Why should small businesses get involved with YouTube?

Video marketing has been a rising trend, as more and more users are going online to view streamed content. Just as a picture is worth more than words -- a video can have even more impact on the viewer. By creating strong videos that are easily accessible to users, you will be able to engage more of your clients and prospects who are searching for your business or looking for the products/services you offer. We've heard that YouTube is the second most popular search engine (after Google). If there are so many people out there looking for videos, it would benefit the growth of your business to create some that your target population will be able to find.

Now, if you're asking this question about why you should get involved in YouTube, your next question will probably be "HOW can I get involved with YouTube"? 

First, you will want to learn how to make videos. Second, you will need to know what to do with those videos and how to get them on YouTube. A good resource is Stacia Hopkins' blog and her video training. In her guide for beginners, she explains how to outline an effective script in seven steps (from using a "hook" to closing with a call-to-action), offers recommended products and services related to video marketing, and provides a 10-step video-marketing checklist on what to do to start gaining "massive exposure." 

One way you can get out there, is to post a video about your small business in the My Business Story gallery. You can find an "amateur" video of Inkwhy by searching on YouTube for "Inkwhy, Inc." There are also more professional videos that provide advice on how to shoot your own videos, such as the one below.

Communities are important, as small business owners understand. As you work on building your presence online and through videos, having the support of others will help you get farther, faster.  Let's pool our resources, and help each other grow.