If we were to ask you to name to world’s most-used websites, you’d probably instantly think of Google – but did you know that YouTube actually isn’t far behind? More and more people are relying on YouTube for everything from entertainment and news to education and training, earning the site’s top channels hundreds of millions of subscribers and billions of video views.

Here’s what you really need to know about YouTube: as it becomes one of the most relied-upon platforms for search and streaming alike, it has also turned into an invaluable opportunity for branding and marketing.

If you aren’t already exploring YouTube marketing strategies, now is the time to start.

What is YouTube Marketing?

Essentially, marketing on YouTube involves creating and uploading videos to the videos sharing site, specifically with the goal of promoting a brand (or product/service) and supporting increased brand exposure. YouTube marketing is a valuable tool for reaching new audiences, strengthening your personal branding, and increasing overall traffic on your various social media sites and/or web pages.

Why is YouTube Marketing Effective?

With more than 22 billion site visits each month, YouTube is one of the world’s most visited websites. And even though you might think of it as a source of entertainment, it has also grown into a major marketing asset for both professionals and businesses.

A successful YouTube channel offers a “blank canvas” for you to create content that aligns with your brand, so you can connect with the right audience and build a well-rounded brand identity. In addition to user-created YouTube videos, paid advertising is also a marketing option available on the site.

The benefits of using YouTube for marketing your brand include:

• Being able to show up in relevant Google search results (for example, if you are a freelance video editor and you create a video about the best video editing software, you can be more easily found by an audience that’s interested in what you have to offer)
• Having a medium to promote your brand in an engaging and effective way
• Building an audience of consistent followers/viewers
• Gaining access to entirely new audiences and niches

How to Start YouTube Marketing for Your Brand

1. Set up a YouTube channel.

Create a channel tailored to suit your needs, then set up your profile so that it will capture the attention of your target audience. Make sure to complete as many profile sections as possible, focusing on interesting, unique content that’s authentic to your brand.

2. Research your audience.

Before you can start making videos, you should learn about the people you’re hoping will watch and subscribe to your channel. Think about the characteristics of your ideal audience, including their age, geographic location, demographics, viewing preferences, and interests. That way, you can be sure to develop video content to match.

3. Check out the competition.

Take a closer look at brands you’ll be competing with, specifically those targeting the same audience as you will be. Find the brands that are using YouTube successfully, then pay attention to details like their video style and content, titles, descriptions, interactions with viewers, and more. You can learn a lot from what’s working – and what’s not.

4. Create and upload videos.

Finally, it’s time to start making videos. Keep YouTube’s ranking algorithm in mind, and develop a video that’s original, interesting, and high-quality. Don’t forget to add in a “call to action” at the end, such as reminding viewers to visit your blog or explore your creative portfolio. 

Learn How to Use Branding and Marketing to Achieve Your Professional Goals

Whether you’re just beginning your career journey or you’re already an employed professional, expanding your understanding of personal branding and digital marketing can propel you towards new levels of success. We live in a fast-paced era of ever-evolving technology, and media and marketing have become more dynamic than ever before. You might think that you already know how to market a personal or professional brand, but the digital media landscape never stops changing – so it’s time to get ahead of the curve.

At the BeOnAir Network of Media Schools, students at our campuses in Chicago, Miami, Ohio, and Colorado learn how to incorporate digital media production best practices with the latest tech advancements and newest media trends. You’ll build a strong foundation of essential skills and knowledge, then go on to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. Our Digital Media Production program is constantly being updated to stay on track with modern media, so you can be confident that you’ll graduate and be ready to take the industry by storm.

Get more information about how to use digital media for marketing, branding, and more when you contact our team today!

 

Image Source: Alina Rosanova / Shutterstock