Casual Viewer:

This type of viewer finds a video you created, watches it, but doesn't necessarily watch anything more. Getting a new viewer is all about making your videos easy to watch, and getting them in front of as many eyeballs as possible. Strategies include: posting to multiple hosting services (check out: TubeMogul), commenting on other peoples' videos (via text or video comment), sharing on social networkings, or even just emailing friends.

While this type of viewing is important for exposure, ultimately you'll want this person to become a repeat viewer (aka Site Visitor). Just remember to give them a way back to your website or sharing account — a URL on your video is good, but a clickable hyperlink is best.

Site Visitor:

This part of your audience knows where your website or video page is, has watched some of your videos, and is ready to come back for more. These viewers are definitely interested in your work and may want one or more of the following: fresh and engaging videos, conversation, community, a better viewing experience, and/or contact with the creator (you!).

Making new and compelling videos is probably the single most important way to convert casual viewers into site visitors. Just remember to include a URL or mention how to find your website or video page in your videos; this is especially important if they end up on sites that you didn't post them to. The next section covers the viewing experience, which may give you additional ideas for engaging this type of audience member.

RSS makes the difference between having a single viral video hit and a progressive series of videos (a channel) with an audience.

Subscriber:

The subscriber is your bread and butter — this is because you have a direct connection with them. When you publish, they know. No remembering to visit a site or anything; they are automatically notified and/or have your video pre-delivered and ready to watch. It's the way that internet TV should work!

There are many ways to get subscribers, but not all are equal — we'll explain some of the differences and help you score the best type in the subscribers section of this chapter.