Added: Feb 7, 2012

From: TheLateBoyScout

Duration: 5:39

ZombieSurvivalShow is a new Youtuber making great content (I suggest you check out his growing channel), but attracting an audience when you first start out is not easy. He sent me a PM asking for advice, and as I began to write back, I realized that what I was sharing could be useful to many more content producers here on Youtube. My success here has been modest, at best, but over the past two years, I've learned some things I'd like to share about building my audience, and putting out content that has real value. I hope what I have to say here helps some of you who are also looking to build your channels. With a wealth of great ideas and insight ready to be shared by so many determined individuals out there, and a stage as easily accessible as Youtube, success (however you define it) is free to be had if you just reach for it. Thanks to all those over the past 2 years whose positive feedback has motivated me to continue, as well as to those whose criticisms have helped to shape my content into something better. -Scout With the limited success I've had, I want to share what I think are the keys to growing your audience if you're just getting started: 1. Provide consistent, quality content 2. Show lots of appreciation to others for their content 3. Stick with it don't take your success for granted Expanding on point 1: I usually record several videos all in a row - maybe once every other week, and upload them over time. That way I can dedicate a good amount of time to editing, but also fulfill my many real-world obligations. I do plenty of re-takes, and sometimes disregard videos I don't like to keep quality up. I try to let my personality and humor come through - that goes a long way - but I also try to stay on point as I speak so I don't bore anyone. Also, I try to keep things short when I can, and always thank my audience. Being controversial/radical/crude/etc. is a method lots of people use to get views, I choose not to do that, because I don't think it's sustainable - also it's just not me. Expanding on point 2: As you continue to provide good content, let your audience grow organically - and it will. Using programs and what-not to grow your subscriber base, or get artificial views may work in the short term, but - again, I don't think its sustainable so I've stayed away from all that. Don't underestimate good titles and thumbnails. Some marginally helpful videos out there are very popular because of the title and thumbnail. When you're just starting out, you need to get your name out there. subscribe to tons of channels that are similar to yours. Watch and comment on their content, send sincere, personal PM's occasionally, and try to build some friendships. Networking is a huge part of building your own subscriber base. As they get to know you, and get a taste for your content, they'll subscribe, and your audience will grow. Expanding on point 3: Be patient, and persevere. Try not to do too much too fast, or you'll burn out. Really love what you talk about, or you'll eventually stop. Ultimately, you have to stick with it. If you can keep it up past 3 months, you'll probably make it to 6. If you can keep it up for a year, you may never want to stop. Once you make partner, you'll have added incentive which may make this a self-sustaining hobby, but try to keep doing it because you love it - your audience can tell if you don't. Never take your audience for granted. Also, subscription numbers don't mean much if you can't keep your view-count up. Only 10-20% of my subscribers actually watch my videos. That's higher for some, lower for others, but fairly typical of many channels. Realize your subs are people; they're not obligated to watch, and they've got other things to do too, so thank them. Don't assume they'll watch whatever you throw out there, or that they need to constantly be updated on your personal life. I call my audience "friends" but I realize most of them are not. It's really more of a business relationship, and when they stop getting what they came for, they'll stop coming. Lastly, in regard to negative comments... it's better to just delete and block someone if they're being an out-right troll - don't engage with them at all. At the same time, challenging, disagreeing comments can sometimes propel the discussion and enrich the learning experience for all, so try to see the kernel of sincerity in the comment and don't get offended by it. I thank you all for watching and subscribing, and I hope the next two years will just as fun for all of us.

Channel: Howto

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