New business development and marketing ideas keep popping into my head. One of those ideas involves setting up a YouTube channel for my small business. The idea of sharing my branding, copywriting, and overall marketing knowledge via engaging videos is really appealing. Plus, it’s a fun way for people to get to know me better, as it puts a personality with my name.
So naturally, I did some research to how to create a successful YouTube channel. Here’s what I learned:
- Setting up the channel itself is super quick.
If you already have a Google or Google+ account for your business (which you should – it’s a great place to share your blog posts), the process will go quickly.
- Once you’re signed into Google, open Apps and select YouTube.
- In the left column on YouTube, select My Channel.
- Set up your channel from here by filling in the info below.
- Select photos that represent your brand.
Your YouTube profile photo will automatically be the same as your Google+ photo, but you are more than welcome to change it – just remember that consistency in branding is very important. Next, upload a cover photo that represents your brand.
- Write a compelling “About.”
This is where you make your first big impression, so spend time on it. Consider the value proposition of your YouTube channel. What will people learn? Why should they watch your videos? What are you offering that they can’t get anyplace else?
- Link to your other social networks.
Definitely connect your YouTube channel to your other online networks, as you’ll be able to automatically post activities and videos on those networks. To do this, click on Account Settings, open up Activity Sharing, and choose the activities you want to share and where you want to share them.
- Curate content by adding “Channels.”
If your business partners, vendors, or clients have YouTube channels, consider adding them – and ask them to do the same for you. (If you have no idea who has a YouTube channel, ask!) You can also add channels of thought leaders and influencers in your industry who you admire.
Taking the time to do this will not only help make you more visible on YouTube, but, if you add some really great channels, you’ll be curating valuable content for your audience – and they’ll love you for it.
- Comment on other videos.
Don’t forget that YouTube is a social media network! Make it a point to watch videos or subscribe to channels that are related to your industry. When you watch a video you like, become a part of the conversation by leaving a thoughtful comment or asking a question.
- Get to know the Creator Studio (this is your YouTube dashboard).
The Video Manager has a lot of cool features. You can live-stream an event from here, and as you add videos, you can categorize them into Playlists – a really great feature that will make your YouTube channel easier for your audience to navigate.
- Create a trailer.
Last but not least, create a trailer video that explains what your brand is – this should be the first video you post. Spend time writing the script and shooting and editing the video. Because this is your chance to make a big impression on YouTube right out of the starting gate, it might be worthwhile to hire a professional to help.
If you have a YouTube channel, what else did you do to set yourself up for success? Share your tips below!
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Author information
Monika Jansen
Monika Jansen is a freelance copywriter and editor who helps with companies of all shapes on sizes kick their content up to the next level. You can find her online at www.jansencomm.com.
