Let’s start this off with defining what I mean by the word “viral”.
This video listed below had approximately 4,000 views this time last week (and within 7 days) to an increased 10K+ views (10,467 views as of this second). I happened to recognize the stats on the video by coincidence, but these are the things I’m learning from this 9 month old video that just helped increased my subscribers, my story-telling confidence, and my “Bullshit Detectors.”
I bring up “Bullshit Detectors” because while increasing in popularity (views) this video has more “dislikes” than “likes” and some genuine comments from “my YouTube Audience”, which I am still looking to define. I think the other reason this video has recently gone viral is because of the release of the new Mavic Air (a cheaper/newer/more compact version of the Drone used in this video) and the title has to do with Drone confiscation, Winter Park snowboarding (popular topic for February), and a sick custom thumbnail of me about to hand catch the Mavic Pro around a crowd of people.
My FIRST “Viral” Video:
Please look through the comments for this video, leave one (if you’re compelled), and let me know if you would ever purchase a Drone for story telling. But in the meantime, BertWill Creative, LLC has realized that it’s greatest strength is in Marketing, Branding, Story-Telling, and Analyzing…. what YOUR AUDIENCE will respond to.
Last thing, this was my very first video that I used a DSLR camera in… In fact, when I went on the Snowboard trip, I didn’t even own a DSLR camera yet… I only used it after the trip (in the brick wall scenes) when I am “Story-Telling”.
I learned these things from my experience in witnessing this video go viral:
Marketing – (Be Authentic)
You never know what will go viral or what your audience will respond to until they start responding (or commenting on YouTube). Because of the aforementioned “Bullshit Detectors” that exists in every single potential subscriber or viewer on YouTube (and most online video sharing platforms – like Facebook and Instagram)… You must be authentic or you will be immediately rejected by the community (never included in the algorithms of suggested videos to watch next—which cause videos to go viral in the first place). You can’t fake it in front of the camera, unless you’re a pretty good actor.
Branding – (Reply to YOUR Audience)
If the increase in popularity of this video has taught me anything, it’s “respond to all negative comments quickly, effectively, deliberately, and authentically. They will respect you and you will get more comments from other people who enjoy reading the drama on why a video is not liked will share their opinions and you can learn from them. I don’t see the dislikes on this video to be a bad thing… it just so happens that people are feeling some type of way about myself, my video, the CLICKBAIT thumbnail, or something else that should be identifiable.
My favorite comment that was just posted on this video yesterday is: “Dude people like you that’s why they hate drone pilots. Do your research and follow guidelines and safety. Don’t fly over people. I’m a drone pilot just trying to help you educate yourself.”. It might be my favorite because it contained these THREE elements… (1. A compliment. 2. A Lesson/advice. 3. Authenticity/Honesty.)
The comments on the video show me… (I’ll actually cover this in the last section – Analytics).
Story-Telling (For Video or Anything else)
- As mentioned in a recent blogpost, you should always use the best cameras you have access to. In this video, when it was made… the two best cameras I owned were a GoPro Hero 4 on a $200 3-axis Gimbal stabilizer, and a Mavic Pro Drone (which also has a built in 3-Axis Gimbal stabilizer).
- Words, Audio, and Dialogue are KEY in the story telling process. If I didn’t have access to the Canon 70D with Rode Mic and Tripod, I wouldn’t have been able to convey what I was trying to convey when making the video. Let your words (and be very deliberate in choosing your words) tell the story to the Audience.
- No one really cares about Aerial footage, vacation footage, or any other Bullshit you may be thinking of uploading tomorrow. BUT the good news is… if you can figure out a creative way of telling a story that combines all three things (a little Bullshit included) then the chances of your video going viral one day is much higher. Good luck!
Analytics
The last (and probably most boring) subject I want to discuss after this week of many entrepreneurial lessons is Analytics. I think it’s important because what we are focused on delivering to our clients… is results. We literally get to turn business away now when OUR OWN Bullshit detectors go off and that is because we know what we are doing when it comes to marketing and strategic ways to reach or GROW your audience.
Since quitting my last Technology Lead Generation job back on November 29th, 2017 I have had more conversations with Entrepreneurs than I can count. When we talk about their marketing strategy and how they want to grow… they tell me that they still market door to door with print advertisements. FAWK, people… We have access to the internet. If you are serious about growing your audience (whether it is in a dance classroom, doctor’s office, or a Tree trimming business), your online advertisements through video are always going to be more engaging and a much better use of your time then going door to door.
I only recently starting pushing out content to try to grow my own business, and my phone rings regularly with potential clients from these and other regular online posts. If you find this article helpful, please leave us a comment. If you found it was not helpful, let us know what you’d rather read when you come to bertwillcreative.com!
Much Love,
Alberto Tejera
Director at BertWill Creative