How to optimize youtube videos to get more views and subscribers

How to optimize youtube videos to get more views and subscribers

Optimizing Youtube videos to get more views and subscribers requires a number of techniques and best practices. I’m going to share some very effective youtube optimization tips and tricks with you. In fact— I just implemented two of them! Can you spot them?

First—I want to share an important word of advice, as well as an important warning to lead with. There are thousands of “experts” out there. And it’s very easy to be fooled by the web today. With paid advertising, these “experts” can get to the top of the ranking very easily. Additionally, keep in mind that many of these top ranked videos have a lot of proprietary methods of increasing views—in fact, it’s well-know that lists can be obtained and purchased, as well as “rankings” being obtained and purchased as well. Not all rankings are created equal. Just like a WIX online web designer that works FOR WIX, will create hundreds of videos claiming they are the best platform. Biased information misleads consumers—so PLEASE be careful, and be wise.

PRO TIP: Beware “EXPERTS” on Youtube. Many of them are using a lot of tricks to appear like experts and can mislead you.

In addition, third party software add-on “experts” show up telling people how to get better rankings on Youtube‚ making it look like they’re an average dude— but they work for these third party software companies and obviously will promote it and make it look like it’s THE do-all solution. So be careful— dig deep, and do the research. The best you can always do are the basics first—the obvious, safe, secure, and practical ways to resolve Youtube optimization.

PRO TIP: Do your own research, and focus on practical basics first that don’t rely on third party add-ons.

That all being said— there are also true and real experts, and a lot of them. I call them professionals. It’s their profession, and they’re sharing what they know. And usually for nothing. So let’s forge ahead here. Let’s optimize your YouTube videos.

The Youtube Machine—their algorithm

The Youtube machine (algorithm) acts like many other online apps do, but unique to Youtube. An algorithm is a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. So simply understanding the basics, you can achieve better results by playing along with those “rules.”

The three initial and more primary algorithms for Youtube that affect SEO, are (TDT): T (title), D (description), and T (tags). Next to that though—simultaneously are 3 other important factors, what I call (TDQ): T (trends), D (draw), and Q (quality).

Let me explain. 

Title

The title reflects what people are searching for. Not what YOU think they want, but what they are searching for. So if I am searching in the Youtube search bar for how to cook bread, then your title should be “How to cook bread,” not “Cool bread baking tips I learned from my grandmother.” The title also will put your video in front of the people that are SEEKING for that specific search topic. Search Youtube for similar items and note the popular videos and what they use for titles. Then leverage searching youtube for what your audience might search for, and use those as titles for your work.

PRO TIP: Use titles your audience will search—NOT what you think is “cool” to use.

Description

The description should also match your title, and for the most part repeat it. Since the algorithm will search next for the description, it will want to find that same important text that’s in your relevant title. Again, what people are SEARCHING for, not what you think is a fun bunch of text. Make the description relevant to what others are searching for.

PRO TIP: Make your relevant description work along WITH your title, in a repetitive way.

Tags

Tags are search words that are most popular or relevant. There’s a section that you add in current, trending, relevant, and important search words so your videos get noticed (optimized). So your tags need to be what people are searching for—NOT what you think are neat words. So for example, If I sell dog supplies, I think of the person searching and I might have “inexpensive dog supplies, dog supplies online, or cheap dog supplies.” By searching Youtube your self, you can easily see what the trending search words are. 

PRO TIP: Search youtube for what your audience might search for and use those key words (statements).

Trends

Trends are what’s hot today— what’s a big deal. What people are into today, right now. Be it American Girl dolls, Donald Trump, Space X, or JFK (although there was no web then!)… What’s trending is what will shine most, be seen more, be searched more, and simply be at the top of the ladder. It’s like setting up a history of paper video. Although sure, you may get a few views here and there, but if it’s not “trending” then don’t expect a huge interest. And trending things often go viral (spread quickly) although sometimes out of the blue.

PRO TIP: Be aware of what’s trending today and consider that in your video content.

Draw

Similar to trends and viral activity— the “draw” is if what you create draw people in. So it comes down to the wow or cool factor that might draw your audience in, the subject or content that draws interest, or maybe the emotional impact of what you create. Nonetheless, think about what will “draw” in or attract your biggest important audience. What THEY will be drawn to. As opposed to what you “think” they might like.

PRO TIP: Create content with the audience in mind. What THEY will react to best.

Quality

It should go without saying here, but quality of content is critical. Taking the time to create quality material means it will experienced, engaged with, reacted to, repeatedly watched, and remembered as “quality.” People really love and appreciate quality. It enhances the experience, and simply guarantees a better audience relationship. How many poor videos have you seen. Compared to AWESOME videos. Which ones will be watched and shared more?

Qualification goes hand in hand with quality as well. By creating or posting high level content— like you at a public event, a lecture, or mentioned in a high level news channel, or movie, etc… Any “qualifier” that puts you in the drivers seat, or seen as an expert in the field, will many times improve your channel—thus video views.

Quality also includes the video quality, the art and graphics quality, the text, the lighting, the production, the end and intro screens—the whole production from start to finish. 

Finally, be sure to start with a quality idea—all the way through, include all parts and pieces. The name of your graphics, the name of your video file, spell checking, that links work, that all features in Youtube are considered and used if appropriate. Go through everything carefully and professionally with a quality mindset.

PRO TIP: Focus always on quality— not quantity. Quality comes from the heart.

Other factors that improve Youtube video optimization

Time is an important factor

There are other factors that matter when it comes to optimizing Youtube videos. Time: Give it time to work. Many popular videos gain popularity in time. No views turn into thousands as time and exposure grows. Don’t get all worked up if you have one or two views. Be aware of optimization techniques, but give time a chance to work. Also the year IN time matters… 10 years ago, Youtube video optimization and algorithms were vastly different than today. As they will continue to change as time goes on. What you put out today, will grow later. You need to start somewhere.

PRO TIP: Give your videos time to work. Trust time and be patient.

Create content to entertain or educate

Content is really meant for two things. To educate, or to entertain. And people consume and enjoy both. So make sure whatever you create applies to either of these— and THEN, do them well. Awesome entertainment, or awesome educational content. If you do that then you are guaranteed to have audience consumption and engagement.

PRO TIP: Create content to entertain or educate.

Start by engaging, keep the engagement, and ensure final engagement!

When creating videos, you want an attractive and interesting introduction or beginning. It’s when people continue to watch, or skip it all together. So wow them up front. Then— to keep them watching, be sure to keep it interesting, not too long, not boring, and make them feel like they NEED to watch more. Then, close with a compelling “to learn more” so they truly engage with you on the back end. Go to your website, buy more, etc…

PRO TIP: Keep the engagement from start to finish.

Don’t sacrifice your values, virtues, or brand JUST to get more views. 

Too many people lose themselves in their own ego and craving for more. So desperate to get more likes or views, they’ll do anything to get there. That then minimizes and compromises your true values—your self and your business. All for fame. Don’t do it. You can stick to brand—maintain your values and beliefs while creating great content and gaining what I call qualified leads, organic, highly nurtured, or permission-based followers—people that care about what you have or what you do. That’s ultimately what we really want. They will promote you, they will follow you. They will become buyers, and raving fans.

The lemonade in the refrigerator won’t sell itself

While Youtube certainly will provide “some” exposure, no matter what you put up there, you will also improve your visibility and SEO with all the common best practices today. But keep in mind that you need to actively promote your content. Share it on social media, send emails to your lists, put it on your website, create youtube or other social media ads, text it to friends and family. By actively telling the world about it, you will get more views. It’s the rule of any business. Just like the lemonade you create. It does nothing in the fridge. You have to get it out there— market it, let as many people know about it as you can.

PRO TIP: Effectively, actively, and passionately market your video to as many as you can.

A million views? Know what kind of audience you REALLY want— and why

The Kardations are popular today, so any one of them might get 2 million+ views. I personally saw a school bus behind my house spin out of control on a winter day. Someone video taped it, put it on Youtube with “magic school bus soundtrack” and got over 2 million views. It trended and went viral. That was a scary and dangerous event— “famous” on Youtube… is that good? Now compare that to an audience of followers or types of people that you REALLY want watching your videos. Do they fit your criteria for your ideal audience? Do you really want millions of views, or hundreds of views from people that you really would care about and care about you and what you do?

PRO TIP: Focus on the audience you REALLY want— not just anyone.

Know your strategy—and think carefully about it

A VERY important note here. These are tips to improve Youtube SEO (only), so people see more of your videos on Youtube. So remember that this is Youtube’s search algorithm only. FIRST you need to agree that you even want your goal or strategy to be seen on Youtube more—for Youtube’s sake. Remember, the more people that go to Youtube, will continue to go to Youtube to see your content. We are creatures of habit.

If however, your goal is to have people go to your website, engage with you, buy stuff, etc… you need to decide if Youtube is even part of your brand and marketing strategy. So for example, do you want people to see your videos on your website—or on Youtube? Because that’s where they will go once you gain an audience.

PRO TIP: Clearly define WHY you want a Youtube video.

Integrating Youtube with your business

A smart way to incorporate Youtube with your business, is to develop a plan that allows the big search engine (youtube) to reflect your business, but also pushes engagement to have people go to your store (your website) as well. But how? Think about the content you create, why you create it, and who it’s for. Create your videos to add your presence in the youtube search engine space, and to entertain or inform, but lead the watchers to what you ultimately want—website visits. And you can do that with the right graphics, call to action, ending, and appropriate text in the description so people can find you easily, click the links, etc…

An example: I start a cooking show for elderly people. I create a great brand, great website. I have some great, fun, cooking videos for seniors. I add them to my website as a part of my marketing—I want elderly  to watch my videos, download my recipes, to share on their social media platforms, buy my programs and material, and spread the word. Simultaneously though, knowing that many might be on Youtube, I want a handful of videos on Youtube so elderly people on youtube can see what I do, and share videos on Youtube. BUT, I’m sure to introduce who I am and what I do, and where to find me on my website (since that’s important). As well, in the ending something like “to get more great recipes, come and visit me at elderlycooking.com.” And also have links in the description box.

PRO TIP: Integrate Youtube with your business as one of many secondary channels to share what you do. Not as THE primary place of your business. Your website and business first—Youtube and others second.

Why do you want “fame” on Youtube?

We need to be careful. It’s human nature to want to be noticed, to be important, to be seen, to be known. In fact, that’s the primary focus behind all social media… To want “likes” and “views,” and thumbs up… it taps into our human nature to want recognition and fame. So if we get caught in that trap— for the reason of wanting fame, that’s a whole other reason for why you are doing this. 

If on the other hand, you are doing this to simply share what you do with relevant, likeminded, and qualified audiences, and simply having fun, or using it as a way to share content and invite people to join you… that’s a different philosophy with a different outcome. And that doesn’t tie into craving fame or emotional tie-in to likes, views, etc…

PRO TIP: Simply create quality, meaningful, relevant, and important content for others gain—not for your ego’s fame. 

Be cautious about building your fame on “someone else’s” platform

We all want to be movie stars. But what we really want is to create a masterful brand— a business that thrives, and serves the many… So your brand, business, presence, etc… is really meant to be built way before Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, etc… are even considered. Don’t use Youtube as a portal for fame. You end up putting way too much effort into these other platforms, which make more people visit THEM and not you! Remember, when they are on YOUR video, they also very easily get your competition’s videos recommended next to them. 

PRO  TIP: Build YOUR platform first—then share your content on other platforms.

So now you are on a huge competitive platform along with millions of others, and helping them grow instead of focusing on your business. Important examples of putting your eggs in one basket: People used to “buy” tapes, cds, and itunes songs… in stores. They now subscribe to apps like Spotify, Music, Pandora… People used to use “My Space” the old competition to Facebook. Now POOF they’re gone… so what happened to everyone that put their “all” into My Space?

Also— an overlooked aspect here is this scary truth: You post your content on any online platform that doesn’t belong to you, THEY own it— not you. You upload a video, or content, they now have it, they now own it, and you can never undo it or get it back. You can take it down— but it’s never truly gone. And in fact, read the terms and conditions, they own rights to that content. And nowadays, they also control who sees what— and when. If they don’t like it, they don’t show it. That’s a fact. So you are at their mercy, their house, their rules, their platform. Not yours.

PRO  TIP: Be careful and mindful about what you create, why you create it, and where it will live.

Tag searching

Pretend you are a person, searching for whatever it is you are looking for. Type that in the search bar in Youtube, and note the top 10-20 list of what comes up. Those search words are the most popular search criteria of the day. So you screen shot or write down what those are, and add them as tags to your relevant video.

So for example, in this piece I am creating right now here, I searched “youtube optimization,” “how to optimize youtube,” and “how to get more views on youtube.” And the following came up that I will use: how to get more views on youtube, how to get more views on youtube 2020, how to get more views on youtube 2021, how to get more views on youtube videos, how to optimize youtube videos, how to optimize youtube channel, how to optimize youtube videos for search, how to optimize youtube seo, youtube optimization tools, youtube optimization checklist, youtube optimization tutorial, youtube optimization strategy.

PRO TIP: Search Youtube for what others will search for in your space—and use those as tags.

Third party tools

While there are many third-party tools available with YouTube such as Tube Buddy which gives you great information on keywords tags etc., it's really best to try to work with the YouTube platform directly if you can. What happens is you start to rely on these third-party platforms and eventually you have to upgrade them to get more features, and you also have to learn them, and know how to use them, and on top of that you also have to have it available on all of your other devices which is usually not the case. I have used so many third-party tools over the years that end up going out of business and become useless. So third-party tools can be useful but try to avoid them if you can or better yet use them if you think they'll have a huge impact on what you're doing.

PRO TIP: Try to avoid third party tools unless you are sure you can master them and they will really do you well. 

Subscribers might be what you really want

Keep in mind that subscribers are people that love what you're doing and want to see more. That's different than just views because many times views are from people that might not really care, they're just watching part of your video. With the subscribing feature on YouTube you are actually gaining an audience of qualified leads and users which ultimately are the people you want watching your videos anyway. So focus on creating quality content that is aimed at your subscribers a.k.a. you are raving fans.

PRO TIP: Create content for your raving fans—your “subscribers.”

Cautious consistency is valuable in optimization as well

Youtube and many other social media platforms rely on seeing your consistency. If you do more, they see you as a good risk— more people might show up, more advertisers, more views, more activity on their platform. So you will  “trend” more, and thus show up a little more. Not 100% the case, but definitely viable. But be careful again not to just post content for the sake of content. That affects quality.

The basic essentials of optimizing Youtube videos

Remember that Youtube is one of many social media platforms that allow you and millions of others share video content. So making sure it’s the right platform for you, why you’re using it, and to whom you are creating content for are important. But there are simple ways to improve your optimization of Youtube videos: Focus on your title, description, and tags. Make use of Youtube’s own search engine to get help with the right tags. Then—popular trends people are looking for, what content will draw them in, and overall excellent quality—then promote it. Do these few things to start with and you are sure to get an uptick in watches and subscribers. 

Top 10 list of basic list of items to help ensure your Youtube videos are seen more:

1. Quality-made, interesting, engaging, and exciting video people will love

2. Attractive thumbnail that makes it easy to see what it’s about

3. Naming your video files and graphics with relevant names that fit what people are seeking

4. Relevant title that fits what people are seeking

5. Relevant description that fits what people are seeking

6. Relevant TAGS that fits what people are seeking

7. Promote it in as many places as you can—social, email, text, web, print— tell everyone!

8. Consider social media advertising— it can get your video in front of more people

9. Watch and fold in popular modern trends… what’s popular? Consider making content in that space

10. Continue to make more! The more you’re out there— the more you’ll grow and be exposed

Power of content

When you develop communication material with the sole purpose of engaging others—to entertain or educate, focus on “content.” The power of quality, brand, imagination and intention can all be applied to the type of content you create. And that content will be either powerful— or flat (boring). If you create for example interesting material that your viewers will love—engage in, take interest in, engage in… that will have a huge positive impact. It will have a different outcome than if you have something boring, long, non-exciting… So content is CRITICAL. But good, solid, engaging, interesting, and awesome content. If you are writing a book, creating a white paper, infographic, website, or product… leverage the power of your imagination and consider who’s going to see this and what they will react to. Entertain or educate them in an engaging way and you then have powerful content! Is your content “powerful?

Power of quality

Quality is subjective. It means something different to everyone. Regardless, the quality you have in your own perception is what’s important here. Whatever you choose to think, or develop, or create you will have your own perception as to what “quality” is behind it. And if you simply allow the excellence to occur, you are sure to have the best quality—and that is power.  In other words, just do your best… allow the best to flow through you. Don’t over criticize, don’t perfect, and don’t paralyze your self with analysis. Simply “create” your thought, idea, or project and focus only on that. Leverage your power of intention (I intend it to be the best), your power of imagination and creativity (it’s going to be beautiful), and your power of brand (I am Love, that’s how I was created—this product will help improve the lives of everyone) into a “quality” item. Think about how important quality is in your life. The best. Be YOUR best—always. What do you think lacks quality in your life?

Power of brand

A brand is a very precise description of a person, object, item, business, or thing. It encompasses every aspect of that thing. It’s a feeling, an emotion, an experience and a story. Flavor, color, smell, shape, font, texture… everything about it. And it’s perfectly consistent. Think of a flower. That is a brand of its own creation. Everything about it. Think of a personality like Donald Trump. He is a brand of his own creation. Think of a brand like Nike that can turn a $2 piece of cloth into a $40 t-shirt. Everything around us is branded… it has a story behind it. And that story you create—whether of your self, and what you choose to believe and portray to the world, or of your idea— your product, service, business, etc… will also have a story (brand) behind it. That brand is power— and will resonate with a certain group of people, so it’s important to consider that group of people you are creating the brand for because that is what you will attract… it will all merge together to become a collective brand experience. Can you clearly describe your personal or professional brand in one sentence?

Power of intention

Science teaches about energy, power, and forces. How they act or react depending on the environment or other factors. In our own human minds, we have a profound ability to actually “apply” our power (energy, thoughts, emotions, actions) in 3 directions. Negatively—that may cause harm to self or others,  Neutrally—where we stay stagnant with no action, and Positively—where we apply it forward motion… action. That is the power of intention. It’s a very light, simple energy that comes from nowhere, and rises up and “intends” forward. Think of it as an idea bubble that comes from nowhere and then starts rolling down hill. We actually naturally possess this power of intention. So we embrace the power of our talents, abilities and interests, then use the power of imagination and creativity— and INTEND to apply that in a positive direction. What is the intention behind your thought or idea?

Power of creativity

We are created. Everything around us is created. Nature knows what to do by itself—by design. And that includes us (people). We have infinite possibilities and one of those is the power of our imagination. We dream, we envision, we imagine… ideas, thoughts, feelings, and actions all brought to life with first a simple creative thought. Some are born with a higher natural level of creativity, and some need to work on it more—but we ALL have the ability to be creative. Tapping into creativity and imagination are probably the most profound forces there are. So be creative in your ideas. Imagine your life, your world. Imagine your business, your product, your service. And use that creative imagination to propel that idea forward. What imaginative and creative idea do you have in your gut?

Power of Power

What does that mean? Everyone and every business (a good business) is a reflection of the owners true talent and vision. What that means is you have an idea (again, hopefully a good one!) and you now bring that to the market place. That alone has power. So that idea now unfolds, and if done well is a very powerful expression of imagination, talent, and expression. So letting it “flow” so to speak is like letting the waterfall fall. So in a sense, you are allowing the power of a thought work through you— into your product, business, project, etc… Think of Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, Lebron James, Elton John, or any “successful” person in life or in business… They let their true power show. They brought their “game” to the world— and THAT is power. What powerful talent, interest or ability do you have?

The common challenges with properly “investing in modern business branding and marketing”

 First— here are 5 initial questions to help you see where you really are:

1. Where are your honest quality and standards or expectations? High level 10— (Thriver: Leading, successful business master) — down to a Level 1: “Weedy lawn” laggard (Doesn’t matter much)

2. Where do I value website, social media, and marketing? (10 absolute must — 1, neh, don’t think I need it)

3. How important is your team, hires, or equipment? (10, need the best— 1, whatever works)

4. What’s your attitude behind your business? (10 is I love business, I value teamwork, trust partners and third-party vendors… whereas a 1 is; “It’s frustrating, I don’t trust companies, I’m not all that content…”

5. What are your expectations as far as the future of your business related to marketing? (10 means you plan on continually investing and working at it, whereas a 1 is I hope I don’t need to do much)

If you are in the 10s here— then we need to get started and get working. Now. And prepare for growth, an exciting future, and more customers and income! If you are in the low numbers, then expect the same old thing, and eventual failure or closing of you business! 

The common challenges with properly “investing in modern business branding and marketing” 

Challenge #1: Not considering the most important employee and piece of equipment

Most small and medium business owners (as well as many large corporations) don’t figure in the number-one employee and/or piece of equipment. An typical employee might cost anywhere from ~$20K—$50K+ (with benefits, insurance) PER YEAR, a building—many tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, a new vehicle—maybe $25K-40K+, computers, furniture and office expenses—thousands of dollars more. 

Think of it like this: The right “equipment” (web/social/marketing) employee—even an intern, might cost you about $25K/year— at LEAST. And that’s junior, entry level… not high end. And only for a year or so until they want to find other work and leave you hanging— OR you pay more each year and they grow with you in an ideal scenario—but more $$$. Instead of settling for a high quality “pencil sharpening” — invest in a future-worthy set of high tech pencils custom built for you that will last you years to come. If you invest in enhancing your brand image and messaging, gain a large social media following, nurture your customers, and increase your marketing efforts—you then increase business by $10K-$50K/year or more over the years ahead.

Challenge #2: Not putting ANY value into online (Web), Social Media, or Marketing

Most business owners (at least the laggards—"ones that lag behind”) don’t VALUE quality website/social/marketing. They simply think it’s too expensive, or just unnecessary. The biggest misconception of all. This is what differentiates the failing businesses, scrambling around wondering why their business stinks— vs. thrivers, leaders, and successful businesses. They value an outstanding website, quality messaging and content, growing, strategic and engaging social media, and engaging, interesting, and effective (and REGULAR) marketing. Today— website (THE key brand element), social media, and marketing are THE number one investment tag team.

Challenge #3: Assuming that hiring “anyone” will do the job

Anyone can hire ‘cousin Johnny’ to do their online work. They usually don’t even do that. But even then— you end up with ‘cousin Johnny online work.’ I can write a 20 page paper on all the ins and outs of websites, social media, and marketing… how to create Google ads, how meta data is used, value of social media today, why blogs are important, etc… Just like you can write me papers on your expertise. And you wouldn’t hire, assign, or partner with just anyone. You would want the right person or team to be on board to do what? Do it RIGHT, do it WELL, and help grow your business. So assembling or hiring the right team to align with your goals make a HUGE difference. Period. Quality and expertise have their place.

Challenge #4: Leading with a “cheap” investment and evaluation mentality

Out-the gate valuation as “cheap”— sets the stage for a cheap, low-quality future. For example, If I want a ‘cheap Home Depot hose’, then expect a cheap, leaky, kinked broken hose— and another, and another… Invest in a nice, resilient hose, it will last longer and do a better job. If on the other hand, my mentality is “I want to do this right, and smartly invest in the right solutions to grow my business” that will have a different outcome. WARNING though: There are “over-evaluations” as well! You can spend too much, or overblown things that make no sense. Buying nonsense you don’t need, too much equipment, over-qualified people, etc… So there is a sweet spot in the middle. The “RIGHT” evaluation and investment. And each is unique.

So here are the basics— invest and strategize wisely. A solid game plan… not being cheap, but also not over-spending. High level leaders in businesses adapt, learn, grow and invest— quality people, teams, and equipment which includes your brand image, messaging, communication, website, content, media, social media, marketing, and advertising. What you put in is what you get out.

What I do!

What I do— is condense a year or more in branding, messaging, PR, and planning—along with website consulting, planning, and designing, as well as social media building (an important sister to websites), and marketing planning and content development to help your business thrive, grow and adapt. Increase awareness, grow customers, increase revenue, and expand with visible and measurable results. Plain, simple, and comparatively VERY affordable. I get businesses from NO social media presence, old-school, old website, and zero marketing— to a modern, current and engaging website, significant social media following and raving fans, and a robust and energized marketing plan that helps you grow your business.

Keep in mind, If I help do a “cheap,” quick “pencil sharpening,” it’s only going to be the nub of your pencil and last a short time. Who’s going to market you? Who’s going to set up social media? Who’s going to create content? Engage customers? Advertise? Etc.. If you drive around and see beautiful yards, it’s from the work put in. Weedy, unkept yards, are a sum of the “value” put into that property as well… In business, it’s the same thing.

But yes— there are options, and sometimes a full array of services that sometimes aren’t necessary. Maybe a few pieces to get started. Thus, a good discussion with a quality creative professional!

 
Here’s a list of the types of things you are getting behind the scenes:

Branding, messaging, and PR

Fine tuning your look and feel so it’s accuate, modern, high quality

Pricing: ~$1200 - $10K+/- depending on how much and what you need, size of business, etc…

• Logo quality, updates, revisions

• Messaging— what it says, how it’s written

• Images— are they modern, quality

• Content— is there good quality content for your customers

• Review current structure, how you relate to the outside world—how we need to change it

• Discuss MODERN business: Do you have a video feed? Do Zoom meetings, etc?

• Podcast, videos?

• Branding strtategy: What we need to do… the GAME PLAN!

Website

Determine update existing or create new (new is usually the case) so it’s modern, current, and engaging

Pricing: ~$5K - $15K+/- depending on the site

• Evaluate the whole site, what the best game plan is

• Detemine your costs and where you are now and where you need to be

• Design new site

• New graphics

• New text

• Strategic navigation

• Marketing messaging (so it sells!)

• Forms and download creation

• Content— videos, papers

• Edits

• SEO (search engine optimization): Key words, meta tags, decripts, and all SM integration

• Analytics

• Training— showing you how to make basic edits

• Hosting and domain support: Where the site lives, and is hosted— we can save money often here

Social Media

Determine and execute the ideal Social Media (SM) game plan for you business

Pricing: ~$1K - $100K+/- depending on channels, amount (scale, quantity) of SM marketing, monthly, annually, etc… Basic 3 month marcomm plan is in the $15K range ($5k/month) 

• Evaluate where you are at, what you need

• Create SM channels, set up acounts

• Create graphics for acounts

• Create meta data, descriptions on all accounts

• Build qualified and targeted leads (followers) on SM accounts

• Create and post regular posts on all accounts (1 or 5 a day, 1 or 5 a week, etc…)

• Content development (writing)

• SEO (search engine optimization): Key words, meta tags, decripts, and all SM integration

• Analytics

• Graphics-creation for posts

• Custom content for posts (videos, papers, downloads, etc…) to excite the audience

• Engage in and interact with cusomers on SM

• Integrate SM with webiste

• Continually engage, grow, post, and interact

Marketing

Develop an appropriate communications plan to engage with, build and grow your audience

Pricing: ~$1200 - $10K+/- depending on what channels, what methods, frequency, and extent— and additional expenses

• Determine best fit: Email, Social Media (SM), website, print, mailers, video, feeds, events, or combination

• Content creatio

• Writing

• Graphics

• Email marketing

• Website content to market your business— goes on website

• Print mailers to mail to customers

• Event presence; Create material for relevant shows and events

• Flyers and ads that can be put online, emailed, mailed, and on social media

• Develop and eengage active plan— should be on going!

• Emailing customer list

• List building

• Alternative listings: Organizations, affiliations, an groups to help spread your brand

• Social media ads: Google ads, FB ads, etc…

• SEO (search engine optimization): Key words, meta tags, decripts, and all SM integration

• Analytics

• Quartely planning: Thinking ahead to continually post, monitor, and engage!

• CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT! Create continually— and always engaging customers

• Newspaper ads

• Billboard and signage

• Vehicle, labels, stickers, magnets, giveaways

A beautiful yard, a beautiful soul, business, product, or service— all take work. The right equipment, investment and attitude make all the difference in the world!

Simple, practical, and inspired creative. Free creative coaching. Free first project for qualifiers. The best creative solution.

3.2.1. Get creative. http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, (508)494-8182.

© Copyright Todd Mitchell, Mitchell Creative Group, LLC

Embracing change and creative-wellness for ultimate business fitness

Change and health. Important to optimal existence, and two of the secrets of growing your business.

Change happens in nature as well as in our own lives. It happens in the expanse of the universe, and all the way down to our cells. And if we embrace the change and work with it—changing form, and “flowing WITH the river,” it becomes a very beautiful migration that leads to growth—flowing with change… “making lemonade out of lemons.” 

Health—is partly innate, meaning that all living things have certain abilities and processes that are all unique. Some are innately very healthy, whereas others my have certain tendencies to be susceptible to various issues that relate to health. Some are asthmatic, some are not. Some can run long distances, some cannot. Some are allergic to grains, some are not. Regardless, there are always decisions and efforts that can be made that can have a positive effect on overall health. Eat right, sleep right, think right, breath right, drink right, and do right— will have a positive impact. Eat poorly, sleep poorly, think negatively, drink poisons, and do bad deeds— will affect your health negatively. It’s pretty simple.

Well the same applies to business. We can apply change adaption and health planning to anything at all in life. Weather changes, we tend our garden differently. We tend our garden and nurture it—it grows favorably.  In business— if we embrace change, and apply optimal health planning, it has a tremendous impact on the outcome of our business.

Technology and business changes fast. Get on track now, or watch your business suffer. And just like personal health and fitness, there are a number of things that you need to do for your business to ensure optimal health of your business and a long healthy life. As we’ve all seen— things can change quickly in the world. Are you prepared? Were you prepared? And are you ready to make changes that will get you ahead of the game for years to come and ready fo more changes to come?

Like many people—they often sit complacently. They wait. They do nothing. They eat, sleep, drink, think, breath, and act poorly— then wonder why their health is poor. Same with many businesses; They often sit idle, not embracing change. Not “feeding” the business optimal energy to help it grow and thrive. Rather than developing a creative “health plan” for their business and implementing it— they complain. Here are some classics: “Things are bad, we’re in trouble, we’re getting no business, no one visits our website, I hate social media, the economy sucks, the President screwed us, taxes are too high, prices are too high, there’s no good help anywhere, no one likes this business anyway…” There are THOUSANDS of excuses. This is what kills business. Imagine if giants like Apple did that? They’d have become dead and gone years ago.

Now— think about the leaders. The mentors, the masters. The survivors, thrivers, movers, and shakers! It can be the 100 year old walking miles each day, or the multi BILLION dollar business. They don’t get “lucky” and they don’t get there my mistake, or by doing NOTHING. They get there by making their, or their businesses health a top priority. And the key here is that they don’t do it alone. Nothing is singular. The universe conspires together, living cells work together, our personal relationships and health relies on others— and businesses, rely on working together with others. Assembling teams, networks, associations, relationships, and partnerships that help align their values. You are a sum of those around you. Hanging out with negative nay-sayers, poor and unhealthy people, or choosing poor diet, exercise, smoking, will have a direct impact on a poor outcome. It’s pretty simple.

That’s one critical key. Follow, surround yourself, and attract high energy, high level, God-conscious level, winning, thriving, positive, and motivational influences and the outcome is the complete opposite. Think about it. Everything is a sum of its environment.

So start there. Seek winners, thrivers, helpers, positivity—those that appreciate life and the “best” in people and all of life. Redefine your values and beliefs, and CHOOSE to make change in your self, and CHOOSE to align with ONLY those that match up with that higher level. In business, key partnerships include those that want to help you attain your best self— your best business.

When you form the right business relationships, make better decisions, and fuel your business: With the right attitude, values, ‘diet’ and discipline and —the best—a group of masters that work together to keep you on track, help you change with the times, and help you THRIVE not just survive! Think about it— you are the best at what you do! You want to help people with what you do, and provide them a service, product, or expertise that you think will help. So simply allow that concept to help you as well. Let others guide you and create a successful synergy. 

That’s one of my fundamental and critical personal and business core values: I provide a full service creative solution that will help you achieve the highest level of success in your business. Ideas, strategies, and execution to get you on track today— as well as leading you into the future.

I apply over 20 awesome years in the creative, personal and business field to help you achieve the best self, and business you can create with key questions, strategies, and executive creative agency level tools and solutions. Here’s a basic overview of my business health plan to help you attain creative-wellness for ultimate business fitness:

Embracing change and creative-wellness planning for ultimate business fitness

Brand “physical” and modern strategy planning

Like your physical health— your business health needs the right diet, exercise, and mental strategy to achieve ultimate health!

• Discuss where you are and where you need to be— TODAY!

• Get rid of old garbage— and develop a better “business fitness routine”

• Embrace modern change—and implement realm honest, and AGGRESSIVE strategies

• Ideas to GROW your business. Increase customers, gain following, become an influencer in your field and area

Pricing: Varies depending on factors to discuss. Often included in many plans below.

Website modernization

• Create on a new CMS platform

• Easy editing, even for DIY

• Integration of modern tools— analytics, SEO, email marketing, and more…

Pricing: Varies between $2.5K and $10K depending on factors to discuss.

Social universe building

if you aren’t making social media a priority— you are going to fail. This is critical!

• Create the RIGHT channels for your business

• Gain the RIGHT followers

• Create the RIGHT content

• Develop and refine the RIGHT strategy—ongoing! 

Pricing: Varies between $1K and $50K depending on factors to discuss.

Marketing and advertising structuring

• Create a strategy, game plan, and system developed specially for you and your business/product.

• Website development and content

• Social media marketing

• Email marketing

• Subscribers, lists, and audience building

• Engaging—CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT! Flyers, videos, graphics, papers, and more… Content is KEY!

Pricing: Varies depending on factors to discuss. Often included in many plans above.

Modern Communications Adaption

• You NEED to set up modern tech— meet people where THEY are. Not where you “think” it is.

• Tele-services, online, and live video ideas and implementation

• Podcast and audio services

Pricing: Varies depending on factors to discuss. Often included in many plans above.

Where to start

The quick considerations are (1) first, how serious you are about getting you business to the next level. How bad you want it. Next (2) plan on investing in it—you have to think of money as energy and “diet”… investing in your business wisely, and correctly will help your business THRIVE… for example, say you spend $12K on updating and upgrading— it in turn doubles your exposure, doubles your customer base, and doubles your income, and protects you from failure… Remember you get out what you put in. But you need to partner with honest, successful, and equal-minded friends, partners, and relationships.

Start with a conversation.

I will meet with you and discuss where you are at, where you need to be— and ideas on how to get there. As well as some strategies, direct and honest services that I can help you with— or lead you to. I’ll explain them all in simple terms, answer questions, and help get you in the right direction. You can then make a decision based on what you believe is best for you and your business.

Let’s discuss! (508) 494-8182, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com.

Online Data Visualization

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Infographics, data, and content can easily thrive online.

We are visual beings. We’re blessed with senses like sight, hearing, taste, touch, and feeling. And when it comes to the visual part of the senses we can experience an amazing array of experiences that leverage color, text, typefaces, design, pictures, illustrations, that all have a profound effect on the visual experience. This experience can be customized and leveraged specifically to present a very precise message. It’s what we use for advertising, marketing, and design. As creative types, we create an experience for our viewers. 

A variety of choices

Specifically, when it comes to data visualization— aka infographics, we are starting with data—content. And then we portray or display that data in a certain way for a certain experience. Let’s start with a basic document—kind of like what you are reading now. It can be simple text as a simple and hopefully informative read, or can be re-assembled or designed in such a way that it’s more graphically engaging and thus making it more fun to read. A good infographic can make the content exciting, interesting, and tends to lead you somehwere—be it more information, or other infographics. IF done well…

Just as there are thousands of design possibilities with infographics, that can just as easily be applied to online versions of that same data. With tech the way it is today—and obviously growing, we can visualize graphics online in numerous ways. And not just on the computer screen. We can implement sound “responsive” content that looks just as great on a smart phone or tablet.

Online infographics as one option

With numerous software enhancements and availability, it’s easier than even for creators to develop amazing digital content for online users. We can develop not only robust and interactive digital content on desktop—an interactive pdf document for example, but we can create the content to be viewed online—be it through hyperlinks, on websites, or platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and others—or directly emailed, texted, or driven through social media, another huge trend.

If you work with the right creative team or professional, we can provide not just the creation—but provide other ideas and examples of presenting your content in new and exciting ways. It’s important to stay on top of what’s happening in the creative space to help keep you on the interesting and exciting creative front, trying new and fresh things—but also to be able to provide ideas to colleagues and creative clients as well.

There are numerous opportunities for developing and delivering engaging, and meaningful creative content. And online visualization, or “online infographics” is just one of them.

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Here are some online infographic examples we’ve done. A variety of possibilities…

And be sure to explore them on mobile!

Cloud Communications Delivers Better Business Outcomes
Total online responsive infographic, Sponsored by Vonage
(has analytics tracking on it as well)
SEE SAMPLE

The Shift to the Third Platform
Online hosted infographic with share, pdf download, and other features… (see tools at bottom)
This is an example of an infographic that can EASILY be created as an online version (additionally)
SEE SAMPLE

Data Dilemma
Responsive (on any device) vector-based, ANIMATED html infographic
SEE SAMPLE

Min.igraphic
Small, simple infographics. Responsive, and online only—3 samples…
http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/minigraphics/1/index.html
http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/minigraphics/2/index.html
http://www.weblivenow.com/samples/minigraphics/3/index.html

Disaster Recovery Solution 
More extensive web page-based infographic experience. Like creating an online site experience in leu of an infographic…
SEE SAMPLE

Supply Chain Planning
Converting a static infographic to an animated online version—you end up with both!
SEE SAMPLE

Blueprint for Success
Online infographic, basic html, non-responsive, static
SEE SAMPLE

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Simple, practical, and inspired creative solutions. Free consulting. Free advice. Free first project for qualifiers. Creative strategies and solutions—made easy.

Get creative. http://www.mitchellcreativegroup.com, todd@mitchellcreativegroup.com, (508)494-8182.

© Copyright Todd Mitchell, Mitchell Creative Group, LLC