Right now, YouTube ranks as the second biggest search engine just behind Google. Still, lots of UK small businesses fail to tap into the benefits of optimising their videos for this platform. Have you been posting videos but noticing little improvement in your views? If that’s the case, it may be time to rethink your YouTube SEO strategy.

This quick guide on SEO YouTube will help you understand the basics to ensure your videos connect with the audience they’re meant for.

Learning the Concept of SEO YouTube

YouTube SEO uses techniques and strategies to boost how people can find your videos. Similar to website SEO, it focuses on improving a video’s chances of coming up in search results or being suggested by the platform. The main aim is to get more views more subscribers, and drive engagement higher.

Why Keywords Matter

Keywords play a huge role in your SEO plan. They let SEO YouTube platforms know what your video covers. When someone searches for something, SEO YouTube uses keywords from titles, tags, and descriptions to find and show videos that match those searches.

• Keyword Research: Begin by finding words or phrases that connect with the people you’re trying to reach. Tools such as Google Keyword Planner or using YouTube’s search bar can help uncover searched terms.
• Long-Tail Keywords: Focus on more detailed phrases that face less competition. For example instead of going after “fitness,” try something specific like “beginner home workout routine.”

Making Titles and Descriptions Interesting

Your video’s title and description play a huge role in attracting viewers and getting noticed by the algorithm. A good title includes your main keyword and should grab attention to get people to click.

• Title Advice: Keep it simple but intriguing. A title like “10 Quick Recipes to Try on Weeknights” stands out more compared to “Cooking Video 1.”

Key Details to Describe: Make sure your opening lines share the most important points. Use your main keyword right away and summarise what viewers will find in your video. Write at least 250 words in your video description to help YouTube understand the content better.

The Importance of Engagement Metrics for SEO YouTube

YouTube values videos that capture and maintain attention. Things like watch time, likes, comments, and shares give SEO YouTube a clear signal that your video provides value to the audience.

How to Increase Engagement

• Get Your Audience Involved: Invite people to like, comment, or subscribe. Asking questions during your video can lead to more comments and conversations.
• Make Playlists: Putting similar videos into playlists keeps viewers watching longer. When videos are lined up, people are more likely to keep watching one after another.

Fine-Tuning Your Video Metadata

Metadata covers details like a video’s title, description, and tags. Getting this right is key to helping your video show up more in searches.

Tags and Categories for SEO YouTube

• Pick the Right Tags: Tags let YouTube sort your content. Use a mix of general and specific tags that match your video.
• Choose the Best Category: Picking the correct category helps your video stand out more in searches.

The Importance of Thumbnails

A good thumbnail can have a big effect on how many people click on your video. Thumbnails give viewers their first impression of your content so put effort into making them stand out.

Tips to Create Great Thumbnails

• Choose Clear Images: Use sharp clean visuals that are easy to understand. Stick to one strong image and skip the messy designs.
• Add Text: A few well-chosen words on your thumbnail can explain your video and encourage clicks.

Using YouTube Analytics

YouTube offers loads of info in its analytics section. Looking into these stats helps you adjust your approach and make your next videos better.

Important Metrics to Track

• Watch Time: This shows how much time people spend watching your videos. To boost it, make interesting and engaging content.
• Traffic Sources: Learning where your viewers find your videos helps you to target promotion better.

Promoting Your Videos

Making good videos is the first step. To reach more people, you have to share your videos on different platforms.

Smart Ways to Promote

• Social Media Sharing: Post your videos on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to attract viewers.
• Email Marketing: Add your latest video links in newsletters to let your audience know about your new content.

The Need to Stay Consistent

Staying consistent helps grow an audience on YouTube. Regular uploads show the algorithm that your channel stays active, which could boost your ranking.

Setting Up a Routine

• Make a Video Calendar: Plan topics and post days ahead of time. This keeps your uploads on track and your viewers interested.
• Follow Through With Your Plan: Whether you post once a week or every other week, stick to that timing so viewers know what to expect.

Knowing How YouTube’s Algorithm Works

YouTube’s algorithm keeps changing and is tricky to figure out. Learning about it can help you improve your content.

Main Things That Affect Rankings

• User Behavior: The system examines how people engage with your content. More interaction often boosts your video’s ranking.
• Content Quality: Well-made and valuable videos are more likely to show up in YouTube recommendations.

Wrapping Up SEO YouTube

To improve your YouTube content with SEO, you need to stay consistent and adjust as needed. Using the tips you’ve read in this quick guide will allow your videos reach more people, bring in a bigger audience, and grow your channel for potential buyers.

Learning YouTube SEO takes time and patience. It’s more like a marathon than a quick sprint. Stay dedicated, keep improving your skills, and you will see your hard work bring success as your channel grows.

Need help with your SEO YouTube plans? Don’t hesitate to ask. Book a meeting with our experts here at We Get Digital today.