Building Your Brand: How Tradespeople Can Build a Profitable YouTube Channel

Today, we're diving into the world of YouTube - yes, that’s right, the land of cat videos, makeup tutorials, and even tradespeople like you making waves with their own channels dedicated to work on-site or tips for up-and-comers If you've ever thought about sharing your expertise, connecting with a broader audience, and maybe even making some extra cash along the way, you're in the right place.

Let's unpack the tools, tricks, and strategies to turn your YouTube channel into a profitable venture, adding another string to your trade business's bow. 

Why YouTube?

First things first, why bother with YouTube when you've got a toolbox full of skills to keep you busy? YouTube is a modern-day marketplace, and as another platform to share content and promote yourself, it can be very useful in growing your business. It's a place where people go to learn, be entertained, and find solutions to their problems. And who better to provide those solutions than you, a qualified electrician, plumber, joiner, etc. 

A fun fact is that YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world (after Google), so ‘making it’ on YouTube will only help your business website, location, and everything else appear higher when people search for your expertise. 

Finding Your Niche

Before you start filming, you need to figure out what sets you apart. Are you a whiz with woodworking? A plumbing pro? A master electrician? Find your niche and own it. The more specific you can be, the easier it is to attract your ideal audience. Remember, you're not just selling your skills - you will be selling yourself so let your personality ring through and get this ball rolling.

Creating Killer Content

Now comes the fun part - creating content that people actually want to watch. Think about the questions your customers ask most frequently. Turn those into tutorial videos, product reviews, or even behind-the-scenes glimpses into your daily life. And as mentioned, don't forget to inject your personality into everything you do. People don't just want information; they want to feel like they're hanging out with a friend. 

Most tradesmen and women we see on YouTube are sharing their life on-site, updating their followers on the latest developments in their industries and showing what they have learned - because, as you know, the trade industry is ever-evolving, so sharing hints, tips, and tricks goes a long way for your viewers. 

Equipment Essentials

You don't need a Hollywood budget to make great videos, but you do need some basic equipment. Consider using your smartphone to start out, or perhaps invest in a GoPro that is easy to use on-site. A decent camera, a microphone for clear audio, and some basic lighting to banish those shadows will do you just fine. Oh, and a sturdy tripod will save you from shaky-camera syndrome. Check out what other tradespeople are using in their videos and see how you can make it work for you. 

Editing Like a Pro

Once you've got your footage, it's time to piece it all together. There are plenty of free, user-friendly editing programs out there, so don't be intimidated. Start with the basics - trimming clips, adding titles, and maybe throwing in some background music for good measure. As you get more comfortable, you can start experimenting with more advanced techniques like colour correction and special effects and even creating your own branded intro/ outro. Once you get really comfortable, you’ll most likely find your videos follow a structure, and that’s what your audience will come to enjoy. 

Consistency is Key

Building a successful YouTube channel is a marathon, not a sprint. You're not going to become an overnight sensation or grow your subscribers quickly, and that's okay. The key is to keep showing up, week after week, with fresh content for your audience. Pick a posting schedule that works for you - whether it's once a week or once a month - and stick to it like glue. 

When uploading your videos, explain what they are in your titles and bio. The more information you give, the better it is for the search engines when people are looking for content like yours. 

Engage with Your Audience

Right, so as a tradesperson who is most likely already rocking and rolling on Instagram, Twitter and the like, you most likely know that chatting, comments and liking is the best way to keep yourself visible online. Carry this behaviour onto YouTube. 

One of the best things about YouTube is the sense of community it fosters. Don't be afraid to ask your viewers for feedback, respond to comments, and even feature their questions in future videos. The more you engage with your audience, the more invested they'll become in your channel.

Monetising Your Channel

Ah, the million-pound question – how do you actually make money from your YouTube channel? Well, it can be a bit of let-down if we start our YouTube journeys with the sole purpose of making money. You should do it if you enjoy it and want to help other people inside and outside the industry. But let’s imagine you grow your channel, then there are a few different avenues you can explore to earn some extra dosh:

• Adsense: Once you've hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months, you can apply to monetise your videos with ads. Just keep in mind that you'll only make a few pounds per thousand views, so you'll need a sizable audience to see any significant income.
• Sponsorships: As your channel grows, you may start attracting the attention of companies looking to reach your audience. Sponsored videos can be a great way to earn some extra cash, but make sure the products or services align with your brand and are genuinely useful to your viewers.
• Affiliate Marketing: This is where you promote products or services in your videos and earn a commission for every sale made through your unique affiliate link. Again, transparency is key here - only promote products you genuinely believe in, and always disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience.
• Merchandise: Once you've built up a loyal fanbase, you might consider selling branded merchandise like t-shirts, hats, or mugs. Not only is this a fun way to engage with your audience, but it can also be a nice little revenue stream on the side.

The Power of Collaboration

Finally, don't be afraid to team up with other YouTubers in your niche. There are plenty of tradespeople of all sizes on YouTube now. Collaborations can expose your channel to a whole new audience and introduce you to potential new fans. Plus, it's just plain fun to bounce ideas off of fellow creators and see what magic you can come up with together.

Wrapping Up This YouTube Journey

So there you have it, lads and lasses - an insider guide to building a profitable YouTube channel as a tradesperson/ business. Keep in mind, it won't happen overnight, and it won't always be easy, but with hard work, dedication, and a healthy dose of creativity, you can turn your passion for your trade into a thriving online business. 

And with that said, launching a YouTube channel offers boundless opportunities for growth and connection. However, amidst the excitement, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of your trade insurance. Rhino Trade Insurance provides a whole manner of products that safeguard your trade business against unforeseen challenges. 

So, whether you simply need Public Liability Insurance or wish to build a fully-tailored and comprehensive plan including Tool Cover, Professional Indemnity Insurance, Personal Accident Protection and more, give the Rhino team a call on 0116 243 7904. We are available six-days a week or you can visit us online here.