I’m pretty sure we’re all familiar with YouTube. Almost everyone has seen at least one video on a YouTube channel and I’ll bet you’ve seen a whole lot more than just one. There are a lot of comedy skits, makeup channels, etc but what exactly can a small home business owner use YouTube for?
The site isn’t just for entertainment. There are quite a few people who use it for business. These videos don’t necessarily always make it to the top viewed or even rated, but they are a benefit to the home business owner for several reasons.
For one, customers enjoy your personal side. I think this is the most important. Gone are the days when people could hide behind a computer screen and run a business. In the beginning that is how the internet used to work, but now people have wizened up to the incognito business owner. They want to know you as a person and find out if they like you. Think about it, when you go to a local hometown business, why do you go there? Prices? Location? Personality? All of the above? I have about five grocery stores to choose from and I frequent the one where I know most of the people. Not only is it closer to me, but I enjoy the company and knowing when I ask someone about a product they are being honest because we have a friendship.
How do you create this relationship online? The easiest way is through social media–and that includes YouTube. You can introduce your products, show them off, give hints and tips, play some games–just about anything you think your customers would be into because you know your customers, at least I hope you know your customers.
Another great reason to use YouTube is because you can embed the videos into your blog posts if needed. Not only does YouTube offer an easy way to embed the video through the sharing menu, but there are also WordPress plugins that make it easier to just copy and paste the link to the YouTube video.
If you are talented enough to retain viewership and grab subscribers then you might be able to monetize your YouTube channel through Google Adsense. Note, there are a lot of rules when monetizing your video which also includes do not compete clauses when showing in your blog so be careful when signing up for monetization. Honestly, the worst I have seen them do is cut people off from monetization or delete the videos, but if you’ve put your all into it then it is going to infuriate you to no end. Be sure to follow their guidelines.
I’ve seen some people create channels that sell one product and then they blog about that product as well. Some of these people make hundreds of thousands of dollars through affiliate marketing. They’ve made their videos entertaining enough to keep the interest going and then when people visit the website they buy the products. It’s a pretty basic concept, but you have to keep it updated and interesting by creating videos at least weekly. Of course, you could get lucky and have a viral video which continues to pay for years, but those are few and far between.
Another great example are showroom floors for art, cars, interior decorating, etc. As long as you have a product to show then you can make a video about it. We have family members who use YouTube to display the before and after pictures of their interior design business. They also have a blog which sells products for do-it-yourself projects and show videos on how to install appliances and decor. Why? Because there are always going to be people who would rather do it on their own and there are national customers who won’t be able to visit their office. They’re making money on the sales of products to people who would rather do it on their own. And why not?
One more thing, because business videos aren’t always the shown at the top of the searches on YouTube, be sure to utilize your SEO skills. Add keywords and longtail keywords to your titles, descriptions, and tag sections. Make your descriptions sing about your video because the more information you add here, the more likely it will show up in the Google search engine as well as the YouTube search engine.
So why not check it out and give it a try? Get your face out there and introduce your blog, website, or business. If you’re shy then do a voiceover or hire something to do it for you. Fivrr.com is a great place to find freelance talent starting at just $5.00 per project. You’ll find people who do voiceovers, create videos, artwork, and more!
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