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YouTube Gold: Why Your Local Service Biz Needs a Regular Video Schedule (and How to Make it Happen!)
By Mike Stewart, Local Internet Presence, Nashville & Donelson TN
Howdy, folks! Mike Stewart here, from Local Internet Presence. I talk a lot about building a strong online presence for local businesses, and today I want to dig into a powerful tool that often gets overlooked: YouTube.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Mike, I’m a plumber/electrician/landscaper… not a filmmaker!” And you’re right, you don’t need to be Spielberg to make this work. But here’s the thing: YouTube is more than just funny cat videos. It’s the world’s second largest search engine and a massive social media platform. That’s a HUGE opportunity for local businesses like yours.
Why YouTube Matters for Your Local Service Business
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Get Found: When folks in Nashville need a plumber, where do they turn? Google! And guess what pops up in those search results? You got it – YouTube videos. By creating helpful content, like “How to Fix a Leaky Faucet” or “5 Signs You Need a New Water Heater,” you’re positioning yourself as the expert and attracting potential customers actively searching for solutions.
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Build Trust: Seeing your face and hearing your voice builds trust. People want to know who they’re doing business with. Use YouTube to showcase your personality, your team, and your expertise. Give behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work, customer testimonials, or even answer common questions.
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Drive Traffic: Your YouTube channel acts as a funnel, driving viewers back to your website. Include links in your video descriptions and use calls to action to encourage viewers to learn more or contact you.
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Boost Your Social Media Game: Promote your YouTube videos across your other social media platforms. Share snippets, teasers, and behind-the-scenes content to keep your audience engaged and drive traffic to your channel.
Consistency is Key: The Power of a Schedule
Think of your YouTube channel like a TV show. People tune in when they know what to expect and when to expect it. A regular schedule keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.
- Pick a Frequency: Start with what’s manageable. Weekly? Bi-weekly? Monthly? The key is consistency.
- Create a Content Calendar: Plan your videos in advance. What topics will you cover? What are your customers’ biggest questions?
- Promote, Promote, Promote: Don’t just upload and forget! Share your videos everywhere you can.
Don’t Forget the “Social” in Social Media
YouTube is a community. Engage with your viewers!
- Respond to comments: Show your audience you’re listening and care about their questions and feedback.
- Ask for suggestions: What kind of videos do they want to see?
- Collaborate with other local businesses: Cross-promote each other’s channels and reach a wider audience.
Ready to Get Started?
Creating a successful YouTube channel takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. Remember to keep it simple, be yourself, and have fun! And if you need help getting started, you know where to find me – Mike Stewart, Local Internet Presence, right here in Nashville and Donelson. Give me a call!
