A YouTube influencer is someone who has cultivated a massive audience in their niche, industry, or field.
Due to their immense platforms and
massive outreach, these YouTubers have the power to set trends and influence
their audiences. This has led to the rise of YouTube influencer marketing,
because companies want these people to spotlight their products in front their
ever-growing audience.
You’ve likely seen YouTube influencers
at work for yourself, and many of them seem to be having the time of their lives.
There are influencers in every niche and industry: from video games, travel
guides and experts, or just sitting at their desk opening packages or reviewing
products or books—and getting paid for it!
It seems to be an effortless way to
amass a fortune, right?
However, the truth is, becoming a YouTube influencer will take time and
commitment. You’ll need to create a plan early on, and then work consistently
towards reaching those goals.
The outcome?
There’s a lot of money to be made in
the world of YouTube influencers! In
addition, you can have a blast doing it.
This special report will provide you with all the information you need to get
started. So, without further delay, let’s begin!
Let’s start by taking a close look at some of the top influencers on YouTube.
Number 1 is still PewDiePie, with 108
million subscribers. His name is Felix Kjellberg and he’s a Swede living in the
United Kingdom.
PewDiePie is known for popular videos where he broadcasts a running commentary as he plays video games.
And people love watching him play. His
coverage has expanded into commentary and coverage of popular internet memes
and viral videos. In 2019, he made $13 million.
Coming in second place is the “Kids
Diana Show,” featuring Russian-speaking Diana and her brother Roma as they
unbox toys and go on fantastic adventures.
They have 73.2 million subscribers who love watching them open their packages.
Third is another children’s series:
Like Nastya. This one features Russian-American Stacy who plays with toys and
goes on adventures with her family. Stacy has 67.9 million followers.
Vlad and Niki, with 61.5 million
subscribers, are in fourth place with their videos showing the brothers playing
with toys and showing off their daily adventures.
And the fifth most popular influencers
for 2021 are “Dude Perfect,” five American guys who perform trick sports shots
and feature famous athletes playing along with them.
They’ve expanded into comedy recently,
and the crew is often joined by their giant panda mascot. Their viewers love
watching them set up their trick shots and perform with other athletes.
Other successful influencers include MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, who is known for two types of videos: viral challenges (like counting to 100,000 in one video) and attention-grabbing charity stunts (like donating thousands of dollars to small Twitch players or waitresses).
And then there’s Smosh, a comedy troop who performs skits and comedy series spinoffs, and Kimberly Loaiza, one of Mexico’s most popular social media stars who features videos on lifestyle and music.
The success of video creators like these has shifted the way traditional marketing works, as well as the ways that companies can reach their customers through social media.
There’s a lot of money in the marketing industry, especially with influencer marketing.
But how can you break into the
industry and start making money yourself?
Let’s take a closer look!
Start by creating
a plan of action.
This is where
you’ll lay out exactly what you’re
hoping to get out of building a YouTube presence. So, focus on your objectives
and overall goals.
This is going to
help you figure out what sort of video content you should create, and help to
determine who your target audience is.
What you’re
looking for is clear direction and intent so you can lay down a strong
foundation for your business. And that’s exactly what becoming a YouTube
influencer involves: building a targeted, flexible and rock-solid business.
Here are some steps you can take to get your
YouTube influencer career off the ground:
Step 1: Create a YouTube account and channel.
This is an
obvious first step, but you’d be surprised how many people leave this until
last.
It’s wise to
start with this so that you can begin to visualize your channel’s overall
brand, including your design as well as the type of graphics and thumbnails
you’ll use, and of course, your content.
Set up an account
and a channel name that is easy to remember and that reflects what you’re
doing.
Use keywords that
tell people exactly what your channel is about, or follow in the footsteps of
influencers such as Marques Brownlee, who uses his initials plus the
abbreviation for high definition to create his channel name: MKBHD.
It’s short handle that’s instantly recognizable across all his platforms and
memorable, which is key.
Brownlee reviews
tech, so the high definition refers to his content and gives you a hint of
what’s to come.
Step 2: Choose Your Niche.
Next, you want to
develop your channel’s goals and content which starts by defining your target
audience and niche.
This isn’t always
an easy task, especially if you are thinking about catering to multiple
markets.
Step 3: Define Your Voice
Defining the
voice of your brand and your channel is one of the most important things you’ll
do, and it’s always best to start once you’ve nailed down who your average
subscriber will be.
Many influencers have said that in order to figure out who their market is,
they created what is called a subscriber snapshot, which includes example
demographic information.
This would include gender, age, location, interests, passions, employment,
hobbies of those who would likely be interested in your content.
The better you know your audience—and the more you drill down into your niche
by creating a subscriber snapshot, the clearer your path will become because
you’ll know exactly what kind of content you should create in order to maximize
exposure.
Then, once you
get your voice down pat, you’ll need to find content that matches that voice.
The best way to develop your channel is just to be yourself.
Above all else,
it’s your personality that will keep viewers subscribed (and tuning in!) to
your channel, but you have to attract them there in the first place with solid
content that they want to watch.
Step 4: Create Engaging Content.
Once you’re
comfortable in front of the camera, it’s time to decide what sort of content
you’ll create, or broadcast.
Some popular
content styles include: how-to videos, product reviews, unboxing videos, and of
course, gaming and makeup tutorials.
The possibilities
are almost endless. Choose something that excites you so you will want to keep
making more videos, and make sure it’s something other people will see as
entertainment or a solution to one of their problems (educational).
You probably also
want to give yourself some flexibility so you can cover trending topics in your
niche.
That way you can
jump on the bandwagon if a big news story breaks and other YouTubers with
similar channels are talking about it. Put your unique spin on the topic even
if “everyone” is covering it.
Brainstorm some
ideas for your content before you jump right in. Make up a good, long list so
you won’t run out of video ideas before you even get started gaining an
audience.
Ask yourself what
other YouTubers in your niche are doing and what content they are creating.
Now, what’s
missing?
Can you put a new
spin on old content or a fresh twist to something they’ve already done?
What do you have that some other (famous)
YouTuber isn’t offering? Ask what problems your audience is facing in their
day-to-day lives.
Aim to create
content that solves those problems for them.
Step 5: Create your videos.
Often, what sets
one influencer apart from the crowd is the quality of their videos. They’re not
just putting out a lot of content—it’s good content.
Many professional
YouTubers have a specific team for such tricks as makeup, special sets, and shooting
from multiple angles. They use the best cameras and microphones, and they
invest in the best editing software. Your videos don’t have to be professional
quality at first, but you should make them the best you can. Your skills will
grow with your experience, so expect your quality to improve over time.
You also don’t
need a bunch of expensive equipment to get a professional look. If you’re just
getting started, you can film on any decent mobile phone and edit the video
using free apps.
Just remember
little tricks like using a tripod (or camera dolly) to minimize shake and give
your video a more professional feel.
You can also
incorporate free footage into your videos. And remember the “rule of thirds”
when framing yourself in the screen: mentally divide your image with a grid
composed of two horizontal and two vertical lines, breaking each section into
thirds (thus, the name).
Many cameras
(even on cellphones) have a setting that will do this for you as you shoot.
The rule is to
place your subject near or on top of one of the lines—or at an intersection—to
create balance in the photograph.
Step 6: Use the algorithms.
In order for you
to become successful at YouTube, obviously your content must be discovered by
people who are interested in your topic.
And in order for
that to happen, you must learn how videos get found and what you can do to
optimize your own content.
This includes
tricks like putting keywords into your titles and video descriptions, finding
the best name for your videos, and directing your audience to keep following
your channel by providing buttons at the end of each video (“Subscribe now” or
“Follow me”).
Do a little
research and see what keywords and phrases other YouTubers in your niche are
using, then add those to your list.
Think of what
questions your audience might be asking and be sure your keywords are the
answers to those questions.
Also, remember to
use compelling thumbnails, not just allow YouTube to select a random still
frame from somewhere in the video. Select something eye-catching that will
reflect your video’s content and entice the reader to watch.
Step 7: Post consistently.
When it comes to
YouTube, consistency is the key.
Develop a content
calendar and post regularly. Two to three times a week seems to be the magic
number that results in the best growth.
Your viewers
should come to expect—and count on---regular video content from your channel.
Setting this expectation encourages them to pop in at specific times during the
week.
It also creates
accountability on your end so you won’t try to get away with skipping the video
“just this once.”
A content
calendar also keeps you from scrambling at the last minute to find something to
post about.
And finally, the
bigger your library, the more time viewers will spend on your channel watching
your videos. And that will only improve your algorithms.
Step 8: Build a social presence.
It may seem
obvious, but you need to create social media pages and profiles for your video
channel on every platform where your
audience hangs out. Sure, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram are the
biggest platforms, but depending on who your viewers are, you may also need to
target others as well: Snapchat, Twitch, or even Pinterest.
Do your homework
and find out which networks are popular with your audience, and which networks
your competitors are using to advertise.
Once you have the
social media platforms, fill out each form as completely as you can. Your
channel’s profile page should have links to your playlist, your “highlight”
reel, and your blog and/or website.
The more
descriptive and informative you are in your bios, the more potential viewers
will see you as an expert and want to follow you to YouTube and watch your
videos.
And don’t just
create a bunch of profile pages and forget about them. Social media is meant to
be…social. Create content that
encourages viewers to comment. Start conversations with your followers by
asking for their opinions or their help. And always try to respond to any
comments you may get.
Show your
audience you value their input and are trying to create the best channel
possible—for their benefit. The more you interact with your viewers, the more
they’ll respond. And that’s the key to becoming a true influencer.
Step 9:
Evaluate (and know your metrics).
Once you get a
few videos under your belt, it’s time to evaluate how well you’re doing.
YouTube’s analytics software will tell you the number of watch views and
comments, and the audience demographics.
This information
will help you create more targeted videos that appeal directly to your audience
members.
Use the Audience Retention Graphs to show your
viewers’ habits and see how much of your videos they’re watching.
·
Which videos did your followers engage with
the most?
·
What could have encouraged that engagement?
·
When are they clicking away from your channel?
·
What sort of content can you create next that
is similar to your most popular content?
Also, check your
feedback.
Are there any
comments or responses you can use to help you improve your channel?
Always take note when a follower comments or mentions you on their own page. Their response is a direct reflection of your audience’s sentiments for your content, and that can help you create better content that more accurately engages them.
In order to create high quality videos
for your channel, you’re going to need some equipment.
Five pieces of equipment, to be
precise: a camera, a microphone, a tripod (or gimbal), lights, and editing
software.
You don’t have to spend thousands of
dollars, but try to get the best you can afford.
Camera: this is perhaps the most
important piece of equipment you’ll purchase, but fortunately there are many
affordable options on the market.
Filmmaker Jenn Shadd recommends
getting a camera that shoots in 1080p at least. Her suggestions include a
decent DSLR camera like the Nikon D5600 or Canon EOS 70D.
Microphone: when you’re just
starting out, your cellphone or computer microphone should do just fine, but
Shadd recommends getting a quality microphone as soon as you can.
She explains that investing in a
decent mic will “increase the quality of your videos by ensuring crisp audio
and room for more editing possibilities.”
She suggests a lavalier microphone for
dialogue-heavy videos, such as the Rode smartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier.
And if you’re doing handheld work,
Shadd recommends a shotgun microphone that can plug directly into your camera,
like the Rode Compact On-Camera Microphone.
Tripods: you’ll need a
tripod or gimbal to stabilize your camera and give you a steady, high quality
shot.
If you’re planning a mostly stationary
shot, like a view of you unboxing products or interviewing people, a tripod is
your best option.
If you’re going to be doing more
handheld shooting, though, Shadd recommends something along the lines of the
FeiyuTech G6max Camera Gimbal or the iPhone Gimbal Stabilizer.
Lights: Shadd suggests you utilize two softboxes, one
on either side of your camera, to produce “a clean, well-produced look.”
If you’re looking to save a little
money, check out right lights. They’ll give a soft “glow” to a single subject.
On the other hand, if you want a bit
more control, Shadd recommends you invest in an LED kit, which will give you
color warmth and dimming options.
Editing
software: editing tools are essential for a YouTuber. Shadd’s pick is Adobe
Premiere Pro because it’s “straight-forward enough for novices to learn on, yet
capable of satisfying the complex technical needs of professional projects.”
Adobe is also the industry standard,
so if you can possibly afford it, invest the money.
If you’re brand new to editing and
want to learn the basics before spending that much, Shadd says that iMovie is
“the perfect, free resource for creators just starting out.”
“If you’re overwhelmed by the
countless (and usually expensive) gear options,” Shadd says, “just grab your
phone and get to work. The content part of your work will be the foundation of
your success.”
Once you’ve found your niche and set
up your channel, social media expert Heidi Dean suggests some ways you can
promote your channel and videos.
Create a trailer that will auto-play
for viewers not already subscribing to your channel. According to Dean,
trailers that are “short, exciting, and [that] end with a call to action to
subscribe” are the ones that work out best.
Add a subscribe link – an automated
pop-up that lets viewers simply click to subscribe. Dean calls this “the secret
sauce for increasing subscribers.”
Create branded watermarks for all your
videos and link them so your viewers can subscribe by clicking them.
Create “bright, high-resolution,
compelling thumbnails overlaid with the title of your video” to make your videos
stand out from the crowd.
Your title should be short enough so
the viewer will type it into the search bar. “Pro tip,” says Dean, “only the
first 45 characters of your title are viewable in search.”
The good
news is that you don’t necessarily need to have millions of followers to
monetize your YouTube channel.
There
are many brands out there who are looking for “micro-influencers” —YouTubers
who have a smaller, but very loyal, audience base.
Start by
becoming familiar with things like your engagement rate, conversion rate,
demographic information, and any other analytics you think might be relevant.
Keep
records of these statistics so you have some evidence to show prospective brand
partners.
Then,
you’ll need to identify those brands you want to work with.
Which
companies have values and goals that are aligned with your own?
Who
reflects your work ethic or mission statement?
Run a
Google search for brands that relate to your niche—and don’t just target the
large companies, either. Start a list of possibilities and run with it.
You can
make money either through advertising or sponsorship. Advertising is still one
of the main ways of monetizing your channel.
Once
you’ve reached 1,000 subscribers and have 4,000 watch hours in the past 12
months, you’ll qualify for YouTube’s partner program, which allows you to
monetize your channel with advertisements that play during the video.
But one
of the most effective strategies is sponsorship, where you are paid by a brand
to advertise their products on your videos.
You can
either create entire videos devoted to the products or feature those products
during your regular videos.
In
effect, you’ll become a spokesperson for their brand. And when you’re partnered
with a brand, you can also make money through affiliate links, where you get a
commission when your
viewers
click on a link to the brand and make a purchase there.
You can
convince these brands to partner with you by using two different methods: direct or indirect contact.
Direct
contact should be self-explanatory. You reach out to the company yourself,
giving your evidence to prove they should be working with you.
This is
your best move if you want to be proactive. Be sure that your reasons make
sense to the brand.
For
example, if you’re reviewing tech products, it doesn’t make much sense to try
to ally yourself with a dressmaker.
However,
if you’re planning on advertising their products by modeling the outfits in
your videos, they might go along with it.
You’ll
want to have some statistics about the number of followers you have, both on
your channel and your social media platform, and on things like average video
views, so you have hard facts to convince the brand to work with you.
Indirect
methods include linking to their products in your videos or social media posts
or giving a shout-out to their brand.
You’ll
still need to convince the brand to work with you, but your method of contact
will be a little different. Instead of emailing the brand, you want to build
rapport by tagging them in your content or giving the brand a shout-out, then
contacting the company via direct messaging.
If
you’re not having much luck reaching out on your own, you might try reaching
out to local companies that might be more likely to partner up.
You can
also consider contacting an influencer agency that can handle marketing for
you. YouTube Influencer agencies are advertising and marketing companies that
match YouTubers with companies looking for social media influencers.
The
agency will get a cut of the payments from the brand, but you wouldn’t need to
worry about logistics like administrative tasks or client contracts.
YouTube
can be quite lucrative for people who understand how their platform works and
how to utilize their own skills to their best advantage. If you pay attention
to some of the top YouTube influencers, you’ll see that they make influencing
their job, working nearly round-the-clock to network and gain more exposure for
themselves and their channels.
You’ll
see them attending exclusive events and hobnobbing with celebrities. Many of
them have six-figure yearly earnings.
The
question is: how can you join them?
Once
you’ve figured out your niche and started creating quality videos, you’re on
the way.
Now, you
just have to put in the work hours and advertise yourself as an expert, so
you’ll attract that loyal audience. That audience is the key to growing your
business and making money on YouTube.
Think of
it this way: the more followers you have, the more potential customers.
And if
you’re partnered with a larger brand, you might be able to attract some of
their customers as well. The key is to keep them satisfied with your channel
and continue to engage with as many as possible.
Continue
to produce those quality videos as often as you can—at least two to three times
a week.
Attract
your followers to your brand by solving their problems and offering them
entertainment along with your educational material.
The more
you can build your audience, the more chances you have to convert those
followers into loyal customers.
If you
convince them that your products or services offer the solutions to their
problems, you’ll have those customers, and they’ll stay with you so long as you
continue to offer what they need.
Once you
reach around 10,000 views on your channel, you’ve got a good potential to get
paid—and that potential will rise with every 10,000 views you garner.
So,
you’re not only gaining potential customers, but earning money through
advertisements and sponsorships. It’s truly a “win-win” situation.
To your success!