100th Episode, Upcoming Videos, and Making Money on YouTube

100 videos!

I’ve been very busy with Wichita State Track & Field, so I haven’t felt like there has been much to blog about. But this week I’ll be releasing my 100th video on Travel with a Wiseguy, so I thought it might be appropriate to give some updates on how the channel is going.

First of all, these 100 videos have seemed to fly by. I posted the first video on July 23, 2020, and have been able to publish at least one every Thursday since. While these first 100 videos have seemed to fly by, looking back I do realize how much time and effort I’ve put into it. It really didn’t hit me until I did the 100th video. SPOILER ALERT – Video 100 will be a compilation of the first 100 videos. It’s a fun look back at what I’ve been fortunate to document the past two years.

When you are doing anything on a consistent basis, you don’t realize the totality of it until you take a step back. Putting together this 100th video was that for me. Comparing it to my real job of coaching track – maybe when I retire from coaching, I’ll think about it, but I know there are so many memories, championships, all-Americans, etc – it’s almost impossible to keep track of.

But since this travel stuff is on YouTube it’s easier to keep track of haha. Anyways, if you’re a fan of what I’ve done so far, I think you’ll enjoy Thursday’s video. And if you’re just into old ghost towns – don’t worry – I’ve got another one of those next week!

What’s coming up next on Travel with a Wiseguy

I’ve been working on some videos for the upcoming weeks, and if you’re still reading this, then here is a sneak peak of my upcoming release schedule (it’s always changing).

100 – April 28 – 100th video compilation

101 – May 5 – Kansas Ghost Towns 9 – Woods, Springfield, Fargo Springs, Arkalon

102 – May 9 (Bonus) – Eugene, Oregon Drone Tour

103 – May 12 – Route 66 Missouri Ghost Towns – Times Beach, Rosati, Arlington, Devil’s Elbow

104 – May 19 – Oklahoma Ghost Towns 6 – Shamrock, Fallis, Ingalls, Ingersoll

105 – May 26 – A visit to Pre’s Rock in Oregon (track people know what I’m talking about)

106 – June 2 – Missouri Ghost Towns 4 – Calm, Burfordville, Old Appleton

107 – June 9 – Kansas Ghost Towns 10 – Bloom, Lexington, Sitka, Englewood

I’ve got four other videos filmed already, but don’t know the schedule beyond June 9 yet. I’m looking forward to having some time this summer to add to the list!

Monetization of the channel – Amazon Affiliate Program

If I were trying to promote how to make money on this stuff, I should’ve put it at the top right? Haha. I’m still figuring out my philosophy for this, so I’ll put it down here for those who are the most diehard fans (thank you to all 3 of you haha).

Travel with a Wiseguy got monetized in December of 2021. It’s making between $100-$200/month right now simply from views and ads on my videos. It’s nothing to go crazy about, but it’s nice to get a little something for the effort. I haven’t asked anyone for money or anything, but I’ve started to look at other ways people can support if they’re interested without giving money.

Right now, the best thing to do is to watch the videos, like, comment, share, etc. Subscribe if you haven’t already. I think the more videos are liked and commented on, the more they get suggested to others. So, if you like it, then like it haha.

Something I recently added to see how it works is the Amazon Affiliate Program. If you look at a recent video description, I’ve put links to things I use to make videos and where you can buy them on Amazon. If you click on that link and buy ANYTHING on Amazon, I can get a little commission. So, if you’re going to buy stuff on Amazon anyways, then this is a good way to support the channel without giving extra money. I haven’t made a public announcement yet because I want to see how it works for a while first.

I’ve been chatting with our resident t-shirt expert (and WSU jumps coach) Heidi Benton about potentially launching a merchandise store. That seems way too much work during the track season haha. Maybe I’ll think about that more in the summer.

ANYways – thank you to everyone who continues to support this hobby and happy travels!