As a business, we all want to achieve higher rankings in Google. Search engine optimisation is essential for all types of content. In this article, we’ll provide you with some key tips to improve your YouTube SEO so you can get started.
Use Your Keywords In Title
Using your target keywords in the file name of your video is just as important as using them in an image for any content type. Search tools, such as Keysearch, can help you determine which keywords to target. Before uploading your video file to YouTube, you need to put your keywords in your video file first. You see YouTube can’t watch your video to determine how relevant it is to your target keyword; however, YouTube is capable of reading your video’s file name, as well as all the associated code when it’s uploaded. For example if uploading a how-to YouTube video, name the file with appropriate keywords might be, ‘How To Make Gluten Free Bread, or Kitchen cleaning Tips will named as a file: how-to-make-gluten-free-bread and kitchen-cleaning-tips followed by the type of file it is. YouTube file names are MOV and MP4.
Video Description
The description character limit for YouTube videos is 1,000 characters, according to Google. While the space is there to be used, it is also important to consider why viewers come, which is not to read, but to watch videos. You will be able to see up to three lines of text, which are approximately 100 characters long, which is something to be mindful of. Put the important stuff in these three lines to include links or any call-to-action points. Never use inaccurate descriptions or titles to lure in viewers. YouTube will penalise this type of practice.
A Natural Fit
Keywords play an important role in your video title; follow the search terms closely in the title as well. Consider what people are likely to Google in order to find your video organically, and incorporate this into your keywords for a natural and beneficial fit. It is the title that will entice a viewer to click into your video. As well, it is imperative to recognise that search results will cut off a title after 60 characters. Therefore, work within that frame so that all the information you are trying to convey is there, so your audience clicks on and not away. Within these character limits, a match must be determined.
Using Tags
Using tags serves two helpful purposes. It allows readers to gage quickly what your video is about and it also does the same for YouTube itself. YouTube will then make sure that your video is associated with similar videos, which can increase the reach of your content. You can also categorise your video in the advanced settings for this purpose to. However, you should be careful when choosing your tags. It is not a good move to use a tag that is irrelevant for the purpose of getting more views. As with any good SEO practice, use the most relevant keywords first, so those that are commonly searched. Long-tail keywords are also beneficial.
Thumbnail Images
YouTube will create a thumbnail image for you automatically when you upload your video, but creating a custom thumbnail is advised. When potential viewers are scrolling through a visit of videos, this is the image they will see so you want to optimise this moment to entice the views. Make sure you stand out from the crowd. All you have to do is make sure your account is verified and you can get started.
Video Transcript
If you want to boost your video’s SEO, transcription is probably one of the best ways. A transcript is a transcription of the text in the closed captions of your video. Transcripts can also be included within the comments under the video. This is hugely beneficial because Google will trawl the text found here for rankings and it helps those with hearing difficulties to follow your video. You should also include time stamps in the description or comment section of the transcript so that those who need answers right away can jump to the timestamp and read it.
To read more helpful articles for social media practices to improve SEO and your audience’s reach, click here.
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