YouTube Channel Manager & SEO Specialist (Growth, Analytics & Airtable Tracking)

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented YouTube Channel Manager and SEO Specialist to take over the optimization, strategy, and daily management of our YouTube channel. The ideal candidate is a data-driven growth expert who understands the YouTube algorithm, possesses advanced knowledge of tools like VidIQ, and has a strict adherence to operational workflows (using Airtable and Google Drive). You will be responsible for expanding our reach, improving click-through rates (CTR), and managing our content calendar from audit to promotion. **Key Responsibilities & Scope of Work** 1. Full Channel Optimization & SEO Visual Branding & Layout: Audit and update the channel banner, profile images, About section, and overall visual branding to ensure a cohesive look. Keyword & Description Optimization: Rewrite keyword-rich channel and video descriptions, utilize targeted tags, and implement strategic branded hashtags. Advanced Video SEO: Conduct deep keyword research per video using VidIQ to maximize search rankings. Optimize titles, tags, and category assignments to boost algorithmic recommendations. 2. Content Strategy & Planning Audits & Competitor Analysis: Analyze our top and low-performing videos to scale what works. Study niche competitors to identify trending topics, content gaps, and differentiator opportunities. Content Calendar: Build and maintain a consistent content calendar featuring strong hooks and titles designed to maximize CTR. Retention Architecture: Manually implement chapters (timestamps), end screens, and info cards for every single video to boost audience retention. 3. Workflow, Tracking & A/B Testing Airtable & Drive Protocol: Manage daily content scheduling via Google Drive ("Daily Content" folder) and strictly update our Airtable tracking system (Title, URL/Link, and updating status to "Scheduled"). A/B Testing: Actively run A/B testing on thumbnails and titles for underperforming videos to iterate and drive higher CTR. KPI Tracking: Monitor weekly and monthly analytics (Views, Subscribers, CTR, Average Watch Time, and ideal posting windows) to adjust ongoing strategies. 4. Promotion & Community Engagement Community Management: Engage with our YouTube community every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning, including creating interactive polls. Organic Promotion: Repurpose highlights into short-form content for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter). Drive targeted traffic via Reddit and Quora by providing genuine value. Backlink Creation & Paid Ads: Build external visibility via backlink sharing on blogs/forums and assist in setting up/monitoring targeted YouTube and Meta Ads campaigns. Job Requirements Proven track record growing YouTube channels (please provide case studies or portfolio links). Expert-level proficiency with VidIQ or TubeBuddy. Experience with Airtable and Google Drive workflow management. Strong understanding of YouTube analytics, CTR optimization, and A/B testing methodologies. Excellent copywriting skills for writing compelling, hook-heavy titles and SEO descriptions. Familiarity with cross-platform social media promotion (Reddit, Quora, Meta). Screening Questions (Copy and paste these into Upwork) 1. Can you share a link to a YouTube channel you have personally managed or optimized, and explain the growth results you achieved? 2. Explain your workflow for conducting keyword research on a new video using VidIQ. 3. This role requires strict adherence to an Airtable tracking protocol and a specific community engagement schedule (Tue/Thu/Sat mornings). Confirm you are comfortable with this structured workflow.