Understanding how YouTube can better your Business

Complex
Image Credit: Brad Hall

YouTube is Big Business

Since 2005, the world has gotten to know the phenomenon that is YouTube.  In the past decade, we have seen our fair share of various cat videos, cooking videos, DIY videos and much more.  Lately, the new trend are businesses gravitating towards investing into online videos.  While many will look at YouTube as just simply leisure and entertainment, it is more than that.  There is a significant amount of money that is being generated through this video sharing site.

I am trying to convince my business partner on taking this shoe boutique idea and turning it into a reality.  Obviously I want to drive physical traffic to the store.  But at the same time, I envision leveraging social media heavily by bringing digital traffic to our website as well.  I can visualize the creation of video product reviews, un-boxing videos to generate consumer excitement.  In doing so, I can provide insightful product knowledge as well.  The user generated content ideas are endless.  Ultimately,  I would want to increase our subscriber channel count.   This can lead to a sales conversion.  The potential to monetize this channel is very attainable  if we can incorporate the right content strategy.

With the help of Canva, I put together this SlideShare presentation for him to really see just how big YouTube is.  I wanted to provide some high level facts and more importantly showcase how this platform can really help launch a new business.  I also wanted to paint a picture of how an existing business that is lacking in digital presence can get on board with a  successful YouTube channel.

Two Business Strategies that compliment one another with some Helpful Links

Business Strategies 101

The first time I heard of S.W.O.T. Analysis, I had no clue what it meant. To be honest, the first thing that came to mind was probably this movie! So I started doing what mostly everyone who is tech savvy does and needs answers…I went ahead and did a Google search.  I typed in “What is SWOT analysis?” and the first result on the first page that came up was so informative, I spent at least 10 minutes on B Plans‘ post taking it all in.  I break it down in the first half of my video post above that I want to share with you.  I now know if I ever end up deciding to open up my own sneaker boutique, I will definitely start with this business strategy.

SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis

So let’s say for example I end up opening this sneaker shop of mines and it takes off.  I then imagine myself at the 5-year mark of my business and I have to re-evaluate some of the products that I carry in my store.  What should I keep and what should I let go?  I found this resourceful YouTube video by The Revision Guide that talks about the foundation of the BCG Matrix strategy, which is great for existing businesses who need to continue with their long-term strategic planning.  It is not a complex strategy to learn, but just like the video itself, it provides the fundamental understandings of what is working and what is not. Check out my critique in the second half of my video review on these two helpful resources.  Note to self: It’s time to upgrade my laptop with a built-in HD camera!

BCG Matrix Model
BCG Matrix Model

Citations

Berry, Tim. “What Is a SWOT Analysis?” Bplans Blog What Is a SWOT Analysis Comments. Palo Alto, 11 Aug. 2016. Web. 09 Oct. 2016. <http://articles.bplans.com/how-to-perform-swot-analysis/>.

Hanlon, Annmarie. “How to Use the BCG Matrix Model.” Smart Insights. YouTube, 12 Jan. 2016. Web. 11 Oct. 2016. <http://www.smartinsights.com/marketing-planning/marketing-models/use-bcg-matrix/>.

Portfolio Analysis – Boston Matrix / BCG Matrix. Prod. Apsara Sumanasiri. Https://www.youtube.com//RevisionOnline. YouTube, 8 June 2014. Web. 09 Oct. 2016. <https://youtu.be/1gZmmlKl6uk>.

Taylor, Nicole Fallon. “SWOT Analysis: What It Is and When to Use It.”Business News Daily. Purch, 01 Apr. 2016. Web. 09 Oct. 2016. <http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4245-swot-analysis.html>.