In 2020, I started my first YouTube channel, now called Science Grad School Coach. For six months, I inconsistently created videos that were aimed at helping graduate students. Like many first-time creators, I thought that my videos would be quickly found and I could monetize my channel. However, this was an obvious fallacy.
Six months into my YouTube channel, I changed my position from building a YouTube channel to building a business. This is an imperative shift that successful creators need to have. My YouTube channel is my marketing avenue for my business. If you are building a business, you have likely heard about the importance of building an email list. Now, if you want to build an email list from your YouTube subscribers, how do you get their emails?
In this article, I am going to share a simple 3 step process for getting your YouTube viewers' and subscribers' email addresses.
Step 1: Create ALead Magnet
A lead magnet is simply something you give your audience for free to get their email address. In its simplest form, you can simply offer your lead magnet as a newsletter or to get updates. This means that you will ask your subscribers to sign up with their email to get regular emails with more information from you or just updates from you.
Now, your subscriber could simply click the bell notification and be notified when you have a video released. Therefore, if you want to get emails, you need to give something more valuable to your audience. Now, this is super simple if you teach on your channel. All you need to do is create a guide, checklist, or even an exclusive tutorial that you don't give away publicly.
As an example, I have two main lead magnets: 30-Day Research Jumpstart Guide and Scientific Research Paper Checklist for my channel. These guides detail the process to start a research project or complete a research article. They are not available unless you submit your email address for me to send the guide to you.
Step 2: Set Up Your Email Marketing Platform
The next step is to set up your email marketing platform. If you are just getting started and do not have a large audience, I would recommend going with a free version of software, such as ConvertKit free plan (affiliate link). This is where I started my first email list. If you have a larger audience, you may consider software that offers more or even an all-in-one software, like TekMatix (affiliate link).
At a minimum, your software needs the following features:
- Provides a form and/or landing page for opt-ins
- Stores contact information
- Allows for contacts to unsubscribe
- Delivers a file or emails to contacts that opt-in automatically
Once you have your platform, you need to create a single page that details what your audience will receive if they sign up or give their email address. Then, you need to have a form that at a minimum includes an email address. Your form could also include fields such as first name, last name, full name, a captcha, a checkbox, or other custom fields.
Finally, the last step is to simply use your system to deliver your lead magnet. This can be completed through an email that sends the file or if you have the ability to have a thank you page, you can deliver your lead magnet on this page as well.
Step 3: Inform Your YouTube Audience
Up to this point, your audience has no idea about anything you have completed. If you want to get your YouTube audience's emails, you have to inform them about your lead magnet and point them to where they can get it. I have two methods for sharing my lead magnet with my audience!
YouTube videos
One of the great things about YouTube videos is that they have a long life. Since YouTube videos can be found through YouTube search, your video can still be watched years after you publish it. This provides an amazing opportunity for YouTubers to grow their email list with little effort.
In every YouTube video, mention your lead magnet as an extension of the video you are making. Here are a few prompts to transition:
- "In fact, I created an amazing _______ that you can get for free"
- "Before I get started, I want to let you know that you can get my free _____ to help you ______"
- "If you are struggling with ______, get my free ______."
The final step is to put the link to your lead magnet page in the description of your YouTube video and let your audience know that the link is in the description.
YouTube community post
The second great place to notify your YouTube audience is in a community post. You can easily create a post that includes a description of your lead magnet and the link to the lead magnet. This can help those that might not see your videos or view your videos long enough to learn about your lead magnet.
Overall, you can easily gain your YouTube audiences' emails to build your email list by these simple 3 steps:
- Create a lead magnet
- Set up your email platform and lead magnet delivery
- Mention your lead magnet to your YouTube audience