SEO on YouTube (or how to position your videos)

Guide to positioning on YouTube

Audiovisual is increasingly important in the digital world: we are in the Internet video era, and the impact it has on web positioning is increasing. The most used search engine in the world, Google, owns YouTube, so its strategies for positioning content they walk in parallel. It is its audiovisual reference and constitutes the second most used search engine today. That is why we can talk about SEO on YouTube.

In this article, we present you with a SEO guide for YouTube in order to position your videos and get the most out of this powerful marketing tool.

YouTube Keyword Search

As in the SEO of a website, the first step is choose the right keyword for each content. In the case of video, it is also a key point. These are the 4 tools to consider when choosing the keyword for each of your videos:

- YouTube's own search engine

The YouTube search bar is a gold mine thanks to suggestions, based on user queries. On YouTube, the keywords that work best are the Longtail, especially those that refer to how to do something, tutorials or guides.

- Google search engine

In addition to the main Google bar, where some suggestions appear, we also find a list of related searches at the bottom of the results page. All these results can bring us a lot of value on YouTube, since videos have been appearing in the SERP results for some time now — this point is essential.

- Competitor labels

Looking for our competitors or other channels that are related to the topic we want to cover in our video, it is advisable to look at the tags, they can contribute to Refine our keyword. This Chrome extension, Tags for YouTube, is a tool that makes this task easier. You can also use Keyword tool.

- Answer the public

This is a valuable tool which allows you to visualize which questions are related to specific words. If you are interested in learning more tools you can read this article on online research.

Order and information, keys to positioning

For Google and, therefore, also for YouTube, Order is fundamental. For this reason, everything needs to be as clear as possible. These are the 7 aspects that have to be well defined:

1. Titles

The title of each video must contain the previously chosen keyword and, in addition, it must be attractive (to increase CTR).

2. Descriptions

The descriptions of the video must be complete, they must contain the keyword and other similar keywords and, as far as possible, the texts should contain about 300 words. If you can include an external link in the description, all the better.

3. Transcripts

Transcribing the content of a video helps to position it, since it is a way for YouTube to classify it. In addition, it is a reinforcement for the user to click to play the video.

4. Subtitles

Subtitling works, not only because it allows users who don't understand your language or people with hearing disabilities to reproduce your content, but YouTube will also take it into account and position it better.

5. Playlists

Creating playlists is a good practice because it makes your content organized by topic: it makes it easier for the user to find what they are looking for and it is an important positioning element.

6. Labels

Los Tags are very useful on this platform, since they allow you to relate videos to each other and classify them correctly. In this way, YouTube will suggest your related videos to the user. Your keyword should be on one of the tags.

7. Video file name

You must define the name of the video file when you save it from your computer. Guess what it should contain:The main keyword! Many times we don't realize it and we upload the video with the file name generated by our mobile phone or video camera.

The importance of optimizing the channel

Although it is an element that we do not have total control over, it is important to know how YouTube provides the Authority of your channel. Los factors What it depends on are: seniority, number of subscribers, comments, total views and channel activity (that is, if it is updated frequently). To optimize a channel, you need to consider these points:
 

- Custom URL

Customizing the URL of your channel isn't always possible, as YouTube decides it for you based on these factors:

• Have 100 or more subscribers.
• Minimum channel age of 30 days.
• Have added an icon photo of the channel.
• Have a channel header.

If you comply with them, the recommendation is to personalize it.

- Associate web and social networks

Adding the link to your website reinforces your positioning on YouTube, as well as the link to your social networks. Don't waste this potential.

- Description

Write a description in line with the keywords you want your channel to focus on in the section About or Information.

A few more tricks to help them find your video

In addition, you should not forget about these elements, which can give users an incentive to find you:

- Duration:

If it is valuable, the longer the duration, the better it will position. Don't be shy, the time spent watching the content on your channel is rewarded.

- Video quality:

The trend is that, increasingly, quality matters. If you can have a camera that records in HD, you're in luck: YouTube is going to love it.

- Thumbnail image:

Whenever you have time, dedicate yourself to creating an image for your video that represents the content you are going to show, with its specific title and that is striking.

- Streaming:

It's in fashion, and it will continue to be so. The king of Internet video values instantaneity, so if you're organizing an event and can stream live, don't hesitate.

The most important thing for you to start getting more views on your YouTube channel

Finally, it may not be necessary to comment that there are 2 actions that should always be done:

1. Share on other social networks
2. Ask users to subscribe to the channel.

Positioning on YouTube is an indispensable element when you want to develop a content strategy. If you need SEO advice or in digital strategy, consult our specialists in Digital Marketing.

How can we help you?

If you need more information, do not hesitate to contact us.