Many of my clients ask me questions about how to promote their business using social media. They typically are talking about Facebook and Twitter.

However, YouTube is a very powerful way to gain exposure for a small business and reach new and existing customers. I have observed that there are still many small business owners who do not realize this or know where to begin.

So here are some ways you could use YouTube to promote your small business.

An effective way to promote your business using YouTube is to film satisfied customers offering a testimonial concerning your product or service. A landscaping company which targets commercial customers could show business owners talking about how great the landscaper made the outside of their business look.

Consider developing videos that provide information to customers about a topic of interest to them, instead of just promoting your business directly. A pet store owner could create a video about training a new puppy.

You can also use videos to humanize your business by showing the people side of your business. This could be done by filming yourself talking to viewers about how your business solves their problem or by taking them behind the scenes to see how your employees prepare your product; for example the creation of a delicious meal.

Consider developing a demonstration video. This could be done by filming someone demonstrating how to use your product, showing potential customers how your product can benefit them. For example, a company could demonstrate how to use their juicer to create healthy and delicious beverages.

Product simulations are another great way to use video to entice customers to try your product. This differs from a demonstration in that the purpose is not to teach customers how to use the product but to create an emotional connection to the product by showing other persons using and benefitting from the product. This method is often used to promote luxury automobiles.

You could also encourage interaction with your customers by developing video contests in which they can participate. You could ask for videos demonstrating the use of your product and reward the best one or you could create a contest to develop the best television commercial for your business.

You could just simply film an advertisement for your business as you would if you were doing a television commercial and post it on YouTube.

You should promote your YouTube videos through other marketing vehicles such as QR codes on printed materials, your web site, Facebook, Twitter and other social media. If you create your own YouTube channel, customers can find your company’s YouTube videos all in one place.

So do not overlook the power of YouTube videos to promote your business. Take some time to research and discover how to tailor your use of this powerful tool to your target market and the needs of your business so you will effectively reach your customers.

Your local Small Business Development Center can assist you with finding ways to promote your small business through YouTube and other effective media.

Connie Edwards is a Business Consultant for the University of Georgia Small Business Small Business Development Center in Savannah. Contact her at cedwards@georgiasbdc.org.