Did you know that more people search YouTube than Bing? There could be billions of people on YouTube right now, searching for exactly what you have to offer.
Want to tap into this rich resource that can raise the profile of your small business and drive traffic to your site? Then read on.
What can YouTube do for me?
What do you think of when you think of YouTube? Perhaps you think of irritatingly catchy dance songs or piano playing cats.
That's the side of YouTube that always makes headlines, but YouTube can also be an attention-grabbing way of promoting your small business.
Recipe for an effective video
A good video is like a good pasta dish – best made from simple whole ingredients.
If you get lost in trying to come up with Oscar-worthy special effects, making your promotional video is will be complicated. This isn't an effective use of your time.
The best promotional video needs only three key things:
- A clear message – you don't need to rattle off jokes or teach your dog to do your ironing. A good promotional video simply needs a good clear message about your company. Keep it simple and professional;
- A reason to watch – the flip side of all those billions of YouTube videos is that you're competing for the viewer's attention. No one wants to come to YouTube just to watch a talking heads commercial! Show your viewers how to do something, solve a problem, or share something unique and interesting about your company;
- A call to action – for your video to work for you, you want it to inspire the viewer to come and spend their money with you. A simple link or a friendly face inviting viewers to visit you at www.myawesomesmallbusiness.com tells the viewer what they need to do next.
How to make videos like a pro
You don't need to have the skills of a top director to make a great YouTube video. Many cameras and smartphones come equipped with recording equipment that can be used to shoot your promotional video.
Follow these three easy tips to make a professional looking video:
- Pick your location carefully – an office, your workplace, or even a lounge can make a good location. Just be sure it is clean and uncluttered;
- Keep it distraction free – make sure there are no background noises or distracting lights. Re-arrange your shoot if necessary;
- Relax – being relaxed and confident will inspire confidence in your viewers. Practice a few times if needed.
You've made your video – now what?
You've released your video into the wilds of YouTube. Now you need those visitors to come and view it.
There are two things you can do to increase your video's chances of being seen:
1. Make use of YouTube's SEO capabilities. When you upload a video to YouTube,, be sure to fill in your tags, a title, and a description. Keep your title short and descriptive. Fill in your tags with relevant search terms. Use the description to tell viewers why they should watch your video.
2. Use your social networks to get the word out about your video. Mention it on Facebook, Twitter, or even your email newsletter, and encourage your followers to share it.
YouTube is a valuable tool for promoting your small business.
So don't delay, grab your camera and get YouTube working to your advantage.