by Emily Leye | Nov 8, 2023 | Advice, Business Tips, New Blogs
Can you believe the holiday season is here already? It catches me by surprise every year. What’s not to love about this time of year, though? It’s a time of celebration, gift-giving, and festivities.
For businesses, this period before the holidays presents a prime opportunity to boost sales and engage with customers. However, with countless brands vying for a shopper’s attention, holiday marketing can become overwhelming. To stand out from the crowd and avoid holiday fatigue, it is essential to adopt effective strategies and consider the buyer’s perspective. Here are some tips and techniques to strengthen your holiday marketing efforts while being considerate of the holiday-weary customer.
#1. Plan Early and Strategically
The first step to a successful holiday marketing campaign is early planning. Start brainstorming and crafting your strategy well in advance, preferably several months before the holiday season begins. By planning ahead, you have time to create a cohesive and well-thought-out marketing plan that resonates with your target audience.
Not only does early planning give you time to craft a well-developed strategy, but it also allows for testing and adjustments. By starting early, you can test out different ideas and see what works best for your brand. This can save you time and money in the long run as you can make changes and improve your strategy before the holiday rush begins. Plus, with more time on your side, you can fine-tune your message and promotional materials to really capture the attention of potential customers.
Haven’t started planning yet? Don’t worry! These next few tips will help you still have a successful marketing season!
#2. Understand Your Audience
It’s essential to know your audience if you want to stand out during the holidays. Take time to understand their preferences, behaviours, and pain points so you can tailor your marketing messages to address their specific needs and shopping preferences. Personalization and relevance are crucial in making your brand memorable.
#3. Create Unique Content
Set yourself apart by crafting unique and engaging content. Develop content that tells a story, connects emotionally with the holiday spirit, and offers value to your audience. Utilize a variety of content formats like videos, infographics, image, and blog posts to capture the attention of different parts of your audience.
#4. Use Social Proof
Leverage the power of social proof to strengthen your holiday marketing. Display testimonials, reviews, and user-generated content that highlight the positive experiences of previous customers. Trustworthy endorsements can instill confidence in potential buyers and make your brand more credible.
#5. Offer Exclusive Promotions
Create a sense of urgency and excitement by introducing special holiday offers. Limited-time discounts, bundled packages, and loyalty rewards can attract and retain your customer base. Make sure to promote these offers across all your marketing channels.
The holiday season is the perfect time to show your customers how much you appreciate them. Consider offering exclusive seasonal promotions and personalized gifts to add a personal touch to your offers. Take advantage of the festive spirit and create a positive and joyful atmosphere for your customers. Spread joy and appreciation by emphasizing the significance they bring to your business and by reminding them of the fantastic offers awaiting them during this holiday season.
#6. Diversify Marketing Channels
Avoid relying on a single marketing channel to reach your audience. Instead, consider diversifying your approach. Email marketing, social media, content marketing, and online advertising, for example, will help you share your brand with more people. Each channel serves a unique purpose, and a multi-channel approach can maximize your reach.
#7. Be Mindful of Holiday Fatigue
‘Tis the season to be jolly – but also a bit overwhelmed with all the holiday marketing! Fear not, there’s a solution: spice up your promotions with these tips!
Gradual Build-Up: Start easing your customers into their holiday spirit by commencing your marketing gradually. Avoid overwhelming them with constant holiday-themed content from early November.
Create Valuable Content: Make your holiday content stand out by not only promoting sales, but also providing meaningful value to your audience. Serve up helpful holiday tips, creative DIY ideas, and inspiring stories that will captivate them.
Segment Your Email List: Not all customers want to see holiday promotions right away. Segment your email list and send holiday-related content to those who have shown interest in the past.
Create a Sense of Exclusivity: Develop a sense of exclusivity with early access to holiday deals or special promotions for your loyal customers. This approach can engage and reward your most dedicated clientele.
Over to You
Holiday marketing can be a great chance to connect with your audience and increase sales. To stand out and avoid overwhelming your audience, plan carefully, know your customers, make unique content, and use various channels. Most importantly, consider your customers’ needs and provide valuable content. This way, your holiday marketing will engage your audience and make a positive impact.
At MYOB, we have experience and expertise in managing social media and creating content. We can bring all your marketing campaigns to life, no matter what time of the year. Are you ready to learn more about what we can do for your organization? Contact us today!
Written by: Jennifer Hanford, MYOB Blogger
by Emily Leye | Jul 18, 2023 | Advice, Business Tips, New Blogs
Staying competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment requires adopting and embracing technological advancements. Artificial intelligence, or AI, is one such innovation that has attracted increasing interest. While artificial intelligence (AI) was once considered a “luxury” available only to larger organizations, it is now more widely accessible to small businesses, creating new opportunities for success, growth, and efficiency.
Although some people are concerned that technology will ultimately replace them, this isn’t necessarily the case. AI is merely a tool that can enhance the efficiency of your small business, regardless of whether jobs are impacted or not. The truth is that technology has become an invaluable tool for small business owners. Many routine operations that keep your business running can be automated with a few easy clicks. This means you can save time and money while enhancing your productivity.
In addition, AI can assist in obtaining and retaining customer loyalty and revenue by helping you gain useful insights into their behaviour. This will enable you to make informed decisions about how to engage with them and discover what products or services to offer them. Overall, AI has the potential to help businesses become more competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
Let’s look at the potential of AI for small businesses, including how it can transform operations, streamline procedures, and enable business owners to prosper in a world driven by technology.
Also, to be completely transparent, I did use Open AI’s ChatGPT to generate lists of resources for each section to illustrate the different types of solutions available. *Warning* Using ChatGPT or similar apps for searching can be highly addictive! 😉
How AI can help your small business
Reshaping Customer Service and Human Resources
AI has the potential to completely transform the customer service industry, which is crucial to the success of any business. Small businesses can provide round-the-clock customer support, promptly responding to inquiries and resolving issues with the help of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants. These automated systems can “learn” how to facilitate transactions, offer product information, and make personalized recommendations, improving the overall customer experience while freeing up human resources to work on tasks that are more involved and challenging. All these things and more are ways businesses can use AI to ensure their customers always have the best experience possible.
ChatGPT’s list of popular AI tools for customer service and human resources that can help streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and improve the overall experience for both employees and customers includes the following:
- Chatbots: Chatbots are AI-powered tools that can interact with customers or employees in real-time, providing instant support and assistance. They can handle basic inquiries, provide information, and guide users through various processes.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) Tools: NLP tools enable machines to understand and interpret human language, allowing for more effective communication and analysis. These tools can be used for sentiment analysis, language translation, and automated email response systems.
- Virtual Assistants: Virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, can be utilized to automate routine tasks and provide quick answers to common questions. They can be integrated with customer service platforms and HR systems to enhance user experience.
- Predictive Analytics Tools: Predictive analytics tools leverage AI algorithms to analyze large volumes of data and predict future outcomes. In customer service, these tools can help identify patterns, forecast demand, and personalize customer interactions. In HR, they can be used for talent acquisition, workforce planning, and employee retention.
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA tools automate repetitive tasks by mimicking human interactions with software systems. They can be employed in customer service and HR departments to handle data entry, data validation, and generate reports, freeing up human resources for more strategic and value-added activities.
- Employee Engagement Platforms: AI-powered employee engagement platforms enable organizations to gather feedback, conduct surveys, and measure employee sentiment. These tools can help HR departments identify areas for improvement, enhance employee satisfaction, and ultimately increase productivity.
- Resume Screening and Candidate Evaluation Tools: AI tools can assist HR departments in screening resumes, matching candidates to job requirements, and evaluating applicants based on predefined criteria. These tools can save time and effort in the recruitment process while ensuring unbiased candidate selection.
Streamlining Routine Tasks
Automating repetitive operations can help boost efficiency and productivity. Individuals and businesses alike can save time and prevent errors by automating repetitive processes. People then have more time to concentrate on other critical tasks that necessitate human attention and ingenuity.
There are numerous tools and software available today to assist with task automation. Examples include those used for social media post scheduling, sending automated emails, and compiling reports. To ensure the automation process is effective and efficient, you’ll want to start by determining which tasks may be automated and which require human intervention.
ChatGPT’s list of popular AI tools that can automate repetitive and tedious business operations, saving time and increasing productivity include:
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Tools: These can perform tasks such as data entry, form filling, report generation, and data validation. Some popular RPA tools include UiPath, Automation Anywhere, and Blue Prism.
- Workflow Automation Tools: These tools can help with task management, approval workflows, and notifications. Examples of workflow automation tools include Zapier, Microsoft Power Automate, and IFTTT.
- Data Entry and Extraction Tools: These tools can significantly reduce manual data entry efforts and improve accuracy. Examples include Rossum, ParseHub, and Grooper.
- Social Media Management Platforms: Social media management platforms like Hootsuite, Sprout Social, Loomly, and Buffer offer automation features to schedule and publish posts across multiple social media channels. They also provide analytics and monitoring capabilities to track engagement, mentions, and other key metrics.
Developing Customized Marketing Campaigns
Effective marketing is a must for small businesses to reach their target audience and boost conversions. Business owners can create customized marketing campaigns using AI by looking at client data, preferences, and previous interactions. Businesses can then offer information, suggestions, and offers to their customers by thoroughly understanding their preferences and requirements. By adopting these strategies, businesses can develop an ongoing connection with their customers, contributing to increased engagement and conversions.
Here are some AI tools that can assist in creating customized marketing campaigns:
- Customer Segmentation Tools: AI-powered customer segmentation tools, such as Optimizely, Mixpanel, and Adobe Target can help you identify distinct customer segments and tailor your marketing campaigns accordingly.
- Dynamic Content Generation Tools: AI-powered tools like Persado and Phrasee can help generate personalized and compelling marketing copy.
- A/B Testing and Optimization Tools: AI tools for A/B testing and optimization, such as Optimizely and Adobe Target, can automate the process of testing different variations of marketing campaigns and determining the most effective elements.
Cybersecurity and Fraud Detection
Businesses of all sizes are becoming increasingly concerned about cybersecurity threats. AI can dramatically improve fraud detection and security by observing patterns, detecting abnormalities, and detecting possible hazards. AI-powered solutions can provide real-time alerts and preventative steps to help protect small businesses against cyberattacks, data breaches, and financial losses.
Here are some AI tools for cybersecurity and fraud detection:
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): AI-powered IDPS solutions, such as Darktrace and Vectra, use machine learning algorithms to analyze network behaviour patterns and identify anomalous activities, helping organizations respond quickly to potential cyber threats.
- Malware Detection and Analysis: AI-based malware detection tools, such as CylancePROTECT and CrowdStrike Falcon, utilize machine learning algorithms to identify and classify malware based on behavioural patterns and file characteristics.
- Vulnerability Management Tools: Vulnerability management solutions like Tenable.io and Qualys utilize AI to assess and prioritize vulnerabilities in systems and networks.
Over to You
One of our clients, Leonard F. Baer PLLC, recently wrote a tongue-in-cheek blog post called “AI Ate My Homework.” It’s a fun post that includes some of his observations about AI and how it’s changing the world as we know it. You’ll want to read it!
But, in all seriousness, small businesses can no longer ignore the potential of AI. By learning about AI technologies, entrepreneurs can open new avenues of effectiveness, productivity, and growth. AI empowers smaller businesses to compete with larger competitors on an equal playing field. In this digitally driven world, embrace AI and experience its transforming power for your small business.
Written by: Jennifer Hanford, MYOB Blogger
by Emily Leye | Jul 3, 2023 | Advice, Business Tips, New Blogs, Social Media
The concept of allyship has gotten a lot of attention in recent years. As a result, more businesses and individuals are expressing solidarity with traditionally underrepresented and even oppressed communities. However, there is a significant difference between performative and supportive allyship. It is vital to understand this distinction to ensure that your efforts are authentic and relevant and contribute to positive change.
For example, Pride Month just ended. Throughout the month, you probably saw many rainbow logos and colours. There were many businesses who were simply sporting the logos since it’s what others are doing. They would fall into the performative allyship category. The businesses whose staff genuinely support the LGBTQ2IA+ community go beyond jumping on the trend du jour. Theirs’ is an example of supportive allyship.
In mid-2020, more than 28 million Instagram users posted black squares to show their support for the protests against the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With that number, it is safe to say that many who displayed those black squares on their social media had good intentions but were probably more caught up with appearing supportive rather than actually being supportive offline.
So, what makes someone an ally? Is allyship an identity, and who has the right to claim it? Let’s explore this further by learning more about the distinction between performative and supportive allyship.
Performative Allyship: Superficial Gestures that Lack Genuine Commitment
Performative allyship refers to actions or statements that give the illusion of support and solidarity with marginalized groups without genuine intent or commitment. Instead of coming from genuinely understanding the issues, it frequently results from a desire to appear moral or socially acceptable. Performative allies may make ineffective displays of support, such as sharing social media content or putting on symbolic clothing, without actively opposing oppressive structures or putting in the work to make genuine changes. This category of allyship often prioritizes optics over meaningful action – perhaps to avoid being “cancelled”. But unfortunately, this form of allyship perpetuates a cycle of empty gestures and hollow promises.
Key Characteristics of Performative Allyship:
#1. Superficiality: Performative allies focus on performative acts rather than addressing the root causes of systemic oppression. Their actions tend to be surface-level and lack substance or depth.
#2. Inconsistency: Instead of sustaining consistent support and engagement over time, performative allies may only participate in allyship during high-profile events or when it becomes trendy.
#3. Self-Centeredness: Performative allyship often centres around the ally’s image and seeks personal validation rather than centring the voices and needs of marginalized communities. In other words, the businesses that participate in this manner are more interested in receiving a “pat on the back” and recognition for their efforts before returning to business as usual after the month or event has ended.
Supportive allyship requires more than performative acts; it instead necessitates education, self-reflection, and a willingness to challenge one’s own privilege. This type of allyship is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and a commitment to learning and unlearning. It means recognizing that allyship is not about personal validation or recognition but about supporting and advocating for those who face discrimination and marginalization. To be supportive allies, we must move beyond performative gestures and engage in meaningful actions that contribute to real change.
Supportive Allegiance; Sincere Engagement
Supportive allyship involves sincere engagement and dedication to opposing systemic injustices. Supportive allies actively seek out information about the struggles faced by marginalized groups, pay attention to their concerns, and work to destroy oppressive systems. Rather than simply showing support, they emphasize collaboration and take the lead in enacting meaningful change.
Primary Qualities of Supportive Allyship:
#1. Active Learning: To comprehend the subtleties and complexities of marginalized communities’ experiences, supportive allies continually educate themselves about the issues they’re standing up for.
#2. Amplifying Voices: Supportive allies give marginalized communities a platform and resources to speak out, assisting them in their efforts to bring about change. Allyship is not about your business and how great of an ally you are – it is about embracing others and amplifying the message.
#3. Taking Initiative: Allies who are supportive actively combat discriminatory systems and practices, both in their personal lives and in broader societal contexts. They are committed to creating long-lasting change and are willing to do the necessary work, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Over to You
Understanding the difference between performative and supportive allyship is essential for businesses that wish to support any given cause. Performative allyship may offer temporary validation but lacks the depth and substance required to drive significant change. It may also result in followers questioning your authenticity. Supportive allyship, on the other hand, requires a genuine commitment to learning, listening, and taking concrete actions to challenge systemic oppression.
Written by: Jennifer Hanford, MYOB Blogger
by Emily Leye | Jun 5, 2023 | Advice, Business Tips, New Blogs, Social Media, Website Design
In today’s highly competitive business landscape, simply having a website or relying solely on social media for growth and visibility is not enough. To truly succeed, entrepreneurs and business owners need to adopt a holistic approach that encompasses various marketing touchpoints, which is also known as integrated marketing.
By understanding the importance of integrating different channels and personal interactions, you can effectively position your business as the go-to solution when your product or service is needed. As you probably know by now, there is no “one-size fits all” answer when it comes to marketing. Instead, successful campaigns require a deep understanding of the customer journey and how different marketing methods can be used to influence their behaviour.
What is integrated marketing and how does it work?
Integrated marketing involves the use of various components of marketing, such as advertising, public relations, and social media. The variety of media, channels, and strategies is consolidated to provide a consistent and customer-focused experience. It essentially means maintaining a uniform appearance, feel, and tone across the brand’s communication mediums.
Integrated marketing works by creating a consistent message and experience across channels, increasing the likelihood of a conversion. It works because:
- More channels = more eyes to see your messaging.
- Repetition helps keep your brand top of mind.
- You gain authority by being available on every channel your customers are on.
Ultimately, showing up more frequently across several channels is the highest reward for organizations that embrace integrated marketing. (Source: AdRoll)
Starting Your Integrated Marketing Strategy Off Right
It’s important to note that after discovering your business on social media, potential clients often begin their research journey, exploring your entire online presence, including your website and reviews. When they eventually make a purchase, they may attribute it to factors like positive Google reviews, your website, a door hanger, a TV advertisement, or even a recommendation from a neighbour, without ever mentioning social media.
Many companies track leads and referral sources, but it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean you should disregard your other marketing efforts and ask clients to pick just one source. Having numerous touchpoints enables interactions on different platforms, ultimately adding more value and conveying your message in a manner that better connects with individual prospects.
If you’re ready to put an integrated marketing plan into action, here are a few aspects to consider:
#1. A Website Alone Won’t Ring the Phone.
There’s little doubt that having a website is essential in today’s digital age, but this alone won’t guarantee business success. Many business owners naively believe that customers will automatically start pouring in once their website is up and running. However, a website is just one component of a comprehensive marketing strategy. To make your business top of mind, you must combine it with other elements.
#2. Social Media: Beyond Building an Online Presence.
Social media platforms offer incredible opportunities for businesses to engage with their target audience, but they should not be relied upon as the sole means of generating growth. While social media can help build brand awareness and foster a community, it should be integrated into a larger marketing ecosystem. Leveraging social media alongside other channels, such as a well-designed website and personal interactions, goes a long way toward developing a compelling and unified brand presence.
#3. Humanizing Branding through Personal Interactions.
Networking and personal interactions are often underestimated in our online-dominated social sphere. However, the value of face-to-face connections should not be overlooked. Attending industry events, conferences, and networking gatherings can help humanize your brand and establish credibility. These personal interactions provide opportunities to showcase your expertise, build relationships, and position your business as a reliable solution in the minds of potential customers.
#4. Speaking Engagements: Amplifying Your Reach
Speaking engagements are an excellent way to expand your reach and establish yourself as an authority in your industry. By offering valuable insights and sharing your expertise, you can capture the attention of community groups, professional organizations, and industry events. These engagements enable you to directly connect with potential customers and enhance your reputation as a trusted resource, ultimately keeping your business top of mind when they require your product or service.
#5. Paid Advertising: Maximizing Your Visibility:
Paid advertising via traditional means such as radio, television, and print media remains valuable. While digital advertising has gained prominence, traditional media outlets continue to reach vast audiences. Investing in well-targeted advertising campaigns boosts your brand’s visibility, raises awareness, and keeps you at the top of potential customers’ minds whenever they are ready to purchase.
Over to You
Integrated marketing offers businesses numerous advantages and opportunities compared to relying on a single touchpoint. Here at MYOB, we always want to ensure our clients understand this. By combining various elements like advertising, social media, and networking, businesses can develop a robust marketing strategy that amplifies their impact and distinguishes them from competitors. Many marketing experts agree – it can take up to 13 touchpoints before an interaction is converted into a lead.
If you’re interested in learning more about our marketing services, let’s chat. Contact Karen at 519-657-4283 or leave us a message on our website.
Written by: Jennifer Hanford, MYOB Blogger
by Emily Leye | May 23, 2023 | Advice, Business Tips, New Blogs
Remote work has grown in popularity in recent years, especially since the beginning of the pandemic. It has become an essential component of many organizations’ operations and a primary component in attracting and retaining top talent. Employees are experimenting with new ways to integrate work and personal life as remote work expands. One such emerging trend is the concept of “hush trips.”
What are hush trips? In general, they are brief getaways taken by remote employees to get away from home while bringing their work along. Rather than going through bureaucratic procedures, submitting forms, and seeking permission from their managers to work in a different place, they’re acting without prior approval.
Workers may choose to work from different remote locations for a few days or a week at their destination, but sometimes they’ll stay for longer. With options for backgrounds during virtual calls, and most communications occurring online, employees may manage to pull off their trip without their coworkers and employer catching on.
Hush trips can provide a reprieve for individuals whose employers are strict about vacation days. However, most employers frown upon the notion of secrecy and prefer their staff work only from their home offices or an approved location. It seems that some employees may wonder if it makes a difference whether they disclose their location if their work is getting done.
Taking a hush trip may seem exciting but consider these potential risks and problems that may arise.
What are the issues that could arise from hush trips?
#1. It is all too easy for hush trips to cause friction between employees. When one employee takes advantage of the generous work-from-home policies and goes on a hush trip, the other employees may find out and feel that their colleague is not taking their responsibilities seriously or not pulling their weight. This can easily lead to conflict and tension between employees. Therefore, managers should consider introducing policies regarding working locations to ensure all employees are aware of the expectations of remote work.
#2. A breakdown in trust between employees and managers can detrimentally impact the team dynamic. When information is concealed from leaders, they often discover it later, which creates a sense of deception. This can foster mistrust between you and your employer and undermine unity. To prevent the trust from deteriorating within the team, it is best to avoid a hush trip all together and be open and honest about your plans.
#3. Many employers are skeptical of employees’ productivity when working remotely outside their homes since there can be all sorts of distractions. The loss of structure and greater flexibility may cause a worker to be less productive. This rate of productivity may decrease even further if the employee is away on a trip. Plus, in the event of an emergency meeting or problem, it is not always easy to find a solution if an individual is in transit. This can cause major problems for the employee who is away, other team members and the employer. The potential losses in productivity and quick problem-solving capabilities might outweigh the advantages of allowing employees to work remotely at all.
Of course, there are many employees whose productivity wouldn’t skip a beat while working remotely from a vacation home or rental property for an extended period of time! This makes company policy and decision-making even more complicated for the business owner and the management team.
#4. Finally, there are internet security and tax implications to consider. When your business is conducted online, you must ensure that your data and devices are secure from cyber-attacks. You also need to be aware of any tax implications that may arise when working remotely for long periods, as there may be different rules for taxation depending on the country in which you are based. Before committing to a long-term remote working arrangement, it is essential to do your research and understand any potential financial and legal implications.
How can businesses better support their employees who prefer to travel?
If employees are unable or unwilling to disclose their travel plans to their employer, it may indicate a mismatch between company policies and employee requirements. The necessity of keeping this information secret can have a considerable emotional impact on employees and weaken the trust between the company and its team. Instead, companies could recognize and even encourage distant remote work by creating guidelines that support it, thus eliminating the need for hush trips altogether. This would not only help build trust, but it would also protect the company from potential tax and legal challenges.
There is no disputing the value of taking time off. Stepping away from the usual routine and changing surroundings can have significant advantages. It can spark fresh ideas, boost productivity, uplift morale, and create an environment for higher-quality work. In addition, taking time away can enhance your employees’ work-life balance and let them effectively handle personal and professional obligations. However, we recommend communicating your plans to do so.
In today’s fast-paced society, prioritizing self-care and taking breaks have become more vital than ever. Vacations and time off serve as a reset button for employees, enabling them to return to work with a sense of rejuvenation and renewed energy. This, in turn, can boost motivation and foster better collaboration among colleagues. Taking breaks has positive implications for both physical and mental well-being. By dedicating time to relax and recharge, your employees can enhance their focus, enthusiasm, and creativity when they return to work.
Over to you
Have you or someone you work with considered taking a hush trip? Or perhaps you’ve already taken one? Would you have felt more comfortable if you didn’t have to keep your location hush-hush?
Distant remote work can be a terrific way for your employees to enjoy new locales, avoid burnout, and improve their mental health as long as it does not interfere with job performance. To avoid hush trips, consider discussing these options with your employees. As employers, you can help by ensuring your staff is aware of any safety and security measures and ensure they are taking all necessary precautions. That way, they can make the most of their time away without compromising their performance at work.
Written by: Jennifer Hanford, MYOB Blogger
by Emily Leye | Mar 27, 2023 | Advice, New Blogs, Social Media
In today’s digital age, YouTube is no longer just a platform for entertainment and fun — it is now a powerful tool for businesses to increase visibility and build their brand. With nearly two billion monthly active users and the highest engagement rate out of all social media channels, YouTube has the potential to transform any business. From developing custom content to creating engaging campaigns, YouTube is an invaluable asset for any business looking to increase its reach and visibility.
Creating unique and powerful YouTube content may feel intimidating for small businesses that lack funds or professional equipment. It is not that difficult to learn how to create enticing content, though. Small businesses can create engaging videos by utilizing resources such as storyboards, scripting, editing, and design fundamentals. Leveraging YouTube to expand your business and establish yourself as an expert in your industry is certainly achievable, much like it has been for countless others.
How can YouTube help my business?
YouTube can be a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes and industries. Here are some of the ways that businesses can use this platform:
#1. Marketing and Branding: YouTube provides a powerful platform for businesses to create and share videos that promote their products or services and reinforce their brand identities. They can additionally optimize their reach and attract a broader audience by incorporating relevant keywords and tags.
#2. Customer Engagement: By creating videos that provide information or entertainment, businesses can engage with their customers and build a community around their brand. This can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
#3. Education and Training: Businesses can use YouTube to create and share instructional videos that help customers learn how to use a product or service. Videos can also be created and used for training staff on new processes or procedures.
#4. Sales: Some businesses use YouTube to showcase their products or services in action, which can help potential customers understand how they work and why they might be valuable.
#5. Recruitment: YouTube can be a helpful tool for organizations wanting to attract new employees by showing their corporate culture and values.
YouTube is used by many types of organizations, from small start-ups to major corporations. Here are a few examples of businesses that use YouTube (and how they use it):
- Beauty and fashion brands showcase their products, provide makeup tutorials, and share fashion tips.
- Technology companies demonstrate new products and highlight the latest advancements in their field. A great example of this is Verto360. Check out their YouTube channel for project profiles, and more on how they are building the future of construction – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwTvmbJ8zko&t=4s
- Food and beverage companies display their products, share recipes, and provide cooking tutorials.
- Non-profit organizations raise awareness about their cause, share success stories, and attract donations.
- Educational institutions provide lectures, tutorials, and other educational content to students around the world.
- Consulting services. Check out how attorney, Leonard F. Baer, is using YouTube to share information about his service, SuddenlySolo1, which assists people who have recently lost a spouse or partner. Click here to watch his video that introduces SuddenlySolo1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuUI-qOqEsg&t=222s
The pros of using YouTube as a business.
There are various advantages for businesses that use YouTube in their sales and marketing toolkit, including the following:
Large Audience: YouTube has over 2 billion monthly active users, which means there is a vast potential audience for your business to reach.
Low Cost: Creating a YouTube channel is completely free, and you may produce video content with little more than a smartphone or a simple camera. As a result, it is an excellent low-cost option for small businesses.
Branding: YouTube offers a popular platform to showcase your business’s brand, values, and personality. You can create unique and engaging content that helps to establish your brand identity and connect with your audience.
Traffic: YouTube videos can be embedded into websites and shared on social media platforms, increasing traffic to your site and other online channels.
Analytics: YouTube provides valuable analytic data that can help businesses understand their audience better, including demographics, engagement rates, and traffic sources.
Revenue: Businesses can monetize their YouTube content through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, which can provide an additional source of revenue.
But what are the cons?
There are some potential cons to using YouTube as a business platform. Here are a few:
Platform Dependence: Relying only on YouTube as your primary channel can be problematic because it is a third-party site over which you have no control. Changes to YouTube’s regulations or algorithms might have a significant impact on your business.
Revenue Sharing: While you can monetize your YouTube channel through ads and sponsorships, YouTube takes a 45% cut of your revenue. This means you have less control over how much money you make from your content.
Competition: The competition on YouTube is fierce, and it can be challenging to stand out among the millions of other content creators on the platform. This means that it can take a long time to build a substantial audience and grow your business.
Content Restrictions: YouTube has strict guidelines around the type of content that can be published on the platform. If your business’s content doesn’t adhere to these guidelines, your channel may be demonetized or even removed.
These are just a few of the potential cons of using YouTube as a business platform. However, with careful planning and strategy, many businesses have been able to build successful brands on the platform.
What do I need to know to prepare for using YouTube?
You’ve probably gathered by now that a well-managed YouTube channel can be a splendid platform to engage with your target audience, create leads, and increase sales. But, with so much competition out there, how can you stand out? Here are some tips to help you begin.
Start with a plan. To be successful on YouTube, you’ll need a plan. Start by setting goals and figuring out what your audience likes. Establish a schedule and experiment with different types of videos to see what works. Create engaging content that’s informative, entertaining, and authentic. Use humour, storytelling, and visuals to keep viewers interested. With a smart strategy, your YouTube channel can help your business grow.
Craft compelling content and maintain a regular posting schedule. To do well on YouTube, you must develop engaging content and share it consistently like you would for any other social media platform for your brand.
Posting on a regular schedule keeps your audience coming back for more and helps the YouTube algorithm. Create and maintain a content calendar with high-quality content that fits your brand. Consistent posting attracts new viewers and builds a loyal audience. With engaging content, consistent posting, and a solid audience, you can promote your channel and grow your presence on YouTube.
TIP: To ensure your content is consistent from the get-go, consider making 5-10 videos before you begin posting.
Promote your channel. To get more views and attract new viewers to your YouTube channel, you need to promote it. Before you promote, make sure your content is consistent, high-quality, and matches your branding. You can promote your channel by cross-promoting on social media, collaborating with other creators, and using targeted advertising.
Interact with your audience. By creating a rapport with your viewers, you can begin building a loyal group of followers on YouTube. Interacting with them is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. And finally, remember to always be genuine, engaging, and responsive.
Over to you!
Are you ready to take your business to the next level with YouTube? YouTube is an excellent tool for getting your organization’s name out there, building trust, and engaging with customers. When done effectively, it may also be a powerful tool for reaching, informing, and entertaining new audiences. So, if you’re ready to expand your business and a larger online presence, consider giving YouTube a try!
Written by: Jennifer Hanford, MYOB Blogger
