Whether you’re simply posting your videos on YouTube or using Google AdWords to run a video ad campaign, taking a few extra steps will make your videos easier to find and share. Follow our seven tips for YouTube video optimization and take advantage of all that YouTube and videos have to offer.
1. Optimize keywords and titles
Before you make each video, ask yourself, “What is the keyword for this video?” Each video should have a unique keyword. If you give multiple videos the same keyword then they will be competing with each other for eyeballs. Once you’ve determined the keyword for your video and created the video – be sure to use the keyword in the title and in the description. But be natural. Don’t stuff the word in there multiple times just so that it’s there a lot. Google knows when you’re not writing naturally or are stuffing keywords. They will penalize you for this.
2. Content in king
How does Google match a search query with a list of websites on its results page? The exact formula Google uses to do this is a closely-guarded secret, but in general it looks at the term being searched and tries to match it with websites whose content it judges to best address the searched term. Same is true on YouTube. Since YouTube has no way of understanding video content, it looks to the title, description and tag. You need to provide this information.
3. Tagging tips for YouTube video optimization
Tags can be up to 120 characters long. We recommend that you use about 10 tags, but don’t go overboard. Include your keyword phrase, and consider using your brand, city, and relevant topics. Use both plural and singular keywords. By using tagging with related topics and keywords you can help your videos to appear under “related content.” This will provide you with another way to reach viewers who are watching other videos or not actively searching for your content.
4. Closed-captioning
YouTube doesn’t understand video content, and Google can’t see what you’re doing or hear what you’re saying. We recommend typing out all the words said in the video and uploading them as closed-captioning. Watch this video which explains how to create closed-captioning.
5. Always include a call to action
What do we want people to do after watching your video? If you want them to call, then state that “call to action” in the description of the video – and ideally, as the final seconds of the video. The viewer has watched the video. Now tell them what their next step should be.
6. Create a channel trailer
Watch this video that explains how to create a channel trailer.
7. Always include a playlist URL when sharing
Once one video is watched on YouTube, you may want the next one on your channel to start automatically. If so, when you promote a new video on a social media platform, make sure to share the complete playlist URL rather than the single video URL.
Let us know if this YouTube video optimization article was helpful by leaving a comment below. And if you’re interested in having us optimize your YouTube video, email us or call (518) 392-0846.