The Non-Techie Guide To Leverage YouTube For Your Business

Are you looking to build a successful YouTube channel and grow your audience on the world’s largest video-sharing platform? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to optimize your YouTube account and attract more views, subscribers, and followers.

From creating engaging content to optimizing your video titles and descriptions for search, we’ll walk you through the key strategies and tactics that successful YouTubers use to build their channels and grow their audiences. You’ll learn how to promote your videos, collaborate with other YouTubers, and use YouTube’s advertising features to get more views and followers.

But it’s not just about attracting views and followers – it’s also about building a brand and establishing yourself as a thought leader in your industry. That’s why we’ll also cover topics like building a brand on YouTube, engaging with your audience, and monetizing your channel as an entrepreneur. Whether you’re just starting out on YouTube or looking to take your channel to the next level, this guide has everything you need to know to succeed on the platform. So let’s get started!

Setting Up Your YouTube Account

Getting started on YouTube is easy! Simply visit YouTube.com and click the “Sign In” button in the top-right corner of the screen. From there, you can either create a new account or sign in with your existing Google account. Once you’re signed in, you’ll be able to customize your channel with a profile picture, banner image, and description. You can also set up a YouTube channel trailer to introduce new visitors to your content and encourage them to subscribe.

When setting up your YouTube account, it’s important to choose a name and profile picture that accurately represents your brand or content. Your profile picture should be easily recognizable and your name should be memorable and easy to spell. Make sure your channel description is clear and informative, and don’t forget to include links to your website and other social media accounts.

Once your channel is set up, it’s time to start creating content that will engage your audience and keep them coming back for more.

Creating Engaging Content

Creating engaging content is key to building a successful YouTube channel. To get followers on YouTube, you’ll need to create content that people want to watch and share. Consider your target audience and what they might be interested in, and brainstorm content ideas that will appeal to them.

Some popular types of content on YouTube include tutorials, product reviews, vlogs, and comedic skits. Whatever type of content you choose, make sure it’s well-produced and visually appealing. Use high-quality equipment and editing software to create professional-looking videos that will impress your viewers.

It’s also important to upload videos on a consistent schedule to keep your followers engaged. Aim to upload at least one video per week, and consider using YouTube’s “Community” tab to interact with your followers and build a community around your content.

Optimizing Your Videos for Search

Optimizing your YouTube videos for search is crucial to getting more views and followers. To optimize your videos, start by creating descriptive titles that accurately represent the content of your video. Use relevant keywords and include a call-to-action to encourage viewers to watch your video.

When writing your video descriptions, be sure to include links to your website and other social media accounts. You should also use relevant keywords and include a detailed summary of your video’s content.

Finally, make sure to tag your videos with relevant keywords and phrases. Use as many tags as possible to increase the visibility of your video in search results.

Monetizing Your YouTube Channel

If you’re looking to monetize your YouTube channel and get more followers, there are several strategies you can use. One popular method is to use YouTube’s “Super Chat” and “Super Stickers” features to allow viewers to donate money to your channel during live streams.

You can also use YouTube’s “Subscriber-only mode” feature to reward your followers and encourage more people to subscribe. This feature allows you to restrict certain content to subscribers only, giving people an incentive to subscribe to your channel.

Finally, consider using YouTube’s “Link redirect feature” to drive traffic to your website and other social media accounts. This feature allows you to add clickable links to your videos and channel page, giving your followers an easy way to access your other content and follow you on other platforms.

Promoting Your Videos and Channel

Once you’ve created and uploaded your videos, it’s important to promote them to your audience. One way to do this is by using YouTube’s “End Screens” and “annotations” features to promote your other videos and channel. End Screens are interactive graphics that appear at the end of your video, while annotations are clickable links that can be added to your videos. Use these features to encourage your viewers to watch more of your content and subscribe to your channel.

You can also use YouTube’s “Playlists” feature to organize your content and keep viewers engaged. Playlists allow you to group related videos together, making it easy for viewers to watch multiple videos in one sitting. This can help keep viewers on your channel longer and increase your watch time.

Another way to promote your content is by using YouTube’s “Cards” feature. Cards are interactive elements that can be added to your videos to promote your other videos, website, and social media accounts. Use cards to encourage your viewers to check out more of your content and follow you on other platforms.

Collaborating with Other YouTubers

Collaborating with other YouTubers can be a great way to get more followers and reach new audiences. Look for other YouTubers in your niche or industry, and reach out to them to see if they’re interested in collaborating on a video or project.

When collaborating with other YouTubers, be sure to choose someone who shares your values and goals. You should also make sure that your content is compatible and that your audiences will enjoy both of your channels.

Using YouTube’s Advertising Features

YouTube offers a variety of advertising options to help businesses and content creators reach their target audiences. These advertising options include Sponsored Cards, Promoted Videos, and various ad formats like TrueView In-Stream, TrueView Discovery, Bumper, Non-skippable, and Outstream ads.

Promoted Videos are ads that appear in YouTube search results and on the homepage. These ads can be targeted to specific keywords, interests, and demographics to help you reach your ideal audience.

TrueView In-Stream ads are ads that play before or during a video and give viewers the option to skip after 5 seconds. TrueView Discovery ads, on the other hand, appear in search results and related videos and encourage viewers to click through to your video.

Bumper ads are short, non-skippable ads that play before a video and are limited to 6 seconds. Non-skippable ads are longer ads that can’t be skipped and play before or during a video. Outstream ads are mobile-only ads that play outside of YouTube, within apps and websites that partner with Google.

YouTube’s advertising options can be a powerful tool for promoting your channel and getting more views and followers. By targeting your ads to specific audiences and using eye-catching visuals and messaging, you can attract new viewers and build a larger following on YouTube.

YouTube SEO Strategies for Entrepreneurs

Search engine optimization (SEO) is an important part of building a successful YouTube channel. By optimizing your videos for search, you can increase their visibility and attract more views and subscribers. One way to do this is by conducting keyword research and using relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags.

Another way to improve your SEO is by creating high-quality, engaging content that keeps viewers on your channel for longer periods of time. You can also optimize your channel page by adding a detailed description, relevant keywords, and links to your website and other social media accounts.

In addition to these strategies, entrepreneurs can also use YouTube Analytics to track their progress and make data-driven decisions about their content. By analyzing metrics like watch time, engagement, and audience demographics, you can gain insights into what’s working and what’s not, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Building a Brand on YouTube

YouTube is a powerful tool for building a brand and establishing yourself as a thought leader in your industry. To build a brand on YouTube, it’s important to create high-quality, visually appealing content that aligns with your brand’s values and messaging.

You should also develop a consistent brand identity across all of your content, including your channel page, videos, and social media accounts. Use the same colors, fonts, and visual elements to create a cohesive look and feel that will help viewers recognize your brand and remember it over time.

Another important part of building a brand on YouTube is engaging with your audience and building a community around your content. Use YouTube’s “Community” tab to interact with your viewers, respond to comments, and foster a sense of community among your followers. You can also collaborate with other YouTubers in your industry to expand your reach and build relationships with other thought leaders in your field.

Why “Watch Time” Matters

Watch Time is a critical metric on YouTube that measures the total amount of time viewers spend watching your videos. It’s an important factor in determining the success of your channel and plays a key role in YouTube’s search algorithm.

Watch Time is important for several reasons. First, it’s an indicator of the overall quality and appeal of your content. If viewers are spending a lot of time watching your videos, it’s a good sign that they find your content engaging and valuable. This can help increase your subscriber base and build a loyal following.

Second, Watch Time is a key factor in YouTube’s search algorithm. YouTube’s algorithm uses Watch Time to determine which videos are most relevant and valuable to viewers. If your videos have a high Watch Time, they are more likely to appear higher in search results and be recommended to other viewers. This can help increase your visibility on the platform and attract new viewers to your channel.

Finally, Watch Time is important for monetization on YouTube. In order to earn money from advertising revenue, you need to have a certain amount of Watch Time on your channel. YouTube’s Partner Program requires channels to have at least 4,000 hours of Watch Time and 1,000 subscribers in the past 12 months to be eligible for monetization.

UPDATE for 2023: As of January 2023, YouTube introduced new eligibility requirements and other updates to the YouTube monetization program. YouTube Shorts watch hours no longer count towards the 4,000 valid public watch hours threshold.

How do I use YouTube’s “Live Streaming” feature to connect with my followers and get more views?

YouTube’s live streaming feature is a powerful tool for connecting with your followers in real-time and building engagement on your channel. Here are some tips for using this feature effectively:

• Plan your live streams in advance and promote them on your social media channels to build anticipation and attract more viewers.
• Engage with your audience during the live stream by responding to comments and answering questions in real-time.
• Use high-quality equipment and lighting to ensure that your stream looks and sounds professional.
• Collaborate with other YouTubers or industry experts to attract new viewers and expand your reach.
• Consider offering exclusive content or promotions during your live streams to reward your loyal followers and attract new ones.

How do I create a consistent branding for my YouTube channel?

Creating a consistent brand identity for your YouTube channel is an important part of building a loyal following and establishing yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Here are some tips for creating a consistent brand on YouTube:

• Use the same colors, fonts, and visual elements across all of your content, including your channel page, videos, and social media accounts.
• Develop a unique and memorable logo or visual identity that aligns with your brand’s values and messaging.
• Create a detailed channel description that communicates your brand’s values and messaging to viewers.
• Use custom thumbnails and graphics to create a consistent look and feel for your videos.
• Engage with your audience and build a sense of community around your brand to create a loyal following.

How do I use YouTube’s “Super Chat” and “Super Stickers” feature to monetize my channel and get more followers?

YouTube’s “Super Chat” and “Super Stickers” features allow viewers to donate money to your channel during live streams. Here are some tips for using these features effectively:

• Promote your live streams and let viewers know that you offer Super Chat and Super Stickers as a way to support your channel.
• Offer exclusive content or promotions to viewers who donate using these features to incentivize them to donate.
• Engage with your audience and thank them for their support during live streams to show your appreciation.
• Consider using Super Chat and Super Stickers to promote your brand or products during live streams.

How do I use YouTube’s “Subscriber-only mode” feature to reward my followers?

YouTube’s “Subscriber-only mode” feature allows you to make certain videos or live streams available only to subscribers of your channel. Here are some tips for using this feature effectively:

• Use subscriber-only content as a reward for loyal followers who have subscribed to your channel.
• Consider offering exclusive content or promotions to subscribers to incentivize them to subscribe.
• Promote subscriber-only content on your social media channels to attract new subscribers.
• Engage with your subscribers and build a sense of community around your channel to encourage new subscribers to join.

How do I use YouTube’s “YouTube Studio” feature to manage my channel?

YouTube Studio is a powerful tool for managing your YouTube channel and optimizing your content. Here are some tips for using this feature effectively:

• Use the Analytics tab to track your channel’s performance and make data-driven decisions about your content strategy.
• Use the Videos tab to manage and edit your videos, including titles, descriptions, and thumbnails.
• Use the Comments tab to engage with your audience and respond to comments and questions in real-time.
• Use the Community tab to interact with your followers and build a sense of community around your brand.
• Use the Monetization tab to track your earnings and optimize your monetization strategy.
• Use the Settings tab to customize your channel settings and control your channel’s appearance and functionality.

By using YouTube Studio to manage your channel, you can stay organized, optimize your content, and engage with your audience more effectively. With the right strategy and tools, you can build a successful YouTube channel and attract more followers and subscribers to your brand.

How can I use YouTube’s analytics to understand my audience and improve my content?

YouTube’s analytics tools offer a wealth of data and insights about your channel and audience. Here are some tips for using this data to improve your content and grow your channel:

• Use the Audience tab to learn more about your viewers, including their demographics, interests, and behaviors. This can help you tailor your content to better meet their needs and preferences.
• Use the Engagement tab to track your video’s likes, dislikes, comments, and shares. This can help you understand what content resonates with your audience and what doesn’t.
• Use the Traffic Sources tab to learn where your viewers are coming from and how they found your content. This can help you optimize your distribution strategy and reach new audiences.
• Use the Watch Time tab to track how long viewers are watching your videos and when they tend to drop off. This can help you identify areas where you may be losing viewers and make adjustments to improve engagement.

By using YouTube’s analytics tools effectively, you can gain valuable insights into your audience and improve your content strategy to better meet their needs and preferences.

What are the best practices for using closed captions on YouTube videos?

Closed captions are an important feature on YouTube that make your videos more accessible to a wider audience. Here are some tips for using closed captions effectively:

• Use accurate and readable captions that are synchronized with the video’s audio. This can help viewers follow along more easily and improve their comprehension of your content.
• Use proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar in your captions to ensure they are clear and easy to read.
• YouTube will automatically generate captions for your videos using YouTube’s speech recognition technology.
• Consider using professional captioning services for high-quality and accurate captions that meet accessibility guidelines.

By using closed captions on your YouTube videos, you can make your content more accessible to a wider audience and improve engagement and viewer satisfaction.

How do I optimize my video length for maximum engagement and views?

Video length is an important factor in determining engagement and views on YouTube. Here are some tips for optimizing your video length for maximum impact:

• Consider your audience’s attention span and preferences when deciding on video length. Shorter videos may be more effective for younger viewers or those with shorter attention spans.
• Use analytics tools to track how long viewers are watching your videos and when they tend to drop off. This can help you identify optimal video length and make adjustments to improve engagement.
• Use a compelling hook and engaging storytelling techniques to keep viewers engaged and watching for longer periods of time.
• Consider breaking longer videos into shorter segments or creating a series of related videos to keep viewers engaged over time.
• Test and experiment with different video lengths to see what works best for your audience and content.

By optimizing your video length, you can improve engagement and attract more views and subscribers to your YouTube channel.

How do I use YouTube’s community guidelines and policies to ensure my content is appropriate and compliant?

YouTube has strict community guidelines and policies that dictate what type of content is allowed on the platform. Here are some tips for using these guidelines effectively:

• Familiarize yourself with YouTube’s community guidelines and policies and ensure that your content is in compliance with these rules.
• Be aware of copyright laws and ensure that you have the appropriate permissions to use any copyrighted materials in your videos.
• Monitor your comments and respond promptly to any inappropriate or offensive comments or behavior.
• Be aware of any changes to YouTube’s community guidelines and policies and update your content accordingly.
• Report any inappropriate or offensive content that you come across on the platform.

By using YouTube’s community guidelines and policies effectively, you can ensure that your content is appropriate, compliant, and safe for your viewers.

Strategies for promoting your YouTube channel

Building a strong social media presence is an important part of promoting your YouTube channel and attracting more views and subscribers. Here are some tips for building a social media presence and promoting your channel effectively:

• Create a presence on the major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
• Promote your YouTube channel and content on your social media profiles, using custom graphics and hashtags to attract more views and engagement.
• Engage with your followers on social media by responding to comments, asking questions, and sharing behind-the-scenes content.
• Collaborate with other YouTubers or influencers on social media to expand your reach and attract new followers.
• Use paid advertising on social media to promote your channel and attract more views and subscribers.

By using these strategies to build a strong social media presence, you can promote your YouTube channel to a wider audience and attract more views and subscribers to your content.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, building a successful YouTube channel takes time, effort, and strategy. By creating engaging, high-quality content and optimizing your videos for search, you can attract more views and subscribers and build a loyal following on the platform.

Promoting your videos, collaborating with other YouTubers, and using YouTube’s advertising features can also be powerful tools for growing your audience and increasing your visibility on the platform. And by building a consistent brand and engaging with your audience, you can establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry and build a loyal community of followers.

Whether you’re looking to monetize your channel, build a brand, or just share your content with the world, YouTube is an exciting platform with endless possibilities. We hope this guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed on the platform and build a successful YouTube channel. So go forth, create great content, and happy YouTubing!