YouTubing

I came across a video today which advertised a course. This course was all about telling you how to become a successful makeup guru on YouTube.

Now I am sure that it tells you a lot of other things too but I would tentatively suggest that you do not need to shell out cash on an e-book to get subscribers.

Here are some suggestions that I would make to anyone who wants a helping hand into the world of YouTube. There are plenty of viewers to go around so I think everyone reading this blog should get involved :)

1) I think the golden rule of YouTube is to make the kind of videos that you yourself would watch.

Go with your instinct because if you feel that way - chances are thousands of others do too.

For example, I love haul and review videos above any other kind of contribution. Tutorials are okay every once in a while but what I am after is insight into that person's life and an opinion that I can take into consideration.

As a result, I upload alot of haul and review videos - as I said, these are the kind of videos that I, myself would watch.

2) Getting exposure - now that the ground rules are set start thinking about how you are going to get noticed. A lot of people include tags of the big gurus in their video descriptions. That's one way of getting clicks but if your video doesn't actually refer to the guru, the viewers might not stay and as a result, you won't get subscribers.

A better idea would be to create a video in response to a popular tag that is going around - one that you feel you can add your opinion to.

I know that one of the best videos to start with is "Whats in my bag/purse". This is part of a huge collaborative tag and is the type of video that a lot of people like to watch, provides viewers with excellent insight into who you are as a person and you can attach it as a response to countless other videos.

3) Contest time - I like contests. I think they are a great way of giving back to subscribers. After all, if nobody watched my videos, I wouldn't bother as I would just be talking to myself - and I can do that without having to edit and endure a tedious upload process to YouTube.

Contests will also see your subscriber numbers increase. That goes without saying. If subscription is an entry requirement then you can expect a flurry of people taking part.

Of course this is all focussing on subscriber numbers and that's rather cynical. More is not always better but it's basic arithmetic: more subscribers = more viewers = a greater presence on YouTube and if that is what you are after then this is one way of doing it.

4) Be responsive - being responsive to comments and messages on YouTube is akin to being that friendly and helpful person in the office/school - it gets you a good reputation. Conversely, not answering any will make you seem selfish and aloof.

I personally think answering comments is hugely important - someone took the time to watch your umpteen minute video, type in a comment and click on the button to post. It's only right that you say a thank you.

I also think this works both ways. Write comments on your favourite YouTubers videos - even if it is saying "thank you" or "good job" it spreads that little bit of positivity - and if you were thinking like a hard nosed YouTube strategist, gets your username out there.

A final caveat

Now these are just some thoughts I have and here they are for free - a bargain price of $0.00 :)

I would say though that YouTube is not all about numbers.

It's not a business - it's a hobby.

The best thing about this community is the people that you will meet along the way - people that share your interest and people that become your friends.

If you get subscribers then great but don't forget - makeup is fun and the YouTube experience should be too.