Just because you posting an amazing video doesn’t mean that people will find it. You need to make your video searchable so people can actually find it.
I remember when I used to post videos without putting any effort into SEO. This made it difficult for my followers to find my videos, let alone rank on the platform’s homepage. Frustrated with the results, I invested in tools like Tube Buddy to understand which keywords were trending in my industry, and also researched on Google Keyword planner for other queries that were relevant to my content.
The results were mind-blowing - almost doubled my view counts and engagement. All because I optimized my video SEO. Below are some great ways that you can also improve your video content’s searchability so you can get more views and traffic!
1. Catchy Titles: The Gateway to Clicks and Views
Most people just read headlines these days for news, and same goes with titles and video content. A study by HubSpot found that titles between 41 to 70 characters in length receive the most consistent views. Pack that title with keywords, but sprinkle it with intrigue to keep viewers clicking. Make sure that your title is relevant to your video’s topic and don’t click bait, that’ll hurt your ranking and make you look like a grifter.
2. Keywords Matter
Videos may be visual but they can only be discovered with text and keywords. Utilize tools like Google's Keyword Planner to uncover the best keywords relevant to your content. Also invest in Youtube specific tools like Tube Buddy to see what keywords are trending on Youtube. Add these keywords to your title, description, captions, and hashtags - this will boost your search rankings.
3. Design Stunning Thumbnails
Think of your thumbnail as the cover of a book – it should entice people to click and dive into your video content. Research by Wistia suggests that thumbnails featuring expressive faces and vibrant colors often lead clicks. Add text to your thumbnail so people know exactly what you’ll be talking about in your content. And again, no click bait, be honest and attract people with your topic of choice.
4. Write a SEO Description
Your post’s caption and description is incredibly crucial to your content. Fill it with relevant information, weave in your keywords naturally, and include your video's transcript for bonus SEO points. A comprehensive description isn't just viewer-friendly; it's search engine friendly too!
5. Tags: The Heroes of Video Visibility
Tags are an extra boost to your video’s SEO. Choose a mix of short-tail and long-tail keywords that resonate with your video's theme. Research by Backlinko found that using around 31-40 tags per video is the golden number for enhanced visibility. Think about what your target audience will be typing in the search bar. Use tools like Answer The Public for any relevant queries and tags that are popular and related to your content.
6. Engage Early, Engage Often: Comments, Likes, and Shares Matter
Views are a vanity metric, engagement is where it counts. Ask the viewers to engage or comment on your video and they can also like and share. Research by YouTube suggests that videos with higher engagement rates tend to appear more frequently in search results. Start a conversation in your comment section. Ask your viewers to post responses to a question in the comments, respond to your comments, and engage in conversations with your followers on your post. This activity will supercharge your content’s rankings in your audience’s feed.
7. Video Length: The Goldilocks Principle
So do viewers like short TikTok content or long Youtube videos? When it comes to video length, it's all about balance. Research from Wistia indicates that videos around 2 minutes tend to have the highest engagement rates. But don't shy away from longer videos if they're packed with engaging content – viewers are willing to invest time in quality.
8. Mobile Optimization
According to Google, mobile video consumption rises by a staggering 100% every year. So, ensure your videos are mobile-friendly. Vertical 9x16 aspect ratios, captions and subtitles, clear visuals, and snappy intros will help you get more people glued to your content. When you post, watch your content on your phone so you can see if it’s something that’s engaging on a mobile device.
9. Consistency Is Key
Just like a TV show needs episodes, your channel needs a consistent stream of content. Regular uploads signal to search engines that your channel is active and relevant. Research by Search Engine Journal highlights that YouTube's algorithm rewards channels with a strong upload schedule. Pick a day and time every week that you’ll post content and try to stick to that schedule.
10. Closed Captions: The Mute Test
Not only do closed captions make your content accessible to a wider audience, but they also contribute to SEO. Search engines can crawl through captions, indexing your video's content and boosting its discoverability. Plus, some people watch videos without sound when they are on the train or waiting in line, so make it easier for someone to understand without the sound on.
From crafting enticing titles to harnessing the power of keywords and boosting viewer engagement, these strategies will elevate your content on search engine algorithms. Remember, it's not just about getting to the top; it's about staying there with content that resonates, engages, and captivates.
At Creative Haven, we pride ourselves as a video production company that utilizes digital marketing techniques such as SEO optimization to help our clients create content that will get the results they want. Video SEO is a big factor when we consult our clients so it’s crucial for you to understand these best practices to help you get more views.
Figure out your keywords and optimize those videos!