How to Use YouTube Ads for Business

YouTube is like, super popular. It's the second-biggest search engine, so businesses can find tons of people there. People watch hours of videos every day! So, using YouTube ads is a smart way to get your business out there. This is about how to use YouTube ads for your business. We'll go from the basics to getting the best results.

Why Use YouTube Ads?

Why bother with YouTube ads? Good question. Here's why they're awesome:

• Lots of People: YouTube has tons of users. You can reach lots of potential customers.
• Target the Right People: You can show your ads to specific people based on what they like, where they live, and more.
• See What Works: YouTube tells you how your ads are doing. Then you can make them even better.
• Save Money: YouTube ads can be cheaper than old-school ads, especially if you know who you want to reach.
• Videos Grab Attention: Videos are more fun than just words or pictures. They keep people watching.
• Build Your Brand: YouTube ads help people know and trust your business.

Let's Get Started with YouTube Ads

First, you'll need a Google Ads account. If you have one, great! If not, here's how to set it up:

1. Make a Google Account: Go to accounts.google.com if you don't have one.
2. Set Up Google Ads: Go to ads.google.com and sign in. Follow the steps. You'll need to add your payment info.
3. Connect Your YouTube: In Google Ads, find "Linked Accounts" under "Tools & Settings." Then, find YouTube and link your channel. This lets you run ads on your videos.

YouTube Ad Types

YouTube has different kinds of ads. Which one should you use? It depends on what you want to do and how much money you have. Here are the main types:

1. Skippable Ads

These ads play before, during, or after other videos. People can skip them after 5 seconds. You only pay if they watch at least 30 seconds (or the whole ad if it's shorter) or if they click on it.

Best for: Getting your name out there, reaching lots of people, and getting leads.

Tips:

• Make the first 5 seconds amazing.
• Tell people why they should care about your product.
• Tell them what to do next.

2. Non-Skippable Ads

These ads also play before, during, or after videos. But people can't skip them. They have to watch the whole thing. These ads can be up to 15 seconds long.

Best for: Making sure people see your message, especially if you want them to remember your brand.

Tips:

• Every second counts.
• Keep it short and sweet.
• Make it look really good.

3. Discovery Ads

These ads show up in YouTube search results, on the homepage, and next to related videos. They have a picture and a little bit of text.

Best for: Getting people to watch your videos, promoting specific videos, and reaching people who are looking for stuff like yours.

Tips:

• Use pictures that pop.
• Write descriptions that make people want to click.
• Use words people are actually searching for.

4. Bumper Ads

These are super short, non-skippable ads. They're only 6 seconds long.

Best for: Making people remember your brand, getting your message across quickly, and reaching a ton of people.

Tips:

• Focus on one thing.
• Use cool pictures and sounds.
• Keep it simple.

5. Masthead Ads

These are huge ads that show up at the very top of the YouTube homepage. They're for big brand campaigns.

Best for: Reaching tons of people, launching new stuff, and promoting big events.

Tips:

• Use the best quality pictures and video.
• Make it fun and interesting.
• Show it to everyone.

Who Are You Showing Your Ads To?

YouTube advertising works best when you show your ads to the right people. YouTube lets you target people in different ways:

1. Who Are They?

You can target people based on their age, gender, where they live, if they have kids, and how much money they make.

2. What Do They Like?

Reach people who are into certain things, like sports, music, or video games. YouTube has a bunch of categories to choose from.

3. What Are They Searching For?

Show ads to people who are searching for specific things related to your business. That way, you reach people who are already interested.

4. Where Do You Want Your Ads To Show?

Pick specific YouTube channels, videos, or websites where you want your ads to appear. This is good if you know where your audience hangs out.

5. Bring Them Back

Show ads to people who have already visited your YouTube channel or website. Remind them about your business.

6. Your Own List

Upload your own data, like email lists, to target specific people.

Make Awesome Ads

Your YouTube marketing success depends on how good your ads are. Here are some tips:

• Know Your People: What do they need? What do they like? What problems do they have? Talk to them directly.
• Grab Them Fast: You only have a few seconds to get their attention. Use great pictures, sounds, and stories.
• Keep It Short: Get to the point.
• Why Should They Care?: Tell them what they'll get from your product or service.
• Tell Them What To Do: Do you want them to visit your website? Subscribe to your channel? Buy something? Tell them!
• Make It Mobile-Friendly: Lots of people watch YouTube on their phones. Make sure your ads look good on small screens.
• Try Different Things: See what works best. Try different ads, different targeting, and different ideas.

How Are Your Ads Doing?

It's super important to see how your ads are doing. That's how you make them better. YouTube Analytics has lots of info. Here are some things to watch:

• Views: How many times people have watched your ad.
• Impressions: How many times your ad has been shown.
• Click-Through Rate (CTR): How many people clicked on your ad.
• View Rate: How many people watched your ad all the way through (or for at least 30 seconds).
• Cost Per View (CPV): How much you pay for each view.
• Conversion Rate: How many people did what you wanted them to do, like buy something.
• Return on Ad Spend (ROAS): How much money you made for every dollar you spent on ads.

Make Your Ads Even Better

After you start running your ads, keep making them better. Here's how:

• Target the Right People: Change who you're showing your ads to based on what's working.
• Improve Your Ads: Try different pictures, headlines, and descriptions. See what people like best.
• Change Your Bids: Don't pay too much for views. Adjust your bids based on how your ads are doing.
• Bring People Back: Show ads to people who have already visited your channel or website.
• Look at the Numbers: Check YouTube Analytics regularly. See what's working and what's not.

Super Advanced YouTube Ads

Once you know the basics of YouTube advertising, you can try some more advanced stuff:

• Custom Audiences: Create audiences based on what your ideal customers like and do.
• Life Events: Target people who are going through big changes, like getting married or buying a house.
• Shopping Ads: Show your products directly on YouTube.
• Brand Lift Studies: See if your YouTube ads are making people more aware of your brand.
• Use Other Marketing: Combine your YouTube ads with email, social media, and other marketing.

In Conclusion...

How to use YouTube ads for business? It takes planning, creativity, and paying attention to the numbers. Understand the different types of ads, targeting, and measurements. Then you can make great YouTube ads that get people to know your brand, generate leads, and sell more stuff. Keep trying new things and making your ads better. YouTube marketing can really help your business!