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!
Social media has become a familiar aspect of our daily lives, with billions of people using it to connect with friends and family, share their photos, thoughts, and experiences, and discover new information. Over the past few years, the rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Twitter have occasionally raised concerns about data privacy, censorship, and algorithmic bias.
As a result, an increasing number of people have begun to look for other independent social media channels as a substitute. The following are some of the most recent independent social media channels to emerge. Maybe you’ve heard of one or all of these.
Mastodon
Mastodon is a decentralized microblogging platform that operates on an open-source model. It was created in 2016 as an alternative to centralized social media platforms like Twitter, and it has gained recent popularity among users who prioritize privacy and control over their own data.
Mastodon works on a federated model, which means that users can create their own servers (called “instances”) and connect with users on other instances. Each instance has its own rules and moderation policies, allowing for greater flexibility and diversity of content compared to centralized platforms. However, users can still interact with each other regardless of which instance they are on.
Mastodon’s interface is similar to Twitter’s, with a timeline-based feed and a character limit for posts (500 characters). Users can follow other users, post updates (called “toots”), and engage with content through likes, comments, and boosts (which are like retweets).
Mastodon prioritizes user privacy and gives users complete control over their data and content. Users, for example, can choose whether to make their profiles and “toots” public or private, and they can export their data at any time. Mastodon also includes powerful moderation tools, such as the ability to block or mute other users, report inappropriate content, and create custom filters.
Overall, Mastodon offers a decentralized and privacy-focused alternative to centralized social media platforms, with a familiar interface and flexible moderation policies.
Spoutible
Spoutible is a new social media platform that went live on February 1, 2023. Spoutible’s goal is to be an attractive Twitter alternative that provides its users with a safe space for dialogue and debate free of harassment and misinformation. Spoutible is powered by Bot Sentinel, which uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to track Twitter accounts and provide accurate information on targeted disinformation, harassment, and toxic trolling.
The following statement, which can be found on the platform’s Community Rules & Policies page, best expresses the founder’s intentions:
“Spoutible’s goal is to allow users to “spout off” in a safe, civil, and fun environment. Our rules and policies are designed to protect the community from harassment, threats, disinformation and platform manipulation. Different perspectives and ideas are welcome on Spoutible, but harassment, threats, and intimidation are not.”
Spoutible is like Twitter in that users can post “Spouts,” send direct messages, create polls, and view trending topics. One of the many appealing features of this platform is that its users’ data, including direct messages, is encrypted, contributing to a feeling of security when using the platform. Spoutible also has a rating system for each account that notifies users if an account has engaged in harassment or bot behavior. Brands, celebrities, journalists, politicians, and other notable accounts display a blue verification checkmark on the platform.
Spoutible does not support video posting or have an app for iPhones or Androids yet, but these features are on the way – possibly even this month! Spoutible’s challenges include building the technology infrastructure to support the platform and its traffic, expanding its user base in a competitive social media industry, and avoiding the site from becoming an echo chamber devoid of spirited debate.
BeReal
BeReal is a new social platform that encourages authenticity and self-expression. It is designed to help users build relationships with others and foster a sense of community. Every day at a different time, everyone is notified simultaneously to capture and share a photo in two minutes, making it a new and unique way to discover who your friends really are in their daily life.
The platform provides special tools, such as private chatrooms and content curation, to help users connect with like-minded individuals quickly and easily. It also helps track how people interact with the platform to make it more enjoyable.
BeReal encourages users to express themselves and develop meaningful relationships with others. It tracks how active and connected people are in the community to improve the platform for everyone.
What might these platforms mean for businesses in the future?
As more people expand their interests in independent social media platforms, channels such as Mastodon, Spoutible, BeReal, and others are likely to grow in popularity. For businesses, this presents both challenges and opportunities.
On one hand, businesses may need to shift their marketing strategies to target users on these new platforms. On the other hand, these platforms may offer unique opportunities for businesses to connect with audiences in more authentic and meaningful ways.
For example, BeReal’s emphasis on community building could be a valuable channel for businesses to engage with consumers and build brand loyalty.
Over to you
The growth of independent social media platforms indicates an increased need for alternative platforms that emphasize community, authenticity, and, most importantly, user privacy. Businesses must adapt and innovate as these platforms develop to reach their target consumers and remain relevant.
MYOB is committed to staying current with social media trends and how they affect our clients and their followers. Visit our website or call us at 519-657-4283 to learn more about our social media services and which options are best for you and your business.
In today’s modern world, the internet has become an essential component of our daily life. We are constantly connected to the internet, from social media to online shopping. However, this connectivity comes with a risk to our privacy. We leave digital footprints everywhere we go, so it’s critical to take precautions to safeguard our personal information online.
Protecting Yourself from Data Breaches and Cybercrime
When it comes to online privacy, data breaches are a huge concern. A data breach occurs when a hacker gains unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. When a company or website suffers a data breach, it puts its users’ personal information at risk. As a result, identity theft, fraud, and other forms of cybercrime may occur. To protect yourself from data breaches, use strong passwords, avoid sharing personal information on public networks, and keep an eye on your accounts for unusual activity.
Be cautious when sharing your information with third-party apps or websites, as they may lack the same security measures as the sites you trust. If you suspect that your information has been compromised in a data breach, you should change your passwords immediately and monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity.
Staying Safe on Social Media Platforms like Facebook
One of the most common ways for people to compromise their privacy online is through social media platforms. Facebook, in particular, has become a hot spot for exchanging personal information, and not all of it is secure. For example, you have probably seen posts that say, “Copy and paste this into your feed, and then you’ll see all your friends again… it really works!” These posts are frequently scams intended to dupe people into disclosing personal information or installing malware on their computers. Just ignore those posts and keep scrolling!
One of the best ways to protect your privacy on social media is to be cautious about what you share and where you’re sharing. Consider whether a hacker could use your responses to an online post or quiz to guess your security questions. For example, an online quiz that asks you to list your favorite movie could possibly reveal the answer to a common security question like, “What is your favorite movie?” Be extra vigilant of quizzes that ask for personal information such as your birthdate or location.
Misleading posts on social media can also compromise your privacy. Because the owner of a post can modify it after it has been shared, you may unintentionally contribute to advertising (or worse!) that you do not support. For example, a seemingly innocent post about a missing pet or a fantastic job opportunity could be edited to include spam or links to malicious websites. To avoid this, steer clear of posts that appear too good to be true, and never share anything without first verifying the source.
How Password Managers and 2FA Can Keep Your Accounts Safe
You can also protect your online privacy by using technological safeguards. One of the simplest and most effective methods is to use strong, unique passwords for each online account. Password Manager apps such as LastPass or BitWarden are lifesavers because they securely store all your passwords in one place and generate new, secure passwords.
One of the many benefits of using different passwords for your accounts is that hackers will have a more difficult time gaining access to all of your personal information, even if only one account is compromised. Another safeguard involves enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA requires a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone or obtained through an app such as Google Authenticator. Implementing 2FA makes it easier for people and businesses to protect their sensitive data, which is crucial.
Over to you!
Whether you own a business or are a frequent social media user (or both!), protecting your privacy online is critical in today’s climate. When using social media, be sure to create and use strong passwords, get into the habit of using two-factor authentication, and be wary of misleading posts. By following these simple steps, you can keep your business and personal information safe while still enjoying the benefits of the internet without the risks.
Social media has become a significant part of our everyday lives. It allows us to stay in touch with friends and family, keep up with current events, express ourselves, and more. But despite all its benefits, social media can also have a negative impact on our mental health.
What kind of influence does social media have?
Whether you’re new to social media or have been using it for a while, you’ve probably heard a lot about its potential negative impact on mental health.
For example, social media provides numerous ways to compare yourself to others. People tend to present flawless versions of their lives on social media. Virtually, they can showcase their greatest accomplishments and carefully curated photos. When others believe their lives aren’t as perfect as those of their “friends,” it can lead to feelings of loneliness, inadequacy, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Social media can also contribute to the development of addictive behaviors. Spending too much time scrolling through social media feeds can interfere with daily activities and responsibilities, leading to sleep disruption, decreased productivity, and increased stress levels. Additionally, the constant need for validation and attention from likes, comments, and followers can lead to an unhealthy obsession with one’s online presence.
Despite these undesirable effects, there are ways to reduce the negative impacts of social media on our mental health. Here are a few suggestions:
Set boundaries. Limit the amount of time you spend on social media each day and avoid checking your accounts before bedtime to prevent disrupted sleep patterns.
Be mindful of your content. Consider the impact your posts may have on others and avoid sharing content that could be hurtful or triggering.
Take breaks. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed or stressed, step away from social media for a while and engage in other activities.
Connect with friends and family in real life. Spending time with loved ones can help counteract the negative effects of social media and improve your overall mental health.
The flip side – social media’s positive effects
Despite the common perception that social media only negatively affects our mental health, it can actually have positive effects when used appropriately. Let’s take a closer look at how social media can enhance our mental well-being.
#1. Connection and Support
One of the most significant benefits of social media is its ability to connect us with others. Social media provides opportunities to maintain relationships with friends and family, form connections with individuals who share our interests and passions and even join online groups and forums that offer encouragement and support. For those who are facing mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or stress, this sense of connection and support can be of great benefit.
#2. Raising Awareness and Breaking Stigma
Social media continues to play a significant role in raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma. Individuals and organizations are using social media to make discussions about mental health more common and acceptable by sharing personal experiences, information, and resources. As a result, more people are seeking help and support for their mental health needs, along with more open and accepting conversations about mental health.
Bell Canada’s annual campaign, Bell Let’s Talk, is one of the most well-known, and it aims to raise mental health awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
#3. Access to Resources and Information
Social media offers convenient access to a wealth of information and resources related to mental health. From educational content such as articles and videos to online therapy and support groups, the internet is full of resources that can help enhance our mental well-being. With a few clicks, we can access information, support, and resources that can aid in improving our understanding and management of our mental health. Organizations like London’s MLHU have been able to get important health updates out to masses of people, as we saw during the pandemic.
#4. Creative Outlet
Finally, social media can provide a creative outlet for people who wish to express themselves. Through platforms such as writing, photography, and art, social media lets us share our interests and hobbies with the world. This can especially benefit those coping with mental health challenges since it offers a distraction from negative thoughts and a positive means of expression.
Over to you
While social media can be a powerful tool for connecting and self-expression, we must be aware of its potential impact on our mental health. We can minimize the negative effects of social media while reaping the benefits by setting boundaries, being mindful of our content, and seeking real-life connections.
Why is marketing important? A primary benefit of marketing for your company is that it engages customers (current and potential) and helps them decide whether to purchase your goods or services. Without marketing, your potential customers may never know about your business.
Even though marketing is crucial, business owners frequently slash it first when recessionary worries are pervasive. You might be surprised to learn that reducing your marketing spending during a downturn is one of the worst things you can do for the long-term success of your company. You are putting your company at risk of losing market share, even if it might initially seem like the appropriate decision.
Let’s dispel a few of the most widespread myths about marketing.
#1. I don’t need to do any marketing because I’m so busy and have plenty of clients already. This is a myth because marketing must be consistent, and the pendulum can swing the other way at any time. For example, if your primary marketing strategy involves billboards, don’t suddenly disappear! Consider your current strategy – are you mostly online or in printed marketing material? If you are investing in a good social media program, remember that social media is all about connecting and staying connected. This is a social marketing strategy and effective to keep and grow relationships.
Think of it this way. You’re too preoccupied to socialize right now. But what about in 6-12 months when you aren’t as busy? Without nurturing and connecting, your relationships will have faded, and you’ll be scrambling to re-establish yourself in the minds of your customers, spending a lot of time (and money) trying to reconnect.
#2. I need to save money, and marketing is an unnecessary expense. Marketing is more than just an expense. It is a primary source of revenue for most successful companies. One of your company’s objectives is to generate a certain amount of revenue.
During a recession, it is more important than ever to remember that loyal customers are the most reliable and long-term source of cash flow and organic growth. Marketing is not an option; it is a priceless “expense” that is a must for helping to continue generating revenue.
If you spend your marketing dollars wisely and consistently, you will always be the first business that comes to mind when a customer needs your products or services. If you reduce your marketing, someone else’s business will be the first to come to mind. When something is out of sight, it is out of mind.
#3. I have my own website. Someone will find me if they want to. Ask yourself these questions: How will people find you if you only have a URL and a website? How do you get people to visit your website? SEO alone will not result in a sale. You must have an online presence in more than one location – the internet is a traffic jam.
As we mentioned in a previous blog post, social media provides a ton of opportunity for engagement, allowing you to rapidly react to and reply to customer comments and queries, as well as urge followers to visit your website for more information. Using social media to enhance the human aspect of your business generates an emotional connection, which builds relationships and nurtures trust and loyalty.
#4. For referrals, I only need word of mouth. Without a doubt, word-of-mouth marketing has numerous benefits. When satisfied customers enthusiastically recommend your company to their friends and family, it helps grow your business.
It’s crucial to keep in mind, however, that many people in today’s culture conduct their own research before even contacting a service provider or making a purchase! Marketing plays a significant role in increasing customer satisfaction as well as boosting awareness and loyalty for your company.
It is beneficial to align good customer service with your marketing efforts to achieve your company’s long-term objectives. Excellent customer service may encourage someone to leave an online review and getting more positive reviews increases a company’s credibility. Remember, much of today’s “word-of-mouth” happens online!
Social media marketing is invaluable for boosting your business’s reputation as well. Simply listening and responding to posts about your company on social media can help you improve customer satisfaction. Businesses that communicate with their customers can increase customer loyalty.
#5. I can handle it myself. You realize the necessity and value of marketing. However, most people believe that social media is as simple as creating an eye-catching post. Be warned: this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Customers may stop following your social media profiles if you don’t create engaging and unique content. A good mix of blog posts, videos, GIFs, customized graphics, and curated content (content from reliable sources that you want to share) will keep your content fresh and engaging. Your content should be closely related to your overall marketing goal.
Many businesses struggle to create engaging content that reaches their target audience consistently. To promote your products or services, build a community within your target audience, and drive traffic to your website, it takes time and patience to thoroughly research and then create or curate content for social media platforms. An effective social media marketing plan should involve strategic planning, proofreading, and editing before any content goes out on your social media platforms. Choosing which platforms to publish on should also be researched.
We can help you develop and execute a social media plan that works for your business. For more information or contact us online. We’d be happy to email you our guide to planning your social media strategy.
Over to you
A recession can be worrisome, especially for small businesses. However, it can also provide a unique opportunity for them to focus more than ever on their marketing strategy and gain a competitive advantage. Those companies that continue to market themselves during a recession will remain at the top of the minds of their customers. When customers require immediate assistance, they’ll know where to go.
Although you can set clear goals at any time of the year, new year’s resolutions have a unique significance since you start with a tangible marker: a new calendar year! You can motivate yourself to succeed by telling yourself that you will accomplish your objectives before the end of the year.
Suddenly, the public gyms are crowded as fitness and establishing new healthy habits top the list of resolutions. Considering this, have you ever wondered why the gyms are less crowded in February? For starters, people may be wary of getting hurt or feeling fatigued, or they push themselves too hard at the beginning.
Even though most gyms offer sessions to introduce and help members become familiar with the various equipment and machines, people may injure themselves if they are inexperienced and not well-supervised. Additionally, it’s challenging enough to get started, but it can be discouraging when results don’t appear soon enough to meet expectations.
Even though you might be tempted to “throw in the towel” (pun intended!), we have some tips for you from a certified personal trainer!
Helpful advice from a qualified source.
Mandy Rust, personal trainer and the owner of Forge Fitness Studio, recently spoke with us about how to establish and keep your fitness resolutions.
Mandy suggests that one of the greatest mistakes many people make is trying to tackle too many bad habits at the same time. It becomes more challenging to keep up with them all. People are creatures of habit, and it usually takes at least 90 days to break a habit. We often feel like we’re “failing” if we don’t succeed in all our objectives right away, which may then sabotage the rest of our efforts.
The best approach to success is to work with someone who can help you achieve your goals. It can be a waste of time and energy to reach for objectives without establishing effective strategies first.
Accountability is key. Your chances of success are considerably increased when someone is holding you accountable. Next, think about planning your workouts into your day to increase the likelihood that they will happen. You might also consider forming a buddy system to hold each other accountable while exercising. And finally, remember to rejoice in minor victories because even the smallest actions can have a tremendous impact!
Meet Mandy.
Mandy began personal training 12 years ago and launched her mobile business, Build a Better U, ten years ago. Mandy would go to her client’s house and design workout sessions using the equipment her client had on hand.
Classes transferred to zoom during COVID-19. During the long weeks and months of the pandemic, Mandy decided to build Forge Fitness Studio, a small training facility. This brand-new gym is a hidden gem in south London’s Westminster neighbourhood. The studio is a semi-private facility with a maximum capacity of five people at one time.
A smaller studio offers several advantages. For example, the setup is ideal since it makes going to the gym more comfortable for those who may feel self-conscious (aka, “gymtimidation” or “gym anxiety.”) It is also convenient for people who wish to concentrate on their workouts without long waits for machines to become available. Finally, because there are fewer distractions overall, it’s beneficial for the trainers since they can be attentive to their clients as they work out.
Forge Fitness Studio offers the following features:
A multi-use cable system
Dip attachment
Leg press attachment
Pull up bars
Rogue squat rack
Powertec multi-gym (chest press, incline, decline and flat, shoulder press, abs crunch, lat. pull-down, hack squat, trap pull, decline sit up)
Battle ropes
Dumbbells 5-100lbs
12 ft Climbing rope
Treadmill and rowing machine
Landmine
Other accessories
Mandy provides a blend of online, mobile, and studio sessions. The studio is currently accepting new members, and she has a few spots open for personal training clients. She also hopes to expand and is looking for trainers to use the facility for their training clients.
Over to you!
You’ve probably heard the phrase “New Year, New You” more than a few times now. But maybe this is the year you’re ready to take that step, and Mandy Rust would love to help!
Learn more about Forge Fitness Studio by checking it out on Facebook and Instagram. You can also contact Mandy directly via private message through social media or by phone/text at 226-377-9268.
Here’s to a fantastic start to 2023 that will lead to you being a healthier, fitter, and more well-rounded individual!
