How MSPs Can Get Started and Succeed on YouTube
Many MSPs have been getting increasingly interested in using YouTube for digital marketing. Anyone can use YouTube to build an audience, get in front of prospective clients, market, and monetize the channel. It seems clear that we are just starting to see YouTube's potential for Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
Web video has already proven to be an effective way to get more contacts. Videos are an essential marketing tool for any MSP. If you're already creating videos and posting them on your website, the next step is to merge your videos onto YouTube. Many MSPs have already made the move to host their web videos on YouTube, which is an obvious choice because it allows MSPs to attract more viewers.
Let's take a look at some of the key YouTube statistics:
- YouTube is the second largest search engine.
- Over one billion hours of videos are watched on YouTube every day.
- YouTube reaches more 18- to 49-year-olds in a week than all cable TV networks.
- The average YouTube visitor checks nearly 9 pages per day.
- The number of YouTube channels with more than 1 million subscribers has grown by over 65%.
- Video traffic on YouTube is expected to total over 80% of all global IP traffic.
What Do You Need to Get Started?
So, what do MSP YouTube beginners need to start making good quality videos? It comes down to these three things:
- Camera for a clear image
- External microphone
- Selfie Stick/Tripod for a steady image
Use a Camera for a Clear Image
One of the first things you will need to create YouTube videos is a camera. That's obvious, right? However, a common question is, "what kind of camera can I use to create YouTube videos?"
You don't have to search online for the most expensive camera. You likely already have a camera you can use to create quality and sharp videos. The best option for making YouTube videos for MSPs that are just getting started is your webcam or your smartphone. You don't need to invest in one of those expensive cameras when you're just starting.
One of the best benefits of using your smartphone as your camera is that you likely already have one(or more than one smartphone). Therefore, you will not have to worry about spending more money. You can start creating videos with the equipment you already have. You also don't have to worry about purchasing and downloading any fancy editing materials.
Use an External Microphone to Improve Sound Quality
The quality of your YouTube videos is about more than just how they look. The sound quality of your videos is also important. Your targeted viewers may even continue watching your videos with poor image quality if the sound is clear. However, if your videos have poor sound quality, they will likely find an MSP channel that does not have issues with sound quality.
The easiest way to get clear audio is to use an external microphone. You can choose to use one of several types of external microphones, including the following types:
- Laptop microphone
- Smartphone microphone
- Lavalier microphone
- USB microphone
- Shotgun microphone
Use a Selfie Stick/Tripod to Ensure a Steady Video
You don't want to post videos with shaky footage, do you? Shaky footage will make your videos difficult to watch. If a viewer is attempting to learn about Managed Detection and Response from your YouTube video and the footage is shaky, that viewer is going to exit your video and find a better one, possibly on the YouTube channel of one of your competitors. So, if you want to keep your targeted viewers engaged, you have to make sure you have the equipment that will help you create rock-steady footage.
What Attracts People to YouTube Videos?
If you want to get the most out of your YouTube videos, you should have a strategy that will attract the viewers you want. Creating videos and uploading them and hoping the right people will watch them is not enough. You should be thinking about the following:
Who Do You Want to Watch the Videos?
Just like everything else in your MSP marketing strategy, your YouTube strategy starts with your prospective clients. Who do you want to attract with your videos? Who are the right viewers for your videos? Why do you want to attract those viewers to your YouTube videos?
What Kind of Content Does Your Target Audience Want to See?
Why are your targeted viewers looking for videos on YouTube? What type of content are they looking for? Some MSP business owners make the mistake of creating videos that are focused on them and why their MSP business is the best. The truth is, your targeted viewers are probably not interested in that at the time they are searching for videos. Your videos should be helpful, appealing, and focused on what they went to YouTube to see.
What Type of Answers Are Prospective Clients Seeking?
When many YouTube viewers are searching for the right video, they will type a question into YouTube's search bar(which explains why YouTube is the second largest search engine). So, it is important to create videos that will answer their questions. What are the questions you are often asked? What questions do your clients want to ask, but may not know how to put into words? What do prospective clients who need managed IT services need to know?
How Can You Gain a Competitive Edge?
Many MSPs have already discovered that YouTube is one of the best places to reach out to leads and increase interest in their services. Once you get started on YouTube, what will make your videos stand out from the competition? Why will your targeted viewers watch your video instead of the videos posted by another MSP? What will make the video quality and sound of your videos stand out compared to a competitor's? You must hit all the checkpoints for your targeted viewers while delivering content that looks appealing, sounds great, and offers value.
Want to produce high-quality videos for your website and YouTube? We make it easy to do with our one-page YouTube Cheat Sheet. We can even guide you through developing a stronger video strategy. Contact us today to learn more.
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