What’s the biggest mistake businesses make on YouTube?
The number one mistake businesses make on YouTube is being too promotional. Many business owners approach YouTube the same way they would a traditional advertisement, by talking about their company name, their services, and why they’re the best. The problem is, no one goes to YouTube to watch commercials. Viewers are there to learn, be entertained, or solve a problem. If your videos start with self-promotion, you lose attention before you’ve even had the chance to deliver value.
Think about how people use YouTube. They’re typing in questions, tutorials, reviews, and solutions. They’re not typing in your business name, especially if they’ve never heard of you. That’s why leading with promotional content is a recipe for wasted time and low views.
At Showcase Phoenix, we’ve seen this mistake repeated across industries. Business owners pour money and effort into polished videos that sound like ads, but they fail to resonate with the very audience they want to reach.
Why promoting your business doesn’t work on YouTube
Promoting your business directly doesn’t work on YouTube because people aren’t searching for you, they’re searching for solutions. Until your audience knows you exist, they aren’t going to type in your brand name. Instead, they’re typing in phrases like “best burgers near me,” “how to fix a cracked rim,” or “tips for buying a luxury home.”
Imagine a restaurant called Bob’s Burgers. If Bob makes videos that just promote “Bob’s Burgers,” no one finds them because no one is searching for that name. But if Bob makes videos about “best burgers in Phoenix” or “how to cook a juicy burger at home,” he’s meeting people where they are. Once the viewer learns from Bob and sees his authority, they naturally discover Bob’s Burgers as the place to go.
This principle applies to every high-trust business in Phoenix, whether you’re a pool builder, real estate agent, or cosmetic surgeon. If you focus on showcasing the solution, your business gets discovered organically as the trusted provider behind the solution.
How to create solution-focused YouTube content
The best way to win on YouTube is to create educational, solution-focused content that answers the exact questions your customers are asking. Instead of introducing yourself with a sales pitch, dive right into demonstrating, teaching, or showcasing something your audience cares about.
For example, one Showcase Phoenix client created videos about tire machines and repair tools. At no point did he need to explain his business name or give a sales pitch. The content spoke for itself, viewers quickly understood that he worked with tires and wheels. By focusing on the demonstration, the videos reached tens of thousands (and in some cases millions) of viewers.
Here are a few practical tips to shift from promotional to educational YouTube content:
- Start your video with a hook: show the tool, the problem, or the result right away.
- Frame your video around the solution, not the service list.
- Make it clear, engaging, and conversational, people connect with people, not commercials.
- Let your expertise be implied through the content instead of stated in the introduction.
By consistently answering questions and solving problems through your videos, you naturally position yourself as the authority without ever needing to “sell” directly.
Real examples of YouTube videos that get views
Educational, curiosity-driven videos get views because they give people what they came to YouTube for: answers and entertainment.
One of our clients went from under 200 subscribers to over 15,000 by focusing on this strategy. His content didn’t talk about his business, instead, it highlighted the tools, processes, and interesting insights from his work. Videos like “Welcome to my $35,000 tire machine” pulled in hundreds of thousands of views because they sparked curiosity and delivered value immediately.
In contrast, when businesses create content that starts with “Welcome to [Business Name], here’s what we do,” the results are dismal. These videos often stall at just a few hundred views because they don’t capture attention or deliver a clear solution. The difference is night and day, and it comes down to whether the video is designed for the customer’s needs or the business’s ego.
The proof is in the numbers. Educational content consistently outperforms promotional content, generating views in the tens of thousands and even crossing into the millions. That visibility then translates into brand recognition and trust.
What local businesses should do instead
Instead of making promotional YouTube videos, local businesses should create content that teaches, entertains, and solves customer problems. Your audience will learn what you do simply by watching you do it. You don’t have to spell it out, your expertise will shine through the demonstration.
Think about the common questions your customers ask. Build content around those. If you’re a contractor, make videos about materials, design trends, or cost-saving tips. If you’re a dentist, create videos about whitening options or oral health myths. If you’re a realtor, share advice on negotiating or spotting red flags in a home purchase. Each piece of content should answer a question that’s already in your customer’s mind.
Consistency is the other key. One great video won’t change your business overnight. But by publishing regularly, you compound your authority, visibility, and lead flow over time. That’s exactly what we help our clients achieve at Showcase Phoenix, a repeatable system that generates qualified leads while positioning them as the trusted local expert.
When you shift your focus from “selling your business” to “solving problems,” you’ll see higher engagement, more subscribers, and ultimately more customers choosing you because you’re the authority they already trust.
Ready to turn YouTube into a lead-generating authority machine? Work with Showcase Phoenix to plan, film, and launch videos that actually grow your business. Visit ShowcasePhoenix.com to get started.
