# How to Set Up a YouTube Channel for Your Business
In today’s digital landscape, video isn't just an option; it’s a necessity for Australian small businesses. With YouTube being the second largest search engine in the world, having a professional presence allows you to build trust, showcase your expertise, and reach local customers who are actively searching for your services.
Why This Matters
For a Brisbane-based tradie, a boutique shop in Melbourne, or a consultant in Sydney, YouTube provides a platform to demonstrate value before a customer even picks up the phone. A well-optimised channel acts as a 24/7 salesperson, improving your SEO and giving your brand a human face.---
Prerequisites: What You’ll Need Before Starting
Before we dive into the technical steps, ensure you have the following ready:- A Google Account: Ideally, use a dedicated business email rather than your personal Gmail.
- Brand Assets: A high-resolution logo (800 x 800 pixels) and a channel banner (2560 x 1440 pixels).
- Business Description: A short paragraph explaining what you do and where you operate (mentioning your Australian service areas helps with local SEO).
- A Mobile Phone: For account verification (to unlock features like custom thumbnails).
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Step 1: Create a Brand Account
Do not simply use your personal profile to upload business videos. You need a Brand Account. This allows multiple people to manage the channel without sharing your personal password.- Sign in to YouTube on a computer.
- Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Click on Add or manage your channel(s).
- Click Create a Channel.
- Enter your Business Name.
Screenshot Description: You should see a box titled "Create your channel name." Beneath it, there is a checkbox regarding Google Account settings. Ensure your business name is spelled correctly and reflects your registered Australian business name.
Step 2: Basic Branding Setup
First impressions count. You want your channel to look like a professional extension of your website.- Click on Customise Channel (this opens YouTube Studio).
- Go to the Branding tab.
- Profile Picture: Upload your logo. It will appear as a circle, so ensure your text isn't cut off at the corners.
- Banner Image: This is your "billboard." Include your website URL and a call to action (e.g., "New videos every Tuesday").
- Video Watermark: Upload a small version of your logo or a "Subscribe" button that appears in the corner of your videos.
Step 3: Fill Out the 'Basic Info' for Local SEO
This is where many Australian businesses fail. You need to tell Google exactly who you are and where you serve.- In YouTube Studio, under Customisation, click Basic Info.
- Description: Write a compelling bio. Use keywords like "Plumber in Brisbane" or "Accountant in Perth" within the first two sentences.
- Add Links: Add links to your website, Facebook page, and Instagram. These will appear as icons over your banner image.
- Contact Info: Add your business email address so potential leads can reach out directly.
Step 4: Enable Intermediate Features (Verification)
To upload videos longer than 15 minutes or use custom thumbnails, you must verify your account.- Go to Settings (bottom left gear icon in YouTube Studio).
- Click Channel > Feature Eligibility.
- Under Intermediate features, click Verify phone number.
- Select Australia as your country, enter your mobile number, and enter the code sent via SMS.
Step 5: Set Channel Defaults
Save time on future uploads by setting defaults that apply to every video.- In Settings, go to Upload Defaults.
- Description: Add a standard sign-off, your ABN (optional but builds trust), and links to your contact page: https://lmgroup.au/contact.
- Visibility: Set this to 'Private' or 'Unlisted' by default. This gives you time to check your video before it goes live to the public.
Step 6: Customise Your Layout
Once you have videos, you’ll want to organise them so the most important content is at the top.- Under Customisation > Layout, add a Channel Trailer for people who haven't subscribed.
- Add Featured Sections. We recommend starting with a "Popular Uploads" row and a row for specific services (e.g., "Case Studies" or "How-To Guides").
Step 7: Organise with Playlists
Playlists help with "watch time" (a key ranking factor). Create playlists based on your service categories.- In the left menu, select Playlists.
- Click New Playlist.
- Give it a keyword-rich title like "Home Renovation Tips Brisbane."
Step 8: Final Privacy and Community Review
- Go to Settings > Community.
- Add "Blocked Words." This is vital for protecting your brand from spam or inappropriate comments. List common spam terms or competitor names if you wish to hold those comments for review.
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Pro Tips for Australian Businesses
- The 15-Second Hook: Australian audiences value authenticity. Don't start with a long intro animation; tell them exactly what they will learn in the first 15 seconds.
- Local Landmarks: If you are a local service provider, film some B-roll (background footage) near recognisable local landmarks. It signals to both viewers and Google that you are truly a local business.
- ABN in About Section: While not mandatory, including your Australian Business Number in the long-form description can add a layer of legitimacy for B2B services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a Personal Account: If you ever hire a marketing agency like Local Marketing Group to help with your video SEO, you don't want to give them your personal Gmail password. Always use a Brand Account.
- Ignoring Thumbnails: The thumbnail is more important than the title. Use high-contrast colours and clear text.
- Inconsistent Posting: It is better to post once a month consistently than five times in one week and then disappear for six months.
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Troubleshooting
Q: I can't upload a custom thumbnail. A: This is almost always because you haven't completed the phone verification in Step 4. Check your 'Feature Eligibility' status in settings. Q: My banner looks weird on mobile. A: YouTube banners are responsive. The "Safe Area" is the middle 1546 x 423 pixels. Keep all your text and logos in that center box to ensure they don't get cut off on smartphones. Q: I can't see the 'Brand Account' option. A: Ensure you are signed in as the owner of the Google Account. If you are using a Workspace (formerly G Suite) account, your administrator may have restricted YouTube channel creation.---
Next Steps
Now that your channel is set up, it’s time to create your first piece of content! We recommend starting with a "Frequently Asked Questions" video. Think of the top five questions your customers ask you and answer them on camera.Need help developing a video strategy that actually generates leads? Contact the team at Local Marketing Group to discuss how we can help you dominate the Brisbane market through professional video marketing.