Since its launch in late 2005, YouTube has become a medium that a business can’t afford to ignore. Currently 100 million videos are viewed every day; 98 of AdAge's Top 100 advertisers have run campaigns on YouTube and the Google Display Network.

Businesses of all sizes are using this medium in a variety of innovative, low-cost ways to reach and teach their target audiences. You can too! We’ve outlined a few ideas to get you started:

Customer Service

• Answer customer-specific questions with a video.
• Embed product demonstrations or customer support info on your website.
• Create “how-to” videos regarding using your service or product.
• Show a client their work in progress.
• Post a blog entry (or FAQ on your website) and include a video as extra support.
• Make your videos ADA-friendly by adding closed captions or subtitles (it’s free and easy).

Thought Leadership

• Demonstrate your knowledge and communication skills by uploading clips of presentations you’ve given.
• Create short videos demonstrating your company’s products or services.
• Record an interview with an employee or other expert in your field.

Advertising and Marketing

• Promote special events using recordings of previous events.
• Conduct a virtual tour of your offices to help clients feel connected to your place of business.
• Introduce your staff (great for clients who have never been to your office).
• Record client testimonials for instant credibility.
• Show someone using your products or services.
• Post your YouTube links to FB and other social networking sites (more than100 million people take a social action on YouTube (likes, shares, comments, etc) every week).
• Include contact info (name, URL, phone number, email).

Originally posted by VIA Marketing