Have you ever wondered why some people watch your YouTube videos but never hit that subscribe button?

You're not alone. In fact, most channels only convert a small percentage of their viewers into subscribers. But what if I told you there was a way to specifically target those viewers and remind them to subscribe?

That's exactly what I'm going to teach you today – my complete “secret” strategy for using special YouTube Retargeting Ads to convert your viewers into subscribers!

As a Reminder, Our Goal with this Newsletter is to Give You the Highest Level of Value Possible. That’s my Promise to you & I intend to Over-Deliver!

Here’s a Sneak Peek at What’s Inside This Email:

• I'll give you my Complete “YouTube Subscriber Retargeting Strategy“

• The Secret URL Trick to Boost Subscription Rates

• A Step-by-Step Tutorial on Setting Up These Campaigns (+ Video)

• The Best Tips to Maximize Your Results & Troubleshooting Guide

Alright, let’s Dive In…

The YouTube Subscriber Retargeting Strategy

The strategy is actually quite simple: Target people who have watched your videos but haven't subscribed yet with ads specifically designed to get them to subscribe.

Think about it – these people have already shown interest in your content. They've watched your videos, maybe even gave them a like or engaged, but for whatever reason haven't taken that next step to subscribe.

By retargeting them with a strategic subscriber-focused ad, you can remind them of the value they get from your channel and encourage them to subscribe to get more.

This is especially valuable if you’re creating a YouTube Channel Flywheel Strategy to convert viewers into clients – because once you get someone to subscribe, they’ll be shown more of your content warming them up until they’re ready to convert!

I’ve created a step-by-step video tutorial & instructions below, so feel free to follow along!

Here's exactly how to set this up:

Step 1: Link Your YouTube Channel

Before you can run any YouTube Ads from your channel, you need to link your YouTube channel to your Google Ads account. Here's how:

1. Go to Tools > Data Manager in Google Ads

2. Click “New Link”

3. Choose “Link Channel”

4. Find your YouTube channel

5. Configure settings (make sure to enable all permissions)

6. Click Link

Pro Tip: If you're new to Google Ads, search for “Google Ads Coupon” on Google's official site – you might be able to get $500-1000 in ad credits to start!

Step 2: Create Your Retargeting Audiences

This is where the magic happens. You'll want to create several audience segments:

1. 30-Day Viewers: People who watched your videos in the last 30 days

2. 540-Day Viewers: Maximum lookback window for long-term viewers

3. Video Likes Audience: People who liked your videos

4. Current Subscribers: To exclude from your campaigns

Creating these audiences is simple:

1. Go to Audience Manager

2. Click the + button

3. Choose “YouTube Users”

4. Select your channel

5. Choose the audience type (views, likes, etc.)

6. Set the time window

7. Name and save

Important Note: Google only backfills 30 days of data, but will collect future data up to 540 days. That's why it's crucial to set these up early!

Step 3: The “Secret” Subscription URL

Here's a pro tip that dramatically increases subscription rates: Instead of sending people to your channel, use this special URL format:

https://youtube.com/[your-channel-name]?sub_confirmation=1

This automatically triggers the subscription confirmation popup when someone clicks the link in your ad, making it much more likely they'll follow through and subscribe!

If you want to see it for yourself – check out this link for my channel:

https://youtube.com/AlericHeckYT?sub_confirmation=1

Here’s what it looks like when your viewers click your CTA:

Step 4: Create Your Campaign

Now it's time to put it all together:

1. Create a new campaign with the “Leads” objective

2. Choose “Video” as your campaign type

3. Set up basic targeting (location, language, etc.)

4. Use Target CPA bidding (start around $3-5 per subscriber but your true cost should be lower)

5. Exclude Display Network & TV screens

6. Add frequency caps (3 views per month recommended)

7. Turn OFF video enhancements (they can mess up your video quality)

8. Add your retargeting audiences

9. EXCLUDE your subscriber audience

10. Add your subscription-focused video ad

Speaking of which…

Step 5: Create Your Subscriber Ad

Your ad should follow this basic structure:

1. Acknowledge they've watched your videos

2. Remind them of the value they get

3. Preview future content they'll receive

4. Give a clear call-to-action to subscribe

5. Make it short (60-90 seconds max)

Here's a script template you can use:

“Hey, I noticed you've been watching my videos about [topic]. First, thank you! I wanted to personally invite you to subscribe to my channel where I share [specific value proposition]. When you subscribe, you'll get [benefit 1], [benefit 2], and [benefit 3]. Click the link right here to subscribe – it takes just one click and you'll never miss another video!”

Troubleshooting Tips

If your campaign isn't spending, try these fixes:

1. Increase your Target CPA (sometimes you need to bid higher initially)

2. Switch to Maximize Conversions temporarily

3. Check your audience sizes (you need at least 1000 people)

4. Make sure all tracking permissions are enabled

Remember, the key to success with this strategy is consistency and optimization. Start with these settings, monitor your results, and adjust based on performance.

Want my team to help you implement this strategy? Book a free strategy call and we'll map out a custom YouTube Ads plan for your business.

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Complimentary YouTube Ads Strategy Call!

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I want to invite you to a 1-1 Strategy call with my Team to map out a YouTube Ads & Video Marketing Strategy specifically for your Business!

This is a 45-minute call where we’ll dive into your Business, your Goals & map out a Custom Strategy to help you Achieve them through YouTube!

Fill out the Quick Booking form to Schedule your Strategy Call.

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More Value Coming Next Friday!

Stay Tuned for More Great Value & Content Coming your Way!

Here’s a Sneak Peak at What’s Coming Next:

• More Free Trainings & Resources — In your Inbox!

• Real Case Studies & Examples of the Marketing Funnels that Scaled Coaching Businesses past 7 & 8 Figures

• The REAL on-the-ground insights into what’s going on in the Online Marketing & Coaching/Consulting/High-Ticket Industry (Based on our Insights working with Thousands of Clients)

• The Latest YouTube Ad & Marketing Strategies as we Discover Them – So that you’re Always on the Cutting Edge

• Guest Articles, Videos & Podcasts from the Top Marketing Minds of Today — Stay tuned for some exciting announcements around this 😉

• And a LOT More…

I’m serious when I say I want this to be The Most Valuable Newsletter You’re Subscribed to — Look out for us in your Inbox Every Friday!

I’ll see you in the next one!

To Your Success,

– Aleric Heck | Founder & CEO of AdOutreach