Chances are if you do your own PR, you already know that social media is an important, even essential, component of your toolbox. You probably have the usual suspects in your arsenal- Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn- but what about YouTube? If you’re not already taking advantage of this video sharing site, these are a few reasons you should think about using it:
- YouTube gets 790 million unique viewers per month and 100 billion page views per month. That’s a huge audience that may end up viewing your videos, visiting your website and calling to hire you for your services.
- Social media is first and foremost about showing the human side of your business. When it comes to the online world, nothing is more human and personal than video.
- It’s a unique and, again, more human way to connect with journalists and introduce them to your company, new services, etc.
I’m guilty of underutilizing this channel myself, but with stats like these, the power of YouTube definitely can’t be denied.
So, how can you use YouTube as part of your ongoing PR efforts? Here are a few suggestions:
Campaign Launch
Video is a great way to introduce media and the public to your new products, services, events and partnerships. For example, the Cleveland Clinic utilized YouTube to encourage people in Northeast Ohio to get more active in its “Let’s Move It” campaign.
Customer Testimonials
Seeing how satisfied your clients are with your services can be more effective than simply reading a testimonial of your great work.
Event or Launch Recap
Show your viewers footage from an event or launch you recently hosted. Include things such as clips of keynote speeches, interviews, and backstage action.
Respond to Questions
Video is an interactive way to connect with your viewers and respond to their questions and comments. It can help start a conversation and build a community for your brand.
If you don’t get a high number of views or level of engagement right away, don’t give up. Like any other social network, it takes time and high quality, thought provoking content to attract your audience. Stick with it and you may be surprised at how many amazing, positive results you get!
And if you really get frustrated and think it’s too much of a time suck, this video may change your mind. In it, my friend Lewis Howes talks to James Wedmore, a video marketing expert, about how you can use YouTube to promote your business. James shares the three most common mistakes business owners make when using online video. He also talks about the three simple steps to get more web traffic by posting videos on YouTube.
What are these three steps? Watch the video to find out.
How has YouTube helped your business? What other ways have you used YouTube in your PR campaigns? I’d love to hear about your experience – leave a comment below or send me a message through Twitter or Facebook!
Elena is founder of a technology PR agency that works with startups to billion-dollar companies. She is passionate about helping marketers and small business owners with practical publicity strategies.
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You Tube is how I found you. It was the video about wasting your time on social networks. I was quite impressed with you. Also wound Carrie Wilkerson (The Barefoot Executive) through YouTube too.
Do you two know each other? You both give out the same solid advice. I stopped using my “mascot” avatar and used a photo based on both of your advice… and I have to say, it WORKS!
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*found* not *wound* lol!
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[...] out, then they will become fans of your brand and ultimately purchase from you. By: Stefan TöpferThe weekly top 5 tips post is always full of helpful hints and advice for small, home and micro busi…used as learning tools is likely to yield better results than chasing viral success. 2. Make sure [...]
Thanks Eric, been fun seeing you online and yes Carrie is great!
You’re right – Youtube is one of greatest tools for introducing yourself – thank you for sharing
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Some application improved by Youtube is great way to broadcast yourself.thanks for share valuable information
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Great post about using youtube as marketing tool for small bussines. This will be my next step for sure. thank you for sharing
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Agree. The fact you can pre-moderate comments is also another key point for SME’s and clients.
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Thank you for the link to the you tube academy , there a lot to learn about you tube
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Thanks for this post! YouTube is so wildly popular with the public but often forgotten about by PR practitioners. It really does help put a face with an organization/business which can be incredibly beneficial. What do you feel like gets more of a response on YouTube? Is it more general, informational videos about you/your business/organization. Or is there a more specific type of video that will draw traffic to your social media efforts?
Great post!
Thanks for sharing this insightful post. I have been following Lewis for quite some time now, and while reading the first half of this post that is all I was thinking about. It is great to see professionals sharing other professional’s content. I have engaged with authors from this site SportsNetworker.com and I have participated in several of his webinars. Although I am a student and do not have a business per-say I do believe in video sharing content and I am currently working on integrating an “Elevator Pitch” of myself onto my LinkedIN account. Thank you and I look forward to further posts.
Dan
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The thing about YouTube disasters are on the commentators. I think before posting a video one must think of the possible ways to make your video appealing. There are nasty commentators there that criticize the video. Some are just plain spammers/trollers who have nothing in the world but messing people’s videos. This should be a part of your strategy.
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Sara, sorry for the late reply. General videos about an organization is probably seen more like an ad. The best types are ones that give solid value (immediately useful) and if you can make it entertaining to boot, then it’s a 2 for 1 hit
Thanks Dan – I met Lewis Howes online a couple of years ago and it’s so great to see him doing so well. His webinars are top notch and always shares a ton of free and valuable info. Glad you stopped by.
Absolutely – thanks for sharing Genie. I think most legitimate commenters see past the nega-bots out there!
I only watch YouTube videos but I haven’t tried making my own and upload it with YouTube..Thanks for the idea here…
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Now, I am more familiar with this kind of post…Thank you!!
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I am not that familiar with this kind of post because I am not into videos but this looks very interesting…I have to check this out…
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Well this looks so interesting…every person should know about this…
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I hope I can share this and let other people know about this…
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