Video SEO: Optimize Your YouTube Videos for Search (Magnet Minute Video)

Today on the Magnet Minute, Amy shares some great advice on video SEO to help you optimize your YouTube video for search. Follow these tips to help the video community find your content and grow your presence on YouTube:

1. Fill out video information thoroughly with keywords

Get straight to the point when you are creating a title so that people who find your video in search results won’t have to spend a lot of time reading to know you have the information you’re looking for. Also, reiterating that information and expanding on it in the description will help the likelihood of your video showing up near the top of the results. So share as much info as you can there. Make sure all the important keywords are in the title and description, as well as in the tags for the video. And always make sure your video is in the right category so searchers aren’t disappointed when your video shows up in the wrong place.

2. Engage the YouTube community

Subscribe to channels that are relevant to you and have an audience similar to the one you are trying to attract. Comment on their videos and engage with the video makers and their audiences to increase the likelihood of creating relationships. Anytime you can link one of your videos as a video response, or even create one specifically in response to a certain video, take that opportunity. Video responses are few and far between in comparison to text comments and will often get approved by the video maker, helping you get face time in front of their audience. Also remember to respond to comments on your own channel. No one likes video makers who don’t have time for their community.

3. Encourage action with Calls to Action (CTA’s)

You can’t get viewers to act if you don’t give them direction on how to do so. If you want more subscribers, ask them to subscribe. If you want more “likes” on your video to increase exposure, ask for more “likes.” If you want people to visit your website, give them the address. It’s small reminders like these that people are happy to act on if you tell them to.

4. Show people what to expect in the first 15 seconds

Many people will watch your video for a few seconds to see if it’s what they are looking for so, make sure you are using that time wisely and giving the viewer a reason to stick around. Make sure the focal point of the video shows up first, and branding appears after. Don’t let the theme song take over your video’s chances!

Do you have more ideas on how to optimize video for search? Sound off in the comments! And check out all of our Magnet Minute videos on YouTube.

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Amy Schmittauer is the Founder & Face of Savvy Sexy Social. She is a social media frenzy working as a freelance video blogger, writer, and social relations consultant. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, and Google +.