Want to attract more customers and grow your business using YouTube? You don’t need a huge budget or fancy equipment—just the right strategy!
If you’re running a small business, you don’t have time for marketing that doesn’t work. The good news? YouTube marketing for small businesses can bring you leads and sales—on autopilot!
But before you start, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your channel’s growth—like uploading short, ineffective videos, relying on ads too soon, or re-uploading old content. YouTube’s algorithm is picky, and setting up your channel the right way from the start will help you build a long-term audience and drive real business results.
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to set up your channel the right way and make YouTube’s algorithm work for you.
STEP 1: SET UP YOUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL PROPERLY
Before making videos, let’s get your channel fully optimised so it ranks higher in search results and looks professional.
Create a Business YouTube Channel
- Go to YouTube.com and sign in with your Google account.
- Click your profile picture (top right) → Create a Channel → Choose a name that represents your business.
Optimise Your Channel’s Appearance
- Channel Trailer – Add a short, engaging video that introduces new visitors to your content and what they can expect.
- Featured Sections – Organise your homepage by adding playlists and popular videos to make it easy for viewers to find your best content.
- Profile Picture – Use your logo or a friendly, professional photo.
- Banner Image – Upload a clear, eye-catching banner (Canva has great templates!).
- Video Watermark – Add a branded watermark to encourage more subscribers.
- Channel Description – Write a simple bio explaining what your channel is about and how you help your audience.
- Links – Add your website, social media, or booking page in the “About” section.
Turn On Key Features
- Enable a Custom URL – Makes it easy to share your channel.
- Enable Featured Channels – Cross-promote your other channels (if applicable).
- Enable Monetisation – Once eligible, turn this on so you can earn from ads!
- Latest Update: In 2025, you can apply for monetisation with 500 subscribers & 3,000 watch hours (or 3M Shorts views in 90 days). Full monetisation unlocks at 1,000 subscribers.
STEP 2: CREATE VIDEOS THAT PEOPLE SEARCH FOR
If you want more views, you need to create videos that answer common questions your ideal customers are already searching for.
How to Find Popular Topics
- Go to YouTube and type a keyword related to your business. See what autofills? Those are real searches!
- Check YouTube’s AI-powered suggestions in YouTube Studio to see trending topics in your niche.
Use Both Shorts & Longer Videos
- Long-form videos (8-10+ mins) help build deep engagement and authority.
- YouTube Shorts (under 60 secs) are now a massive traffic driver! Create Shorts alongside longer content to get more subscribers.
Example for E-commerce:
An online store owner types “how to sell products…” and sees:
- How to sell products on Amazon
- How to sell products on Instagram
- How to sell products from home
Make videos on those topics!
STEP 3: FILM YOUR FIRST VIDEO (WITHOUT OVERTHINKING IT!)
Your first video doesn’t need to be perfect! Just follow this simple format:
- Hook (5 seconds) – Grab attention fast!
Example: “Struggling with breakouts? These 3 skincare hacks will change your routine!” - Value (2-3 key points) – Give simple, actionable advice!
- Call-to-Action (CTA) – Tell viewers what to do next!
Example: “Subscribe for weekly skincare tips!” or “Download my free skincare guide below.”
PRO TIP: Avoid Re-uploading Videos
Many business owners delete, hide, and re-upload videos, thinking it resets the algorithm. It doesn’t. Re-uploading hurts growth, and YouTube is less likely to recommend your channel again. Focus on creating fresh, high-quality content instead.
STEP 4: UPLOAD YOUR VIDEO THE RIGHT WAY
To rank higher in search results, follow these steps:
- Title – Use a question or phrase people search for.
- Description – Write 2-3 sentences summarising your video. Add a CTA link.
- Tags – Add 5-10 relevant keywords.
- Thumbnail – Create an eye-catching image.
PRO TIP: Use AI Tools
YouTube now offers AI-powered title and thumbnail suggestions. Test different versions to maximise clicks!
STEP 5: BOOST YOUR VIDEO IN THE FIRST 24 HOURS
The first few hours after your video goes live are critical for getting traction.
Invite Your Closest Circle to Watch!
- Share your video with friends, family, and business contacts.
- Post the link in your WhatsApp groups, Facebook groups, and LinkedIn.
Thumbnails Can Make or Break Your Video
Even the best video won’t perform well if your thumbnail isn’t clickable. A compelling thumbnail can significantly increase views—even after the video has been uploaded.
STEP 6: HOW TO REACH 1,000 SUBSCRIBERS (AND MONETISE YOUR CHANNEL!)
Make Videos People Search For – Use YouTube’s autocomplete suggestions to find in-demand topics.
- Post Weekly – YouTube promotes active channels, so aim for at least one video per week.
- Use Playlists & End Screens – Keep viewers on your channel by linking to more videos.
PRO TIP: Stick to Your Niche
Jumping on trendy topics outside your niche may bring views, but those viewers won’t stick around. YouTube categorises your channel based on your most successful content, so staying on-brand is key.
STEP 7: TRACK WHAT WORKS & IMPROVE
Check YouTube Analytics to see:
- Which videos get the most views? → Make more like them!
- How long do people watch your videos? → Improve your intro if they leave early.
- Which videos bring the most subscribers? → Promote those more!
PRO TIP: One Video Won’t Save You
Success on YouTube requires consistent uploads—one viral video won’t sustain long-term growth. Keep creating content and refining your approach!
NEXT STEP: TAKE ACTION!
Pick ONE step and do it today—whether it’s setting up your channel, filming a short video, or optimising your title. Just start!
BONUS: SIMPLE SEO TIPS TO GET MORE VIEWS
Want your videos to show up when people search on YouTube? Follow these quick SEO tips:
✅ Use Keywords in Your Title & Description – Think about what your audience is searching for and include those words naturally. Example: “How to Sell Products on Instagram – 3 Easy Steps!”
✅ Tags & Hashtags Matter – Add 5-10 relevant keywords in your video tags. Also, use hashtags like #smallbusiness #marketingtips to boost discoverability.
✅ Write Time-Stamps in the Description – If your video has different sections, add timestamps (e.g., 0:00 Intro, 1:30 Step 1) to improve user experience and rankings.
✅ Use Captions & Subtitles – YouTube favours videos with captions because they help more people watch (and it improves SEO!). Turn on auto-captions or upload your own.
✅ Get More Clicks with a Strong Thumbnail – Thumbnails affect rankings too! A bright, clear, and engaging image makes people click—boosting watch time and visibility.
✅ Engagement Boosts SEO – Ask viewers to like, comment, and subscribe. The more interaction, the more YouTube promotes your video!
By applying these quick SEO hacks, your videos can rank higher and attract more potential customers.
To discover more marketing strategies, make sure you join us at the next Marketing Ecosystem Workshop to map out your one-page marketing plan. Register here (no cost!): https://www.basicbananas.com/virtualsummit/
Or apply to join the popular Clever Bunch program to accelerate your business growth: https://www.basicbananas.com/cleverbunch/
Here’s to creating ripple effects of brilliance everywhere we go!
The Basic Bananas Team