Your YouTube videos can be optimized. Optimization allows YouTube to rank them well. Well ranked videos get more views. Simple formula.
Last post we talked about making the videos attractive and viewable. Optimum length and branding with an Intro and Outro.
Today we are going to go over the 5 simple parts of optimizing a video on YouTube:
- File Name
- Video Title
- Description
- Thumbnails
- Tags
The process of optimization begins just after you've completed the video but before you've uploaded your video file to YouTube.
Optimize the File Name
Before you upload your video file to your YouTube channel (aka YouTube account), rename the file using keywords. For example, if I want to upload a video of retina surgery and optimize the file name, I might rename the file "RetinaSurgery.mp4" (or whatever filet ype you choose, e.g. .mov, etc.)
This is additional information YouTube can index for ranking purposes.
Now upload the file from your computer to YouTube.
Title of the Video
Once uploaded, you want to "edit" the YouTube, by adding additional information about your video. Navigate to the "Info & Settings" tab.
The first space underneath your video is where you can edit your title. Choose a combination of keywords, secondary keywords and intent modifiers.
Keywords and secondary keywords are the words or topics for which you would like to rank. Intent modifiers are words that relate to specific intent: how to, where to, best of, etc. Though these are really generated on the user end, "How to fix a retinal detachment," using these same modifiers in your title will increase SEO because the intent modifiers AND keywords match.
Create a title for your video using a combination of keywords, secondary keywords and intent modifiers.
Write the Description
The description of the video allows you to associate text with your video. Use 200-300 words to describe and summarize the video. Use your keywords in the description to tell YouTube what your video is about (the description is read by both viewer, but indexed by YouTube). The description is akin to writing an article for your blog/web site. In addition to the text, add URLs of your web site and links to other videos on your channel. You'll likely have to type out the URL as you can't add hyperlinks in the description area.
Make sure to include your name, specialty, company/hospital name and some contact information.
Thumbnails
A thumbnail is a tiny picture. YouTube shows thumbnails when listing and suggesting videos to watch. The thumbnail and the title of the video visually draw attention to your video allowing the viewer to decide if the video should be clicked. Just as when selecting a "featured image" for your web site post, the thumbnail should be representative of the content of the video. YouTube creates thumbnails for you or you may create your own and upload yourself. Customized thumbnails can include a relevant image along a text large enough to read quickly.
Tags
These are added after the description. Include keywords, secondary keywords, phrases (surgery for retinal detachment), your name, company, hospital, brand etc.
By following these five steps you've now done your best to optimize your YouTube videos.
Go ahead and hit "Publish."
Congratulations.
Thanks for following and reading. You may also:
A. Follow us on "RussandRandy" on iTunes (our podcast on medical and healthcare Internet marketing) featured on Libsyn, Stitcher, iTunes, ReachMD.com and others.
B. Visit RussandRandy.com - the website associated with the podcast.
C. Be on the lookout for upcoming webinars (New!!!).
To Your Success,
Randy