3 Super Simple Video Optimization Tips to Boost Online Visibility
Video is one of the most powerful forms of content. In a matter of minutes, seconds even, a video can convert a naive viewer into an engaging, brand loyal consumer. However, a video can only reach its full potential if people actually watch it.
How To Increase The Visibility of Online Video
In this post, I’m going to share a few simple optimization tips to boost the online visibility and views of your video. You’ve already spent valuable resources creating your video content; do yourself a favor and make sure people can see it!
1. Naming
Creating a meaningful video title may seem like a no-brainer to some, but this critical step is too often overlooked. For example, say a brand titles its latest promotional video simply with a product name that hasn’t been launched. How will users find it? And why should they even take the time to watch it? Motivate potential viewers to watch your video through a great title.
Develop a video title that is relevant and descriptive. Research keyphrases that people are actually searching for. Apply those keyphrases within the video’s title, tags, and description. Avoid video titles that may be confusing to visitors and search engines. Remember to give your brand or company name a shout out so viewers associate it with the video’s message. I recommend using a video title format similar to this:
Brief Description | Brand/Company Name
How To Optimize Video Titles | Blueprint
Hint: A great tool to use when conducting video keyphrase research is YouTube’s auto-suggest search bar. It’ll help you find great long tail keyphrases!
2. Linking
And by “linking” I mean two things –
- Linking to your video and…
- Using your video as a means to share important links.
First off, linking to your own video is a must-do. Take advantage of your online real estate and the traffic that you’ve already built. Include a link to your video in applicable content. For example, you may publish a blog post that speaks to a similar topic or you may blast an email marketing campaign in which the video would serve a meaningful purpose. Either way, use the resources you already have to boost views. When appropriate, consider embedding rather than linking.
Secondly, your video is a great place to share other important links, especially if hosted on a third-party site. Make good use of your video’s description by including a link to a relevant landing page on your site. Also, include links to your brand or company’s social media profiles.
Think of this part of your video description as a “For more information … visit us here” kind of thing. Providing viewers with links to your brand’s content is extremely important for user engagement and conversions, especially since you’ve already won them over with your amazing video skills.
3. Sharing
Not every video is guaranteed to go viral but that doesn’t mean that sharing should be ignored. In fact, it means that sharing should be even more of a priority. Share your video through your brand or company social media channels. When applicable, use other outlets for sharing as well, like the aforementioned email blast. Videos don’t get views when people don’t know they exist. Inform your audience of new uploads and encourage shares. Doing so will help build your video fan base.
Hint: If you take the embedding route, include social media icons near the play button of your video for quick and easy social sharing.
Optimize Your Video
These three tips only scratch the surface when it comes to video optimization. However, when ignored, the consequences can be detrimental in terms of your video’s online visibility and number of views. Next time your brand or company is planning a video upload, remember to name, link and share properly in order to maximize your video’s potential.