In today’s fast-moving digital world, new businesses need smart and low-cost ways to get noticed. One powerful tool that is changing the way small brands grow online is YouTube Shorts. These short-form videos, usually under 60 seconds, are easy to make, fun to watch, and can quickly reach millions of people.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a startup founder, or someone planning to launch a brand, understanding how YouTube Shorts can help your business grow is very important. In this article, we will explain everything about YouTube Shorts in a simple and clear way. You’ll learn what they are, how they work, and how you can use them to attract more people to your business.
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are short, vertical videos created for mobile viewing. Each video is under 60 seconds long and can be about anything—from product tips and behind-the-scenes moments to funny clips or tutorials. YouTube made Shorts to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels, and they’re now becoming a big part of the platform.
You can create Shorts directly from your phone using the YouTube app. They show up on a special "Shorts shelf" on the homepage, making it easy for users to find and watch them.
Why Should New Businesses Use YouTube Shorts?
If you're just starting a business, you may not have a big budget for advertising. YouTube Shorts gives you a free and powerful way to promote your products, services, or brand story.
Here’s why new businesses should use Shorts:
1. Reach a Large Audience Fast
YouTube has over 2 billion monthly users, and Shorts are shown to people based on their interests. This means your video can reach viewers who don’t even follow you.
2. No Expensive Equipment Needed
You don’t need a fancy camera or studio setup. A smartphone and good lighting are enough to create high-quality Shorts.
3. Boost Your Brand Awareness
Even if someone doesn’t buy your product right away, they will remember your brand if they see you often. Shorts help create quick brand recall.
4. Drive Traffic to Your Website or Long Videos
Once people watch your Short, they may want to know more. You can guide them to your website, YouTube channel, or other social media accounts.
Types of YouTube Shorts You Can Create
As a new business, you can use Shorts in many creative ways. Here are a few video ideas:
- Product Showcases
Show your product in action. Highlight key features in a fun and quick way.
- Behind-the-Scenes
People love to see what happens behind the curtain. Show how your product is made, packed, or shipped.
- Customer Testimonials
Turn a happy customer's review into a quick Short to build trust with new viewers.
- Quick Tips and Tutorials
Teach your audience something useful related to your niche. For example, if you sell skincare, share a tip about daily routines.
- Storytelling Videos
Tell your brand story or show your journey using storytelling techniques. You can even use inspiration from a comic storyboard format to plan your videos before filming.
How to Create Effective YouTube Shorts
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make engaging Shorts for your business:
1. Start With a Hook
The first 3 seconds are very important. Start with a question, bold statement, or surprising fact to grab attention.
2. Focus on One Message
Don’t try to add too much. Keep your message simple and easy to understand.
3. Use Captions and Text
Most people watch videos without sound. Add text on the screen to make sure your message is clear.
4. Use Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags help your Shorts get discovered. Use industry-related and trending hashtags, but don’t overdo it.
5. Add a Call-to-Action (CTA)
Tell your viewers what to do next. It could be “Visit our website,” “Follow for more,” or “Check out the full video.”
YouTube Shorts vs. Other Platforms
You may be thinking, “Why not just use TikTok or Instagram Reels?” Here’s why YouTube Shorts can be better for business:
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Long-Term Content Value: Shorts live longer than Reels or TikToks. They can still be discovered weeks or months later.
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Search Engine Advantage: YouTube is the second-largest search engine. Your Shorts can show up on Google as well.
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Connection with Long-Form Content: Shorts can lead viewers to your full-length videos and grow your channel faster.
SEO Benefits of YouTube Shorts
Using YouTube Shorts also helps with semantic SEO, which means you’re using natural and related keywords to boost your video’s searchability. For example, if your short is about “how to clean leather shoes,” related words like “shoe care,” “cleaning tips,” or “leather maintenance” can help YouTube understand and show your video to the right people.
When you use the right tags, titles, and descriptions, your Shorts can reach more viewers organically—meaning you don’t have to pay for ads.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say you run a small business that sells handmade candles. You can create Shorts like
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“Watch how we make a lavender candle in 30 seconds.”
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“3 reasons soy candles are better than regular ones”
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“Packing your candle orders—behind the scenes”
One small business did just that, and their video got over 500,000 views in one week. This helped them gain followers, website traffic, and actual sales—all from one short video.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some things to watch out for when creating Shorts:
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Low-quality video or bad lighting
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Not adding captions or voiceovers
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Trying to sell too hard without adding value
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Ignoring the trends or using outdated audio
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Posting inconsistently
Keep your content useful, fun, and consistent to see the best results.
Final Thoughts
YouTube Shorts are a golden opportunity for new businesses to grow without spending a lot of money. These short videos can help you reach new people, build brand awareness, and even increase your sales. You don’t need to be a video expert — just start with your phone, an idea, and a little creativity.
Whether you sell products, offer services, or run an online store, YouTube Shorts can fit into your marketing plan easily. The key is to post regularly, follow trends, and always think about what your audience wants to see.