Have you ever wondered how you can get more YouTube subscribers? If so you aren’t alone. YouTube is one of the most powerful tools for any business.
 
Through video, you can communicate so much more than other types of content.

It’s a golden opportunity.
 
Yet, so many businesses let this opportunity fall by the waste side. Either that or they put forth a subpar effort.

In fact, recent stats show that only 9% of small businesses are on YouTube. And odds are, far less than that post videos consistently to a substantial following.

“YouTube has over a billion users – almost one-third of all people on the Internet – and everyday people watch hundreds of millions of hours on YouTube and generate billions of views.”

It’s almost unbelievable that so few businesses use this insanely popular platform. But for businesses that choose to use YouTube (and use it well), they get a big leg up on their competition.

So, how do you get the most out of YouTube?

One big key is to get as many subscribers as possible. When people subscribe to your YouTube channel, they are notified when you post new content – this allows you to get more views, build a loyal fan base, and reach more people (and potential customers).

Today, we’ll talk about some hacks that can help you get more YouTube subscribers:

1. Upload videos consistently

If you post videos randomly every few weeks or months, people won’t be very motivated so subscribe. Sure, they might watch a video or two – but they’ll see that your videos aren’t consistent.

That’s why you should upload consistently, at least once a week; or at the minimum, once every two weeks. It’s even better if you can create a schedule.

2. Use keyword research to create effective titles

The more search traffic you get, the more opportunities you have to gain YouTube subscribers.
 
So, how do you get more search traffic? It starts with your YouTube video title.

When creating your title, do some keyword research. First, use Google Keyword Planner and plug in several phrases based around your video topic. The results will show you what people are searching for.

First, aim for a phrase that gets a high amount of search traffic. Next, make sure it’s a phrase you can compete in (i.e. it will probably be difficult to rank for a super popular term like “How to Get More YouTube Subscribers”). 
 
This will help you choose the best title for your video and give it the highest probability of performing well in search.

3. Create a YouTube channel trailer

A YouTube channel trailer is a short video in which you introduce yourself, your channel, and your business in a compelling way. It tells your first-time viewers who you are and what they can expect from your channel.

It also shows off your personality and the value proposition of your channel.
 
This is a great way to gain subscribers – just make sure to add a call to action to ask viewers to subscribe throughout the video (or at least at the end)!
 
Here is a good example of a small business YouTube channel trailer by Animoto.
 

4. Promote your channel on your website

Let your website visitors know they can find you on YouTube. You can do this by putting a YouTube widget on your website, or post an image with a link to your YouTube channel in the sidebar.

5. Collaborate with other YouTubers

This is one of the easiest ways to get exposed to new potential YouTube subscribers. Collaborate with people in your industry or a similar industry – that way, you can pique the interest of their followers.

Start by connecting with YouTubers on social media and through email. Once you’re on their radar it is easier to reach out and pitch collaboration ideas.
 
When you pitch, make sure to highlight how they will benefit from collaborating with you (i.e. exposure to your audience).

6. Infuse your videos with calls-to-action

This should go without saying – but most people won’t subscribe to your channel unless you specifically ask them to. That’s why you should infuse your videos with calls to action to subscribe to your channel.
 
There should be at least one call to action in every video – and for longer videos, consider adding 2-3 calls to action (perhaps one at the beginning and the middle) as not everyone will watch the video all the way through.

7. Create compelling thumbnails

When people click through your channel, they’ll see the thumbnails of all of your videos. Thumbnails should be compelling and pique curiosity and interest – otherwise, they will click-through to another channel.

Here are three ways you can improve your YouTube thumbnails:

• Don’t just screen grab an image of your face – add some emotion

• Include text to give context

• Create custom branding by adding a logo

Final thoughts

YouTube doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right hacks and a commitment to consistent content, you can  get more YouTube subscribers and exponentially grow channel.

This article has been edited.


Parker Davis is the CEO of Answer 1, a leader in the virtual receptionist and technology enabled answering services industry. He believes that the application of data analytics, investment in technology, and fostering a positive company culture together create highly efficient and scalable growth companies. In 2016, Answer 1 will achieve record revenues while also being awarded the Top Companies to Work For in Arizona award. Parker is also the Managing Partner of Annison Capital Partners, LLC, a private investment partnership. Connect with @answer1 on Twitter.

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