Since its launch in late 2005, YouTube has become a medium that a business can’t afford to ignore. Currently three billion videos are viewed every day; 98 of AdAge’s Top 100 advertisers have run campaigns on YouTube and the Google Display Network.
Businesses of all sizes are using this medium in a variety of innovative, low-cost ways to reach and teach their target audiences. You can too! We’ve outlined a few ideas to get you started:
Customer Service
• Answer customer-specific questions with a video. • Embed product demonstrations or customer support info on your website. • Create “how-to” videos regarding using your service or product. • Show a client their work in progress. • Post a blog entry (or FAQ on your website) and include a video as extra support. • Make your videos ADA-friendly by adding closed captions or subtitles (it’s free and easy).
Thought Leadership
• Demonstrate your knowledge and communication skills by uploading clips of presentations you’ve given. • Create short videos demonstrating your company’s products or services. • Record an interview with an employee or other expert in your field.
Advertising and Marketing
• Promote special events using recordings of previous events. • Conduct a virtual tour of your offices to help clients feel connected to your place of business. • Introduce your staff (great for clients who have never been to your office). • Record client testimonials for instant credibility. • Show someone using your products or services. • Post your YouTube links to FB and other social networking sites. Every week 100 million people take a social action on YouTube (likes, shares, comments, etc). • Include contact info (name, URL, phone number, email).
When you have a few minutes, visit www.youtube.com and search your product or business service for examples (“how to clean a pool” brings up 7500 results; “laying carpet” brings up nearly 700 results). People are looking for your expertise, services and products—it’s time to connect with them via YouTube.