YouTube isn't just for cooking tutorials and gaming walkthroughs; it might be one of the most powerful book marketing tools authors aren't using. In this episode, Ferol sits down with Dale Roberts, host of Self-Publishing with Dale and one of the most-watched voices in the indie author space, to break down exactly how authors can build a YouTube presence that actually connects with readers and sells books.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The separate-profile research hack that lets YouTube train its own algorithm to show you exactly what your ideal readers are watching
• The three types of YouTube content (long form, Shorts, and live video), and why you should try all three before committing to one
• Why fiction authors don't have to talk about writing craft, and the smarter content angle most are missing
• The "seeding" strategy: how many videos to have ready before you ever go public
• The single biggest mistake Dale sees authors make on YouTube (hint: it's not gear or lighting)
• What gear actually matters, and the one purchase to prioritize if you have a limited budget
• A surprising new YouTube feature that's showing up in the Shorts shelf without recording a single video
• How pen name authors can build a YouTube presence without revealing their real identity
• What's changed on YouTube in the last year or two, and why human creators have an edge right now

Dale also shares the story of building four fully monetized YouTube channels over 10 years, starting completely by accident in 2016.

Want to learn more ways to reach readers? Visit writtenwordmedia.com for author resources, book promotion tools, and more.

The Written Word Podcast is produced by Heart Centered Podcasting.

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