Find Untapped Keywords for Your YouTube Videos

When it comes to YouTube, video keyword research is super important. Choosing the right keyword can make or break the performance of your YouTube videos.

• Start by creating a list of "Seed Keywords" which are broad topics related to your niche. For example, if you are in digital marketing, some seed keywords could be "social media", "LinkedIn marketing", "Facebook page", or "content marketing".
• Type your seed keywords into YouTube search and note the keywords that YouTube suggests. This will give you dozens of long tail keywords to consider.
• Use a Chrome extension like TubeBuddy or VidIQ to assess the competition for each keyword and identify keywords with a good balance of search volume and low competition. This will help you find keywords that are easier to rank for.

Create YouTube Videos Optimized for "Watch Time"

YouTube prioritizes videos that keep viewers engaged. This is why watch time, the total time spent watching your YouTube videos, is a crucial ranking factor.

• Aim for longer YouTube videos: All things being equal, longer YouTube videos perform better than short videos. Consider creating videos that are 10 minutes or longer, providing ample value to your viewers.
• Cut the fluff from your YouTube video intros: Grab viewers’ attention immediately by starting with value. In the first 15 seconds of your YouTube videos, clearly preview what viewers will learn and avoid unnecessary background information or introductions.
• Incorporate Pattern Interrupts: Break up your YouTube videos to keep viewers engaged. Use B-roll footage, on-screen graphics, animations, and cuts to different shots to prevent your videos from becoming static and boring.
• Plan Your YouTube Videos in Advance: Take time to outline and script your YouTube videos before recording. This will help you deliver your information effectively and keep your YouTube videos on track, making them easier for viewers to understand and follow.

Optimize Your YouTube Videos for Search

While YouTube SEO is not as important as it used to be, it still plays a role in boosting your video visibility.

• Keyword-Optimize Your YouTube Video Title: Though not the most crucial factor, including your target keyword in your YouTube video title can still provide a small SEO benefit.
• Write YouTube Video Titles That Maximize CTR: YouTube prioritizes videos with high click-through rates (CTR). Write titles that clearly demonstrate the benefit of watching your YouTube videos.
• Write SEO-Friendly YouTube Video Descriptions: Long, detailed descriptions provide YouTube more context about your video. This can help your YouTube videos rank higher in search.
• Optimize YouTube Video Tags: Use a combination of tags, including 2-3 that contain your target keyword and close variations, 2 that describe the video’s topic with words not in your main keyword, and 1-2 that represent your overall industry or vertical.

Use Thumbnails That Stand Out

Custom thumbnails can significantly impact your YouTube video click-through rate (CTR). A compelling thumbnail can entice viewers to click on your YouTube video.

• Use High Contrast: Use contrasting colors in your thumbnail to make it stand out on the YouTube platform. Use bright, eye-catching colors that clash to make your thumbnail more visible.
• Use Colors That Stand Out on YouTube: Since YouTube’s interface is primarily red, white, and black, use colors that aren’t in the YouTube color scheme to make your thumbnail more distinct.

Create and Promote Optimized YouTube Video Playlists

Playlists can boost your YouTube channel’s Session Time, which is the total time viewers spend on YouTube after watching your YouTube videos. YouTube rewards channels that keep viewers on the platform.

• Create YouTube Video Playlists: Group your YouTube videos into playlists based on a common theme, topic, or keyword to improve Session Time.
• Promote Your YouTube Video Playlists: Feature your playlists prominently on your YouTube channel page and within your YouTube videos. This will encourage viewers to continue watching your content after they’re done with their first YouTube video.

Promote Your YouTube Videos

Even the best YouTube videos need a little boost to get started. Promote your YouTube videos to your audience.

• Share Your YouTube Videos on Social Media: Share clips from your YouTube videos on your social media platforms, attracting new viewers to your YouTube channel.
• Send a YouTube Video Announcement to Your Email List: Notify your email subscribers about your latest YouTube video, driving traffic to your YouTube channel.
• Promote Your YouTube Videos with Email Outreach: Reach out to relevant websites and influencers in your niche to promote your YouTube videos.

Turn Viewers Into YouTube Subscribers

Once you get views, turn viewers into loyal subscribers.

• Add a Subscribe Button to Your End Screen: Encourage viewers to subscribe to your YouTube channel after they watch your YouTube video. End screens are a fantastic way to promote your YouTube channel and drive subscriptions.

Rank Your YouTube Videos in Google Search

Drive traffic to your YouTube channel from Google search by ranking your YouTube videos for relevant keywords.

• Target Keywords With a Video Section in the SERPs: Identify keywords that have a video section in the search engine results pages (SERPs). Google prioritizes YouTube videos for those terms.
• Optimize YouTube Video Content: Create high-quality YouTube videos that provide value and keep viewers engaged.