YouTube videos are longer content, they could be as long as a movie. YouTube Shorts, on the other hand, are short-form videos, typically lasting up to 60 seconds. They’re designed to quickly grab with short, engaging, and catchy videos displayed in a vertical format — perfect for mobile viewers. In fact, more than 50 billion people around the world watch YouTube shorts.

Benefits of using YouTube Shorts for small businesses

Younger customers are an untapped demographic that offers so much potential. If you’re a small business looking to make a big impact on your current customers and a younger user base, multiple video clips and YouTube Shorts can be your secret weapon.

Here are the key benefits of using YouTube Shorts for small businesses:

• Enhances your visibility. YouTube Shorts has a dedicated “Shorts shelf” on the platform, making it easier for your videos to be discovered by a broader audience.
• Engages younger audiences. Shorts resonate particularly well with younger demographics who prefer shorter, snappier content. This can help you connect with the next generation of customers.
• Boosts your creativity. Shorts’ format challenges you to convey your message creatively in under 60 seconds. This encourages innovative storytelling and unique brand expression.
• Marketing tool is accessible. Creating Shorts doesn’t require elaborate video production. It’s a cost-effective way for small businesses to get their message out there.
• Improves SEO and organic traffic. YouTube Shorts can appear in Google’s search results, potentially increasing your website’s visibility and driving organic traffic.

YouTube Shorts offer a fantastic opportunity for small businesses to increase their online presence, engage with younger audiences, and let their creative flag fly—all in short form content and bite-sized videos that captivate viewers in seconds.

YouTube Shorts Strategy for Building Your Brand

Here’s a breakdown to get you started on a YouTube Shorts strategy specifically aimed at building brand awareness:

• Focus on Entertainment & Engagement: Short-form content thrives on entertainment value. Your Shorts should be fun, catchy, and informative, all within the short time limit.
• Highlight Brand Personality: Infuse your Shorts with your brand’s unique voice and personality. This could be through humor, storytelling, or a specific visual style.
• Showcase Products/Services (subtly): While not the main focus, strategically weave in your products or services within the Shorts narrative. Show them in use, solving problems, or enhancing experiences.

Short Ideas (consider your niche):

• Quick Tips & Hacks: Share valuable tips or hacks related to your industry.
• Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: Offer a sneak peek into your company culture or product creation process.
• Product Demonstrations in Action: Demonstrate how your product works in a creative and engaging way.
• Educational Snippets: Deliver bite-sized educational content relevant to your audience.
• Trend Participation with a Brand Twist: Jump on trending challenges or sounds, but add your brand’s unique spin.

Production & Optimization:

• High-Quality Production (within reason): Aim for good lighting, clear audio, and engaging visuals, even on a smartphone.
• Eye-Catching Thumbnails: Design captivating thumbnails that grab attention and accurately reflect your Short’s content.
• Compelling Titles & Descriptions: Craft short, clear titles and descriptions using relevant keywords to improve searchability.
• Strategic Hashtags: Include relevant hashtags to categorize your Shorts and reach a wider audience.

Engagement & Growth:

• Post Consistently: Develop a consistent posting schedule to stay relevant in viewers’ feeds.
• Respond to Comments: Actively engage with viewers in the comments section to build a community.
• Promote on Other Platforms: Cross-promote your Shorts on other social media channels to drive traffic to your YouTube channel.
• Track Performance & Analyze: Utilize YouTube Analytics to understand what resonates with your audience and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Bonus Tip:

• Collaborations: Partner with influencers or other relevant brands in your niche to create co-branded Shorts and expand your reach.

By following these steps and tailoring them to your specific brand, you can leverage YouTube Shorts to effectively build brand awareness and connect with a wider audience. Remember, consistency, audience engagement, and a touch of creativity are key to standing out in the world of short-form video content.