YouTube is an essential marketing component for almost all companies these days. The process of uploading video content to the platform couldn’t be simpler, meaning it can be integrated into any marketing plan.

Online video marketing provides businesses with the opportunity to build trust and establish themselves as an authority in their industry. Most importantly, it’s easier to connect and engage with audiences through online video when compared against written content.

Here’s three reasons why you should say make YouTube an important part of your marketing strategy:

1. Building Trust and Credibility with Your Market

Businesses must provide their target markets with reasons to consider their products and services.

Videos uploaded to YouTube highlighting people having success with your business or explaining why they used your services are a great way to reflect positive light on your small business and build trust with your target market.

For example, Google uploaded a video testimonial that features a success story for Google AdWords. In the video, the owner of a scuba diving shop explains how the AdWords had a positive impact on his business and helped increase sales. This is just one of the many success stories featured of Google’s business channel that are helping create credibility for their product.

Every small business can use video testimonials to build trust for their brand, and credibility for their products and services. But remember, although the videos must be professional, they do not need to have the same production budget as Google. Simple steps such as briefing your client fully before filming, using the right equipment and choosing the right angles to film, should help you create a professional and engaging video.

2. Establishing Authority in Your Industry

YouTube presents a fantastic opportunity for businesses to establish brand recognition and authority. Why? Because YouTube is the second largest search engine on the web today.

When users in your target market are making search queries relevant to your industry, they want to see the product live in action, or hear a review. Sure, they might click a few written reviews, but after a while they will open up YouTube, type in the product or business name to hear a human voice and see some live action clips either from a corporate page or a third party who is doing a product review. It provides your business with an opportunity to build authority and recognition by uploading content featuring your input and expertise in the form of online video.

For example, businesses can upload informational videos with tips and strategies:

• An event planning business can create videos with tips on how to plan and set-up events, such as weddings or corporate functions.
• A social media marketing firm business can create video tutorials on how to set-up a Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest page, along with tips to grow it’s following.
• An interior design business can create videos featuring home design tips, choosing the right colour schemes, and other advice that assists people with decorating their homes.

When local viewers come across your video and enjoy the content, they will be more inclined to consider your products or services. Businesses can even embed YouTube videos on their websites to highlight their expertise and help convert interest into sales.

3. Effectively Engaging Your Target Market

Another reason businesses should integrate YouTube into their marketing plan is the opportunity it provides to effectively connect with people interested in their products and services.

Engaging with your target market is very important for long-term success. With YouTube, businesses can connect and stay engaged with their target audience in a variety of ways.

For example, video comments are a huge part of the platform. Viewers can leave their feedback and questions in the comments section underneath each video on YouTube. Businesses can reply to comments on their channels and answer any questions viewers may have relevant to their brand or industry. This will also have a positive effect on branding because every time a new viewer comes across those comments, they’ll notice that the business cares about its community.

Online video is a great marketing tool for engaging with target audiences in every industry, which is necessary for long-term growth and success. Businesses should place an emphasis on using YouTube in order to build trust, create brand recognition, and to engage with their target market.

In regards to the type of video content that can be uploaded to YouTube by every business, the possibilities are endless. Creativity is essential, along with the ability to adapt to the latest video marketing trends. Establishing a presence on YouTube is definitely something every small business should consider.