EP #27 – Is YouTube Worth It For Your Trades Business? w/ Chirag

Overview

In Episode 27 of the FieldRocket Podcast, host Tulloch Priest sits down with business owner Chirag Panchal to discuss the real impact of social media on the trades industry.

From gaining new customers and building trust to charging for quotes and dealing with online negativity, Chirag shares how creating content has shaped his career and why tradespeople should embrace social media as a tool for growth.

Highlights

Chirag’s background

• (1:30) For Chirag, YouTube started as a hobby. However, it’s not as straightforward as some people think and it can take up a good chunk of time.
• (3:30) Chirag wanted to share what he’s learnt from others, and YouTube provides the opportunity to grow a community.
• (7:35) Chirag’s content is aimed towards other engineers, not customers, as he wanted to find a way to give back.

How YouTube has helped Chirag

• (4:55) Chirag’s YouTube following and community have helped him find work – mainly through referrals and recommendations from other engineers working in slightly different fields.
• (8:30) Having a YouTube following has allowed Chirag to appear more trustworthy to customers as well.
• (11:20) YouTube allows him to show customers what’s involved in a job, which helps justify pricing.
• (20:20) Having a YouTube following comes with other monetary benefits such as brand sponsorships and exposure – but it’s ultimately about organic engagement.

Getting started on YouTube

• (2:27) Initially, doing social media slows you down a bit. But you get faster over time.
• (13:45) Consistency is key with posting, and a sweet spot with video time seems to be 15-30 minutes for gas-related content.
• (15:15) How-to videos are a bit shorter. YouTube videos need to be 8 minutes long to get monetised.
• (15:30) Chirag spends his weekends (at least a few hours per week) editing.
• (17:20) You can start off with just a phone camera as a bit of fun.
• (18:20) Revenue from YouTube is variable, but it is a byproduct of doing something that you enjoy.
• (24:20) Don’t let anyone hold you back if you want to do YouTube or social media. There’s no minimum effort or equipment required to get started.
• (27:10) Social media will always have negativity, but you shouldn’t let it get you down or stop you from trying it out.