Marketing Your Library on YouTube

YouTube has always been a platform for video content, but not many people stop to consider it as a marketing tool or form of social media. The fact of the matter is that more than 2 billion people use YouTube every month, which is almost 1/3 of internet users, according to SocialMediaToday. Although geared more toward organizations that are selling a product, having a presence on YouTube can only help your library reach more people. So, what kind of videos should you be making for YouTube? Here’s a few ideas of ways to engage your audience through video on YouTube.

How-To Videos

Videos that explain how to do something can really rely on the show and tell aspect of videomaking. Whether it’s a step-by-step guide on how to file a patent if your library is a Patent & Trademark Resource Center, or how to use the self-checkout machine, breaking something down step-by-step with visuals can be helpful for patrons to understand a process. Make sure your expert staff member is the one doing the walkthrough as their knowledge and comfort with the topic will translate to the camera. You can write a script to make sure you don’t miss any steps or details, make sure your audio is clear, and keep it short, between 2-5 minutes.

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions is not a new concept and can be a great way to switch things up by addressing in video format. If you find that members of your community often have the same questions about your library, making a video can be a direct way to address them. Gather questions from emails, social media, and surveys and address a small group of questions that might have similar topics or even just a top 5 FAQs about your library. Having a simple video of just one staff member speaking to the camera can make it conversational and open the lines of communication with your patrons.

Patron Testimonials

This one might require some signed video release forms and willing participants, which we understand is not always feasible. However, if you have patrons that are willing to share their experiences or testimonials, there is no better promotion than someone who has had a positive experience. This can be done with different facets of your library be it participation in events, utilization of the space, or programs that you offer. Testimonials work best when they are genuine and unscripted. Since not everyone is comfortable speaking in front of a camera, asking the patron questions that will guide them in sharing their experience could help keep the video on track.

Behind the Scenes

It doesn’t get more authentic than peeking behind the curtain. Show what goes into making a particular display, planning an event, even everyday tasks through “a day in the life of a public librarian.” No matter what you show, people will be excited to see the work and passion that goes into their local public library.

Meet the Team

We’ve recently been highlighting different librarians here at the State Library on our social media and they’ve continued to be our most popular posts. It’s a great way to show your community friendly faces and explain what their role is at the library. It’s especially helpful for librarians who specialize in a specific topic or program so patrons know how they can reach out. Choosing one team member at a time to feature can turn it into a series as you work your way through the staff. You can even create video content of your staff members working well together. Don’t be afraid to inject personality by getting to know fun facts about staff that doesn’t pertain directly to their job!

If you have the time and creativity, video can be a great tool to try new things and your audience will appreciate it.