A step-by-step guide to getting started with YouTube marketing
Video is a useful tool to grab an audience’s attention, making YouTube marketing a natural addition to any smart digital marketing strategy.
Today, there are approximately 2.6 billion active YouTube users worldwide. With these users spending an average of 10 hours a week watching video content on YouTube, the potential for increasing your business is enormous. In fact, YouTube made nearly $29 billion dollars in ad revenue in 2021 alone. YouTube ads further the reach of marketing dollars, too.
Another reason to consider using YouTube in your marketing strategy is that it’s the world’s 2nd largest search engine behind Google, and those search results give you a lot of new potential customers.
All of these numbers add up to proof that video is indeed still king. But where do you even start?
As with all effective marketing strategies, start with your target audience in mind. Is your target audience visiting YouTube? If so, you will want to use this social media channel to share high-quality video content that will be sure to be added to playlists.
What are the steps to create a YouTube channel?
Starting a YouTube channel for your business can seem daunting, but luckily, we’re here to help! Below is our step-by-step guide to creating your new YouTube channel to share video content that can help attract new customers and increase sales.
Step 1: Define your channel’s purpose so you can stay on topic
The first step to creating your YouTube channel is to define the purpose of your channel. This purpose will dictate all of your subsequent actions. Are you creating a YouTube platform to create brand awareness? Or will you provide video marketing of your product? Or is this an opportunity to connect more closely with your target audience and demonstrate your product? We all know that product tutorials can be very helpful and drive watch time, too.
Hone in on the essence of what you want your YouTube channel to do for your small business. This will be the cornerstone of this platform and critical to your success.
Step 2: Create the channel
Before you can do the next step, you need to have a Google account, and you’ll want to think about how many people you intend to manage your YouTube channel.
Many small businesses have just one person who will be in charge of the YouTube account In these cases, a Google username is all that will be required.
However, if a team will be handling your company’s YouTube content marketing, then you’ll want a brand account. This will allow multiple users to have the required access to upload content, respond to questions and comments, and perform other actions that only those with access can complete.
Step 3: Verify the account
Now that you’ve created an account, you’ll need to verify your account. This action is necessary if you want to customize the all-important video thumbnail.
Here are the 3 steps:
In YouTube Settings, go to the “Channel status and features.”
After you’re redirected, click on the “Verify” button, which is at the top of the page in blue.
Lastly, you will be asked for a phone number. Then you can choose to get a text verification code or a voice call. Put that number in, and you’re all set.
Step 4: Create a banner
Next, you’re required to do some branding, and you’ll need to create a banner. This will help anyone coming to your page know that they’re at the right spot.
Use your branded colors, fonts and logo—anything to make your banner “pop.” This first impression will hopefully inspire new viewers to click on that first video.
Step 5: Know your niche
Knowing your niche is similar to your channel’s purpose. Your niche is your focus.
Ask yourself questions like:
What is my expertise?
What does my company do well?
Your channel description will provide the foundation to create a content strategy around solving problems, educating and establishing yourself as an expert.
Your YouTube marketing strategy will not be successful unless you show what your business cares about. Remember to always answer questions, gauge viewers’ responses, and make more of the types of videos and video content that your viewers respond to.
Step 6: Camera quality
Now that you’re on YouTube, do you need a fancy camera with a lot of gadgets? That is not necessary. You can start this venture with just your smartphone.
However, you should consider purchasing an inexpensive smartphone stand or tripod to help keep the video steady. As your channel grows and your skills increase, you can always purchase an upgraded camera later to enhance the quality of your videos even further.
Step 7: Audio quality
The quickest way to get someone to turn off your video is to produce content with poor audio quality. Invest in a good microphone, and use a room where the sound doesn’t echo. Also, make sure you minimize background noise and any other sounds that could serve as distractions. Basically, create a space you can use as your own “YouTube studio” where you can focus on creating quality video content.
Step 8: Create your video
No one is born a video expert. But once you start recording video, you will continue to improve your content. Try some different camera angles, and don’t forget to make sure that you have enough light.
Edit to make sure your YouTube video shares a story that will resonate with your target audience. It doesn’t have to be a complicated story—just stick with it, listen to feedback, and each video you make is bound to improve. When you upload videos, make sure to always include an accurate video description to help optimize your video content for search engines.
Step 9: YouTube SEO
Speaking of search engines… YouTube search engine optimization (SEO) is essential to grow your business. Do some keyword research to help customers find you, and don’t forget to check your competitors. You may find some keywords they’re using that you didn’t consider before.
Once you determine your keywords, you’ll want to use them in places like your video title and video description. You should also consider tagging your videos with your target keywords. When you post new video content, be sure to share links to the video with a call to action (CTA) as part of your regular social media strategy and overall marketing campaigns.
Step 10: Youtube analytics
One of the keys to YouTube success is keeping customers on your site and increasing YouTube subscribers over time. The longer they view your material, the higher your ranking is.
YouTube analytics is an effective marketing tool to help you see trends. You can try different methods of asking viewers to like and subscribe to your site to see what’s most successful. Keeping an eye on the metrics will help you to measure your effectiveness over time.
As your video marketing strategy grows, you can expand your YouTube playlist and provide different types of content that will help to increase your YouTube subscribers.
Contact Brown Bag to help with all of your marketing needs
Adding YouTube to your marketing strategy can ultimately drive traffic to your website and increase sales. If you want help optimizing or creating engaging videos for your YouTube channel or website, or if you’re interested in other marketing or design services to grow your business, the professionals at Brown Bag are here to help. We can provide everything you need to unlock the power of social media platforms like YouTube.