YouTube Secrets

About the Author

Benji Travis and Sean Cannell, the authors of YouTube Secrets, are well-known figures in the YouTube community. Benji Travis is a successful YouTube personality, social media influencer, and entrepreneur. He co-runs the popular YouTube channel, "BenjiManTV," and is also known for his collaborative work with his wife, Judy Travis, on their family vlogging channel, "ItsJudysLife." Sean Cannell is an acclaimed YouTube strategist, speaker, and author. He is the founder of Think Media, a leading resource for YouTube and video marketing education, and also runs a successful YouTube channel under the same name. Together, Travis and Cannell combine their extensive experience and knowledge in the field of online video content creation to provide practical insights and strategies for building a successful YouTube channel.

Main Idea

The central theme of YouTube Secrets is that building a successful YouTube channel is within reach for anyone willing to put in the effort, regardless of their background or resources. Travis and Cannell emphasize that success on YouTube is not about luck or having the best equipment, but about consistently creating valuable content, engaging with your audience, and developing multiple revenue streams. Their book distills their experience and knowledge into actionable advice, offering a roadmap for turning a YouTube channel into a profitable business.

Table of Contents

1. Create Quality Content
   • Define Your Channel’s Value
   • Make Videos That Deliver Value
2. Build a Community of Viewers
   • Post Regularly
   • Respond to Comments
   • Engage Your Audience Live
3. Develop Your Revenue Streams
   • Google Adsense
   • Product Promotions
   • Merchandise
   • Crowdfunding

Create Quality Content

Define Your Channel’s Value

According to Travis and Cannell, the cornerstone of a successful YouTube channel is consistently posting valuable content. They advise that to do this, you must have a clear vision of the unique value your channel provides. This involves identifying your passions and strengths, and how they can translate into content that stands out. Whether it’s a unique message, a fresh perspective on a popular topic, or a distinctive presentation style, the goal is to offer something that viewers can't find elsewhere.

"To consistently post valuable content on your channel, you need to start with a clear vision of what unique value you intend your channel to provide." - Travis and Cannell

Travis and Cannell's approach aligns with the concept of value innovation from Blue Ocean Strategy, where success is found not by competing in existing markets, but by creating new ones. This means listing all the features your prospective viewers care about and finding unique combinations that no one else is providing, thereby carving out a niche for your channel.