When it comes to YouTube marketing, people often ask, “What’s the best book to read?” Is it this one? That one? The truth is — it depends on your goal.
There are two main strategies for growing on YouTube. Both are effective, but each serves a very different purpose. And using the wrong one for your situation could actually hurt your chances of success.
Let’s break down those two strategies and help you decide which book — and which method — is right for you.
Two Different Strategies
Let’s use two books to represent the two YouTube growth strategies:
- The YouTube Formula by Derral Eves
- A Hero’s Guide to Influence on YouTube (written by me)
Now, yes — I’m biased. But both books have their place, and both strategies work in the right context.
Derral Eves’ Strategy: Grow a Massive Channel
Derral Eves is the author of The YouTube Formula. He’s worked with top creators (including MrBeast) to help them grow massive, entertainment-focused channels.
The goal here is to:
- Create entertaining content that gets millions of views
- Let YouTube tell you who your audience is
- Make money through ad revenue and sponsorships
If your dream is to become a full-time content creator and turn YouTube itself into a business, this is the book you should study.
My Strategy: YouTube as a Lead Generator
On the other hand, I’ve worked with hundreds of businesses and manage over 60 YouTube channels that use a different model — a strategy I teach in A Hero’s Guide to Influence on YouTube.
The goal here is to:
- Leverage YouTube to generate qualified leads
- Create “how-to” content that shows up in search results
- Drive traffic to an existing business
If you already have a business and want to use YouTube to grow it, this is the strategy for you.
A Different Kind of Math
Let’s compare:
- Derral’s strategy: 1,000,000 views = ~$10,000 in ad revenue
- Lead gen strategy: 100–200 views = ~$10,000 in client revenue
It’s not about viral content. It’s about relevance, ranking, and value.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t Mix Strategies
Trying to blend both strategies is a recipe for frustration. Stick with one that matches your goal.
Which Book Should You Read?
If you want to build a massive, entertainment-driven channel:
- ✅ Read The YouTube Formula by Derral Eves
- Focus on content creation, community building, and viral hooks
If you want to grow your business through YouTube:
- ✅ Read A Hero’s Guide to Influence on YouTube
- Focus on search, authority, and lead generation
Both books are available on Amazon.
Want a free copy of my book? I’ll send it to you — just cover shipping. Visit NatesYouTubeBook.com to grab your copy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to decide where to start, first get clear on your end goal. Is YouTube the business, or is it a tool for your business?
Once you know the answer, the right strategy — and the right book — becomes obvious.
