Think Media Podcast #472: Copy This YouTube Strategy for 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Nathan Eswine (on behalf of Think Media and Sean Cannell) dives deep into advanced YouTube growth strategies designed for the competitive landscape of 2026. Leveraging case studies—most notably, the transformative journey of Dr. Jake Berman, a physical therapist for senior golfers—the episode reveals step-by-step frameworks to convert views into leads and sales. Practical advice is shared for business owners and creators who feel stuck, want better results, and are seeking ways to make their videos not only get seen, but also work for their business.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Challenges of YouTube in 2026

• Increased Competition & Changing Platform:
  “YouTube is shifting again, and most creators and business owners are completely unprepared for what’s coming in 2026. Competition is multiplying, views are harder to earn…” (01:23)
• Many creators, like Dr. Jake Berman, struggle for years—even after hundreds of videos—getting little traction or business return.

2. The YouTube Accelerator Blueprint Case Study: Dr. Jake Berman

• Focus: Brick-and-mortar physical therapy (niche: senior golfers)
• The Problem:
  • 3+ years, 500+ videos, some with thousands of views, but no real leads or sales; videos weren’t reaching the right people.
  • Lack of system to capture and convert audience interest into business.
• Quote:
  “He’s a sharp guy... but YouTube is different. He said, ‘I can’t crack it. It’s tough. I don’t get it.’” (06:33)
• Fix:
  • Jake enrolled in high-touch Think Media coaching, getting personal guidance on thumbnails, titles, video structure, filming, and CTAs.

3. Systematic Turnaround: From Misfires to New Success

• Jake’s videos now “overperform for the right people.”
• Within days of implementing new systems, Jake captured 18–20 leads from a single video.
• Notable Moment:
  “First automated sale, baby. It worked!” (20:26)

4. Three Advanced YouTube Plays (“Plays”)

Play #1: Earn Their Click

• YouTube is a decision-based platform: “No one cares about your video until you’ve convinced them to click.” (30:24)

• Craft irresistible titles & thumbnails—these are the “front gate.”

• Effort on your end reduces effort for your viewers.

  Title Transformation Example:

  • Bad: “Pain free golf swing for seniors Golf Physical therapy”
  • Good: “Your senior swing has one flaw. It kills distance.”
    • The improved title builds curiosity, speaks a ‘negative benefit’, feels direct, and has emotional punch.
  • Result: Click-through rate jumped from 0.7% to 9% by changing the title alone. (44:41)

  Chocolate Covered Carrot Concept:

  • “Chocolate is what the viewer wants... The carrot is what the viewer needs... If you go out there and just serve carrots, you’re going to reach a much smaller audience.” (55:51)
  • Make your packaging (titles, thumbnails) more about what viewers desire, feed them what they need once they’re watching.

  Memorable Quote:

  • “You have to work harder so the viewer works less.” (27:21)

Play #2: Earn Their Time

• Getting a click isn’t enough—viewers must keep watching!

• 3A Framework for Hooks: The first 30 seconds must deliver:

  1. Attention: Start with something surprising or dynamic
     • Example: Jake swings two golf clubs at once—“What am I doing swinging these two clubs?”
  2. Authority: Establish credibility
     • “I’m Dr. Jake Berman, senior golf physical therapist.”
  3. Agenda: State the benefit for the viewer
     • What will they get by watching? “Because of this exercise, your warmup time will get cut in half…”

  Guideline: Five seconds per element: attention (5s), authority (5s), agenda (5s). (58:22)

  • “If someone clicked and then left, YouTube’s like, what? That’s like a positive, then a negative viewer signal.” (57:39)

Play #3: Diversify Your Content Portfolio

• Match video formats to different audience “levels of awareness”:

  1. Unaware/Broad Appeal (Top of Funnel):
     • React to trends, well-known personalities (“trend surfing” or “influence” videos)
     • Ex.: Jake reacts to pro golfers that his audience idolizes—draw in totally new viewers by connecting the unknown (Jake) to the known (pros).
     • CTA: Simple, value-driven lead magnets (e.g., free senior golf warmup guide).
  2. Problem/Solution Aware (Middle of Funnel):
     • In-depth instructional content for those seeking solutions.
     • CTA: Deeper offers (e.g., free book or resource).
  3. Most Aware (Bottom of Funnel):
     • Long-form, “video podcast” style, uncovers clients' success stories.
     • CTA: Direct offers to workshops, consultations, or paid programs.
  • “Make videos on purpose… because this video goes out, what happens in Jake’s business that he wants to happen?” (01:13:04)

5. The Action Plan for YouTube in 2026

Summary Checklist:

• Publish on purpose: Always know the “why” behind each video.
• Respect YouTube’s “decision-based” nature: Maximize the packaging (title, thumbnails, hook).
• Don’t do it alone: Collaborate or get coaching/a second set of eyes.

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “You have to work harder so the viewer works less.” —Nathan (27:21)
• “YouTube is a decision-based platform.” —Nathan (30:02)
• “No one cares about your video… until you’ve convinced them to click.” —Nathan, directly to the audience, tough love (30:24)
• “First automated sale, baby. It worked!” —Jake Berman (20:26)
• “Chocolate covered carrot. Nobody wants to eat their vegetables…but everybody wants to eat the chocolate.” —Nathan, referencing an old Sean Cannell teaching (55:51)
• “If someone clicked and then left, YouTube’s like, what? That’s like a positive, then a negative viewer signal.” —Nathan (57:39)
• “Five seconds for attention, five seconds for authority, five seconds for agenda.” (58:22)
• “What are you doing on YouTube if there’s not a reason for it?” (01:14:13)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:23] — The state of YouTube in 2026; introduce Jake Berman’s case.
• [06:33] — Why YouTube is tough even for very smart professionals.
• [20:26] — Demonstrating real channel turnaround: “First automated sale, baby.”
• [27:21] — Key mindset: “Work harder so the viewer works less.”
• [30:02] — Decision-based platform, title/thumbnail “gate”.
• [44:41] — Title split-test example; click-through turnaround.
• [55:51] — Chocolate covered carrot: packaging desire, delivering need.
• [58:22] — The 3A Framework for Epic Hooks.
• [01:13:04] — Diversify content: Formats for all awareness levels.
• [01:14:13] — Action plan and parting advice.

Final Takeaways

• Titles, thumbnails, and hooks are everything on YouTube—craft them for humans, not algorithms.
• Viewers must first click, then stay. Every second counts, especially at the start.
• Diversify both content and calls-to-action; map video types to where a viewer is in your funnel.
• Systematize & get help; even successful business owners need YouTube-specific guidance.
• Be relentless with repackaging and testing. Small changes, especially to titles, can make massive differences.

This high-value episode is a must-listen for creators and entrepreneurs who want practical, actionable strategies tailored for the YouTube of tomorrow.