By The WBR Team
You’ve poured your heart and soul into writing a business book. You know it has the power to change lives and establish you as a leading voice in your industry. But there’s a problem…
Getting the attention of top-tier publishers feels like an impossible uphill battle.
What if you could flip the script? What if, instead of chasing publishers, they came knocking down YOUR door, eager to sign you?
Enter YouTube.
What does YouTube have to do with your business book?
Everything.
YouTube isn’t just a platform for cat videos and makeup tutorials. It’s a powerful marketing tool that can transform you from an aspiring author into a sought-after thought leader. With over 2.5 billion monthly active users, YouTube offers an unparalleled opportunity to reach a massive audience, demonstrate your expertise, and build a loyal following.
For authors, this translates to a pre-built platform, a demonstrable audience, and the social proof publishers crave.
Think about it: publishers want to minimise risk. They want authors who bring a ready-made audience and a proven ability to connect with readers. A thriving YouTube channel provides exactly that.
It’s no longer enough to simply be an author. You need to be a magnetic content creator, building a loyal audience that publishers can’t ignore.
So, without further ado, here are three YouTube strategies that can make publishers take notice:
1. Don’t just promote, educate and entertain: Become the go-to expert in your niche
The biggest mistake authors make on YouTube? Treating it like a giant book commercial.
Your audience doesn’t want to be bombarded with sales pitches. They want the same thing we preach in every blog: valuable content that educates, inspires, and entertains. They want to learn from you, connect with you, and become part of your community.
Here’s how to transform your YouTube channel into a lead-generating machine:
a. Become a thought leader (with a twist)
Share your expertise generously, but don’t just regurgitate your book. Think about the core problems your book solves and create videos that address those specific pain points.
For example, let’s say your book is about overcoming procrastination. Instead of just talking about the book, create videos like: “3 Science-Backed Strategies to Beat Procrastination Today,” “The Procrastinator’s Guide to Time Management,” or “How to Stop Procrastinating on Your Big Goals.”
Offer practical tips, real-world examples, and actionable advice that viewers can implement immediately.
b. Showcase your personality (authentically)
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable, share personal stories, and inject humour into your videos. People connect with people, not polished facades. Coming back to the procrastination example, you can share a story about your own struggles with procrastination and how you overcame them. This not only makes you relatable but also builds trust and credibility.
Pro tip: Check out channels like Charisma on Command for tips on improving your on-camera presence and connecting with your audience authentically. Canva offers free video editing tools and templates to help you create professional-looking videos without breaking the bank. You can also check out YouTube channels like Think Media for free tutorials and tips on video creation, editing, and marketing.
2. Master the art of YouTube SEO: Get discovered by publishers and readers
Creating great content is only half the battle. You need to make sure it gets seen by the right people – including publishers actively searching for promising authors. And to pull this off, you need to optimise your YouTube presence effectively. Here’s how:
a. Keyword optimisation
Research relevant keywords related to your book’s topic and target audience. Don’t just guess; use tools like TubeBuddy, VidIQ, or even Google’s Keyword Planner to identify high-volume, low-competition keywords.
For example: If your book is about project management for small businesses, target keywords like “project management tips,” “small business tools,” “manage projects effectively,” or “project management software for small business.”
Incorporate these keywords naturally into your video titles, descriptions, and tags. Don’t stuff keywords; focus on creating compelling, keyword-rich copy that accurately reflects your content. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a keyword density of around 2-3%.
b. Captivating thumbnails (grab attention instantly)
Your thumbnail is your video’s first impression. It’s the visual hook that entices viewers to click. Create eye-catching, high-quality thumbnails that accurately reflect your content and stand out from the crowd.
Pro tip: Use bright colours, clear fonts, and compelling images that convey the essence of your video. Consider using a close-up headshot with a friendly expression or an image that visually represents the key takeaway of your video.
Canva also offers free templates and design tools to help you create stunning thumbnails even if you’re not a graphic designer.
3. Build a community
Publishers aren’t just looking for authors with large followings; they want authors who cultivate thriving communities. They want authors who can connect with readers on a deeper level, build loyalty, and generate buzz. A thriving community translates to higher book sales and more profits for the publisher, making you a highly desirable asset.
So, here’s how to build one:
a. Create a two-way conversation
Respond to comments thoughtfully, address viewer questions, and show genuine interest in your audience.
For example, you can host regular live Q&A sessions where you answer viewer questions related to your book’s topic. Create a private Facebook group exclusively for your YouTube community. Offer exclusive content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and early access to new videos. You could also use a tool like Community or Reddit to create a dedicated space for your community to connect, share ideas, and receive exclusive updates.
b. Collaborate with other creators
Partner with other YouTubers in your niche to cross-promote your channels and tap into new audiences. Collaboration is a win-win strategy that can significantly boost your visibility and credibility.
You can decide to co-create videos with other authors, interview experts in your field, or participate in joint giveaways and challenges. Reach out to YouTubers with a similar target audience and propose collaborative projects that benefit both parties.
Pro tip: Always look for creators whose values align with yours and whose content complements your own. Collaboration should feel natural and authentic, not forced or promotional.
c. Drive action beyond YouTube (build a multi-platform presence)
Encourage viewers to join your email list, follow you on social media, and pre-order your book. A multi-platform presence demonstrates your influence and reach, making you even more attractive to publishers.
Include clear calls to action in your videos and descriptions. Offer a free lead magnet (e.g., a chapter of your book, a checklist, a template) in exchange for email sign-ups. Promote your social media channels and website in your video end screens and banners.
You can also use a free landing page builder like Mailchimp’s landing page builder to create dedicated landing pages for your lead magnets and book pre-orders.
Final thoughts
Building a powerful YouTube presence is an investment, but it’s the best way to attract publishers.
Ready to take your author platform to the next level but feeling stuck or haven’t even started writing your book?
Book a free clarity call today and let’s discuss how we can help you achieve your publishing goals.