Now that we have finished our discussion about the step-by-step guide for video production, we will move on to optimizing video content. Optimizing video content is necessary for easy discovery on the internet.
Look at it this way; most web searches are based on keywords. This means that a user types some relevant keywords into a search engine, and the results should list content that matches your keywords.
We have talked about Keyword Research before. Now, whether you’re using a search box on your own website, or using a different platform to upload your videos is up to you. However, the search function should work the same.
Optimizing Video Content
Search engines work by matching your keywords to the data it has catalogued. These incredible engines also try to determine how to rate the results. Along these lines, you get the most important substance at the highest part of the results page.
Again, we talked about this in detail on our series for Search Engine Optimization. Optimizing video content for search is tied to knowledge of the fundamentals of SEO.
Usually, search engines rely on using the text in the content to see what it is about. They also use other indicators to see how relevant what specific content is.
With regards to website pages, web indexes can ‘read’ the content on the page to perceive what the page is about. It can likewise measure the links coming in to measure the significance of the page.
On the other hand, videos can’t be read nor watched by the search engine. But there’s a few techniques to optimize video content. For instance, search engines refer to the meta data, or other text data on the page. You will add the metadata on your own videos to let search engines know what the video is about.
Moreover, search engines also need to look for ways to quantify significance. There are multiple techniques to optimize different content. Content such as text pages, images or videos are optimized to achieve better rankings.
Video Search Engine Optimization or VSEO
In our introduction article, VSEO utilizes the fundamentals of SEO foundations. But it utilizes creative optimization methods to ensure that the optimized video content appears higher on the SERPs.
Optimizing video content for video-sharing platforms means that it will appear on the search results on the platform and on search engines such as Google.
Each video-sharing platform has their own algorithm. Take a look at these guidelines below.
Optimizing Video Content for Video-Sharing Platforms
Make sure that the video title contains relevant keywords
When a user searches for videos, the first thing they see is the title. It’s one of the most crucial parts, aside from the content itself.
Video-sharing platforms determine the significance of the video to the search. This is why it is crucial to have your main keywords on the first three words of the title. Keep in mind that lengthier, descriptive titles are better than confusing and vague ones.
Write informative and long descriptions
Another thing search engines look to is the description. This is why your video descriptions should contain important keywords and key phrases.
Do not forget to use the most important keywords here. And Incorporate however much significant data as could reasonably be expected.
The main real estate in video descriptions are the first 25 characters, so be sure to add the most important keywords in that part. Additionally, it helps to include a link to your description. This will help you lead customers and users to other content that you may have.
Utilize tags for keywords
Video sharing platforms also allow you to put tags. Make sure to add the crucial keywords first.
There are a lot of different marketers that also capitalizes on popular search queries. You can add those popular or trending keywords on your tags, as long as they are relevant to your content.
Encourage engagement when optimizing video content
Search engines and video sharing platforms also measure your ranking and relevance based on engagement. Inspire people to comment, subscribe, rate, share, embed, and more.
You, as the marketer, are also encouraged to respond to relevant comments. This way, you keep the engagement between your brand and audience going.
This will also help give your audience a sense of community. It informs them that you pay attention. It also shows people that you value their time.
Create a community for your brand. And engagement is a huge consideration. Some marketers utilize questions, surveys and polls to promote engagement.
Optimize the video thumbnail
When searching for videos, the first thing most people look at is the thumbnail. The thumbnail speaks a lot. Aside from your video title, the thumbnail should also be enticing to the audience.
A great thumbnail can increase click throughs and views. An increased percentage of these can lead to increased search visibility.
Utilize annotations for optimizing video content
Annotations is another piece of video real estate that most people forget to use. However, you should not skip on this step. Annotations permit you to add text boxes and interactive links.
Search engines use their spiders to look into these annotations. These can help you lead more viewers to another video, or another link.
Upload videos on a regular basis
Regular uploading of videos ensures continuous activity for your channel. It also ensures that your channel stays relevant to your audience.
Part of your planning and strategizing should include how often you should upload videos. The more video content, the more visibility. But do not forget to keep your content fresh and engaging. Recycled content and useless media are a big no-no.
Promote your video content
In the next article, the main focus will be promoting your video content. There are variou techniques to advance your video. You can utilize possessed, acquired and paid media channels.
Optimize Your Video Content
Remember these tips and guidelines when you’re working on optimizing video content. Following and applying these guidelines can help you get your videos to the top results page.
© Image credits to Magda Ehlers
