Gone are the days of Public Access TV. If you wanted your video content to reach the world you had to set up your own TV station, hire a crew, and buy expensive equipment. Now, all you need is a computer, a YouTube Channel and some good ideas. Setting up a YouTube channel is as simple as 5 easy steps and can take less than ten minutes.
YouTube for Online Marketing
YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world (second only to its parent company Google). It is one of the most effective ways to maximize your reach, marketing, and online presence. Chances are, you’ve got a Google account for Gmail, Drive, or one of Google’s other services. If you do, you’re already well on your way to a YouTube channel of your own. If you don’t, you’ll need to get one.
Sign In
The first thing to do is sign in to YouTube with your Google Account information. Once you do this you’ll be able to watch and like videos and subscribe to channels but all your actions will be kept private.
2. Like, Upload, or Playlist
In order to start making your YouTube Channel, sign in to YouTube with your Google information and attempt to post a comment, upload a video, or make a video playlist. As soon as you do that, you will be prompted to make a channel if you don’t already have one.
3. Individual or Brand Account
Make sure the details of your channel match the way you want to present yourself to the world. Check your Google Account name and photo and confirm. This is where you can change your photo or even make sure you’re using the right account.
Quick Tip: Brand Accounts
If you’re an individual and comfortable using YouTube with your own name, you’re done! Keep reading for some tips on maximizing your reach. If you’re a member or head of a multiple person team, a Brand Account is an incredibly useful tool to allow all your team members to post on the same channel. Click here for more info on Brand Accounts.
4. Presentation
You can change many aspects of your channel’s physical presentation in order to keep your branding consistent with your online presence. Once you’re logged in, click the “Customize Channel” button to change your channel art to anything you’d like. Then, you can attach links to your other social media accounts and website and even change your picture if need be. If you’re using a Brand Account, you can take advantage of some extensive paid customization options that can give your YouTube channel the exact same look and feel as the rest of your web presence.
5. Upload a video
We’re not going to get into how to make a video here. You’re the creative one. Get out there and create! However, once you’ve made your video or if you’ve already got a few to post, click on the small grey arrow symbol near your picture in the upper-right corner of your screen. You’ll be sent to an upload page where you can choose to drag and drop your video file from your computer, stream live, or use your Google Photos account to import a video.
Quick Tip: Playlists
You may have a lot of video content. In this case, you should consider putting your videos into playlists, organized by subject matter or interest. This will drive viewers to watch more of your videos at a time, which means you’ll have fans out there before you know it!
Now get uploading, and make sure keep the videos coming! Long-term consistency is key to building a fan base for setting up a YouTube channel.
