The limitation of our in-person interactions due to social distancing has people turning to the internet like never before. Even as some restrictions lift and we try to “get back to normal,” it’s become our primary way to stay in touch, keep informed and escape the walls of our homes (at least mentally).
This rise in popularity has applied not only to social media and news outlets but also to online video options. YouTube channels are becoming invaluable resources to offer everything from bread-baking tips, to stress reduction, to in-home fitness instruction, and much more.
What’s this mean for you and your brand? An advertising opportunity awaits.
If you have ever considered dipping your toe into video content for your brand, now is the time to set up that account and start sharing your expertise. More than ever, there is an eager audience waiting to explore what you have to share, advertising your business in the process.
Here are three ways you can take advantage of the current heightened audience engagement right now.
Work with an Influencer
YouTube has creators building communities around just about any topic you can think of. Many of these influencers are looking for quality content to bring to their burgeoning communities.
Where is your brand’s target audience gathering? Where can you offer your expertise? Do some exploring and find out. Then, reach out and see if you can offer insight, schedule an interview or otherwise earn some air time.
Focus on being helpful and building relationships, not selling—it will pay off dividends in the long run.
Advertise
Like most social media networks, YouTube offers advertising opportunities that just about anyone can take advantage of in a matter of minutes. Even better, it offers a lot of flexibility in terms of who you target and how you scale your budget.
This means the risk is low, and the potential to draw in new customers is high.
Post to YouTube Community
Videos take time to create, but you can still engage with your YouTube audience anytime. Tap into YouTube Community to stay in touch with your network between releases. Through the Community tab on your account, you can offer posts with text and images similar to many other social networks.
The Community tab doesn’t become available until you have 1,000 subscribers, so if you’re just getting started, be sure to ask followers across your other channels to subscribe here, too!
While you wait for your following to grow, you can still take advantage of this feature by engaging with the Community posts on other accounts that target viewers with similar interests.
It’s a Great Time to Give YouTube a Try
Social distancing has us all engaging online differently than usual. We’re relying on the internet a lot more, for just about everything! Traffic is on the rise across the board, but no more so than for online video, including YouTube. There are many ways you and your brand can pivot and take advantage to advertise to your potential clients, and increase and grow awareness, loyalty, and profits for you.