In the age of social media, many companies are fighting for the title of the best video-sharing platform. Similar to the status of FB, YouTube faces competition from a rising number of younger video-based platforms. For businesses, it’s now more important than ever to ensure their videos are available across various platforms to increase discoverability, even if the viewer is not on the business' website. We know that video content is a little harder to produce, but it's so important to figure out given the following stats about YouTube:
YouTube is the world's second-largest search engine.
That’s right, YouTube is only behind Google in terms of search engine popularity, and it makes sense too. Many questions that people may have are “how-to” based questions and many of those can be answered best by a visual demonstration in a video. A staggering 96% of today's teens watch videos through the platform, and interestingly enough, despite the massive popularity amongst young people, the 35+ and 55+ age groups are the fastest-growing YouTube demographics. Furthermore, YouTube reaches more viewers than either broadcast or cable networks, indicating its widespread popularity. If a picture is worth a thousand words, clearly video is worth a million more. When it comes to the sharing of video content, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are the clear winners. Remarkably, 93% of businesses report getting a new customer after posting a video on social media.
As a marketing and branding expert, I am constantly seeking avenues to assist businesses in promoting themselves and engaging with their audience. And the platform that I always recommend for businesses to incorporate into their marketing strategy is YouTube. With over 2 billion monthly active users, YouTube has become a powerful tool for businesses to showcase their brand, connect with their audience, and drive sales.
One of the key benefits of using YouTube is the ability to create video content that captivates your audience and tells your brand story. Not only is video content highly shareable, but it can also help you reach a wider audience beyond your immediate followers. By creating high-quality, engaging video content that highlights your products or services, you can build brand awareness and increase your visibility within your industry.
Another huge benefit of using YouTube is the ability to establish yourself as an authority in your industry. By creating educational or informative content that provides value to your audience, you can position yourself as a thought leader in your field. Random creators of all kinds, not even necessarily businesses, are able to form massive followings by presenting themselves as knowledgeable source on any particular subject. As a business though, you already have that built-in authority, which helps you move past a hurdle that individual creators may normally face. Creating informative content can help build trust and credibility with your audience, and ultimately lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.
In addition to these benefits, YouTube also offers an incredible array of advertising options that can help you connect with your target audience more effectively. Through YouTube advertising, you gain the ability to target specific demographics, interests, and even specific videos or channels, ensuring that your ads are seen by the most relevant people at the right time.
Finally, YouTube provides a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with their audience and build a community around their brand. By responding to comments, hosting live streams, and interacting with your followers, you can build strong relationships with your audience and create a loyal fanbase for your brand.
Integrating YouTube into your marketing strategy is a great move for businesses aiming to promote their brand and connect with their audience. With the ability to create engaging video content, establish yourself as an authority, target your audience with advertising, and build a community around your brand, YouTube offers a wealth of opportunities for businesses looking to succeed in today's digital landscape.
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