Developing a YouTube Audience: A #CMWorld Chat with Tim Schmoyer

If you are a regular Content Marketing Institute blog reader, you know we are big believers of a documented content strategy. In fact, our annual research found the “most successful” marketers believe in documentation too.

But a documented strategy is only the beginning. Once you’ve created content, CMI founder Joe Pulizzi says you need to focus on audience building. But how do you successfully do that in a noisy, crowded space?

To share his real-world experience and advice, we invited Tim Schmoyer to lead a conversation on a recent #CMWorld Twitter chat. Tim was among the first content creators to be officially certified by YouTube in “Audience Growth.” He started his first YouTube channel in 2006 and has since amassed hundreds of thousands of followers.

What follows is a brief glimpse into our conversation with Tim. If you’d like to see more tweets from his chat, take a look at our Twitter Moment.

Sustaining an audience can be challenging for content creators. What elements can your YouTube channel have to ensure audiences will actively seek out your videos and become a loyal viewer?

A2: The thing most creators overlook is wrapping their channel around a belief. Most revolve around the WHAT, which places them in competition w/ thousands of other channels. The WHY differentiates you and quickly builds a human connection with ppl who share that belief #CMWorld

— Tim Schmoyer (@timschmoyer) June 19, 2018

A2 I’ve observed few things from top Youtubers.

1. Personalised content.
2. Timely content relating to festive seasons.
3. Adding funny things in their videos.
4. Partnerships with other Youtubers.#CMworld

— Krishna Rg? (@krishnarg22) June 19, 2018

A2: It’s like with any content. We have to have videos that add value to viewers. Something not every Tom, Dick, and Harry is doing. Something that establishes us as a credible source. #CMWorld

— Narmadhaa (@s_narmadhaa) June 19, 2018

A2 I also think your channel needs “personality” which if you know your why… this should help. #CMWorld

— Amanda Subler (@AmandaSubler) June 19, 2018

Once someone views a video, what are ways to convert them to subscribers?

A6: “If this is your first time here [hook attention], I’d love to have you subscribe [CTA] because we’re all about helping you grow your YouTube audience [WHAT] so you can reach people and change their lives [WHY].” I do it in every video: https://t.co/tfTk05hJ74 #CMWorld

— Tim Schmoyer (@timschmoyer) June 19, 2018

A6: Have a call to action in the video. I also retarget people who like or comment because that shows interest. #CMWorld https://t.co/c3QA7D4NiW

— Carlarjenkins (@carlarjenkins) June 19, 2018

How are you building an ongoing relationship with your audience? Let us know in the comments below.

Tim will be sharing more of his secrets for developing a YouTube audience at this year’s Content Marketing World. Sign up today with promo code SM100 to save $100 on your registration.