How to Use YouTube for E-commerce: 7 Things You Need to Know

In 2012, a Korean music video was the first to hit a billion views on YouTube. In 2014, Gangam Style hit 2 billion views, and the site itself has more than a billion unique visitors per month. That’s an astonishing number of people, so how can your e-commerce site tap into the pool?

1. Get a Video up

While YouTube encourages social interaction, you can’t just reshare other people’s work and hope for the best. You need to create your own content, and then share it around on other social networks. Don’t forget to fill in the ‘about’ sections accurately and completely – these are essential for SEO optimisation.

2. How to Make a Video on no Budget

Luckily, video quality required for online is now lower than that shot by most compact cameras. Use a tripod to avoid shaky cam, and you can shoot at the office. Be aware of the background you’re filming on – product shots and demos are better against a plain wall, while interviews can work well in a busier setting.

3. Film What You Know

Focus on products you already stock and sell. In many cases, there are no videos demonstrating a particular product. If you know there’s a market for a product, a simple walk through where one person stands in front of the camera and talks through the features as they demonstrate them can get hundreds or thousands of hits. This applies to all e-commerce areas, from make up to suitcases, power tools to business supplies.

4. Short and Simple is Ideal

It’s hard to skip through a video, so people will click away as soon as they lose interest. Avoid this by keeping the video short, clear and easy to watch. Make sure the sound quality is good, and add captions if required.

5. Look Before you Shoot

Before you spend time (and possibly money) on creating a video, check if there are others out there doing the same thing. It’s harder to stand out in a crowded market, but if you’re the only relevant search result, the views will come.

6. Mention your Site in the Video

Don’t assume that people will read any of the text around it. If the video gets shared, it will be stripped of all context. A card at the start and/or end of the video giving the product name and your company name or website is often enough to remind people to buy from you.

7. Share your Video

Once you’ve created a video, you want it to be seen. Write a post about it on your blog, include it in an email newsletter or add it to relevant product descriptions. A good YouTube video does double duty as it not only brings new people to your e-commerce site, it can also be an excellent tool to transform visitors into customers.

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