Ever wondered how successful YouTubers get so many views and make so much money simply by making videos?

There’s a formula to their success. They didn’t become successful overnight. It’s trial and error that made them the millionaire YouTubers they are today.

If you happen to have a YouTube channel or planning to do marketing through videos, then this article is for you. We’re diving deep into the proven tactics successful YouTubers use to make their videos convert like crazy.

(Pssst…it isn’t as complicated as you think it is)

Create thumbnails that grab eyeballs

Video marketing is highly effective but it’s also highly competitive. There’s no other way to get attention other than the thumbnail. That’s the first thing the audience sees, and it’s the first thing they’ll judge whether to watch it or not.

Thumbnails are like the window to the context of your videos. While it doesn’t cover the whole story, it’ll certainly catch some attention if it’s what the audience is looking for. Context presentation is key in videos.

That’s why you see videos on YouTube and social media platforms have attractive thumbnails. Not because it’s nice to have, but because it’s crucial to getting the audience to click and watch.

Focus on the first 15 seconds

After the audience clicks and carries on to your video, it’s not guaranteed they’ll stick to the end. Studies have shown that human attention span has been greatly reduced over the years. It went from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds today.

This means that your video has to work really hard to retain your audience’s attention, especially the intro. If you want to sell with your videos, you’ll need to be obsessed with how you start your video. Because the first 15 seconds will determine if the video converts.

Here are some tips to spice up your intro:

1. Use pattern interrupts. Pattern interrupts are effective because they throw the audience off-guard. Unexpected reactions from the audience are usually what keep them watching.
2. Slide in some open loops. In other words, cliffhangers. This is an effective intro strategy because it’ll keep your audience engaged throughout the video.
3. Present a benefit. For example, tell them “they’ll discover the secret trick to losing weight naturally and effectively without cranking hours at the gym” if they keep watching.

Keep them engaged throughout the video

Here’s another interesting part. Even if you managed to keep them watching after 15 seconds, they’ll leave if the content is boring and monotonous. People watch hours-long Netflix series because the series is exciting and engaging.

You’ll need to do the same with your videos. All engaging videos are two-way communication. Those kinds of videos interact with the audience’s thoughts to keep them engaged. Engaging and interactive videos make the audience curious and want to watch more.

You can engage with your audience’s thoughts. Just follow these tips.

1. Know your audience well. Once you’ve done your research and you know who’s your audience, you’ll be able to find out what they’re interested in.
2. Put your best foot forward. The old way of making videos was to save the best for last. With the short attention nowadays, it’s more effective to put the best content at the start.
3. Encourage viewers to like, share or comment. When you interact with the viewers, it makes them feel included. That’ll keep them engaged and stay longer.
4. Tell more with less. Video isn’t about the length. It’s about the context. So, if you can provide more value with shorter videos, you’re ahead of the game. Because longer videos tend to have lower retention.

Always include a call-to-action (CTA)

They say you won’t get what you don’t ask for holds true in video marketing. If you’re planning to sell through your videos, you need to embed one or two call-to-action. They are the reason why people convert.

However, you need to be smart with CTAs. Because viewers consume your videos for value. They aren’t watching to buy (unless it’s a live ecommerce streaming). The best way to embed a CTA without sounding salesy is to think of it as an extension of the offer.

You should carry on with your content as usual. And as you reach the end of the video, you call your viewers to action. Tell them what to do next if they are interested in taking up the offer before they leave.

**Recommended read: 7 Tips for Creating a Strong Video CTA

Don’t forget about the headline, caption, and description

Last but not least, always remember to optimize your headline, caption, and description. This part of your video is extremely important for visibility. Relevant keywords allow your video to be discovered by your target audience on most platforms.

The headline, caption, and description are like the wrapper of a present. The better it looks, the more excited the receiver becomes. Do this part right, your videos won’t be having zero views ever again (provided your thumbnail and headline are interesting).

It doesn’t matter where you post your videos. Their first impression is everything when it comes to views, engagement, and conversion. The content is important. The headline, caption, and description are the real deal.

Ready to convert?

Making videos that convert like crazy is all about rocket science. Experiments and executions will improve your video-making skills over time. If there’s one thing you should take away from this article, it’s always to embed a call-to-action. You won’t get what you don’t ask for.