This may cause some repercussions, but I have a confession… I love Justin Bieber! And have since his first Youtube video way back in 2007. And WOW, has he skyrocketed into the spotlight in these past 4 years. Clearly his management and PR teams are doing something right.
After recently reading a very interesting blog, Influential Marketing Blog by Rohit Bhargava, I discovered another internet sensation, Ana Free. Bhargava acknowledges that her Youtube success of over 20 million views can be directly credited to “marketing” and “engagement”, and his entry lists the top 5 ways that she has become a megahit. I noticed that not only has the Biebs dominated in ALL these fields, but has completely blown Free’s accomplishments out of the water.
Bhargava’s top 5 “lessons”:
1. Share your beginnings. Check.
Justin’s very first upload is of himself winning a local singing contest. Following that are countless videos of Justin in his smalltown Canadian home, at a very young age, just rocking out.
2. Be authentic. Check.
Justin frequently posts behind-the-scenes footage and videos of himself just goofing around.
3. Use a common language. Check.
All of his earliest videos are of hit songs that everyone can sing along to.
4. Find complimentary partners. Check.
One word. USHER.
5. Ask for help from your community. Check.
As of right now, Justin has been nominated for International Breakthrough Act for the 2011 Brit Awards. His most recent upload is of himself asking for the support of his fans, hoping for their votes. Needless to say, I have already done so.
So, in essence, Miss Free should be taking tips from the Biebs, the ultimate Youtube success story. Personally, I think that if Bhargava wanted to really demonstrate how to find immediate marketability, he should have exemplified the young millionaire, Justin Bieber.
VERSUS
