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Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Business YouTube Videos
How Can You Create Effective YouTube Videos That Engage Your Audience From the First Second?
Creating effective YouTube videos starts with a strong, confident opening that addresses your viewer's pain points immediately. The key is having a structured approach that includes starting with a relatable problem, briefly introducing yourself, previewing what you'll teach, encouraging engagement, and then delivering high-quality educational content. With this formula, you can overcome the initial awkwardness of creating videos and develop content that attracts leads and establishes your expertise.

Questions People Ask
- Why is the first 10 seconds of a YouTube video so important?
The first 10 seconds determines whether viewers will stay or leave. YouTube's algorithm tracks audience retention, so grabbing attention immediately with a relatable pain point or clear value proposition significantly increases your video's performance and reach. - How do I create a video script that keeps people watching?
Create a bullet-point script focusing on: 1) a pain point your audience experiences, 2) what solution you're offering in this video, 3) a brief introduction, 4) what to expect, and 5) an early engagement prompt. This structure creates a roadmap that keeps both you and your viewers focused. - Should I ask viewers to subscribe at the beginning of my video?
No, avoid asking for subscriptions before providing value. Instead, start with a quick engagement request like "Comment below for my free video script" that builds relationship. Save subscription requests for the end after you've delivered valuable content that proves your expertise. - How detailed should my YouTube script be?
Your script should include main bullet points rather than word-for-word text. Include 3-6 key educational points you'll cover, and keep them visible behind the camera or on notes to maintain focus and prevent rambling while still appearing natural. - How can I overcome camera anxiety when making business videos?
Overcome camera anxiety by following a clear structure, starting with addressing a pain point rather than introducing yourself. Having a defined video formula reduces uncertainty about what to say, which significantly decreases nervousness and helps you appear more confident.
Why This Strategy Works for Any Business
- Immediately addresses customer pain points, connecting with viewers on their actual needs rather than wasting time on unnecessary introductions
- Creates a repeatable system that eliminates guesswork and makes creating consistent video content much faster and less stressful
- Prioritizes audience engagement and relationship-building, turning passive viewers into active participants and potential customers
- Optimizes for YouTube's algorithm by encouraging early engagement and higher retention rates, improving your video's visibility
- Transforms educational content into a lead generation tool that establishes your expertise while building your email list or community
Breaking Down the Perfect YouTube Video Formula
Starting a YouTube video can feel incredibly awkward. If you're like most business owners, you've probably thought: "How do I even begin? What should I say first? And how do I keep myself on track while keeping viewers engaged?" This struggle keeps many businesses from leveraging YouTube's massive potential for lead generation and establishing authority.
I've been there myself. As Brad Smith, owner of Automation Links, I spent 6 months trying to create my first video because I didn't have a clear structure to follow. After 10 years working with over 2,500 brands, I've developed a proven system for creating business videos that engage and convert.
The #1 Mistake Most Businesses Make With YouTube
The biggest mistake I see businesses make is starting their videos with "Hi, welcome to my channel" or "I'm [name] from [company]." This approach immediately loses viewer interest because it doesn't address why they clicked in the first place.
Instead, your video opening should follow a specific sequence designed to hook viewers and keep them watching:
1. Start With a Pain Point
Begin by immediately addressing a challenge your target audience is facing. For example, rather than introducing myself, I started this video with: "If you're anything like me, it's always so awkward starting videos."
This approach works because:
- It immediately resonates with viewers experiencing the same problem
- It positions your video as the solution to that problem
- It creates a "pattern interrupt" that grabs attention
For your business, identify the specific pain points your ideal customers experience. Are they struggling to generate leads? Having trouble with their marketing automation? Unsure how to scale their business?
The Proven 5-Point Video Opening Structure
After working with thousands of brands and growing my own YouTube channel, I've developed a 5-step opening formula that works for any business video:
1. Call Out a Pain Point
Start by addressing something your ideal customer is experiencing. For example:
- "If you're struggling to get leads from your website..."
- "If you're tired of wasting money on ads that don't convert..."
- "If you're unsure how to set up email automation that actually works..."
This immediately helps viewers identify that they're in the right place and that you understand their challenges.
2. Preview the Solution
Next, tell viewers exactly what they'll learn in this video:
- "In today's video, I'm going to show you the diet that helped me lose weight."
- "Today I'll walk you through the exact system I use to increase leads by 37%."
- "I'm about to show you how to set up email automation that generates sales while you sleep."
This gives them a compelling reason to stay and watch.
3. Brief Introduction
Keep your introduction extremely brief. I always recommend creating a separate welcome video on your channel that you can direct people to rather than wasting valuable seconds on introductions in every video.
For example: "My name is Brad Smith from Automation Links. If you've watched my other videos, you know who I am. If you're new, check out my welcome video for more about my background."
4. Preview What's Coming Next
Tell viewers exactly how you'll present the information:
- "I'm going to share my screen and walk you through this step-by-step."
- "I'll demonstrate this technique using a real client example."
- "I'm going to break this down into three easy parts you can implement today."
This creates clear expectations and helps viewers mentally prepare for the content format.
5. Engagement Request
Before diving into the main content, ask for a simple engagement action—but not a subscription yet!
For example: "Comment 'system' below if you want my full YouTube playbook sent to your inbox" or "Type 'new' in the comments if you're creating your first video and need my script template."
These engagement requests:
- Boost your video's performance in the algorithm
- Create a direct connection with viewers
- Give you an opportunity to follow up personally
- Help build your community
One of my most successful videos used this approach by asking viewers to comment "new" to receive my video script, resulting in hundreds of comments and many new client relationships.
Moving Into Your Educational Content
Only after completing these five opening elements should you transition to your main educational content. The formula works because it prioritizes the viewer's needs first, establishes clear expectations, and creates an engagement opportunity before delivering your expertise.
For your educational content, I recommend having 3-6 bullet points either behind your camera or on a notepad that you'll cover in sequence. This keeps you focused and ensures you deliver complete value without rambling.
Tools to Make Your YouTube Process Easier
Creating consistent YouTube content becomes much easier with the right tools. Here are some resources I recommend:
- For script optimization: Use ChatGPT to help you refine your bullet points and create a video framework based on your expertise.
- For tracking viewers: Consider using a CRM like GoHighLevel to manage relationships with viewers who engage with your videos.
- For content planning: Use CreatorBuddy to help schedule and organize your YouTube content calendar.
- For analytics: Track your video performance with specialized tools like AdKong to understand which topics resonate most with your audience.
Creating Your YouTube End Screen
While we've focused on how to start your videos, ending them properly is equally important. After delivering your educational content, include:
- A value acknowledgment: "If this video brought you any value..."
- Subscription request: Now is the time to ask viewers to subscribe
- Related content pointer: "Check out this playlist here for more videos on YouTube marketing"
- Call-to-action: Direct viewers to your next step, whether that's downloading a resource, booking a call, or visiting your website
This end screen formula completes the value exchange and gives viewers clear direction on their next steps.
Learn more about maximizing your YouTube marketing strategy in our comprehensive guide. Click here!
Final Thoughts: Start Creating Videos Today
The formula I've shared eliminates the guesswork from creating YouTube videos. By starting with a pain point, previewing your solution, briefly introducing yourself, explaining what's coming, and requesting engagement, you create a framework that makes video creation significantly easier.
What's been holding you back from creating videos is likely the same thing that held me back for 6 months—not having a clear system to follow. With this framework, you now have a repeatable process that works for any business topic.
Ready to implement this strategy and start growing your business with YouTube? Book a free 15-minute consultation session where we can review your video strategy and help you get started with confidence. Book Now!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more automation strategies that will help you grow your business while working less.
How long should my first business YouTube video be?
How long should my first business YouTube video be?
Your first business YouTube video should be between 5-10 minutes long. This length gives you enough time to deliver valuable content without overwhelming yourself or your audience. Focus on addressing one specific topic thoroughly rather than trying to cover multiple concepts. As you become more comfortable on camera, you can experiment with different lengths based on your analytics and viewer feedback.
What type of lighting setup do I need to start making professional-looking videos?
You don't need expensive equipment to start. Natural light from a window positioned in front of you (not behind) can work perfectly for beginners. If you want to invest minimally, a simple ring light ($20-50) provides even lighting that eliminates shadows. The key is ensuring your face is clearly visible without harsh shadows or being washed out. Proper lighting is more important than an expensive camera for creating professional-looking videos.
Is it better to batch record multiple videos in one day or create them one at a time?
Batch recording multiple videos in one session is significantly more efficient for most business owners. Once you're set up with your equipment, lighting, and in the right mindset, leverage that momentum to create 3-4 videos using the same formula. This approach saves setup time, helps maintain consistent energy across videos, and builds a content buffer that allows you to maintain a regular posting schedule even during busy periods.Add to Conversation
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