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Small businesses traditionally have small advertising budgets. But one of the best ways to compete on a shoestring with the big guys is through social media, and there’s no doubt that YouTube is a giant among them. Considered “the Mecca of viral advertising,” YouTube has over 120 million U.S. viewers. Free to use and upload to, YouTube is an excellent resource for small businesses to build brand and visibility. In fact, using this video platform is perhaps the most popular branding system available today.

Video lets viewers feel comfortable with you, while building your reputation and being recognized as an expert in your field. You can even create and host a talk show by uploading video “episodes,” which will drive sales your way.

How do you get started with this unique marketing tool?

First, create some awesome videos! Just like I said in my last post, You needn’t go buy all-new equipment or rent expensive studio time. Go for quality in your productions, but wary of over-spending unnecessarily.

Now, to build your own YouTube Channel, choose a name – your company’s or one that include the product/service category you’re associated with. Register it and you’ll receive a URL reading youtube.com/user/yourfullname. This brands you with the public, a great advantage when your print and TV advertising isn’t sizable.

Create a Profile so viewers can find you. Then upload an avatar or video screenshot that catches peoples’ attention.

YouTube has different types of accounts. To stand above the crowd, “Guru” is your best choice.

Next, customize: Add keyword tags that reflect your video’s content so you’re easily found when searched. Create a look consistent with your other marketing – your website, blog, business cards, PowerPoint and whatever else you have. You can even upload your own images and background. YouTube has websites to help.

To ensure the widest viewership, follow these steps:

1.     To help build your Brand and your online community, check all relevant options under “Modules”

2.     Click “Edit” on the screen’s top right. At “Featured Video” click “Use the Most Recent” to let viewers see the latest and greatest!

3.     Add your blog to “Blog Setup”

4.     Embed videos from YouTube on your website or blog to cross-link

5.     Link your Channel and videos everywhere possible to maximize visibility

Lastly, market, market, market! Leverage your current network, and let YouTube help grow and expand it. Notify local newspapers, TV and any other media outlets via press releases, to alert their audiences to catch your video masterpieces.

YouTube is providing small businesses in every industry an amazing opportunity to position themselves as experts, ushering exponential growth. If you have the capability needed to get in on it, not only is creating your own YouTube channel a fun endeavor, having one will put you on par with the “big boys,” giving you great visibility you can take to the bank!