In today’s digital landscape, video is no longer just an option; it is a vital tool for building trust and authority. For Australian small businesses, a YouTube channel serves as a 24/7 storefront where you can demonstrate your expertise, showcase your products, and connect with your local community on the world’s second-largest search engine.
Setting up a professional channel correctly from day one ensures your brand looks credible and is easily discoverable by potential customers in Brisbane and beyond. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a YouTube Brand Account—the essential choice for any serious business.
Prerequisites: What You’ll Need
Before we begin, ensure you have the following ready:- A Google Account: Ideally a dedicated business email (e.g., yourbusiness@gmail.com) rather than a personal one.
- Brand Assets: A high-resolution logo (800 x 800 pixels) and a banner image (2048 x 1152 pixels).
- Business Details: Your ABN (for verification if needed later), your website URL, and a brief description of what you do.
- Phone Number: For account verification.
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Step 1: Sign in to Google
Go to YouTube.com. In the top right corner, click Sign In. Use the Google Account you want associated with your business.Pro Tip: Never use your personal Gmail for a business channel. If you ever sell your business or hire a marketing agency like Local Marketing Group to manage it, sharing personal login details creates a security nightmare.
Step 2: Create a Channel (The Brand Account Way)
Don't just click "Create a Channel" from the user menu immediately, as this often creates a personal channel tied to your name. Instead:- Click on your profile icon in the top right.
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Create a new channel (or "Add or manage your channel(s)").
- Select Create a Channel.
Step 3: Name Your Brand Account
You will see a screen asking for a "Brand Account Name".- Description of what you see: A simple text box with a prompt to enter your channel name.
- Action: Enter your business name exactly as it appears on your storefront or website. Check the box acknowledging the Google Account settings and click Create.
Step 4: Basic Customisation in YouTube Studio
Once the channel is created, you’ll be taken to your empty channel dashboard. Click the blue Customise Channel button. This opens YouTube Studio, the backend where all the magic happens.Step 5: Upload Your Branding Elements
In YouTube Studio, click on the Branding tab. Here you will upload:- Picture: Your business logo. Ensure it is centered as it will be cropped into a circle.
- Banner Image: This is your "billboard." Include your value proposition or your Brisbane location details here.
- Video Watermark: A small icon (usually your logo) that appears in the bottom right of your videos.
Step 6: Fill Out Basic Info
Switch to the Basic Info tab. This is crucial for local SEO:- Handle: Choose a unique @handle that matches your Instagram or Facebook handle (e.g., @YourBusinessBrisbane).
- Description: Write a compelling bio. Use keywords like "Plumber in Brisbane" or "Boutique in Sydney" naturally within the first two sentences.
- Links: Add your website and social media profiles. These will appear as clickable icons on your banner.
Step 7: Feature Eligibility & Verification
To upload videos longer than 15 minutes or use custom thumbnails, you must verify your account.- Go to Settings (bottom left gear icon) > Channel > Feature Eligibility.
- Under Intermediate features, click Verify phone number.
- Follow the prompts to receive an SMS code. This tells Google you are a real person/business and not a bot.
Step 8: Set Your Default Upload Settings
To save time later, go to Settings > Upload defaults.- You can set a standard disclaimer or a link to your Contact Page that will automatically appear in every video description you upload in the future.
Step 9: Add Permissions (Optional but Recommended)
If you have staff or a partner helping you, go to Settings > Permissions. Click Invite and enter their email address. You can assign roles like "Editor" or "Manager" without giving them your primary password.Step 10: The "About" Section and Location
Scroll down in the Basic Info tab to the Contact Info section. Add your business email. Ensure the Location is set to Australia. This helps YouTube recommend your content to a local audience.---
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a Personal Account: If you use a personal account, you cannot add managers later, and your personal name will be the channel name.
- Ignoring the Banner: An empty banner looks unprofessional. Use a free tool like Canva to create a "YouTube Banner" using their templates.
- Keyword Stuffing: Don't just list words in your description. Write for humans first, search engines second.
Troubleshooting
- "The name is taken": Your channel name can be the same as others, but your Handle (@name) must be unique. Try adding your city or "Official" to the handle.
- Banner looks cut off: YouTube banners display differently on mobile, desktop, and TV. Keep your text and logo in the "Safe Area" (the middle 1546 x 423 pixels).
- Cannot upload long videos: This almost always means you haven't completed the phone verification in Step 7.
Next Steps
Now that your house is built, it's time to move in!- Record a Channel Trailer: A 30-60 second video explaining who you are and what viewers can expect.
- Create Playlists: Organise your future videos into categories (e.g., "How-to Guides," "Customer Testimonials").
- Optimise Your First Video: Use a clear title and a high-contrast thumbnail.
If you find the technical setup or video strategy overwhelming, the team at Local Marketing Group is here to help. We specialise in helping Australian businesses find their voice online. Contact us today to discuss your video marketing strategy.