Take a moment to think: Is your content more focused on yourself rather than the value you can provide?
This is a common mistake made by those looking to build an online audience. And Danielle Collins, host of The Face Yoga Expert, has been there too. However, she came to realize that such an approach wouldn’t bolster her position in the competitive landscape. The key was consistency and delivering value to her audience. Following this formula has helped her gain more than 1 million followers across various platforms.
In this episode of Mics to Millions, we sit down with Danielle Collins to discuss how she’s managed to build a large social media following organically and create a successful podcast.
Providing value to your listeners is a non-negotiable
“I’ve not done ads. It’s all been organic growth, and I really just believe it’s being consistent. But the other thing I really believe is I’ve always tried not to make it about me, but make it about how I can add value to people,” says Danielle.
To illustrate this point, she recalls teaching yoga in the Maldives 10 or 11 years ago. At that time, she would simply share with her audience that she was there. However, if she were on that wonderful beach today, she would film a video allowing people to follow along with a yoga sequence, experience the benefits firsthand, and feel better.
If you’re aiming to expand your audience, the fundamental questions to ask yourself are: How can I improve someone’s life? How can I provide value? And her approach has yielded remarkable results, with over 1 million social media followers.
Check out the full episode to learn more.
Do this first if you’re shy about starting a video podcast
Video podcasts captivate viewers not just through sound but also through compelling visuals, which boosts viewer engagement and increases retention. What’s more, they empower creators to infuse their content with a diverse range of visual elements, from graphics and animations to charts and live demonstrations, adding depth and interest to their presentations.
For those aspiring to launch a video podcast to reap these benefits but feeling hesitant, Danielle offers a helpful tip: consider inviting guests onto your show.
By doing so, you alleviate the pressure of speaking directly to the camera throughout the episode. Instead, while engaging with your guests during interviews, you naturally establish eye contact and foster genuine connections, making the process feel more comfortable and authentic.
Danielle highlights a crucial point, “The YouTube algorithm often promotes my videos to non-subscribers, with 80% of my content being watched by non-subscribers.” This signifies an opportunity to reach new audiences and expand your viewer base.
The size of someone’s social media following doesn’t automatically qualify them as a suitable guest for your show
“I usually know within three or four seconds whether they’re the right person for my show,” explains Danielle. She gauges this by considering, “Would my audience gain value from this? Would it align with my brand and be genuinely interesting to me?” For her, personal intrigue is key; she wants to learn something from each guest because she believes if she’s interested, her audience likely will be too.
She emphasizes the importance of alignment with the podcast’s core themes and audience interests. Let’s say you run a fitness-focused podcast. Even if a well-known influencer is a potential guest option, sometimes it’s essential to say no. After all, if their expertise lies in different areas, their presence on your show could dilute your message and fail to resonate with your target audience.
Check out the full episode for more actionable insights.