Making YouTube Videos Work For You

I have had previous discussions that video is going the be the "Go To" platform in Social Media. YouTube is fast becoming one of those platforms. With 1080p video available from your smart phone and free downloadable apps to edit them, most people with any common sense can upload a video and get hundreds of hits.  So the question is, "Why can't I do that?"  Why do some go viral and get millions while others don't get squat.  When it comes to marketing, going viral is not so much important  over the fact you have the right content and you are reaching your target audience.  While it is exciting to go viral many videos that are doing that have nothing to do with business but are silly or funny videos that some kid made. Not all are that but don't concentrate on viral videos but quality and getting your message out. 

Some simple tips to do quality YouTube videos are found right within YouTube.  Use a good title, allow people to rate your video if you wish and enable sharing. Link your videos to your Facebook landing page or your website.  Feel free to link your videos via texts or emails. Create a YouTube channel and keep your videos on a channel line up. (You simply need a gmail or google+ account)  The bottom line is promote, promote, and promote. 


As far as the production itself, keep it short and sweet.  Try and shoot and upload in HD. (minimum 720p)  Today's viewer attention span is very short.  I suggest a two to maybe a 3 minute video but no more.  If you are not throwing up a cell phone video that is "self descriptive", make sure you have a script that tells what is happening at the beginning and a cool ending. Add music and a good narrative.  Have your contact info as well.  Know your target audience. It has to be entertaining, engaging, and offer the viewer a reason to watch. You must capture them in the first 5 seconds or forget it. A boring video goes nowhere.  You can spend thousands with a production company and still come up with nothing. If you chose to do your videos yourself remember this. Good production, good script, be entertaining, and don't expect your first few videos to be academy award winners. 

 Allow time to develop a following. If you get negative comments, embrace that and learn from it.  Today's viewers are critics but they also are the ones spending time trolling for videos. If it gets to you, block allowing comments but you won't learn how to improve. Best of luck on your YouTube Videos!