Why YouTube Crushes Every Other B2B Marketing Channel
Apr 2, 2025
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In this conversation, Erik Jacobson, an expert from Hatch specializing in YouTube strategies for B2B companies, reveals why YouTube is the ultimate marketing channel. He discusses how many B2B firms mismanage their YouTube presence, the vital differences between merely uploading videos and executing a comprehensive strategy, and the importance of thumbnails and titles over video production quality. With insights on leveraging YouTube's algorithm and fostering authenticity, Erik shares how marketers can genuinely engage new audiences and drive real business results.
YouTube is an underutilized B2B marketing channel that drives visibility and engagement more effectively than other platforms like LinkedIn.
Companies often misuse YouTube by treating it as a video dump, failing to invest in crucial elements like thumbnails and titles.
Leveraging YouTube data can provide valuable audience insights, allowing businesses to refine their marketing strategies across various channels.
Deep dives
The Shift to YouTube in B2B Marketing
YouTube is increasingly recognized as a crucial platform for B2B marketing, offering expansive opportunities for businesses to reach their target audiences. As compared to other channels like LinkedIn and blogs, B2B companies face relatively less competition on YouTube, making it a 'blue ocean' for content creation. The importance of adapting to this shift is highlighted by the fact that many companies have only recently begun to see YouTube as more than just a repository for video content; it is now pivotal for strategic distribution. Therefore, companies are encouraged to develop targeted content specifically aimed at driving results on YouTube to keep pace with current trends.
YouTube's Unique Challenges
Creating content for YouTube comes with specific challenges that can deter many B2B companies from fully engaging with the platform. Often, organizations mistakenly treat YouTube merely as a platform to upload videos without understanding the significant effort required post-publishing, such as optimizing thumbnails, titles, and CTAs. These elements are crucial for capturing viewer attention and ensuring higher click-through rates, which are vital for gaining traction on the platform. The emphasis on detailed strategy and presentation underscores the need for content creators to invest time and resources into mastering YouTube's nuances.
Data-Driven Insights from YouTube Content
One of the significant advantages of leveraging YouTube for B2B marketing is the wealth of data it provides compared to traditional podcast platforms. YouTube allows creators to analyze metrics such as viewer duration and drop-off points, enabling actionable insights into audience engagement. This data-driven approach fosters a better understanding of what content resonates with viewers, encouraging continuous improvement and refinement of marketing strategies. By treating YouTube content as a learning tool, companies can enhance their overall content strategies across multiple channels, boosting the effectiveness of their marketing efforts.
Integrating YouTube with Other Platforms
YouTube should not be viewed as an isolated content platform but rather as part of a broader marketing ecosystem that includes podcasts, LinkedIn, and newsletters. Companies can maximize their reach and impact by repurposing long-form video content into shorter clips and adapting the messaging to fit each platform's audience. For B2B marketers, it is essential to tailor the content for each channel—for example, introducing topics quickly on YouTube while allowing for more depth in podcasts. This integrated approach not only increases efficiency but also leverages the strengths of each platform to enhance overall audience engagement.
Setting Realistic Success Metrics
Understanding success metrics in the context of YouTube and B2B marketing is crucial for setting realistic expectations. Companies need to assess their total addressable market (TAM) to determine what 'successful' view numbers look like—10 views could be significant if that represents a meaningful percentage of a small, targeted audience. Furthermore, firms should recognize that even minimal engagement on YouTube can greatly enhance total audience reach when combined with other marketing efforts. This calls for a balanced approach that values qualitative engagement over sheer quantity to build trust and establish lasting relationships with audiences.
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Think YouTube is just for creators? Think again. In this episode, we’re breaking down why YouTube is the most underrated (and powerful) B2B marketing channel in 2025 and beyond.
I’m joined by Erik Jacobson, and we cover exactly why YouTube isn’t just another place to upload videos. Iit’s a full-blown distribution engine that can drive visibility, engagement, and real business results.
In this episode, we cover:
Why most B2B companies are doing YouTube completely wrong
The difference between dumping content and using a real YouTube strategy
How YouTube’s algorithm helps you reach net new audiences (unlike podcasts or blogs)
What B2B marketers need to learn from creators
Why thumbnails and titles matter more than your production quality