If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine the value of a thirty second video. That’s why we’re talking about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and how video can be used to help you land at the top of search results. SEO is the practice of maximizing your web traffic by ensuring your website lists high on search engines. Understanding SEO and the complicated set of algorithms that determine which websites will be ranked higher is no minor feat. However, there are a few simple, tried and true methods that include the use of video that will improve your visibility and help you to get your brand a bigger slice of the web!
YouTube
Don’t forget, YouTube is a search engine. The second most widely used one in the world in fact (second to Google, and it also happens to be owned by Google). So don’t underestimate the value of a well curated Youtube page that lets viewers see who you are and what you’re all about (and includes plenty of URLs to direct visitors to your site!).
Keywords
What are the main search terms you want to rank high for? Identify these keywords, then design your content around them. For video, this means including the keywords in your script, and in the title and description of your youtube video. Youtube also allows you to upload the transcript of your video, which will earn you more opportunities to feature your keywords.
Dwell Time
One of the most valuable, yet misunderstood metrics out there. Dwell time refers to the amount of time visitors spend on your page. This number helps to determine the value of the content which is absolutely taken into consideration when determining search relevancy. High quality, engaging video can significantly increase this metric as it relates to visitors to your site.
Social Shares
Social media posts that contain video see an increase views of up to 48% compared to those without (The Marketing Helpline). All those likes, comments and shares do more than prove that people are listening. They improve your visibility while proving to Google and other search engines that your information is relevant.
Video Drives Traffic to Your Site
When you post your video to third party sites like YouTube or Vimeo, you have the opportunity to include your URL and direct people to your site. After all, one billion hours of video is consumed on YouTube every single day, so why not get your name in front of some of those viewers?
Quality Content
Perhaps most importantly, video is proof of high quality content, which is an essential factor in your SEO. Search engines like to see content that is unique and represents a rich mix of media. Having video on your page, along with other types of content, will earn you higher rankings.
If you’re looking to climb to the top of those search engines, be sure to include video in your next marketing campaign. Your video can be used on social media, YouTube, and your website. Featuring engaging, relevant, keyword-optimized video content makes a huge difference in your SEO. Don’t forget to include URLs and lots of short but sweet authentic content!
