YouTube has become a powerful tool for B2B HVAC businesses to showcase their expertise, build brand awareness, and connect with potential customers. As the second-largest search engine after Google, YouTube offers HVAC companies a unique platform to share valuable content, demonstrate their services, and establish themselves as industry leaders. By creating high-quality videos that address the specific needs of their target audience, HVAC businesses can significantly enhance their online presence and attract a wider audience interested in HVAC systems and services.
One of the key challenges for HVAC business owners in leveraging YouTube as part of their digital marketing strategies is consistently producing and publishing content. This is where video scheduling comes into play, offering a range of benefits that can elevate an HVAC company’s marketing efforts to the next level. By planning and scheduling videos in advance, businesses can maintain a steady flow of content, ensuring that their YouTube channel remains active and engaging even during peak times when they might be busy with HVAC services and customer service.
Scheduling videos also allows HVAC companies to optimize their content for the best times to reach their target market. By analyzing viewer data and industry trends, businesses can identify when their potential clients are most likely to be browsing YouTube, whether it’s during lunch breaks, after work hours, or on weekends. This strategic approach to timing can significantly boost video views, engagement, and ultimately, website traffic. Moreover, consistent posting through scheduling helps build anticipation among subscribers and reinforces the HVAC company’s commitment to providing valuable insights and expert advice regularly.
Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of video scheduling for B2B HVAC businesses is the time management aspect. HVAC contractors and business owners often juggle multiple responsibilities, from overseeing installations and repairs to managing customer relationships and developing marketing strategies. By setting aside dedicated time to create and schedule a batch of videos, they can free up valuable hours during their workweek to focus on core business operations. This efficiency not only improves productivity but also ensures that the company’s YouTube marketing plan remains on track, contributing to long-term business growth and establishing the HVAC business as a thought leader in the industry.
Scheduling Videos on YouTube (Desktop)
Now that you understand the power of YouTube for B2B HVAC companies, let’s delve into the process of scheduling videos on your desktop. Here’s a detailed guide to walk you through each step:
Prerequisites:
First and foremost, you’ll need an active YouTube channel. This serves as your online storefront within the HVAC industry, allowing you to showcase your expertise, connect with potential customers, and build brand awareness. Setting up a YouTube channel is a straightforward process, so don’t hesitate to get started if you haven’t already.
The next key ingredient is your video content. This could be a compelling case study highlighting your HVAC expertise, a product demonstration showcasing the features and benefits of your systems, or valuable content offering expert advice on energy efficiency. Remember, high-quality video production is crucial for creating a positive user experience and grabbing the attention of potential customers searching for HVAC solutions.
Uploading and Scheduling:
- Log in to YouTube: Access your YouTube account. Remember, a strong online presence is crucial for B2B HVAC businesses, so an active YouTube channel complements your other digital marketing efforts.
- Go to YouTube Studio: Head over to YouTube Studio, the central hub for managing your channel. You can find it by clicking on your profile picture at the top right corner of the screen or by visiting https://studio.youtube.com/. This platform offers a suite of advanced tools specifically designed to optimize your video marketing strategy.
- Click Create: Within the YouTube Studio dashboard, locate the “Create” button at the top right corner. From the dropdown menu, select “Upload videos(s)”.
- Upload your video: Here, you can either drag and drop your edited video file or click to select it for uploading. While your video uploads, you can start optimizing it for better search engine results and reaching a wider audience within the HVAC industry.
Important Note: Uploading a video under 1 minute in a 9:16 format automatically classifies it as a YouTube Short. These live in the Shorts area and not the main video browser. However, they still publish to your channel as a video. While YouTube Shorts are a great way to grow your channel and reach potential customers, they function differently than regular YouTube videos typically used for B2B marketing.
- Add your video information: This is where the magic happens! While your video uploads, take advantage of this time to craft a compelling title, description, and thumbnail that accurately reflects your video content. Remember, potential customers searching for specific HVAC needs often rely on search engines. This is where search engine optimization (SEO) comes into play.
- Required Information:
- Title: Craft a clear and concise title that accurately captures the essence of your video and incorporates relevant keywords to improve search results.
- Description: Here’s your chance to elaborate on your video content. Use a captivating description to entice viewers and include relevant keywords to boost search engine ranking.
- Thumbnail: Consider your thumbnail as a mini-billboard for your video. Choose a high-quality, eye-catching image that accurately represents your video content and encourages viewers to click.
- Age Restriction: Indicate whether your video content is appropriate for viewers under 13.
- Paid Partnership Disclosure: Transparency is key. If your video involves a paid partnership, disclose it here.
- Highly Recommended Information:
- Playlist: Organize your content by categorizing related videos into playlists. This helps viewers navigate your channel and discover more of your valuable content.
- Tags: Include relevant keywords and industry-specific terms as tags to enhance discoverability for potential customers searching for HVAC information.
- Recording Date & Location: Adding the recording date can be helpful, especially if your video discusses current trends or industry updates in the HVAC field. Location details can boost your local search results, making your content more visible to local businesses in need of your HVAC services.
- Turn Remixing On/Off: This feature allows viewers to create remixes of your video content. By default, it’s turned on.
- Category: Select the most relevant category for your video content. This helps YouTube categorize your video and suggest it to viewers searching for similar content within the HVAC industry.
- Like/Dislike Display: You can choose to show or hide the number of likes and dislikes on your video.
Pro Tip for Optimal Results: Have you wondered how to create those chapter breaks (also known as YouTube timestamps) that let viewers easily skip around your video and improve overall watch time? In the description box, simply write the minute and second where you want a chapter to begin, followed by a chapter title. This makes your video content more user-friendly and encourages viewers to explore specific sections of interest.
Optimizing for Visibility (Optional):
- Add Cards and End Screens: These interactive elements are valuable tools for directing viewers within your YouTube channel and maximizing engagement.
- End Screens: The final shot of your video is prime real estate. Use end screens to encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel, click a link to learn more about your HVAC services, or watch another relevant video on your channel.
- Cards: Integrate cards throughout your video content to seamlessly link to specific products, your website, or other relevant videos. This allows viewers to easily access more information at the precise moment their interest is piqued.
Schedule Your YouTube Video:
We’ve arrived at the crucial step! Here’s where you leverage the power of scheduling to maintain a consistent flow of content and establish your HVAC company as a thought leader in the industry.
- Choose “Public” as the visibility setting: Unless you have a specific reason to keep your video private, ensure it’s set to “Public” so your target audience within the HVAC industry can discover it.
- Pick your date and time in the “Schedule” box: This feature allows you to strategically publish your video content. Analyze viewer data and industry trends to identify the best times to reach potential customers. Consider peak times when potential clients might be browsing YouTube, such as during lunch breaks, after work hours, or on weekends.
Schedule a Premiere (Optional):
- Create a countdown event: Intrigue your audience by scheduling your video as a “Premiere.” This creates a countdown timer and live chat area, fostering a sense of anticipation and encouraging viewers to tune in for the launch.
Click “Schedule” at the bottom, and your video will be published at the designated date and time. Congratulations! You’ve successfully scheduled a valuable resource for potential customers searching for HVAC solutions.
Before we move to the next step, remember this – regularly uploading and scheduling videos keeps your audience engaged and reinforces your HVAC company’s position as a trusted source of valuable information in the industry. Promote your scheduled videos on other social media platforms to expand your reach and attract a wider audience. This cross-promotion strategy increases your visibility and drives more traffic to your YouTube channel, ultimately strengthening your online presence within the HVAC market.
Scheduling Videos on YouTube (Mobile)
The process of scheduling videos on YouTube using the mobile app is similar to the desktop version, with a few minor variations. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
1. Open the App and Choose Your Video:
Launch the YouTube app on your mobile device (iOS or Android) and tap the plus icon in the center of the navigation bar at the bottom. While YouTube Short will be the default option, tap “Video” if you want to schedule a regular, long-form video for your HVAC business.
2. Upload and Add Details:
Select the video file you want to upload from your phone’s library. The mobile app offers a simplified editor where you can proceed with the upload or trim the video if needed.
Next, add details about your video. Fortunately, the mobile app provides many of the same options as the desktop version, including essential elements like title, description, playlist selection, and location tagging. This allows you to optimize your video for search engines and reach potential customers searching for specific HVAC needs.
One key difference: Adding tags, which can help with search engine optimization, isn’t available when scheduling from the mobile app. However, don’t worry! You can always edit your video on desktop later and add relevant tags before it goes live.
3. Create a Captivating Thumbnail:
Thumbnails are crucial for grabbing attention and enticing viewers to click on your video. The mobile app allows you to create a custom thumbnail by tapping the photo icon in the top left corner and choosing an image from your phone’s library. Remember, a high-quality and eye-catching thumbnail can significantly boost your video’s click-through rate.
4. Schedule Your Video for Optimal Reach:
Now for the scheduling magic! Tap on “Visibility” and then select “Schedule” to set your preferred date and time for publishing the video. By strategically scheduling your video content, you can ensure it reaches your target audience within the HVAC industry at the most opportune times. Consider peak hours when potential clients might be browsing YouTube, such as during lunch breaks, after work hours, or on weekends.
5. Upload and You’re Done!
Once you’ve finalized the title, description, scheduled date, and other settings, simply tap “Upload” to initiate the upload process. Congratulations! You’ve successfully scheduled a valuable resource for potential customers searching for HVAC solutions on YouTube.
Scheduling with Hootsuite
While scheduling videos directly on YouTube offers convenience, HVAC businesses can leverage social media management tools like Hootsuite to take their video marketing strategy to the next level. Hootsuite acts as a central hub, allowing you to manage and schedule content across various social media platforms, including YouTube, from a single dashboard. This translates to significant time savings and ensures consistent content flow across all your social media channels.
Here’s a quick overview of how to schedule YouTube videos using Hootsuite:
1. Connect Your YouTube Channel:
Before diving in, ensure your YouTube channel is linked to your Hootsuite account. This allows seamless integration and scheduling of your video content. The beauty of Hootsuite is that you can connect all your other social media accounts as well. Imagine planning, scheduling, and publishing content across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube – all from one user-friendly platform!
2. Upload and Optimize Your Video:
Head over to the Hootsuite composer tool and select “YouTube video.” Choose the video file you want to upload from your computer. While the upload progresses, take advantage of this time to optimize your video for better visibility by adding essential details like title, description, tags, and category. This is similar to the process on YouTube itself, but within the Hootsuite interface.
3. Select Your Thumbnail:
Once the upload finishes, Hootsuite presents you with several thumbnail options to choose from. Select the one that best captures the essence of your video and compels viewers to click. If you have a custom thumbnail image in mind, you can upload it using the camera icon for even greater control over your video’s presentation.
4. Schedule for Maximum Impact:
Hootsuite offers two options: “Publish Now” for immediate publishing or “Schedule” for strategic publishing. Since you’re aiming for optimal reach within the HVAC industry, select “Schedule” and change the privacy setting to “Unlisted” (this ensures only those with the link can view the video).
Then, toggle the “Schedule to go Public” option to “On” and choose your preferred date and time for publishing. By strategically scheduling your videos based on viewer data and industry trends, you can ensure your valuable content reaches your target audience at the most opportune times, maximizing engagement and website traffic.
Remember, consistency is key! Regularly scheduling high-quality video content on YouTube and promoting it across your social media channels managed through Hootsuite allows you to establish your HVAC company as a thought leader within the industry, build stronger customer relationships, and ultimately achieve long-term business growth.
Deleting a Scheduled Video
Even the most meticulously planned HVAC marketing strategy can encounter changes. Perhaps you’ve decided to refine your video content or a new industry trend has emerged that requires a different approach. The good news is that YouTube Studio allows you to easily remove a scheduled video from your HVAC company’s channel.
Here’s how to delete a scheduled video on Desktop:
- Navigate to Your Scheduled Uploads: Log in to YouTube Studio and head over to the “Content” section. Within “Content,” you’ll see options for both “Videos” and “Shorts.” Select the category that corresponds to the type of scheduled video you want to delete.
- Locate the Video and Access Options: Once you’re in the appropriate section (“Videos” or “Shorts”), find the video you want to remove from your schedule. Hover your mouse over the video thumbnail. This action reveals a menu with several options.
- Initiate the Deletion Process: From the menu that appears, locate the three vertical dots and click on them. This presents you with a few choices, including “Edit” and “Delete forever.” If you simply want to change the scheduled date and time, click the “Edit” icon to revisit the video details. However, to permanently remove the video from your schedule, select “Delete forever.”
- Confirm Deletion (Optional but Important): While YouTube won’t permanently delete the video from your account altogether (you can still access it if needed), it will be removed from your scheduled uploads. A confirmation pop-up will appear, prompting you to verify your decision. Double-check that you’ve chosen the correct video and then click “Delete Forever” to finalize the process.
Remember, deleting a scheduled video doesn’t erase it entirely. It simply removes it from your publishing queue. This flexibility allows you to maintain control over your HVAC company’s YouTube content and ensures you’re presenting the most up-to-date and valuable information to your target audience within the industry.
Tips for Scheduling YouTube Videos
Scheduling videos on YouTube allows HVAC businesses to strategically deliver valuable content and establish a strong online presence within the industry. Here are some key tips to take your video scheduling strategy to the next level:
Planning for Success: Craft a Content Calendar
Before diving into video creation, take a step back and develop a content calendar. This roadmap helps plan video topics, publishing dates, and ensures alignment with your overall HVAC marketing plan. When brainstorming video ideas, consider current industry trends, potential customer needs, and the types of content that resonate with your target audience. A well-planned content calendar keeps you focused, consistent, and ensures your video topics provide valuable information to those searching for HVAC solutions.
Consistency is King: Building Audience Engagement
Remember, consistency is key to building a loyal audience on YouTube. Just like servicing your customers’ HVAC systems requires regular maintenance, your YouTube channel thrives on consistent content flow. By scheduling videos at regular intervals, you train your audience to expect valuable content and keep your channel top-of-mind. This consistency plays a significant role in YouTube’s recommendation algorithm, which can significantly impact your video’s reach within the HVAC industry. Studies show that YouTube’s algorithm recommendations drive a whopping 70% of all viewer watch choices. So, consistent scheduling is a powerful tool for maximizing the organic reach of your HVAC video content.
Optimize for Search Visibility: Keywords are Your Friends
Once you’ve created a compelling video, don’t underestimate the power of search engine optimization (SEO) to enhance its discoverability. When scheduling your video, strategically incorporate relevant keywords throughout the title, description, and tags. Think about the specific search terms potential customers might use when looking for HVAC information or troubleshooting solutions. Including these relevant keywords increases the chances of your video appearing at the top of search results, attracting a wider audience within the HVAC industry.
Promote Your Scheduled Videos: Go Beyond YouTube
While scheduling ensures your video is published at the right time, don’t limit your reach to YouTube alone. To maximize its impact, consider promoting your scheduled videos across your other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. By creating a buzz around your upcoming video content, you can leverage your existing audience on other platforms and convert them into engaged viewers on your YouTube channel. Social media promotion is a fantastic way to expand your video’s reach and attract potential customers who might not have discovered your HVAC company otherwise.
Leverage YouTube Premieres for Added Excitement
Remember the “Premiere” feature we discussed earlier? Consider using it to build anticipation for particularly important or exciting video content related to your HVAC services. A Premiere creates a countdown timer for your audience and allows them to set notifications to be alerted when the video goes live. This approach adds a touch of excitement and encourages viewers to tune in for the launch, fostering a more interactive experience within the HVAC industry.
By following these tips and strategically scheduling your YouTube videos, your HVAC business can establish itself as a thought leader within the industry, attract new customers, and ultimately achieve long-term business growth.
Elevate Your HVAC Business with Strategic YouTube Scheduling
Scheduling YouTube videos is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your B2B HVAC company’s digital marketing strategy. By leveraging this feature, you can maintain a consistent content flow, optimize your video publishing times for maximum engagement, and free up valuable time to focus on core business operations. The ability to plan and schedule your content in advance allows you to align your video marketing efforts with industry trends and your target audience’s needs, ultimately establishing your HVAC business as a thought leader in the field.
We encourage all B2B HVAC businesses to embrace YouTube video scheduling as part of their marketing arsenal. This approach not only streamlines your content creation process but also ensures that your valuable insights and expertise reach potential customers at the most opportune times. By consistently delivering high-quality, relevant content through strategic scheduling, you can build a stronger online presence, attract a wider audience, and foster long-term relationships within the HVAC industry. Take advantage of this feature today and watch your YouTube channel become a cornerstone of your company’s success in the digital landscape.
