Jun 21, 2021 [[read-time]] minute read
Located in tiny Dripping Springs, Texas, just west of Austin, Barton Springs Mill, an organic heritage grain and corn distributor, made a living selling stone-milled flours to their small community of restaurants and bakeries. As the realities of the pandemic set in, founder James Brown uploaded a video to YouTube to let their community know “We’re still here!” and open for business — pivoting from a wholesale model to selling online directly to customers.
They began uploading bread-baking tutorial videos, teaching bakers in the area how best to use their grains. Soon, their explainers and tutorial videos were being watched by people around the world, curious about sourdough starter, which flour to buy and how to use specialty grains. Over a year later, Barton Springs Mill continues to grow their channel with a variety of bread recipe videos and a weekly series titled, “Ask your Miller Mondays.”
We’ve been astonished and heartened by stories from Barton Springs Mill’s and many others over the past year: small companies on YouTube showing remarkable resilience and innovating ways to connect with customers and grow their businesses.
“According to survey data, 72% of small businesses in the U.S. state that YouTube helps them boost their online presence.”
We’re dedicating an entire day to helping businesses grow their YouTube presence, and it’s all happening on Thursday, June 24, at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET, on the Google for Small Business channel.
We're also committed to making it easier for small businesses to use video to reach their customers. Last year we introduced Video Builder, a free tool that allows small businesses to quickly set up a video ad using just two images and a logo. Today we’re introducing a faster, easier way to create video ad campaigns on YouTube. Just add the video ad, the audiences you want to reach and your budget to launch a campaign in minutes. And with the new mobile experience, you can now more easily measure campaign performance. Access the new experience today at youtube.com/ads.
According to survey data, 72% of small businesses in the U.S. state that YouTube helps them boost their online presence1, using it as a tool to spotlight their products and services. A unique aspect of YouTube is that it allows the human stories behind these enterprises to shine through, building a connection to audiences who become invested in their narratives and success.
YouTube Small Biz Day will be hosted by Blogilates founder Cassey Ho, who has built and expanded her business on YouTube for over 11 years. With over 5 million subscribers and 800 million views, Ho’s channel has connected with audiences due in large part to her authenticity and candor, establishing her as a trusted brand for viewers.
Alongside Cassey Ho, Small Biz Day will feature YouTube creators and business owners Molly Burke, Erin on Demand, and TheDomesticGeek. These creators, alongside a selection of small business owners, will share their experiences and advice via insightful panel conversations, an instructive how-to workshop, and helpful resources.
Also, starting at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET, tune in to a live shopping experience on YouTube. Shop from a select group of small businesses with one-of-a-kind fashion and beauty products, delectable foods, unique lifestyle items, and more!
Stories of Resilience: Join creator Molly Burke and the creative minds behind MCC Theater and CurlMix to learn how they pivoted their businesses during the pandemic and used YouTube to connect with their customers.
Secrets to Success on YouTube: Join creator Erin on Demand and the inspiring owner behind Winding Wick Candles as they share tips and tricks to getting started and standing out on YouTube.
AAVANI: Holistic beauty inspired by Indian skincare rituals.
Scrub Inspired: Environmentally friendly and sustainably made skincare products.
Hibear: Veteran-owned business and maker of the All-Day Adventure Flask.
Progeny Coffee: A sustainable and ethically responsible coffee company.
Barton Springs Mill: Fresh stone-milled Texas grains that elevate and enhance every recipe.
Salsa Queen: Fresh, gourmet salsas that are preservative-free and bursting with bold flavors.
Red Land Cotton: Sheets, towels, and linens made with sustainable methods from an Alabama family farm.
Go to the YouTube Small Biz Day site to see the full agenda, learn more about the participating businesses, explore resources, and save the date. See you on June 24!
1Source: Google/Ipsos, YouTube small business study, US, 2020, n=866
Google is not responsible for activities and purchases made from 3rd party merchants which are governed by the respective 3rd party merchant's terms and conditions (including their Privacy Policy). Brand descriptions were provided by the businesses and are not verified or endorsed by YouTube.