YouTube 101:
grow an Engaging outdoor & environmental youtube audience
Over the years we’ve helped different outdoor brands to build their YouTube audience, and we’ve grown our own along the way. YouTube remains a top platform for building your online presence and engaging with your audience. To create videos that truly stand out, you need to prioritize high-quality content and compelling storytelling. Here’s a guide to help you craft YouTube videos that capture attention and drive engagement:
1. Start with an Attention-Grabbing Title and Thumbnail
Your video title and thumbnail are the first things viewers see, and they determine whether someone will click on your video. Make them clear, concise, and intriguing. Use high-quality images and bold text for thumbnails, and craft titles that spark curiosity or promise value. For example:
- Title: “5 Easy Steps to Comfortable Camping with Your Family”
The Braker Bros YouTube channel and a view at our Shorts.
- Thumbnail: Bright, engaging image with bold text saying “Family Camping 101!”
2. Know Your Audience
Understanding your audience is crucial for creating relevant and engaging videos. Consider their interests, preferences, and what they hope to gain from your channel. If your audience is interested in fishing like ours, you could create content like recipe tutorials, trip summaries, and even recipe and cooking tips.
3. Tell a Compelling Story
Every great YouTube video tells a story. Start with a hook to grab attention in the first few seconds, provide valuable information or entertainment, and end with a clear call-to-action (CTA). For example, a van life vlogger could start with a stunning shot of a destination, share the journey and experiences, and end with “Subscribe for more travel adventures!”
4. Prioritize Valuable Content
Content is king on YouTube. Each video should offer something valuable, whether it’s educational information, entertainment, or inspiration. Ensure your viewers find your videos worth watching and sharing. This even includes YouTube shorts which you should absolutely be creating.
5. Focus on Quality Production
Quality matters on YouTube. Invest in good equipment for filming and editing, such as a high-resolution camera, good lighting, and clear audio. Pay attention to video and sound quality, as well as the overall production value. A lot of times this is tough to do in house. If you have the resources, it is always more effective to hire an outside company like us! (Contact Us)
6. Include Clear Calls-to-Action
Each video should have a clear CTA to encourage engagement. Whether it’s asking viewers to like, comment, subscribe, or visit your website, make your CTA clear and compelling. Use phrases like “Leave a comment below with your thoughts” or “Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips.”
7. Optimize for Search
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for YouTube. Use relevant keywords in your video title, description, and tags. Create detailed, keyword-rich descriptions and include links to related content. For example, we have used keywords like “fly fishing,” “fishing tips,” and “travel guide.”
A prime example of an outdoor brand that is KILLING the YouTube game. Check out Huckberry’s “Dirt” series for proper inspiration.
8. Engage with Your Audience
Engagement goes both ways on YouTube. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and interact with your community. Consider doing Q&A videos or live streams to connect with your audience in real-time. This builds a community and encourages more interaction with your content.
9. Analyze and Optimize
Regularly analyze your YouTube performance to understand what works best. Look at metrics like views, watch time, likes, comments, and shares. Use YouTube Analytics to gain insights and optimize your content strategy. For example, if you notice that tutorial videos get more engagement than vlogs, consider creating more tutorials.
Conclusion
Creating engaging videos on YouTube is an art that requires a balance of high-quality production, valuable content, and compelling storytelling. By following these steps, you can create videos that not only capture attention but also build lasting connections with your audience. Start crafting your captivating content today and watch your channel thrive!
