Every year, more and more YouTubers attend FinCon. At FinCon in 2022, over 40% of attendees reported they were creating some form of video content, including YouTube channels or short and long-form video content for social media. This year is no exception with a growing number of TikTok creators too.
As video continues to grow within the Personal Finance community, we want to ensure the content and opportunities at FinCon meet the needs of video-based creators. FinCon provides a video-specific track to adequately cover the ins and outs of video creation and marketing. In addition to educational content, we’ve also scheduled opportunities specifically for you to create content on site and collaborate together.
FinCon is jam-packed, and we want to make sure you get the biggest benefit possible from your experience. We created this YouTuber’s Guide to FinCon to help you navigate the event for video-specific opportunities.
1. Make Focused Goals
A lot of people approach FinCon as an opportunity to socialize and meet people. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that plan. FinCon is definitely focused on fun.
In addition to that general intention, though, make it a point to focus your goals before FinCon. Set a number of contacts you’d like to make, sponsors you’d like to reach out to, and more. By setting focused goals, you’re sure to get something out of FinCon.
2. Meet Potential Sponsors or Partners for Your Channel
We’ll have tons of partnering brands at FinCon that could potentially become sponsors and partners for you and your platform. These brands come to our event specifically to talk to you. Make a point to meet each brand in FinCon Central (the expo hall). You never know who might be a good fit for you to promote to your audience.
Simply meeting the people who are on the brand’s team is important. This provides a chance to make personal connections with sponsors or partners. If you don’t land a sponsorship right away, making these connections in person can still grow your relationship in ways that email cannot. In fact, FinConners who meet with our partnering sponsors leave with relationships that lead to an immediate ROI on their FinCon investment.
As video continues to dominate online consumer engagement, brands are looking to partner with YouTubers and other video creators to help spread their message. Even if you aren’t solely on YouTube, sponsors are excited to include video content in their campaigns. Don’t miss out on these key networking opportunities that can help you get paid for doing the work you love.
A pro tip is to pack more than just a business card for these introductions. If you want to snag a sponsor, consider bringing a media kit.
A media kit for podcasters might include:
- Highlights about your channel/platform
- Stats about engagement and views
- Insight on who your viewers are
- List of your most popular content
- Previous partnerships
Your media kit is also great for follow-up emails.
3. Record a Video for Your Channel Live at the Video Booths
We set up the camera, the mics, the lights, and a great backdrop to record a video for your channel LIVE at the conference. All you have to do is show up to the video booths with a 16gb SD card and start recording! (Shout out to Moomoo for sponsoring the booths!)
Spots are limited, so make sure you plan ahead. You can reserve your spot via the Sign Ups tab in the FinCon app. (Can’t find the reservation form? Email us at admin@finconexpo.com and we’ll send it to you.)
4. Join the FinCon YouTuber’s Facebook Group
Money Nerd YouTubers UNITE! There are some great YouTube-focused groups on Facebook, but none are as niche as the FinCon YouTubers Group. This Facebook group is a great way to connect—both before and after the event—with other FinConners dedicated to video production.
This group started after #FinCon17 and has turned into a tight-knit community of personal finance video content creators collaborating to grow together. They cover everything from the lenses you should buy to the latest YouTube algorithm details. Even if you haven’t set up your channel yet, this is the perfect place to ask questions and figure out how to get started.
Join the community and get your questions answered by people just like you.
5. Get Inspired by Big-Name YouTubers
We’ve got some fantastic YouTubers coming to FinCon. In 2021 we had Jaspreet Singh from Minority Mindset as our keynote speaker. He and his team hit over 1M subscribers that year. In the past, we’ve had YouTube stars like Graham Stephen, Whiteboard Finance, Meet Kevin, Roberto Blake, Jordan Page, Jusine Nelson, Tim Schmoyer, and more. Be sure to check out this year’s schedule in the app to see who is speaking and what talks are being offered.
Another tip is to remember that it is much easier to make connections with other YouTubers in person. While you might not be able to set up an interview via email, most people at FinCon are more than happy to give a few minutes of their time during the event. Don’t be afraid to speak up and connect.
To see the full schedule, registered attendees can download the event app in the app store or find it on the website here.
6. Attend Sessions About Marketing and Growing a YouTube Channel
We have an entire Video Track, presented by Ezoic, of breakout sessions dedicated to video production and marketing. Learn from experts who will cover topics like getting started, growing your channel, and monetizing.
If you can’t wait until FinCon to get your YouTube strategy going, check out this podcast with Joseph Hogue on ways to grow affiliates and sponsorships with your channel.
7. Use the FinCon App to Coordinate With Other YouTubers About Meetups
Inside the FinCon app, you’ll find the complete schedule where you can star specific sessions and events you’d like to attend. But more importantly, you can connect with other attendees. If there’s another YouTuber at the event that you would like to collaborate with or even just meet in real life, the app is the easiest way to find his or her information. You can add a tag to your profile that lets other YouTubers know you’re interested in video. This app tag lets you easily connect with other video creators at the conference.
The FinCon app is available now. Just open the app store, and search for “FinCon.” (You can’t access it, though, unless you’re a registered attendee.)
The value of FinCon truly is in the community. Make a point to build at least two friendships with other YouTubers while you’re here, and you’ll be sure to find value beyond the conference.
8. Hire Help or Get Hired
Perhaps you are looking for an editor for your YouTube channel or maybe you want to offer your video skills as a freelancer. FinCon is the perfect place to do both of these things. In fact, there’s the Freelancer Marketplace, which is a dedicated time for freelancers to connect with brands and businesses.
In addition to the Freelancer Marketplace, you’re able to connect with freelancers or as a freelancer any time you interact with someone. Make sure that you have a business card or keep your phone with you to store contact information. If you cross paths with someone who you’d like to talk with, make an appointment to catch up with them later in the conference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or offer your services to help other YouTubers.
Ready to take action? Sign up for FinCon or upgrade your pass to a Pro Pass.
Comments
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Excellent advice as always FinCon! I’m planning on recording more candid interviews in DC this year. That was one of my favorite parts … I was able to connect with so many people and create an awesome podcast episode out of it!
Good advice! Looking forward to this year!