Vlog Like a Boss: How to Kill It Online with Video Blogging

by Amy Schmittauer

Vlog Like a Boss is the complete guide to video blogging.Amy Schmittauer is the Vlog Boss. As a new media triple threat -- YouTuber, keynote speaker and author -- she coaches people to go after what they want in life and leverage online video to make it happen. Creator of the popular YouTube series Savvy Sexy Social, her channel boasts a global community and millions of views. Now, in her first book, she will show you how to Vlog Like a Boss and get the attention you deserve.A collection of strategies and tactics from years of experience in online video, Schmittauer shares time-tested, proven methods to creating brand awareness with vlogging that will build a loyal community for years to come. This complete guide will show you how overcome the 3 major fears that hold many people back from making videos- create your most engaging vlog every time with the Authority Video Formula- achieve your on-camera talent (and no, you don't need to be a natural!)- leverage the "secret" to video success that creates fans for life- and much more!

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Social Media, Self Help, Entrepreneurship, Personal Development

218 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2017

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vlog Like A Boss: How To Kill It Online With Video Blogging by Amy Schmittauer

Learn how to master the world of video with Amy Schmittauer's incredible video marketing book, Vlog Like A Boss!

I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I have been a fan of YouTube star and social media expert Amy Schmittauer for a couple of years now. So when I heard that she was writing and
publishing a book on video marketing, I knew I had to get myself a copy. I was even more stunned when I was sent an email with an advance reading
copy (ARC) of this incredible book, and I'm so honored to be one of the lucky ones to get to dive headfirst into this eye-opening book.

The book, or memoir or "how-to" book in question is called Vlog Like A Boss: How To Kill It Online With Video Blogging by Amy Schmittauer, and
I can honestly say that this is one of the most insightful YouTube and video marketing books I've ever read. Over the last few years I've read some
marketing books, but this one does a masterful job of detailing the process of getting into making video and explaining it in a way that both
seasoned filmmakers and aspiring YouTubers both can understand.

One thing that jumped out immediately was how Amy was able to write in a voice that spoke to everyone, from the young millennial eager to make
their own YouTube channel to the experienced business owner who's seeking a helping hand using video for their work. Using fun and fascinating
tales from her own life to help explain the process, this book goes to great lengths to outline the entire video process, from identifying the
common fears of being on camera, to the equipment one will need for video and editing, to the way to identify with your audience and create a
video that will resonate with viewers.

Overall, this was a fantastic read that was both enjoyable and instructive. As someone trying to build and improve on my own YouTube channel, I
can tell you that this book has been illuminating. Taking the tools I learned from this book, I can identify problem areas with my filming, and
improve on it. From ways to generate ideas to what social media platforms work best and how they work with your videos, this is a book any
video creator will not want to miss. Inspiring, educational, and all around fun, Vlog Like A Boss by Amy Schmittauer is a must read book in
2017, and thus I give it a 10/10 rating. I will leave links to both Amy's YouTube channel and her official book website below, and I hope you
guys will not only subscribe to her, but pre-order your copies of this book today. Vlog Like A Boss comes out on January 31st, 2017!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/savvysex...
Website: http://vloglikeaboss.com/

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got some really good ideas from this book, and got inspired to polish up my vlogging in a more professional way. Some of the tips were things that I already knew or had learned myself from over 4 years of vlogging on YouTube, but some of the advice was new to me. I wish that I had read this book when I was first starting out, and I might have grown my brand much more quickly.

I like that the author goes in depth into the structure of a video, how to engage your audience, how to film with good lighting, how to promote your brand, how to include a call to action for new subscribers, how to set up a collaboration with another vlogger or company, and a dozen other subjects that come up in the world of vlogging and interacting through social media. And she gives examples, and practical tips, and good solid ideas, that you can immediately use to create a plan and take action.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in vlogging, filming, and creating their own brand on social media.

[Rubina G Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all interested in starting a YouTube Channel!

If you're thinking of express yourself using video, then Vlog Like A Boss is the book you must pick up.
I've been following Amy on YouTube for quite some time now and I absolutely love her content. So, me being an avid reader and curious about YouTube, it was a no-brainer that I had to pick up her book. And I am glad I did. The biggest plus point about this book is - it's focused more on the person making the vlog than on creating a perfect video. It is all about what you want as a video creator and what you can do to reap the most benefits. Once Amy explains all that only then does she dive into the technical aspect of vlogging. Amy effortlessly gives the bare bones of what it takes to vlog and how to go after the life you want. Highly recommend this book! Especially if you don't understand the technical jargon of YouTube, this book will make it easy for you.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to give you a boost. A lot of information on YouTube and gear is a bit outdated, but the gist of it still remains. You have to suck it up and just do it albeit it's guaranteed you will suck in the beginning as with any other creative outlet. Just get over it. This approach doesn't always work with me but somehow this time it did.

It was a necessary kick in the ass and for that it gets a 4 stars from me.

[Bruna Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

O livro é completamente a Amy do YouTube - o tipo de livro que você consegue praticamente ouvir o autor narrando. Por já ter acompanhado o trabalho dela por anos, muita informação não é novidade pra mim, mas o que foi novo realmente me deu uma nova perspectiva.

É um conteúdo muito útil para qualquer criador de conteúdo trabalhando com vídeo - apesar de focar em YouTube, ela também dá dicas e sugestões para trabalhar com outras plataformas (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram etc).

Recomendo tanto o livro quanto o canal :)

[Jerome Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tips on getting started with video. For amateurs and experts alike. Wisdom from hours of vulnerable video making. How to stand out from the crowd and touch people’s hearts. How to win the confidence of those who have ears to hear your message. Why now is the perfect time to start and will always be. Why there’s no excuse to not follow your dream.

[Jade Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vlog Like A Boss: How To Kill It Online With Video Blogging
I've never watched Amy's videos before and had never heard of her actually. I stumbled across her audiobook and as I'm trying to get back into consistently making my own youtube videos I thought I'd give her book a whirl.
It definitely has a lot of good advice and tips... and it came across very friendly, not arrogant or self-righteous. I enjoyed her humor and writing style. It's a very practical book that focuses on the very basics that anyone could follow along with. I am now definitely interested to check out her youtube channel.
Thanks for all the ideas and advice, Amy.

[Darcey Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and excellent information. Amy wrote it from a ‘I’m your friend’ perspective giving the hard truths and support to go out and Vlog Like a Boss!

[Tony Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy gets it. She has become the thought leader and “go to” authority on social media through diligence and hard work. She has walked the walk and has talked the talk through hundreds of episodes on her “Savvy Sexy Social” channel on YouTube. Since I stumbled on her channel in 2015, I have watched her develop from a ebullient talking head to a dynamic and formidable communicator with incredible persuasive skills. Her videos have gone from single camera with jump cuts to full cinematic productions complete with music and sophisticated editing. Amy is fearless. She takes risks and uses the feedback she receives to improve her product and attain mastery over her craft. “Vlog Like a Boss” is an encapsulation of all that she has learned. She has made all the mistakes so you don’t have to. She writes in a conversational tone that makes it easy to assimilate the wealth of information found in the book. Best of all, Amy gets you. She is there to help you communicate better through vlogging, to share your passion and to realize your dreams. Amy is the Vlog Boss!

[Valene Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!! Even though YouTube is always changing and so is the way you can create videos, this definitely gives you the inside look at what it takes and also tools that will help you to be successful. I will definitely be referencing this book when I finish creating my channel. A must read if you want to Vlog or create a YouTube channel.

[Bamidele Adenipekun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Easy-to-read. Full of practical and insightful advice on the hows of vlogging.
You can tell that the author is an authority on her subject; she broke down concepts without over-simplifying the content. If you're serious about using vlogging to promote you brand/message; this book is A MUST.

[T. Laane · Rating 5 out of 5]

CREATING WOW MOMENTS AND CONNECTIONS - Go beyond basic greetings in your interactions - create “wow” moments for your audience by adding extra care and effort to your communication. Vlogging is about being human on camera, establishing warmth, trust, and connection. Look into the camera as if you’re looking into the eyes of a friend. Think of it as thousands of coffee dates without the expense of buying all those lattes. Since all content revolves around emotions, ask yourself: What feelings do you want to evoke in your viewers? Build rapport and trust with your audience, showing genuine passion and care for their experience.
CONTENT STRATEGY AND SPECIALIZATION - Specialize in a niche and become the go-to expert in that field - audiences won’t follow a jack of all trades. Clearly define your strategy statement: Who you help, what you create for them, and why you’re doing it. For example, “I help (target audience) by vlogging about (topic) so I can (ultimate goal).” Think about how you’re different: Why would your audience recommend your channel to a friend? People won’t recommend “just another creator” - they’ll recommend someone unique.
EMBRACING AUTHENTICITY AND LEARNING - Personality matters far more than perfection. Don’t wait for the perfect gear or setup - start today with what you have. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Do what you can with what you have, where you are.” Answer the honest question: Why are you doing this? Save the polished response for the press release and keep your real motivations at the heart of your journey. When the going gets tough and you’re grinding through your 20th video with minimal results, remembering your "why" will keep you going. Your first videos might not be great - it’s normal to feel awkward speaking to a camera - but clicking "publish" turns your practice into real growth.
ENGAGING AND PREDICTABILITY - Practice predictable posting to build loyal viewership. Create a content bucket that repeats every month - for example, reviews every first week of the month. This ensures you won’t scramble for topics, and viewers will know when to expect specific content. Keep your uploads regular and short; once per week is the industry standard. If you post more frequently, followers may struggle to focus on one video, preventing it from gaining traction on algorithms. Templates can help with variety: top 5 lists, reviews, comparisons (correct vs. incorrect), and audience Q&A turned into different topics are all effective formats.
TARGET AUDIENCE CLARITY - Dive deeper into understanding your audience. Build an ideal viewer profile using insights like their daily challenges, aspirations, and how they use the internet. What are their key life moments or struggles? This clarity allows you to create content that not only resonates but also feels natural in their environment.
BUILDING EMOTIONAL IMPACT - People won’t remember every video, but they’ll remember how your content made them feel. Evoke emotions that inspire, uplift, or motivate your viewers to take action. Use video storytelling to highlight relatable struggles, paired with phrases like: "Many have tried for years and failed - I don’t blame them," or "Most people want X but don’t know where to start - without a plan, it’s impossible." Agitating the problem fosters connection before offering solutions.
BALANCE FREQUENCY AND DEPTH - While variety is essential to keep content interesting, don’t overwhelm your audience with excessive uploads. Allow each video to breathe and gain traction in algorithms. Reserve specific time slots for newsletters - weekends are ideal when your audience has more free time. Write emails as if you’re addressing a close friend, keeping the tone personal and engaging.
MOVE BEYOND FEAR - Don’t let fear stop you from starting. Waiting for ideal conditions - perfect gear, flawless editing, or polished delivery - is counterproductive. Your early videos might not be great, but they’re a necessary step. Good storytelling isn’t just for the camera; it’s a skill that carries over from real-life conversations. Improve your speaking by practicing regularly, both for video and face-to-face. Shift your mindset from striving for perfection to conveying authenticity and connection.
ENGAGING NEW VIEWERS IMMEDIATELY - The first 8 seconds of your video are critical. Don’t waste this time with introductions or talking about yourself. Instead, confirm to the viewer immediately why they were right to click on your video. Dive straight into the content and visually engage them - show results first, then explain how to achieve them. For example, if it’s a makeup tutorial, showcase the final look before teaching the process. Overlay your brand unobtrusively during the content without interrupting the viewer’s experience. Treat new viewers like loyal followers; never make them feel "new" by overexplaining. The key is to focus entirely on their needs.
CONTENT GENEROSITY - Emphasize giving, not asking, throughout the video. Don’t demand actions (like subscribing or liking) at the start - instead, provide value first and save calls to action for the end. Keep your videos concise and focused; cut out filler words, unnecessary long takes, and breathing pauses. Every visual second must hold purpose. Use jump cuts, zoom-ins during moments like laughter, and integrate b-roll for variety and better pacing. A good video isn’t about showcasing you; it’s about addressing what the viewer needs and how the content will help them.
COLLABORATION AND AUDIENCE EXCHANGE - Start collaborating as soon as possible - you don’t need a huge audience to begin. Research creators whose viewers align with your ideal audience and immediately pitch collaboration ideas. Offer value by guaranteeing quality content and even offering funds or reciprocal exposure. Always provide both channels' growth ideas - suggest a joint video topic, outline benefits for both audiences, and create a plan for video flow. For example, ensure the original creator introduces the collaboration on their video, and let them invite their audience to your channel at the end rather than self-promoting. Active participation in the host creator’s comment section is essential - answer questions, respond to interactions, and represent yourself authentically. Consider a giveaway that requires participants to follow both channels for added exposure.
BUILDING A STRONG COMMENT SYSTEM - Comments are gold. Engage deeply with your audience by responding to every comment - make it personal, showing you remember previous interactions and usernames. This is your chance to build loyalty and relatability. If someone criticizes your content, view it as a compliment - they believe you can improve. Push boundaries and stand firmly for your values; the strongest creators polarize because they’re clear about their mission. Maybe even invite viewers to submit questions or video ideas. For example, ask them to upload unlisted YouTube videos with questions for you to respond to in your content. Featuring audience names and faces builds strong connections and gives viewers a sense of belonging.
CONTENT REPURPOSING AND PROMOTION - A video’s success isn’t just in its creation but in its promotion. Spend more time promoting your video than making it. Use teasers on platforms like Facebook, where visual content plays silently by default; entice viewers with a 15-second visually compelling preview and a YouTube link. Email lists are invaluable - use them to directly inform your audience of new videos, ensuring they don’t miss out. Write emails with personality, as though addressing a friend, and highlight why they’d benefit from watching. A small gesture like ensuring your content appears in inboxes can make all the difference in your relationship with your followers.
VISUAL PRESENTATION AND QUALITY - Visuals matter. Keep the framing tight - focus on the upper body, shoulders, and face, as if speaking to someone across a coffee table. Align the lens at eye level for a personal, conversational feel. Avoid leaving too much empty space above your head; if necessary, crop the top of your head slightly for a tighter image. Always ask yourself, “If I didn’t make this content, would I share it with a friend?” If the answer is no, adjust until your video feels recommendable.
KEEPING CONSISTENCY AND SIMPLICITY - Schedule regular uploads, ideally once a week, to become predictable for returning viewers. Overloading viewers with too much content too quickly can dilute the impact of each video. Create a “content bucket” with recurring themes - for example, Mondays for reviews, Fridays for tutorials - so you don’t struggle for ideas and viewers know what to expect. Short, regular videos (2-5 minutes) perform best. Practice by publishing, not just recording; every uploaded video teaches you something new. Don’t let early imperfections hold you back - improvement comes from doing.

[z · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Vlog Like a Boss," Amy Schmittauer tells you everything you need to know about online video -- how to get over your fears, set a goal, grow a community, encourage engagement and coming up with a strategy -- while being funny at the same time.

Before reading this book, I considered my YouTube channel a business, as in "Yeah, I'd like to make money from this thing." During the course of reading this book, I identified who my ideal client is, what my strategy is to attract and keep that client, and what makes me so special versus the thousands of book reviews out there.

This is awesome.

One of my favorite concepts is this idea of using "buckets" to schedule content. When Amy is cleaning her house, she puts similar items into a bucket, making it easier to put them in their intended places. The same concept can be used for online video. Instead of saying "I'm going to read one non-fiction book per week and review it" (talking about myself here), create buckets to differentiate content from one video to the next. It creates a little variety.

I could stick purely to book reviews and create buckets based on the type of book, say "Business," "Biography," and "Personal Development." The first week would feature a business book, such as "Entreleadership." The second week, a biography, such as "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin." The third week, a personal development book, such as "The Power of Now." These are all books I have on my shelf that I'd like to read, but with the bucket concept, I can achieve a true sense of variety.

I could also deviate from the purely book-review format and create buckets for "Book Review," "News about Lifelong Learning," and "Monthly Recap." This would allow me to save the book reviews for only those books that absolutely knocked my socks off. The books that were "good" or "alright" would get a quick review in the monthly recap.

I've long been a fan of Amy's YouTube channel, Savvy Sexy Social (https://www.youtube.com/savvysexysocial), where she talks about online business and social media. I used her advice as a wedding photographer, then when I started my mom channel, and now, with my book review channel. She has so much content available for free online so you can figure out if her style works for you.

[Disclaimer: I literally screamed when I found out I was receiving an advanced copy of this book for free. That's how much I wanted to read this book. My opinions are my own, and I was not persuaded to change them in any way, shape or form.]

[Gaurav Gaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy is a well known Vlogger on Youtube. She has shared important tips in simple and practical format. It is helpful for anyone who wants to start with Vlogging. You feel like having a conversation with the author.
The book is written in different small chapters. The author talks about how to overcome fears of online video content. She shares her own experience. She gives you wonderful advice on small yet important things to remember while shooting a video. She also suggests necessary equipment. The book is written as a complete package for amateurs.
Amazingly written, a must-read for people serious about starting a video channel.

[Deanna Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very informative especially if you are working to figure out the world of vlogging or youtube. Amy does an amazing job of telling you like it is and giving you examples of how to become successful. Not just theory, if you have followed her you will see how she uses these skills on her channel. Practical application over the years as she has done them, not just talk like others. Tested things before she ever wrote about them made sure they worked for her (for many years and they worked Imagine that).

Go Back and watch see how she has improved. Then pick up your camera and film...

[Sina Marandian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Amy's work for about 7 years now and saying "I have benefited from it" would be an absolute understatement. She's without a doubt is one of the most real people l now (along with GaryVee and Mel Robbins). Her authenticity in her videos has very well reflected in her first book, Vlog Like A Boss. Meaning, while avoiding any form of "sugarcoating the challenges" along the way, she taps on your desire to put your best version out there using online video. Whether it is for a personal project or marketing for a business, her advices, strategies and tips & tricks are very much helpful.
If you are after a small gem that it skips all the nonsense and gets right into the core, you won't be disappointed.

[Robert Tetteroo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative book about the basics for how to start up a youtube channel. No technical details which was good, but more focus on how to come up with a vision for your vlog, how to grow step by step your audience and how to make compelling content.

For me most interesting part was in the last part of the book when the author explains how to integrate other social media in your vlogs to maximize its reach.

Honestly I watched during the time of reading a load of vlogs about the same topic and concluded that it is better to learn it directly online rather then from a book.

[Drae Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed VLAB as I started playing around with Youtube last year as a creator and wanted to improve betond some of the knowledge Amy and others on Youtube share over there about using it.

VLAB was very well laid out and focused on helping everyone, no matter their budgets (eg: those recording on their smartphones) and their reason or topic to upload.

I feel that anyone interested in building their personal beand, business or authority in a specific niche will find this book to be a treasure-trove of experience to learn from.

Thanks, Amy! Great book!

[Giovanni Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put the finishing touches on Amy's book today and let me say as a new budding YouTuber. This was exactly what I was looking for! In the book, she describes in detail many different techniques to help step up your vlogging game. If you have watched any of Amy's YouTube Videos' then you know her tone and how she presents to her loyal following. I am a fan of her show, and I am so glad she wrote this book. It is a quick read, and you will enjoy it.

[Cliff Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vlogging is so important to adding to the spider's sweep across the web interlocking our contact with others. We have to be smart as authors, publishers, and marketers as to how we can get more eyes on our work. Knowing that Google owns youtube, as an author we can see how important vlogging can be to raising our key words and titles up the Google ranking for searches. Vlogging is another way to connect with our readers and our chosen audience. Bravo Amy, this book is amazing.

[Ray Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Succeed on YouTube - the Smart Way

This is an excellent book of the principles you must understand to succeed as a YouTuber. Amy writes the same way she vlogs - smart, funny, and always helpful. She packs a lot of powerful marketing and business advice into a book that feels light & breezy, and is easy to read. As a writer, I can tell you that is hard to do. This book is a pure delight.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off strong and had great potential, but then fell flat. Whenever she would provide an example, it was always in reference to her own stuff and never any other successful YouTubers or what they have done that works. Also, nothing specific in regards to camera equipment or software because it's always changing. Over all, most of these concepts I already knew and are easier to find anywhere on the internet. I wanted to enjoy this book more, but sadly it didn't do it for me.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. I'm not sure I will ever feel comfortable putting myself in front of the camera, but I read it thinking it would give me ideas on how to improve my blog. So many good ideas!
I loved the voice of Amy throughout the book. It was like watching her in video form in my head as I read her book. I highly recommend reading this book if you are considering starting a vlog or YouTube channel. At the very least, go to YouTube and subscribe to the Amy Landino channel.

[Asmaa - Bliifee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some really good tips and tricks. The book is very motivating throughout that sometimes you just feel the urge to put it down and get your first video out there.
There were some parts though where one would get amazing advice on what to do but would be left feeling unsure on how to carry out that particular tip.
Nevertheless, still a great read💕
Highly recommend if you're thinking of starting a YouTube channel or becoming an influencer. 😊

[Becky L Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great info in this book. Very real author/ narrator. Yes I am the person she mentions "and those that have never seen one of my videos, which would be ..." well I don't remember the actual word but it made me laugh. We all have our preferred platform for the information we want. Mine is audio books. But luckily a YouTube expert decided to cross platforms to create an excellent reference book specifically for people like me.

[Sarah Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think one of the most profound takeaways for me reading Amy's book was how it rewired what I think about being disliked. How not everyone is going to like you or what you do. I really appreciate these types of emotional, occasionally alienating points being addressed because they often get lost in the shuffle of progress and ambition.

Thanks, Amy! :)

[Laurens Bonnema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy is The Vlog Boss!

A supremely practical book that will teach you all you need to know to get started vlogging on YouTube. Amy’s tone of voice is professional with a bit of snarkiness. Just like in her vlogs. If you combine what you learn from this book with some basic SEO knowledge, you’ll hit the ground running on your YouTube channel.

[Ricky Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book

I loved the book. Great content. I bought the kindle edition along with the audio. I honestly want to give it a 4.75. The book itself is a 5. There were a few sentences that were skipped in the audio version. I loved the extra commentary. It was very authentic. I'm ready to vlog like a boss.

[D.E. Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book as a reference to some of the things Amy talks about on her YouTube channel. While I have seen so many of her videos much of it wasn't new to me, I did gain some deeper insights into some of the things she discusses.

This book is going to be my best friend as I struggle through the hard beginning steps of vlogging.
Thank you, Amy Landino. This is awesome.

[Kevin Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only the second type of these mastering YouTube books I've read, but I can tell you that this one is a good one! Amy really does a great job at leading the reader into knowing exactly what to do and expect. If you're either new to making a YouTube channel or thinking about starting one this is a must read and best place to start.