Video Marketing and Your Business: Using YouTube

In January this year I did this video, it’s important to watch to gather the context of this post.

Do you know that as of August 2010, 2 BILLION videos a day are watched on YouTube alone (not counting any other videos online. Getting over yourself and using video is incredibly important for your goals these days. It develops trust and credibility even faster than your blog can.

In July of this year, after loading videos regularly, but not really paying attention to what I can do with social media and YouTube (yes YouTube is a social media channel, you can comment, like, have favorites, friends and subscribe. You can market to those you are connected with as well), I decided it was time to build a strategy for success. So here is what I did:

1-I purchased this program ($10 a month) a steal!  TubeTool Box is a phenomenal time saver

TubeToolBox does target searches for the people I want to connect with for me, all I do is load the phrases, tell it to start and it finds 1000′s of connections for me that are a fit with my target market(it’s running as a write this, 355 my potential people as of this morning). Then, to make it even better, it will auto send the friend invites for you! The program is BRILLIANT because it knows YouTube’s parameters so you don’t get flagged as spam.  My friends have increased from 59 to 1630. My subscriptions (which I am not even trying hard yet) are up from 16 to 284!

2-I worked with some amazing friends of mine to develop a “video viewing program“. This program drives people to watch your videos to watch. Let’s face it, more views mean more opportunity. This program invites some of those 2billion views a day to YOUR videos. The result: My views are up in the 1000′s! I have also received 2 paid speaking engagements, a webinar and I am part of the YouTube Partner program which gives me a share of income from Google ads. So far the ads alone is bringing in about $200 a month! There are programs that do it for about $50 a month, but I think we have made ours quite affordable and do-able, (starting at $10 a month) so try it!

YouTube is a speeding train. Be the ENGINE of that train in your industry. Figure out the kinds of videos yuu can do product reviews, stories, fun, inspiration to attract your market to your product or service.

What is my point? YouTube works as a social media sales and marketing tool. But there are programs out there to focus your efforts to make it successful. It’s time to think about your marketing videos. Oh and I hope you will subscribe to my You Tube channel while you are there!

 

Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2011, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.
  • http://www.MindfulLivingArts.com chris arcucci

    Ann,
    I am completing the 30 day SNCC intensive which is awesome! AND i commit to the 30 day video a day challenge, that is a great way to kick start my SoMe strategy. I am working on content for my Mindful Living Adventure Program and this will be a GREAT way to share tips and insights for the Art of Mindful Living. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement!
    Blessings,
    chris arcucci
    Who says a woman can’t cultivate her super powers in a dress?!
    http://www.MindfulLivingArts.com

  • Anonymous

    I viewed this a while back, before I started my SNCC training. Now here I am again, ready to tackle this. I’ve made too much of a project of attempting to use video–setting up equipment, trying to get a good view, etc. But I can see I have to “get over myself” and just do the videos, good lighting or not!

  • http://www.myshoppinggenie.com/pstd Lisa Ann Landry

    These videos I giving me ideas on the types of videos I can do. I am getting my butt in gear to put video out there. I have a head full of information & I’ve been thinking about this for a year – time for actions.

    Lisa Ann Landry
    Vibrating Positive Energy…what are you vibrating?
    http://www.imagedevelopmentgroup.com/speakers.html

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    I too love my flip! Getting ready to buy my 3rd! And honestly one of the biggest reasons, it saves in an EASY to upload format! People go and buy other cameras and then are frustrated because they have to convert the format.

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    Thanks Sam! so glad the Social Networking Coaching Club has been so beneficial!

  • http://samontherun.wordpress.com Samantha Janney

    Until I began the Social Networking Coaching Club with you Ann I didn’t even realize all of the amazing tools available on the market that I can use to educate customers. Video is so powerful and so NOW – the modern “picture is worth a thousand words.”

  • http://samontherun.wordpress.com Samantha Janney

    Michael – try a flip video camera. They are very portable (small) for those video moments on the go, easy to use and affordable. I love mine!

  • http://www.lauriehurleyonline.com Laurie Hurley

    Excellent – I am all over it – great info.

  • Cori Ann Lentz

    Fabulous information Ann!

  • ireneturner

    Can't wait to put this into practice! As always, I learn something from you everyday Ann.

  • Usama

    Video marketing is on a never ending rise. Its clear that every good video is worth a thousand words, so why not start creating some.
    Thanks.

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    Hi Julia, I guess I need some clarification, links to what post? And what keywords at the bottom, of the video, the ads?

    I don't edit, only start and end, which my camera editor is perfect for, but that was the point of the video above. I think it's EXTREMELY important that people understand that polished on youtube doesn't work, real works and real you sometimes cough or stumble.

  • Julia

    I have done a few video posts. do you have a post on how to add the links to the post? I also like how you have the keywords at the bottom. I have some ideas for videos to use a power point, video and voice. What editing programs do you recommend?
    I am committing to 1 video a week.

  • http://www.ourlittlebooks.com Candace Davenport

    I know!!! The stuff we can put on there is HUGE. It is just getting around to doing it. Julia's done some but not under an OLB page. We'll have to get those transferred over and then make the committment to actually do them.

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    Even a cool visual of your book concept for authors will be awesome Candace! and then there is usage tips, author tips…

  • http://home-decorating-makeovers.com/ Jennifer Duchene

    I think just doing the vid will be enough of a challenge. Maybe blog posts later. Love the idea of a long weekend. extra days as holidays will be honored even in Cali! :) we can copy Ann – and take the popular vids and blog about them- I know there will be plenty LOL!

  • http://louiseedington.wordpress.com Louise Edington

    That is wicked Jen! I feel very accountable now and that's a very good thing! I should warn you that Utah has a long weekend in the middle of Oct so there may be two 'business' days I can't upload but I shall endeavour to record even if I can't upload. I'm quite excited now! Do you plan on turning them all into blog posts too – that might be a bit of a stretch….

  • http://home-decorating-makeovers.com/ Jennifer Duchene

    Ok Louise that is great. I am going to be your video goal buddy and make a commitment to do the same. Will I survive? I dont know but I have plenty to say on decorating and everything else that is connected to living well. I am counting on you to help me stick to my goal and get me technisized!

  • http://home-decorating-makeovers.com/ Jennifer Duchene

    I remember this video and its a great reminder of what I should be doing. I also love the tools you share. I definitely want to be the engine not the last car. Ann you rock! Thanks for sharing.

    Jen Duchene
    The Home Makeover Mixtress blending cool & cozy style
    http://home-decorating-makeovers.com/

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    My camera is on a box too Jean, maybe I will record my “studio” one day so you can see it! Social Networking Coaching Club is the way!

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    Imagine if you did some tutorial videos about checking tire pressure, fluids, etc, as a woman, what that would do!

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    you can do SO much with video for your business Pat! So much!!

  • http://www.ourlittlebooks.com Candace Davenport

    Ok- first step taken. Just set up an Our Little Books You-tube channel. thanks for the kick in the butt.

    Candace Davenport

    http://www.ourlittlebooks.com ~ Little Books with a Big Message

  • http://www.warrior-preneur.com Ann Evanston

    Focus on one and master it, and honestly Twitter, because your blog and YouTube feed to Twitter and Facebook

  • http://www.mywealthspa.com Darcie Newton

    One more thing on my list to do. If I have to chose between mastering Twitter or You Tube…do I pick one and focus on one or do I need to do them both at the same time to be effective?

  • http://www.billbrowning.com Bill Browning

    Wow! Video is powerful. Thanks for the tip to TubeToolBox. I plan on “getting regular” soon.

  • http://www.ourlittlebooks.com Julia M Lindsey

    I have done several videos. I need to commit to doing more of them.

    You add features that I do not know how to do. Do you have a video blog on how to insert the websites you refer too? On another one of your videos I noticed your keywords showed at the bottom of the video. Do you have a editing tool you like?

  • Wellnessservices

    Thanks I use youtube as a marketer we really need to tap into video marketing. Research predicts a annual growth rate of 72% of the use of online video through the year 2012. I also use a new video marketing tool which top online gurus are using worth looking at also
    Ellen Agius
    Marketing For 6 Figures
    http://www.WealthWithVideo.com

  • Michael Cavitt

    Ann, the power of now. Ok, I'm almost off my duff and moving toward video. I am waffling about which camera to buy.

  • http://www.smartbusinessowners.com/blog Merlyn Sanchez

    Great information on the importance of video and talk about inspiring! I'm working on overcoming my camera “shyness” so I can get out there and share via video.

    Thank you!

  • http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/blog/ Judy Stone-Goldman

    This was so amazing to listen to and read! I feel myself being ready (despite the tech problems I haven't yet overcome). This is wonderfully motivating, and I love the charge to “get over” ourselves. Your energy leaps out from the screen in a way that makes me so eager and excited. Thank you for your honesty and inspiration.

    Judy Stone-Goldman
    http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/blog/

  • http://www.patzahn.com Pat Zahn

    I have a YouTube channel and I have video tutorials produced from my computer, but I haven't been brave enough to video myself talking – eek! I also haven't taken advantage of the social media aspect of YouTube; it's kind of just a parking place for my videos that feed into FB page, so I have a little work to do… You always offer new nuggets of things I didn't know existed.

  • Donna McCord

    Yikes, I am so wide-eyed over your enthusiasm and energy and leadership and knowledge! Where do you find the time and inspiration to do all that you do?? We have some instructional videos on YouTube but I have been terribly remiss in keeping track of them or marketing them or doing anything much with them, other than having them on our web site and occasionally using one or more for a presentation in my Leads Group. I know that it is a powerful tool, and am going to make the effort to focus more on how to use video in a way that will grow our business and keep us at the forefront of our competitors. Hopefully, I will get the help I need to make this happen! Thank you for all you do, Ann; your blogs are educational and inspirational!

  • http://louiseedington.wordpress.com Louise Edington

    I thought I commented! Anyway, you know I'm there with video already but have decided to commit to a video every business day in October. Should be a challenge!
    I have more to talk about regarding AuPairs and host families and I may see if I can include them in this somehow – interview a good AuPair or family or something like that.

  • http://twitter.com/AtticusUncensor Atticus Uncensored

    You truly are Fearless, woman warrior!! I love the ambitious goal of a video a day for a year—that's a commitment. You certainly inspire me!
    Thanks for the tips & learned a lot (as usual from you)
    Heidi & Atticus
    http://www.atticusuncensored.com

  • Jean Bentley

    So how do I become one of your students? I have been hesitant to do videos because I heard that what is behind you should be interesting! Uhm, I don't have a tripod and put my camera on a box to record my videos so I'm very limited. Seems like I just need to get over my limited back ground and just get busy!

  • http://louiseedington.com Louise Edington

    Well I think you know I’m already there. I haven’t got the paid subscription to tube toolbox yet just the free version but I shall at some point. I’m thinking of doing the video a BUSINESS day in October – just got to plan what I’m going to vlog about all those days…….. I love vlogging actually and I got over the thing about what I look like after the first one – I just have to be careful not ramble too much.
    louiseedington.com
    ledington.aupairnews.com
    Louise Edington´s last [type] ..Immigration USA- Absent Family

  • Darcie Newton

    Thanks for the quick tutorial. I know like many I’m too critical of the videos I record and they end up collecting virtual dust. I am going to take the 30 day video challenge and get some of what is in my brain out on my channel. Thanks for the virtual kick in the tush.
    Darcie Newton´s last [type] ..What Is Your Retirement IQ