Putting out great content is only going to get you so far. Great discoverable content brings people to you. But, you really must have the “Know, Like and Trust” factor if you want to keep them around. Today, we’re going to talk about how to use this to build a die hard audience on your channel – even if it’s educational.
Creator Spotlight
But first, I want to introduce you to Laura Volpes and her card making channel. Before coming to us, Laura was putting out so much content, but she wasn’t having any growth. After working with us she was able to put out less content, but was actually growing and making personal connections with her viewers. This gave her a whole new purpose in creating. Go check out her channel to see how practically used community to grow her channel.
Community vs Discoverable
Community content is vital. It’s so good for your audience to see that you are a real person, just like them. The more they feel like they are just spending time with you and getting to know you, the more likely they will be to see your video on their homepage and to click on your next video.
Of course a discoverable videos is also important, but it’s different. In a discoverable video you are trying to put your best foot forward. It’s going to be a little more polished and more focused on delivering value. With community content, your goal is not to get 1 million clicks. (I mean, you can!) But, the goal is to be more personal. You want to show more of who you are and make deeper connections with your audience.
How to Do This
So how do you do this? If you are used to creating how-to videos, it’s going to feel really awkward to start doing a video about yourself. But, remember that your goal in community content is to connect with your viewers. (And if you engage with your viewers, they’re going to be more likely to engage with you.)
A good way to start making community content is to do “A Day in the Life” video. If you are a cooking channel, show a full start-to-finish of you filming a video. Show how you plan what to make, film yourself going to the store, then show how you actually film. What happens when the video is done? Does your family eat that for dinner? Audiences love this stuff! They feel like they’re part of the process!
Another way to make community content is to ask for questions in the comments. After you have enough, make a video answering all of them. Another way is to go live and do a Q&A session. It doesn’t have to be ALL about you, but just be more personal and reveal who you are.
Vulnerability
A lot of creators of educational channels especially insist that their channel is about teaching, not about their lives. You have to get rid of “expert-itis.” Presenting information is great, but you are not projecting to a classroom of people. Every time someone clicks on your video, it’s a one-on-one interaction. Share the funny backstory. Show your face! You are a real person and not just a computer program showing your viewer how to do something. An easy way to get started is just to share your story. How did you get begin making videos? How and why did you learn the skill you’re teaching? What made you want to make videos on this topic? What are your goals? Share this!
Benefits
Bringing people to your channel and providing valuable content is great. But it’s the connection that can explode a channel. Look at the channels you love to watch. Why do you binge their videos? Why do you like them and comment on their videos? It builds loyalty and trust. When you ask for something (maybe you’re selling merch or a course or sharing an affiliate link), they’re going to be far more likely to purchase.
Power Tip
Utilize the Community Tab! This is one of the most underutilized areas on channels. AND you can get metrics in YT Studio to track your progress. You need 500 subs to use this, but don’t just post about upcoming videos. It’s an opportunity to get your community engaged. Remember this is a visual platform, so use photos! Ask open ended questions and get your audience talking about themselves! Your goal should be to post on the community tab 2-5 times a week.
Have comments, reactions, questions about all of this or just want to say hi? Leave a voice message for us and we may use it in an upcoming podcast episode. Until then…
Keep Changing Lives!
Tim Schmoyer
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