In my last post  -  Branding Your YouTube Channel: Part 1 -  we went through the steps to setting up your new YouTube Directors Channel.

Now you're ready to start branding your channel.

Once you've logged into the site, click the Account link at the top of the page. You'll be taken to your account page where you'll be presented with lots of options.

The section we'll focus on will be Manage My Channel. The first item on the list is Channel Info.

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Channel Info:
Your URL has already been decided (username at sign up), but take note so you can tell people your custom YouTube address. You can also fill in a Title, channel Description, and set your Comment options. Be sure to click the Update Channel button, and the new details will be saved.

* all these options can easily be changed in the future, so don't sweat the decision as to whether or not to accept comments or not, or the bulletins feature, etc.

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Channel Design:
This section is a big one - lots of color options, radio buttons - it looks scary.

The first choice is to Select a Theme - which is basically the main colors. Choose your colors based on your own personal branding or your agency. If those aren't available, or are the wrong shades - don't worry, the advanced customization is below.

Next is Layout Properties. The options are on the left, and a preview window is on the right to view your changes as you make them.

Make your own decisions as to what you want to keep, but if you're looking to keep it simple and basic (good), I'd uncheck almost all of the options. Remove the contests, bulletins, video log box - all unnecessary and distracting.

I'd keep the Featured Video and the Videos Box - Grid. Maybe Subscribers.

Halfway down is Advanced Design Customization.

This is where you can really take the look of your channel up a notch. If the nine color options (from theme) aren't working working you, you can edit the background color, text and link colors, box properties and text colors. Use the color picker, or punch in your color codes for bonus branding points.

One of the great features is that you can add a background image to your channel. It's only partially great because the image needs to be hosted somewhere else... you can't upload your background. But if you've got an image online somewhere, plug in the URL and it will start showing up as your background image.

There's also an option to Repeat Background Image - and a Yes or No radio button.

BONUS -If you don't want your image to repeat, click the yes option??? Not a typo. It's reversed for some reason. Or I'm misinterpreting. But if you want the background image to appear just once, on the left of the screen, just say yes.

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Organize Videos:
If you chose the Video Box - Grid option in Channel Design, and if you have more than one video, this is where you can arrange your videos in the order you like. A particularly useful feature if you have lots of videos. Put your most important or featured ones at the top, rearrange the order whenever you like. The grid holds nine videos, if you've got more then the rest will be accessible through Videos link on your channel. You can always swap selections in and out of the grid once you've got a lot of content.

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Personal Information:
In this section, you can add in more personal information about yourself, your agency or your community. Much more than the general channel description.

The first option is your channel Profile Picture. You have two choices - use a thumbnail from one of your videos, or upload your own image. I've found the images end up a little choppy, so you may want to experiment with sizes. Or stick with a video thumbnail if it works.

There's more fields for you name, bio, occupation, interests... fill in what you're comfortable with. I usually stick to copies or modifications of my other web profiles. Good branding, and people aren't looking for that much info. Keep the full bios for your web site or blog.

Speaking of blogs... there is a place for your web or blog address - be sure to fill that in - free link!

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Performer Info:
You can fill in your "Director Details" here if you want, but I'd skip over this section. Redundant.

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Location Info:
All real estate is local. Location, location, location. This section explains itself.

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Advanced Options:
This is one of the Director bonuses - another chance to add an external URL, and a separate URL title. You deserve it, you're a Director.

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Channel URL:
This is the last option on the list, and is actually a non-option. It's more a reminder of what your custom URL is, because it's been decided with your username. Still good to know, and besides, you're probably sick of options at this point :)

Here's my custom URL: http://www.youtube.com/realagentblogs

Have some fun, and remember: it can always be changed later. There's no harm in experimenting.

Start broadcasting yourself!

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