Who is Dean Withers?

Can 1 Woke Teen Survive 20 Trump Supporters? That was the name of a viral youtube video posted by Jubilee that starred Dean Withers.

Dean is an activist that debates U.S. politics with anyone who has a TikTok account. He goes live everyday for hours with random strangers attacking each others throats. After doing lives for months, he started debating on larger networks as well - cementing Dean as a celebrity.

(Oh, and, he also went to the WHITE HOUSE)

Dean’s Blueprint 👷

Target Audience

Dean has a very passionate target audience. He targets everyone who is interested in politics, public speaking, and debate. That means he targets people from every generation and all parts of the political spectrum.

Most media starts understand they can’t attract every person from every generation at the start of their journey. So Dean limited himself to TikTok. TikTok is one of the largest apps in the world but their users are mainly younger people from 18 - 34.

The Golden People:

• A college student eager to understand how politics really works

• A high school student building confidence in public speaking and debate

• A Democratic supporter looking to make their voice heard in a meaningful way

Engagement Tactics (TikTok Live)

Importance of Live Streaming

Dean Withers separates himself from other creators by utilizing the most engagement inducing features of all media. Live streaming.

What makes it so engaging?

1. Intentional engagement giving you time with your truest fans

2. Real time likes and comments creating audience interaction

3. People may wait for the opportunity to be accepted as a co-streamer and have the chance to speak to you

   Engagement is at it’s peak — if done properly.

   

    

Dean’s Live Streams Tactics

How does Dean actually live stream? What makes him so special? Why do his streams do so well —>

He mastered audience retention.

Ask yourself these 3 questions before every live stream:

What emotions does it trigger in your audience?

Dean: I can talk about popular topics to trigger positive/negative emotions. Viewers will feel a sense of excitement or anger because it’s politics. (Any emotion is better than NO emotion).

Are they hearing you or listening to you?

Dean: By raising and lowering my voice it keeps viewers from getting bored preventing a sense of repetition. In addition, I can play music or have sound effects so people associate specific sounds to my brand.

Are their eyes satisfied?

Dean: This is an easy one. I take up most space on the screen so they don’t get distracted. Furthermore, I will wear nicer clothing so people see a professional and clean screen.

_{Dean did not actually make any of these comments but it sounded better this way :)}

Strategical Media Decisions

• Reposts highlights of streams on all platforms

• Travels around the country to speak to new people

• Posts a cover for all of his videos so people can pick and choose what to watch (if that is confusing, don’t worry, I will cover it soon)

Dean’s Metrics 🤴

TikTok: 2.8 Million Followers

Instagram: 682 Thousand Followers

X: 400 Thousand Followers

Again, many of these creators start on one platform then leverage to others

Exercise 🏋

You have been working as a private chef for 5 years. About a year ago, you started to post on Instagram and have gained some traction. To promote your new knife brand, you decide to go on Instagram Live for 3 hours. How can you host a killer live? Try answering:

How should your audience feel about this?

How can we ensure they are truly listening?

What are they looking at?

A ‘correct’ answer responds to all three questions and matches the chef’s brand. For example:

Audience emotions: Cravings, satisfaction, hunger
Engaged listening: Utilize satisfying chef sounds (knife cutting, grill turning on, mixing food)
Visuals: Chef outfit, clean background, kitchen for relatability

Final Takeaways ✅

1. Live Streaming is important to interact with fans or simply sell merch

2. A proper live stream can give an answer to the 3 questions we discussed

3. Making the audience feel something is better than nothing — even if unanticipated

What’s Next 🔜

For all you businesses out there, I have decided to make the next one a company. This company helps humans all over the world by making your armpits smell good.

Thank you so much for reading. I know how busy all your lives are and appreciate you giving me the time of your day.