10 Ways to Use YouTube for Business in 2010

We all know that YouTube can be fun and entertaining, but it can also be a superb and incredibly cost effective tool for businesses.

With no real need for studio production, you'll find that a high quality digital camera and some simple editing software are all you need to produce professional looking videos that are ideal for YouTube and other video sharing sites.

Here are 10 ways you might use YouTube in 2010...

1. Make announcements

Create a video of your CEO announcing news about the company and send the link out to your team. Ideal for companies whose employees are not all based in the same building and far better than sending an email with a company announcement.

2. Take a tour

Video footage inside a building can be much more powerful than photos and can be used as a great way to showcase a new site or to enable people to see 'inside your company'.

3. Customer service - "how to" videos

Want to let your customers know how to maintain your product, build your product, use your product? Record a simple instructional video and post it on your website or send a link out with an email.

4. Product highlights

Filming your product or facility in use can be a great sales tool and will generally be more powerful that simple imagery. Research shows that video footage is also more likely to be viewed that still images.

5. Report on events

Making a video of an event - be it a conference, product launch, exhibition or company party - means that those that weren't able to attend get a much better feel for the atmosphere.

6. Case Studies and testimonials

Using customer case studies and video diaries can be a very powerful way to help people connect to your company.

7. Training

Give something back to your staff or clients by providing training and guidance in the form of short videos.

8. The expert interviews

Show an interview with an expert or celebrity talking about your product, brand or services.

9. From inside a meeting

Video key meetings and share the contents with your team if people are not able to attend.

10. Set up a YouTube Channel

Create a channel for your company and upload all your videos in one place, along with videos that you have enjoyed and recommend others view. Share the URL of your company channel via email signatures etc and on your website.

And finally...

If you want to find our more I would recommend you read this great book by Michael Miller: YouTube for Business