opportunities.
Be Open to Different Compensation Models: Some brands may offer a flat fee, while others might propose performance-based compensation. Be flexible and consider what works best for you.
Maintain Professionalism: Always communicate professionally with brands. This includes being prompt in your responses and respectful in your negotiations.
Once you secure sponsorships, measuring the success of your collaborations is essential. Use analytics tools to track the performance of your sponsored videos. Sharing this data with your sponsors demonstrates the value you provide, which can lead to more opportunities in the future.
Sponsorships can lead to long-term partnerships if handled correctly. Focus on delivering high-quality content that aligns with the brand's values and goals. This not only enhances your reputation but also increases the likelihood of repeat collaborations.
While sponsorships can be a significant source of income, it’s smart to diversify your revenue streams. Consider combining sponsorships with other monetization methods like ad revenue, merchandise sales, and affiliate marketing. This approach can provide more stability and security for your channel.
By focusing on these strategies, you can effectively leverage sponsorships and brand partnerships to enhance your income on YouTube. Remember, the key is to build a strong, engaged audience and present yourself professionally to attract the right brands.
Understanding your audience is key when it comes to selling merchandise on YouTube. This means getting into the nitty-gritty of their preferences, demographics, and interests. The better you know your audience, the more effectively you can create products that resonate with them. Let’s dive into the specifics!
Engagement is everything! It’s important to keep the conversation going with your viewers. You can do this by:
For example, a YouTuber with around 11,000 subscribers can expect to sell an average of 6 pieces of merchandise monthly, generating about $70. This shows that even smaller channels can profit from merchandise sales if they truly understand their audience.
Your brand identity plays a huge role in merchandise sales. Think about what makes you unique and how you want your audience to perceive you. Here are some tips:
Not every product will resonate with your audience. You need to select items that truly reflect your brand and appeal to your viewers. Here are some popular merchandise options to consider:
Using print-on-demand services like Printful allows you to create custom merchandise without upfront costs. This makes it easier to test different products without the risk of unsold inventory.
Once you’ve got your products ready, it’s time to set up an online store. You can use platforms like Shopify or Teespring to host your merchandise. Here’s how to make it work:
YouTube has a feature called the merchandise shelf that allows creators to showcase their products directly beneath their videos. To utilize this feature, you need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program and meet specific eligibility requirements. This integration makes it super convenient for your fans to purchase your merchandise without leaving the platform, enhancing both visibility and accessibility.
Effective marketing is crucial for driving sales. Here are some strategies to consider:
Consider using YouTube Ads to promote your merchandise. This can significantly increase your reach and visibility.
Setting the right price for your merchandise is essential. Here are some tips:
Once your merchandise is out there, you need to analyze your sales and performance metrics. This will help identify what’s working and what isn’t. For instance, if a specific design is selling well, consider creating more products in that style. Adjust your marketing strategies based on what resonates with your audience.
Merchandise sales can significantly boost your overall revenue on YouTube. However, it’s important to diversify your income streams. Consider exploring other monetization options like channel memberships, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content. This multi-faceted approach not only enhances your earnings but also strengthens your connection with your audience.
By following these strategies, you can effectively leverage merchandise sales to enhance your YouTube channel's revenue and build a stronger relationship with your audience.
Engagement on YouTube is crucial for creators aiming to monetize their content effectively. It includes various interactions, such as likes, comments, shares, and subscriptions. The more engaged your audience is, the better your videos are promoted by YouTube's algorithm, which can significantly impact your revenue potential. So, how do you increase engagement on your channel? Let’s dive into it!
Engagement is not just a matter of pride; it plays a significant role in your visibility on the platform. YouTube’s algorithm favors videos that generate high engagement, meaning if your audience interacts with your content, it’s more likely to be recommended to new viewers. Higher engagement rates often correlate with more views, which is essential for monetization. Channels with better engagement can earn significantly more compared to those that only focus on view counts.
Creating a loyal community around your channel is one of the best ways to enhance engagement. When viewers feel they are part of something, they are more likely to interact with your content. You can achieve this through:
These tactics help foster a sense of belonging, making viewers more inclined to return and interact with your content.
YouTube offers several features to boost engagement and community building:
Leveraging these features can significantly enhance your channel's community vibe.
Encouraging your audience to interact with your videos is essential. You can do this by:
This not only boosts engagement but also provides valuable feedback for future content.
Promoting your YouTube videos on other social media platforms can drive traffic back to your channel. Share snippets of your videos on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Encourage your followers to check out the full video on YouTube. This cross-promotion helps you reach a wider audience and build a community across multiple platforms.
Collaborating with other YouTubers can significantly increase engagement. When you partner with another creator, you introduce your content to their audience, which can lead to new subscribers and increased interaction. Choose collaborators whose content aligns with yours to ensure the partnership feels authentic to both audiences.
Live streaming is an excellent way to engage with your audience in real-time. It allows for direct interaction, where viewers can ask questions and receive immediate responses. This format not only creates excitement but also encourages more viewers to join in. Plus, you can monetize live streams through features like Super Chats, where viewers can pay to have their messages highlighted during the stream.
Offering exclusive content to your most dedicated fans can enhance community building. Consider using YouTube Channel Memberships, where subscribers pay a monthly fee for perks like exclusive videos, badges, and emojis. This generates additional revenue and fosters a sense of belonging among your most loyal viewers.
YouTube provides a wealth of analytics that help you understand your audience better. By analyzing metrics such as watch time, audience demographics, and engagement rates, you can tailor your content to better meet viewers' needs. This data-driven approach can lead to higher engagement and, ultimately, more revenue.
Taking the time to respond to comments on your videos can significantly enhance viewer engagement. When viewers see that you are actively engaging with them, they are more likely to return and interact with future content. Moreover, consider creating videos that address viewer feedback or questions. This not only strengthens the community feel but also shows that you value your audience's input.
By focusing on these strategies, you'll enhance engagement on your channel, helping you answer the question of how do I make money on YouTube. Engaged audiences are more likely to support your monetization efforts, so prioritize community-building activities and keep your viewers involved!
In this section, we’ll recap the key points about how to make money on YouTube, covering the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and engagement strategies. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your existing channel, understanding these aspects is crucial for building a sustainable income.
From our exploration, it’s clear that the YouTube Partner Program is a fantastic starting point for creators who want to monetize their content. By meeting the eligibility requirements—like having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months—you can access various revenue streams. Once you’re part of the YPP, options like ad revenue, channel memberships, and Super Chats open up new ways to earn.
Ad revenue is a significant income source, allowing creators to earn about 55% of the ad revenue generated from their videos. This means the more engaging your content is, the higher your views and, consequently, your earnings will be. To maximize ad revenue, focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience, as well as utilizing YouTube Analytics to refine your approach.
Sponsorships offer another lucrative avenue for income. They allow brands to partner with you, providing financial support in exchange for promoting their products or services. The key to attracting sponsors is to build an engaged audience and present your channel professionally. This involves creating a media kit that highlights your channel’s statistics and previous collaborations.
Merchandise sales also play a vital role in diversifying your income streams. By selling branded products, you can tap into your loyal fanbase, turning viewers into customers. Platforms like Shopify and Teespring make it easy to set up an online store, and YouTube’s merchandise shelf feature can help showcase your products directly beneath your videos.
Lastly, fostering engagement with your audience is essential for long-term success on the platform. Encouraging comments, responding to viewer feedback, and creating a sense of community can significantly enhance viewer retention and interaction. Engaged audiences are more likely to support your monetization efforts, whether through ad views, merchandise purchases, or channel memberships.
Creating quality content is not just about entertainment; it’s about providing value that keeps viewers coming back. Understanding your audience's interests and preferences is crucial. This can be achieved by analyzing comments, conducting surveys, and engaging with viewers through community posts and live streams.
By constantly refining your content based on audience feedback, you can build a loyal community that supports your monetization efforts. Remember, the more connected your audience feels, the more likely they are to engage with your content and help you grow.
To truly succeed in making money on YouTube, diversifying your income streams is key. Combining ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and crowdfunding can create a more stable financial foundation. This multi-faceted approach not only enhances your earnings but also allows you to explore different avenues for growth, reducing reliance on any single revenue source.
By keeping these points in mind and continually adapting your approach, you can successfully navigate the world of YouTube monetization. So, if you’ve ever wondered, "how do I make money on YouTube?" now you have a comprehensive roadmap to get started and thrive!