Do I need to own a small business to create this content?

It helps enormously. Experience running any small business — even a side hustle — gives you credibility and practical knowledge that viewers can sense. If you've worked as a consultant or service provider for small businesses, that experience also qualifies.

What CPM does small business content earn?

US small business content earns $18-$40 CPM. The audience attracts B2B SaaS, business insurance, and financial services advertisers who pay premium rates. Affiliate revenue from business tools often exceeds ad revenue.

How do I compete with channels like SCORE or SBA's official content?

Government and nonprofit content is thorough but often dry and generic. You compete by being specific, practical, and personality-driven. Show real examples, use conversational language, and focus on the implementation rather than the theory.

Is the audience big enough for small business content?

33 million small businesses is an enormous audience. And they're underserved on YouTube compared to startup and tech audiences. The demand-to-supply ratio is heavily in your favor, especially for industry-specific content.

Guide

Small BusinessYouTubeUSA

How to Start a Small Business Tips YouTube Channel in the US (2026 Guide)

There are 33.2 million small businesses in the US employing 62 million people. These business owners are hungry for practical advice on marketing, operations, finances, and growth — but most YouTube business content focuses on startups and tech companies. The local bakery owner, HVAC contractor, and boutique shop owner are massively underserved on YouTube. This is a huge opportunity for creators who understand main street business realities.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Step-by-Step Guide

Define your small business expertise

Choose between marketing, operations/finance, or growth strategy. If you've run a small business, lean into the type of business you know best — service businesses, retail, food service, or professional services.

Create practical, implementable content

Every video should end with the viewer being able to do something they couldn't do before. 'How to set up Google Business Profile' is better than 'Why Google matters for your business.'

Use real examples and real numbers

Show actual Google Business Profile setups, real QuickBooks workflows, and genuine marketing results. Small business owners don't have time for theory.

Build industry-specific content

Create content for specific business types: 'Marketing for restaurants,' 'SEO for contractors,' 'Social media for boutiques.' Specificity drives loyalty and conversion.

Establish service and affiliate revenue

Offer consulting services and join affiliate programs for every tool you recommend. Small business tool affiliates pay well because the tools have high customer lifetime values.

Why small business content is underserved and profitable

Most YouTube business content ignores the 33 million small businesses that make up 99.9% of US companies.

The underserved audience:
- 33.2 million small businesses in the US
- 62% have fewer than 5 employees
- They need help with marketing, bookkeeping, hiring, legal compliance, and operations
- They search YouTube for practical how-to content, not theoretical business strategy

Revenue potential:
- CPM range: $18-$40 (small business SaaS tools, insurance, banking all advertise)
- Affiliate programs: Bookkeeping software, POS systems, website builders, business insurance
- Local business tool affiliates: Square ($20-$40), QuickBooks ($25-$55), Yelp advertising
- Consulting: Small business coaching at $100-$300/hour

Why tech-focused business channels miss this audience:
A restaurant owner doesn't care about ARR or Series A rounds. They want to know how to manage their Google Business Profile, handle Yelp reviews, set up employee payroll, and get more foot traffic. This practical, ground-level content has massive demand and almost no competition.

Content strategy for small business channels

Marketing for local businesses (highest demand):
1. "Google Business Profile optimization — get more customers from Google search"
2. "How to get more reviews on Google and Yelp (without being annoying)"
3. "Facebook ads for local businesses — $10/day strategy that works"
4. "Instagram marketing for small business — what actually drives sales"
5. "How to build a small business website in 2026 (without coding)"

Operations and finance:
6. "QuickBooks setup for small business — complete tutorial"
7. "How to do payroll for your small business (legally)"
8. "Small business taxes 101 — what you need to know"
9. "How to price your services — the formula most businesses get wrong"

Growth and strategy:
10. "How to hire your first employee — the complete guide"
11. "Small business insurance explained — what you actually need"
12. "Should you form an LLC? Legal structure for small businesses"

Shorts:
- "The free marketing tool every small business should use"
- "Stop underpricing your services — here's why"
- "One Google trick that gets you more customers"

Connecting with the small business audience

Small business owners are time-starved and practical. Your content must respect that.

What small business owners want:
- Actionable steps they can implement today (not next quarter)
- Solutions that don't require hiring specialists
- Realistic budgets ($100-$1,000, not $10,000+)
- Plain language, no jargon or buzzwords
- Specific to their type of business when possible

Credibility builders:
- Own or have owned a small business yourself
- Show real examples from real businesses (with permission)
- Include actual costs, timelines, and expected results
- Acknowledge that small business advice differs from startup advice
- Understand that a plumber's marketing needs differ from a SaaS company's

Sub-niche opportunities:
- Content specifically for service businesses (contractors, cleaners, consultants)
- Restaurant and food service business content
- Retail and e-commerce for small shops
- Professional services (lawyers, accountants, doctors opening practices)
- Home-based businesses and solopreneurs

Monetization aligned with small business needs

Small business content monetizes through tools these businesses actually use.

Software affiliates:
- POS systems: Square ($20-$40), Toast, Clover
- Accounting: QuickBooks ($25-$55), FreshBooks, Wave
- Website builders: Squarespace ($100-$200), Wix, GoDaddy
- Email marketing: Mailchimp, Constant Contact ($10-$30 per signup)
- Scheduling: Calendly, Acuity, Jane (for service businesses)

Business services affiliates:
- Business formation: LegalZoom, ZenBusiness ($15-$30 per filing)
- Business insurance: Next Insurance, Hiscox ($25-$50 per policy)
- Payroll: Gusto ($50-$100 per account), ADP
- Business banking: Mercury, Relay ($50-$100 per account)

Sponsorships:
- Small business SaaS companies: $1,500-$8,000 per video at 50K subscribers
- Local marketing platforms, inventory management tools

Services:
- Small business coaching/consulting: $100-$300/hour
- Google Business Profile optimization services: $200-$500
- Marketing audits and strategy sessions: $300-$1,000

Use FluxNote to create Shorts with quick small business tips — these bite-sized marketing and operations tips are perfect for time-strapped business owners scrolling during breaks.

Pro Tips

Google Business Profile content is the single most valuable topic for small business channels — it's free, massively searched, and every local business needs it
Create content for specific industries whenever possible — 'Marketing for plumbers' converts better than 'Marketing for small business' because it feels personally relevant
Keep videos under 15 minutes — small business owners are time-pressed and prefer concise, actionable content over comprehensive guides
Seasonal content works well: 'Holiday marketing for small business' (October), 'Tax prep for small business' (January), 'Summer marketing ideas' (May)
Join local small business groups and chambers of commerce — they provide content ideas, collaboration opportunities, and a built-in audience for promotion