YouTube Retention Insights

• Intros: Strong, maintain current style.

• Retention drop points:

  • 3–5 min mark for story-based videos → may indicate storytelling/concept issues.

  • Bike reviews → retention needs improvement.

• Solutions:

  • Re-engagement at 1 min and 3–5 min marks.

  • Focus on storytelling alignment, avoid drifting off-topic.

  • Outros should be short (7–10 sec) → cut long conclusions/recaps.

  • End screens → focus on click-through (CTR); recent successes: 4–5% CTR.

Storytelling / Re-engagement

• Key principle: Realign viewers to main story / title often to maintain clarity.

• Example: Maria’s bike review → consistently returned to “big mistake” theme.

• Visual aids/graphics help reinforce story points and keep viewers focused.

• Avoid overloading with too many side topics → dilutes main story.

Bike Review Strategy

• Goal 2025: Increase bike review content; previously abandoned but valuable for views.

• Press bikes vs quirky bikes:

  • Press bikes = accessible, but may feel boring.

  • Quirky / fringe-interest bikes = higher engagement potential.

• Nearby manufacturers: Honda, Yamaha, Triumph → potential for press bikes.

Content Sources / Ideas

• SRK cycles: Accessible for reviews.

• NPA Auction (Atlanta): Huge content potential (1500+ bikes, quirky/unusual bikes). Can provide marketing contact for access.

  • Potential collab: Spike + Caroline coverage.

  • Riding bikes? Possibly, depends on permission.

• Track days / minbike training with Michael Haynau: Late March/April → potential videos: training + lessons / talking head tips.

Video Types / Inspiration

• Test drives: Low-lift, but must appeal to broad audience. Avoid boring vehicles.

  • Example inspiration: Doug DeMuro → finds unique angles on everyday vehicles.

  • Approach: interesting facts, small details, quirky history, target audience relevance.

• Historic / quirky bike reviews: Example: Wheels Through Time, giant choppers, unusual vehicles.

Video Structure / Optimization

• Hook / intro: Already strong; continue workshopping.

• Re-engagement points: Revisit story, align with title/concept throughout video.

• Outro: Keep minimal, no recap needed; let content speak for itself.

• End screen: Optimize CTR using previously successful formats.

• Avoid drifting off-topic: Stick to planned story, minimal tangents.

2025 Video Pipeline

• Jan: filler / low-performer videos, establish personalities (Maria, Whitney).

• Feb: SRK + NPA videos, potential police Harley from Sean.

• Mar–Apr: Track day / minibike training with Michael Haynau.

• Ongoing: More bike reviews, quirky vehicle content, and test drives with high-interest focus.

Miscellaneous Notes

• Review Preston Goes for storytelling / re-engagement structure.

• Focus on quirky, eye-catching, unique vehicles for audience engagement.

• Explore collaborations (e.g., Wheels Through Time, Grinhard Plumbing chopper).

• Avoid over-reliance on manufacturer press bikes → may limit critical perspective.