YouTube SEO: Effective Tips to Rank Your Videos
What is YouTube SEO?
YouTube SEO is the process of optimizing your videos to rank higher in YouTube and Google search results. The process starts by finding the actual search terms people use when looking for videos on YouTube and using these keywords in your video title, description, tags, and content.
With SEO for YouTube, you can produce videos that people want to see, maximize the exposure of your videos, and get more views and channel subscribers.
How to Rank YouTube Videos?
Optimize your Channel Description and Keywords
The first step is to do keyword research to find the search terms that people are using.
There are a variety of ways and tools that you can use to perform keyword research on YouTube.
Start by going to YouTube and typing something that you want to make a video for into the search bar.
As you enter your words, YouTube will display a list of popular searches that include the keyword.
You can use these as a starting point for discovering the search terms viewers are using.
Optimize your Video Titles
The next step is to optimize your video titles by adding your target keywords. Look to add your main keyword to the beginning of the title as it will make it clear to YouTube and viewers that the video is related to their search query.
It’s also important to match your video title to the search intent of the target keyword. If someone is searching for a term with informational intent, you can use a title like “how to” as a way to signal to the viewer that your video contains instructions and information.
Optimize your Video Descriptions
After you optimize your title, you’ll need to do the same for your descriptions.
The YouTube video description is where you tell viewers what your video is about. YouTube also uses it to understand your videos, making it an important SEO factor.
Make videos that are engaging
One of the most important ranking factors in the YouTube search engine is User Engagement. Along with the optimization of Titles & Descriptions, you also need to pay special attention to the quality of videos you are producing.
No matter how well your videos are optimized for SEO, if your digital video does not result in user engagement, it is unlikely to rank higher.
Make sure you know your target audience and then create videos that will appeal to them. The end goal is to keep your digital user engaged which will result in more likes and shares. And eventually, better rankings!
Eye-striking thumbnails
Here’s where you need to use your creativity. Put yourself in the user’s shoes and decide on what thumbnail would convince you to open the video.
Your thumbnails should catch the eye of the user and stand out from your competitors. DO NOT use clickbait thumbnails. Some people create a thumbnail which isn’t even a part of the marketing video. You might get that click, but the user will immediately go back if he is disappointed.
Promote Your Video on Social Media
Promoting your videos on social media channels is one of the most important elements of YouTube SEO. Optimizing your YouTube video is quite similar to optimizing any blog. The more views you get, the higher you rank.
Hence, you must get as many eyes on your video and convert them into organic views. Best way to get this broad range? Social media marketing channels.