7 Reasons Why Small Businesses Need a YouTube Channel

People cannot seem to get bored of watching videos and they prefer to use internet channels to satisfy their cravings. Indeed, media habits and preferences are shifting away from traditional TV: in the age of dwindling attention spans, short-format, on-demand video is all the rage.

It is not only stealing the show but also driving the growth of digital media behemoths. YouTube stands out here as the biggest video content source. It has come a long way in a relatively short period of time, evolving from a mere hub for amateur videos to an immensely powerful marketing platform.

Numbers certainly speak volumes. Every minute, 400 hours of video get uploaded there and users watch around one billion hours of it on a daily basis. Still not convinced? Well, read on.

7 Reasons Why Small Businesses Need a YouTube Channel

1. Unparalleled scope and reach

YouTube is the second largest search engine in the digital realm with 149 million active monthly users, second only to its owner Google (actually Google’s parent company). It is woven into our daily reality in a way that is utterly convenient and accessible.

The videos can be uploaded, consumed, and shared on every modern smartphone. Few other channels can match its incredible reach and popularity. Therefore, small businesses that are not present on his channel potentially lose a huge volume of business to their competition.

2. Adverting opportunities

It is not just the sheer amount of users and videos that matter. Advertising opportunities wait as well. Research shows that viewers who watch YouTube ads are way more likely to visit or subscribe to a brand channel. Moreover, YouTube features lower average costs than Facebook and Google PPC ads, which tend to be both more expensive and competitive.

Advertising works much in the same way on all these platforms, the difference being that with YouTube, users see videos popping up in search, during/before a video, or on the appropriate display panel. It goes without saying that to make the most bang for your buck, you should utilize advanced analytics and demographic targeting tools.

3. Striking a chord with an audience

There is hardly a better way to connect with consumers on a meaningful level than with compelling content marketing. Namely, YouTube videos can spearhead branded storytelling that goes way above and beyond annoying sale pitches. They open doors that remain closed for aggressive marketing tactics.

It has been proven so many times that this medium holds the power to strike deep emotional chords and communicate complex ideas in an instant. Brands can aim to inspire, entertain, move, arouse, etc. On top of all that, it is also possible to generate buzz around upcoming products and offers and boost sales.

4. Channeling traffic

Channels are the basic structural unit of YouTube. Brands seeking to make an impact must optimize them to perfection. You can treat it as a landing page, or as a bridge between YouTube and your website/blog, where everything should be geared towards conversions.

This kind of fine-tuning is a chance to uncover your warm, human face and build trust with the audience. To make it happen, try to provide valuable information and throw some fun into the mix. Rest assured that by playing it smart here, you can improve your revenue and bottom line.

5. Getting ahead of the pack

Many organizations have still not awakened to the video-first reality. According to the estimates, only 9% of small businesses in the U.S. use YouTube. This means that there is still huge untapped potential out there and that it makes sense to take action sooner rather than later.

One of the main hurdles is a relatively high cost of video production, at least when it comes to professional-looking videos. Still, you should set your eyes on the benefits you can reap in the long-term. It could really pay off to work with digital agencies that can guide you in the right direction. Don’t miss an opportunity to outshine your competition!

6. Foster trust and loyalty

YouTube enables small business to become trusted sources of information, authorities in their respective niches. The good news is that there are many ways to go about this vital task. For instance, you can upload video testimonials of people trying out and having fun with your products.

Or, you take a stance on a burning industry issue and trending topic to boost your credibility. Many brands have also worked wonders with behind-the-scenes videos featuring workers and executives. All in all, you give people strong reasons to at least consider paying for your products and services.

7. Numbers don’t lie

Taking all of the above into account, it should not be hard to justify spending a nice chunk of the marketing budget on this channel. Besides, note that you can take advantage of YouTube Revenue Estimators and Calculators to figure out what kind of revenue you can count on.

They give you a rough ballpark figure based on two basic indicators— the number of views and engagement rates on videos. Once that is sorted out, you can proceed to formulate a budget. And you needn’t fret because you don’t have to have the same production values as industry giants. Just make each and every marketing dollar count.

Conclusion

For users across the globe, YouTube is a go-to destination for all things video. From a business standpoint, it is an invaluable component in a modern marketing arsenal. And in case your target customers use this channel, it is basically a no-brainer associated with a wealth of benefits.

Most notably, you have an opportunity to make a name for yourself and spread brand awareness. What is more, the YouTube channel allows you to get in front of a huge audience and arrest its attention. The time to step up would be now. Put the best face of your business forward and improve your bottom line.