What are the best strategies to rank videos on search engines?

If you want to reach more viewers and customers with your videos, you need to optimize them for search engines. Search engines like Google and YouTube use different algorithms and factors to rank videos, so you need to apply some strategies to make your videos stand out and get more clicks. In this article, you will learn what are the best strategies to rank videos on search engines, and how to implement them effectively.

1 Keyword research

The first step to rank videos on search engines is to find the right keywords that match your video topic, audience, and intent. Keywords are the words and phrases that people use to search for videos online, and they help search engines understand what your video is about and how relevant it is to the query. You can use tools like Google Keyword Planner, YouTube Keyword Tool, or VidIQ to find popular and relevant keywords for your video niche. You should also analyze the keywords that your competitors are using, and look for gaps and opportunities to rank higher.

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Jean Paul

Profit Oriented Developer for WooCommerce | Ghostwriter for bootstrapping tech founders
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Go beyond keyword research. Find out the core issue that causes someone to search for videos about a keyword. Then build your content about that. When someone finds your video, that's when the true work begins. Write a script for your video. You want the viewer's curiosity to be constantly stimulated. So don't answer all questions upfront. Reveal the secrets as you go along. This technique will increase your retention and view times. That's how you rank long term for a given keyword. Simply put, getting your video found for a keyword is not enough. Your video must engage the viewer. The longer people keep watching, the higher you will rank. Combine being found with delivering a fun experience for the viewer. That's how you win!

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2 Video title and description

The second step to rank videos on search engines is to craft a catchy and informative video title and description that include your main keyword and a value proposition. Your video title and description are the first things that search engines and viewers see, and they influence their decision to click or skip your video. You should use your main keyword as close to the beginning of your title as possible, and make it clear and compelling. Your description should provide more details about your video content, and also include some secondary keywords and a call to action.

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Allison Lane

I help women turn their knowledge into bestselling books that inspire and educate. Host - Author's Edge podcast >>>ðŸŽ§lanelit.com/blog
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Follow these tips, and your videos will pop up in people's searches more often. 1. The Video title needs to include the words and phrases that people actually search for. Even if the most frequent search term is written with typos or bad grammar. 2. Repeat the Question from the Video title in the first or second line of the video description AND in the first minute or two of the video, and then again a little bit later. Two or three times is fine. Remember the search engines are scrubbing the transcript for the words. 3. Upload the transcript for the video. YouTube's transcription is about 80% accurate. Yours can be 100%. 4. Your description should include timestamps called "chapters."

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3 Video tags and categories

The third step to rank videos on search engines is to use relevant and accurate video tags and categories that help search engines and viewers categorize and find your video. Video tags are keywords that describe your video topic, theme, and features, and they help search engines match your video to related queries. Video categories are broader classifications that group your video with similar ones, and they help viewers discover your video in recommended or suggested sections. You should use as many tags and categories as possible, but make sure they are relevant and not misleading.

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4 Video quality and length

The fourth step to rank videos on search engines is to ensure that your video quality and length are optimal for your audience and platform. Video quality refers to the technical aspects of your video, such as resolution, frame rate, audio, lighting, and editing. Video length refers to the duration of your video, and how well it matches the viewer's attention span and interest. You should aim to produce high-quality videos that are clear, engaging, and professional, and that suit the preferences and expectations of your target audience and platform. For example, YouTube videos tend to perform better when they are between 10 to 15 minutes long, while Facebook videos tend to perform better when they are shorter than 3 minutes.

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5 Video thumbnails and captions

The fifth step to rank videos on search engines is to create attractive and relevant video thumbnails and captions that capture the attention and curiosity of your viewers. Video thumbnails are the images that represent your video on search results and platforms, and they can make or break your click-through rate. Video captions are the text that accompanies your video, and they can improve your accessibility, engagement, and SEO. You should design your thumbnails to be eye-catching, clear, and consistent with your brand and video content, and use high-contrast colors, fonts, and images. You should also add captions to your video, either manually or automatically, and make sure they are accurate, synchronized, and readable.

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Yen Vy Nguyen Ha

Marketing Content Specialist (Logistics, Software, eCommerce); Ex-Ninja Van & Shopline
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Based on my experience, captions can assist in the visibility of your video, but thumbnails are what truly drive clicks. People are more drawn to visuals than text, and thumbnails play a significant role in capturing their attention and encouraging them to click on your video.

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6 Video promotion and engagement

The sixth and final step to rank videos on search engines is to promote your video and encourage engagement from your viewers. Video promotion refers to the actions that you take to increase the visibility and reach of your video, such as sharing it on social media, email, or other platforms, embedding it on your website or blog, or collaborating with other creators or influencers. Video engagement refers to the interactions that your viewers have with your video, such as liking, commenting, subscribing, or sharing. You should promote your video to your existing and potential audience, and use catchy headlines, hashtags, and descriptions to entice them to watch. You should also engage with your viewers, and respond to their comments, questions, and feedback, and ask them to take action or give suggestions.

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7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Directory

What are the best strategies to rank videos on search engines?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Keyword research

2 Video title and description

3 Video tags and categories

4 Video quality and length

5 Video thumbnails and captions

6 Video promotion and engagement

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Writing

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Directory

What are the best strategies to rank videos on search engines?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Keyword research

2 Video title and description

3 Video tags and categories

4 Video quality and length

5 Video thumbnails and captions

6 Video promotion and engagement

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Writing

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