Are you struggling to make YouTube work for your business? Want to create content that not only gets views but actually converts viewers into customers? Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps to help you ace your YouTube strategy:
Step 1: Know Your Audience Inside Out | Think about it: How can you solve someone’s problem if you don’t know what it is? Here’s how to get into your ideal viewer’s head:
- Search like they do: Pop into YouTube’s search bar and type in questions your dream clients might ask. Do those autocomplete suggestions? Goldmine for video topics.
- Spy on successful videos: Find videos with high views but low-subscriber channels. That screams demand! Watch the top ones and spot gaps you can fill.
- Scroll through comments: People are practically handing you content ideas with their questions and pain points.
Step 2: Map Out a Content Plan That Works | Here’s the secret sauce: Start with eight videos.
- 2 broad topics: These are your hooks for a larger audience. For instance, a relationship coach might create, “5 Healthy Relationship Habits for Marriage.”
- 6 specific topics: Zoom in on your audience’s pain points. Example? “How to Save Your Marriage When Your Wife Moves Out.”
Remember, fewer views don’t mean failure. Those specific videos might attract fewer people, but they’ll be the ones ready to buy from you.
Step 3: Craft Click-Worthy Titles and Thumbnails | First impressions matter, especially on YouTube. Make sure your titles are clear and under 60 characters. Thumbnails? Big, bold text—just a few words, please.
Did you know you can A/B test thumbnails? Try three versions and let YouTube tell you what works best.
Step 4: Hook Viewers with the HOT Intro |Start your video with:
- Hook: Capture attention fast!
- Outcome: Show viewers what’s in it for them.
- Testimonial: Prove your credibility with a quick success story.
Example: “This is Josie. Her dog, Macy, used to attack her kids. Now Macy is a sweetheart. Let me show you how we did it!”
Step 5: Nail Your CTAs (Calls to Action)| Don’t wait until the end of the video to pitch! Add three CTAs:
- Right after your intro: Mention your service.
Example:“If you have an aggressive dog, book a call with me—link below.” - Mid-video: Offer something valuable.
Example: “I’ve created a free ebook about this—check the link below.” - End of the video: Hard sell + engagement.
Example:“Download my ebook, and check out my next video on a similar topic!”
Step 6: Publish, Learn, Repeat | Consistency is key. Post weekly or bi-weekly—whatever fits your schedule. Don’t stress about production quality when you’re starting. Focus on providing real value.
Once your video’s live, analyze it:
- Click-through rate (CTR): Are people clicking your title and thumbnail?
- Retention: Are they staying to watch?
And don’t just look at numbers. Comments often tell you exactly what your audience wants next.
Bottom line: You don’t need a huge audience to make YouTube work for you. With the right strategy, even a small but engaged viewer base can turn into loyal customers.