YouTube Is the Second-Largest Search Engine
With over 2 billion monthly users watching over a billion hours of video daily, YouTube represents a massive organic traffic opportunity. Yet most businesses upload videos and hope for the best. YouTube SEO ensures your content actually gets found.
Keyword Research for YouTube
YouTube keyword research is different from Google keyword research. Use YouTube’s search suggestions (start typing and see what auto-completes), analyze competitors’ video tags, and use tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ for search volume data. Focus on keywords with high search volume and moderate competition.
Optimizing Your Videos
Title
Include your primary keyword near the beginning. Keep titles under 60 characters. Make them compelling and click-worthy without being clickbait. “How to Rank Higher on Google Maps (Step-by-Step Guide)” is better than “Google Maps Tips.”
Description
Write detailed descriptions (200+ words) that include your target keywords naturally. The first two to three lines appear in search results, so front-load with the most important information. Include timestamps, links, and calls-to-action.
Tags
Add relevant tags including your primary keyword, variations, and related topics. Start with the most important tags. Include both broad and specific terms.
Thumbnail
Custom thumbnails are crucial for click-through rate. Use high-contrast images, readable text overlay, expressive faces, and consistent branding. Your thumbnail is the single biggest factor in whether someone clicks your video.
Engagement Signals
YouTube’s algorithm heavily weighs engagement metrics: watch time (total minutes watched), audience retention (what percentage of the video people watch), likes, comments, and shares, and click-through rate from search results and suggestions.
Create content that hooks viewers in the first 10 seconds, maintains interest throughout, and encourages engagement through questions and calls-to-action.
Growing Your Channel
Consistency matters more than perfection. Publish on a regular schedule, create playlists to organize related content, cross-promote videos within your channel, and promote new videos through email and social media.
Launch Your YouTube Strategy
Brandastic creates video content strategies and manages YouTube channels for businesses. Get a free video marketing consultation.
