By Rachel 
If you’re like me, you might be intimidated by YouTube. While it’s easy to use and fun to watch videos, the thought of making a video can be a bit overwhelming. Maybe you’re camera shy or maybe you don’t know what to say. For me, I tend to be self-conscious and nitpick at everything I could have done better. Yet, I continue to make videos anyway. Not because I particularly enjoy it, but because people watch.
This is one of several reasons I’ve decided to hold a Brand Your Business With YouTube Workshop next month. The fact is YouTube videos are a great way to engage your audience and give your business communications a personal touch. And all I had to do was get over myself. I’ve made it a point to record videos whenever I can, and you should, too.
Here’s why:
The Numbers Tell All
- YouTube has over 800 million unique users who visit the site each month and watch over 3 billion hours of video
- Last year, YouTube had more than 1 trillion views, or around 140 views for every person on Earth
- 500 years of YouTube video are watched every day on Facebook, and over 700 YouTube videos are shared on Twitter each minute
- 100 million people take a social action on YouTube (likes, shares, comments, etc) every week.
The Advantages Are Plentiful
- Videos aid in search engine optimization (SEO), giving your business a boost on Google
- Videos establish credibility and enable people to see your passion and credibility in action
- Videos allow people to get to know you before they’ve even met you
- Videos are inexpensive, relatively easy-to-do, and require little time
- Videos help your small business brand itself and stand out from the competition
To get started, all you need is a flip cam – or even your smart phone, a YouTube channel (which is free to set up), and plan of what you want to say. This last part can be as simple as re-hashing content you already have.
Could it really be that easy? Yes, it can. The hard part is getting over your fear of the camera and being disciplined enough to post videos consistently. The more you can integrate video into what you’re already doing, the easier it will be to execute and the more effective it will be in promoting your business. Here are some ideas to help you started:
- Record a ‘tip of the week’
- Create a short “how-to” video
- Film clips of yourself speaking in front of an audience
- Highlight what makes your company different
Whatever you film, just get started. Remember to keep videos short and light. I recommend between 30 and 40 seconds for tips and between one to three minutes for “how-to” or speaking clips. It’s important to offer value to your audience – something entertaining or informative; something that enhances their life or targets their needs. And don’t feel the need to make it perfect. It’s OK if your videos are candid and maybe even a little unpolished.
If you struggle with perfectionism, remember that people want fun, not perfect. Check out these videos, David After Dentist, which received over 112 million views and Charlie bit my finger- again with over 468 million views!
In the book Social Boom, guest writer Julien Smith says, “YouTube is magic.” If you’re ready to unlock the magic of YouTube, join me for a workshop on August 23! You’ll learn all you need to know about getting started with video and I’ll even shoot a 30 second clip of you talking about your business! But hurry, the event is limited to just 10 people! Click here to learn more!
