Today we're talking to Sean Cannell, who is an avid YouTuber and a cofounder of the popular YouTube channel Video Influencers. As you might suspect, that means he's an expert on YouTube marketing. He's the go-to guy if you want to improve your YouTube engagement or deepen your understanding of the platform. We get down to the nitty-gritty on how you can improve your presence on YouTube and Beyond!

Find Out More About Sean Here:

Sean Cannell@SeanCannell on Twitterlearnyoutubetoday.com

In This Episode:

• [02:03] - Sean discusses the difference between tactics and strategy as they relate to YouTube. He emphasizes the importance of starting with a strategy instead of tactics.
• [04:17] - What advice does Sean have for podcasters wanting to leverage their podcasts on YouTube?
• [07:29] - Sean is doing video everywhere, not just on YouTube, he explains. However, YouTube is his favorite outlet. He talks about the different psychology between Facebook and YouTube users.
• [11:17] - Sean touches on the use of YouTube videos on LinkedIn.
• [11:26] - Stephan offers an example of his own (involving Jonathan Fields) about the importance of understanding the algorithm you're dealing with.
• [13:31] - We hear Sean's thoughts on SnapChat and its lack of lasting, ongoing content.
• [15:30] - Sean talks about his thought process when decided between different kinds of show formats (such as one-man shows, interviews, etc.) and possible topics.
• [19:26] - How important is whiteboarding? It's critical, Sean answers, and explains why.
• [22:19] - Sean talks about his usage of b-roll and screensharing.
• [24:18] - Sean discusses using webinars as YouTube videos. He gives advice on how to create interest in the replay of the webinar.
• [27:16] - What sorts of funnels is Sean using across the different monetization strategies that he uses?
• [29:09] - Sean talks about baby offers or tripwires, explaining what he means with the terms and how he applies the concept.
• [32:09] - Stephan recaps some of what Sean has been saying to make sure it's clear.
• [32:33] - Making a video unlisted is the YouTube equivalent of a gateway video, Sean explains. He and Stephan then talk about Wistia and its turnstyle option.
• [34:33] - Sean discusses his views on scaling. He also talks about viral videos.
• [39:49] - VidCon is more fan-based than business-focused, Sean says, and suggests getting industry tickets if you decide to go. A better conference is VidSummit.
• [41:26] - Stephan talks about his experience at VidCon, including learning who The Try Guys are. Sean expands on what Stephan has been saying and talks about influencer marketing.
• [44:41] - Sean discusses metrics in terms of the price of influencer marketing.
• [49:07] - Sean talks about his video How to Get Free Stuff on Amazon, which has close to two million views. He then explains YouTube's analytics and the metrics that the site particularly values.
• [52:39] - Stephan starts off a lightning round of quick questions and answers. The first question: what's the best time to post on YouTube?
• [53:52] - What's some of Sean's favorite equipment? His biggest tip is to start with whatever you have. He then goes on to give tips on some product
• [56:13] - What software does Sean recommend?
• [56:56] - What does Sean do to pimp out video thumbnails?
• [57:44] - How do you pimp out your channel page? In response, Sean offers seven quick tips.
• [61:39] - What's the best way to get in touch with Sean?

Take Your Marketing to the Next Level:

1. Take a step back and think about the content that I'll be delivering to add value to my target audience. Use this to create my strategy for my YouTube channel.
2. Think of my YouTube channel in terms of having a show. This means uploading something regularly (at least weekly, if not more often).
3. Instead of trying to add videos to my podcasts, shoot solo videos for YouTube. I can then use the audio from those videos as podcast episodes.

Links and Resources:

Sean Cannell @SeanCannell on TwitterLearnyoutubetoday.comThe School of Greatness podcastJonathan Fields on the Optimized GeekMarie ForleoRand FishkinMozBrendon BurchardOBSVideo Ranking AcademyWistiaJamie Salvatori on Marketing SpeakVidConVidSummitVloggerFairThe Try GuysSocial BluebookHow to Get Free Stuff on AmazonYouTube Equipment List for Making VideosRode smartLav+ Lavalier MicrophoneRode NTG2 Condenser Shotgun MicrophoneMevo - Live Event Camera for iOS devicesArkon iPhone Tripod Mountlimo studioWirecastCanvaHow to Make a YouTube Custom Thumbnail TutorialThe Very Thing That Terrifies You Is Where Your Treasure Lies: Stephan Spencer Huffington Post Article