1. First, one of the most common forms of You Tube advertising seems to be promoting a link with an associated video. That can include affiliate tools that provide you with a video with a website link either off to the side or even within the video itself. By setting your video up with an attractive title you will likely draw in an audience to check out whatever it is your shamelessly peddling.
2. Another way to use You Tube to promote yourself if you are an artist, musician, film-maker, painter, even a sculpter -you can use this tool as an outlet to make a video to promote your work. Put a link up on the video's page leading them back to your site or more of your work. Who knows the right person could see your work and get you a job, sale, agent, or even signed!!!!
3. If you lack the tools to make a video, you can find several free video editing softwares on download.com. And if you don't have a means for recording video you can go to your favorite search engine and type 'Stock video sites' And likely find a plethora of relevant videos to suit your needs. Read all rules and agreements for using stock footage carefully before doing so. Many have non-commercial licenses, some want royalties or a one time fee, some don't allow the footage to be edited -so if you're going the 'stock video footage' route -do so discerningly! Then use your video editing software to build a video with the images and footage you have and put a few text slides into your video to get your message across.
4. Now go back to your You Tube account and upload your video to your channel!!!! Don't forget to fill out all the information, keywords, titles, ect. to further increase your exposure!!!!
5. Now see, that wasn't so hard -you don't even have to have a camera and you can still promote yourself on You Tube!!!! Of course, it is preferable that you do -and you can build a bad reputation for yourself and your videos if you are known for making visual garbage. Put a little effort into though, and you should do fine for whatever promotional means you are attempting!
6. Don't give up!!!! Keep making videos!!!! Keep putting your name out there!!!! Keep putting your product or link out there!!!! Good luck!!!! Persevere!!!!