TPS (Total Pro Sports)
For Sports Fans by Sports Fans
Earlier/Later
Client
- TotalProSports
Date
- November 2014 - March 2022
My Role
- Content Development & Format Testing
Led competitive research to define TPS’s editorial voice. Piloted and refined video formats, prioritizing evergreen list videos and NFL content to drive consistent engagement. - Team Growth & Talent Strategy
Scaled hosting and writing teams, assigning content based on tone and subject. Transitioned from repurposed blog scripts to platform-native storytelling written for YouTube retention. - Brand Identity & Visual Design
Built a recognizable YouTube presence through logo-based branding, evolving thumbnails, and on-screen presentation. Shifted visual tone to feel more fan-first and authentic.
Building the concept
TechRepublic was competing in a saturated tech media space but lacked the strategy and resources to stand out.
We analyzed competitors like MKBHD, Linus Tech Tips, Digital Trends, and CNET (which was once part of TechRepublic) to understand how successful channels kept their audience engaged.
Total Pro Sports (TPS) was already a successful website with a strong presence in the sports media space. However, its YouTube channel was little more than a storage space, housing random video content without a cohesive strategy. When I joined, TPS had 1,500 subscribers, and engagement was virtually nonexistent. The goal was clear: transform the channel into a viable content platform that could stand on its own while aligning with YouTube’s algorithm and audience expectations.
TPS was stepping into an already saturated sports content niche, meaning we had to be strategic. YouTube doesn’t necessarily reward new content—it rewards content that viewers are already watching. To succeed, we had to analyze what worked in the space and figure out how to do it better.
After Revamp
Changes Made
Our strategy paid off. By the time I left TPS, we had:
- Hit over 1 million subscribers
- Produced multiple videos that surpassed 3M, 4M, and 5M views
- Increased click-through rates (CTR) with highly optimized thumbnails
- Established a dedicated revenue stream from YouTube, making the channel financially independent from the website
Most importantly, TPS YouTube evolved into a standalone brand with its own voice, audience, and income. What started as an experimental extension of a website became a major sports media player on YouTube.
Key Takeaways
- Content strategy matters: Research and adapt to what works on YouTube.
- Brand identity evolves: From voiceovers to green screens to on-camera engagement, audience preferences shift.
- Retention tactics win: Structuring videos effectively keeps viewers watching longer.
- Thumbnails are make-or-break: Investing in high-quality visuals drives CTR and growth.
- Quality over quantity: We reduced unnecessary content production while still growing the channel.
TPS YouTube went from a neglected storage space to a thriving, million-subscriber powerhouse. I’m proud of the work I did to help build something sustainable and successful from the ground up.
