YouTube marketing is a low cost way to generate targeted traffic to your website and improve your brand recognition. Videos are now an important part of website marketing is search engine traffic as video sites command high volumes of traffic and often come up on Google’s first page. Back links are also an important part of getting a higher ranking with Google. So, in case you haven’t done it yet, let’s set you up with a YouTube channel. First go to You Tube:
and click “Create Account” in the top right corner of your screen.
Fill in your e-mail address and then choose your screen name. It must include letters from A to Z or Numbers from 0 to 9. You can also use a combination of both. If you already have an on line presence, such as your website or unique product, try using that as your screen name. Click the check availability link to make sure the screen name has not been used. If it has the program will offer suggestions. This can be a good or a bad thing. If it turns out that there are others using a similar name it may be harder for your public to find your videos.
Once you have entered all of your information check out the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for YouTube and Google. Remember that any violation of their policy will result in the termination of your accounts. I cannot stress the severity of violations of TOS and Privacy Policies enough. I have seen people make the mistake of violating these terms and it is irrevocable. Google takes this very seriously and so should you.
If you already have a Google account, the next screen will be asking you if you want to add YouTube to your Google Accounts. This is a good idea, because when you sign in to Google you will also be signed in to YouTube.
The next screen. Click the blue “Customize” link under “Get Started Using You Tube” :
You may also choose to use the “Find Friends on You Tube” feature, which allows you to use your personal contact information to find other You Tube users that you are acquainted with via Facebook, or your e-mail accounts. This can be very handy for networking, which is a great reason to use You Tube. Networking is the most efficient way to get your message out.
The customize page has several tabs and you can get really creative here. First click on the Themes and Colors tab.
Your Default Theme will be grey, but with a few clicks, you can create anything you want :
You can choose a background and change the transparency of your colors, add or delete modules, and really make your channel your own. By clicking on advanced you can even copy codes from other palettes and create your own palette.
Once you have designed your palette and chosen your modules you can upload your videos by clicking on the blue “Upload” link to the right of your search bar at the top of your page:
On this page you will be given the option of “Upload Video” or “Record from webcam” as well as the option to “Auto share” your videos by connecting your other accounts. Whatever options you choose, remember that YouTube has made this so easy that children are doing it.
Start sharing your channel and videos on Twitter and Facebook, as well as a variety of others, by clicking the “share” button. You can also e-mail the link to your videos to clients and friends.
So, why aren’t you using You Tube to market your website? First of all, it’s free. You sign up, design your channel, make a video, and upload it, all for free. Your videos also work as a back links for your website, if you put your website link in the description area. You get another back link by putting your website link on your YouTube channel. Subscribe to other channels to network, and be sure to comment favorably on their videos. By commenting on other videos that are similar to yours, you will get traffic from people who might never have found you otherwise. So what are you waiting for? Take the plunge, and start your You Tube marketing campaign.
