YouTube Marketing

Everyone knows what YouTube is. Home of the hottest music videos and silliest cat videos, however it is also a great marketing tool for authors.

Many of us know about the use of YouTube for posting our book trailers. I have one there myself. I have also created vids for some of my Examiner articles. However there are more ways to boost your brand with YouTube than just book trailers.

How about asking readers for a video review? Read a chapter of your book or a short story aloud. If you’re not comfortable with being on screen yourself, you can choose appropriate visual images to enhance your tale. Just be sure that you have the right to use any images you chose.

Have someone do a video interview with you, or simply crank up the webcam and talk about your book, writing process or other subject that might take your readers interests.

You have everything you need right at your fingertips to create sensational videos.  If you look in the start menu of your computer, you will find a program called Windows Live Movie Maker. It’s a standard part of most windows platforms starting with Windows 2000. It’s very easy to use and has some fantastic tools to make your project stand out.

You can also create a slideshow easily with Microsoft Power Point. If you don’t have Power Point on your computer you can sign up for Microsoft Sky Drive for free. They have a free power point tool for users.

You don’t have to have any specialized equipment to shoot live video. Most smart phones take both still pictures and video. Use your webcam right from your computer or your digital camera to take video and upload it to your YouTube account.

Another plus to YouTube marketing, is the cost, free. They do offer a paid account that has a few extras, but it isn’t really needed and completely optional. YouTube is a versatile tool, with endless ways to utilize videos to market your brand and books. So what are you waiting for go get your director’s chair and get started!

Below are a couple of videos of mine. One the book trailer for Don't Touch and the second a slide show of  Eustis, Florida. Enjoy!

Have you created any vids or slide show? Leave a link in the comments, we'd love to see! 

Part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge for the letter Y