Are you using YouTube for book marketing? Here's why you'll want to along with tips for doing it effectively.<\/em><\/pre>\n
When I Googled \u201chow to change an oven lightbulb,\u201d the first search result was a YouTube video.<\/p>\n
And that\u2019s exactly what I wanted. I didn\u2019t want to read<\/em> about how to do it. I wanted someone to show<\/em> me how to do it.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not alone. With 2.6 billion users worldwide<\/a>, YouTube is the second most popular social media platform (Facebook is first). Whether you need instruction, entertainment, or news, you\u2019ll find what you need in a video.<\/p>\n
In fact, Tubics<\/a> reports it\u2019s the most popular search engine for teenagers. (If you write for young adults, now\u2019s the time to perk up.)<\/p>\n
This means that YouTube is a powerful marketing tool that can be used to sell books. It also means that you want to use YouTube for book marketing.<\/p>\n
Why YouTube is a powerful marketing tool for books<\/h2>\n
If you’re an author looking to get your work out there, YouTube should be your go-to platform. Here are five reasons why:<\/p>\n
1. There’s a huge book community on YouTube.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
There are tons of booktubers<\/a> and bookish channels on YouTube, which means there’s already a built-in audience for your book’s content. If you produce quality videos<\/a>, you will attract and acquire passionate book fans.<\/p>\n
2. You can reach a global audience.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
YouTube is available in more than 80 countries and reaches billions of people around the world. This gives you the opportunity to connect with book lovers from all over, no matter where they are.<\/p>\n
3. You can connect with other authors.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
YouTube is a great place to connect with other authors and build relationships. Collaborate on videos, cross-promote each other’s work, support each other’s careers.<\/p>\n
4. It\u2019s a brand-builder.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Use video to share your personality and connect with your audience on a personal level. This can help you attract more readers and followers.<\/p>\n
5. It\u2019s a moneymaker.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If you build a large enough following, you can make money from YouTube through sponsorships<\/a>, affiliate links, and advertisements. This can help offset self-publishing and marketing costs.<\/p>\n
How to create a YouTube channel for your book<\/h2>\n
The process for creating your own YouTube channel is similar to what you\u2019ve done already with your social media profiles. Here are the steps to follow so you use YouTube for book marketing effectively:<\/p>\n
Choose a catchy name.<\/strong> Select something that will make people want to subscribe so they\u2019re notified when you add videos.<\/p>\n
I use my YouTube channel as a brand extension, so my channel name is Build Book Buzz<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Create a visually appealing channel banner. <\/strong>Make sure it’s consistent with your book\u2019s branding<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Upload a professional headshot as your profile picture. <\/strong>Use the same image that you use on other social networks.<\/p>\n
Write your channel description.<\/strong> This is where you’ll tell viewers what they can expect to find on your channel.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s mine: Tips, tactics and tools for generating awareness and buzz about your books. Subscribe to our free book marketing newsletter at http:\/\/buildbookbuzz.com\/gift<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n
Start creating and uploading videos.<\/strong> There are so many possibilities! Share book trailers, how-tos, readings, Q&As, behind-the-scenes looks, interviews with others, and anything else you can think of.<\/p>\n
A few video basics<\/h2>\n
You want your videos to be as effective as possible, right? For that reason, make sure they\u2019re high quality and engaging<\/strong><\/a>. No one wants to watch a low-quality, boring video, so focus on creating something that\u2019s interesting and will hold viewers’ attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cQuality,\u201d by the way, applies to audio as well as video. You\u2019ll lose viewers if your audio isn\u2019t strong and clear.<\/p>\n